In a Rush or Need a Rush? Stop at Rush Snack Bar

One night not too long ago I realized a terrible thing. I was out of breakfast food for the next morning. I was quickly saved from my predicament, however, when I remembered that Rush Snack Bar had recently opened in the 7th Street / Metro Center portal on Hope Street. Conveniently, this is the station I get off at every morning, so all I had to do was exit a different portal and I could have a breakfast and try a new place.

I had left with plenty of time that morning, so my experience wasn’t one of being in a rush… but it could have if needed. The menu of $1 items on the wall, plus bagels (although I wish they had blueberry and a bagel toaster — they could solve my Downtown bagel problem), pastries, and drinks could have had me in and out in barely longer than a minute or two. Instead, though, I went with a waffle. Sure, it takes a little longer to make, but the staff was extremely friendly and I had some time. Plus, take a look at this picture and tell me you wouldn’t be glad if you chose the same:

A freshly made waffle and bottle of fizzy Orangina made for a great breakfast while I people watched out the window to the subway portal.

As I waited for my waffle, I noticed the most amazing thing. As people came into the snack bar from the subway portal, it was if they emerged into a new world. Rarely do people talk to each other in the hustle and bustle of the subway stations, or even as they’re sitting on the train, but every single person who came into the snack bar engaged with the other customers. We talked about our jobs, our orders, and our upcoming days. It was one of the most generally friendly experiences I’ve had anywhere in LA.

The change in pace and demeanor may have been helped out by the music selection, a mix of pop and rock that was relaxing but not sleepy — with the likes of Jason Mraz and John Mayer. The sounds of the subway station were completely out of mind and the few minutes in the snack bar were some of the most peaceful of the day.

One thing I couldn’t get over as I looked around was the thought about what this space was before it was a snack bar. I’m sure someone knows, so I’ll do some searching, but as I walk in and out of subway stations I don’t see many spaces for shops like this. Was it a utility closet? An electrical room? Storage? I have no idea (though I have a suspicion that Brigham Yen might know…). Whatever it was, we need to find more spaces like it throughout the Metro system, because Rush Snack Bar is an absolutely incredible amenity and service for the subway riders.

Rush Snack bar's interior allows for a short relaxing stay or a quick in-and-out.

Rush Snack Bar's space inside the Hope St. portal of the 7th Street / Metro Center subway station. What was this before?