There’s something kinda pathetic about eating lunch in a cubicle. The pungent smells and crunching sounds accompanying coworker’s lunches are almost as irritating as chasing breadcrumbs down the crannies in my keyboard. But what other options are there when looking for a quick snack at work, short of self-consciously eating out alone or the gauntlet of social obligation that is the corporate cafeteria?

I once solved this riddle for an entire year by eating in my car.

F&B in Chelsea does a pretty good job at being my work refuge. This is “haute” fast food, done well. If you order anything, get the frites (about $2.50)–they’re superbly crisp, with a creamy garlic aioli dipping sauce, or “misted” with truffle oil. Even the herbed green bean fries are yummy and come with a neat wooden poking fork. The hotdogs are also good (about $3.75)–though I find their skin somewhat tough and elasticky, tasteful and imaginative toppings–especially the sweet corn relish, or sauteed mushrooms and onions, more than make up for it. I was unimpressed by the Swedish meatball sandwich, and I’ve not yet tried the beignets, though the price is tempting ($1.00 for three). True to this shop’s European roots, beer is on the menu.

Not the cheapest lunch, (a dog, fries, and drink combo with dipping sauce will set you back about $8) but the the space is clean, sleek and usually has an empty stool inviting the lone luncher to linger over a newspaper. Bonus: they generally play music that doesn’t suck.

F&B, 268 W 23rd St. at 8th Ave.

Mon-Fri 11 am – 10:30 pm, Sat & Sun 12 pm – 10:30 pm