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Fast Break: Paninis and stylish atmosphere at the new Magpie Cafe downtown


The opening of Magpie Cafe’s chic new Commerce Building location has shaken up lunch in downtown—and for good reason.

Concrete floors, rustic wooden shelves and tables, the vintage mosaic flooring at the entrance bearing the name of the Three Sisters department store formerly located on Laurel Street: All these stylish things make Magpie about more than just a delicious light lunch. It’s an undeniably fresh face in the city, an inspiring atmosphere that makes a perfect power lunch for creative brainstorming or impressing a guest.

Though the menu changes each day just like the original Perkins Road overpass location, you can always count on fresh pastries, a meat-friendly lunch entree as well as a veggie option, salads and soups. Today, we opted for the vegetarian sandwich: a warm, ciabatta panini filled with sliced zucchini, mushrooms, herb mayo and melty provolone. On the side comes Magpie’s signature mixed greens and tomato salad.

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A great panini should combine all flavors in one crunchy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside bite, and this one delivers. Buttery ciabatta reminds you why it’s worth it to splurge on carbs at lunch, and earthy squash and mushrooms are balanced by the saltier and sharper notes of mayo and cheese. The light and bright salad finishes off the plate with a little extra veggie goodness.

If you’re looking for something fresh and made from scratch with style in downtown, Magpie is the place. Grab a vegan cupcake on your way out the door and feel good about getting plenty of vegetable servings on your lunch break.

Magpie Cafe‘s downtown location is inside the Commerce Building at 333 Laurel St.

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Fast Break is a 225 Dine series that celebrates lunch in Baton Rouge. Follow along as we tour different dining options for a quick bite around the city.