By Ariana Finlayson

The Automat has made its return to the streets of New York. Located on St. Mark’s Place in New York’s East Village, Bamn is bringing fast food back. The company’s slogan is “Satisfaction is automatic.”

Many people walking past Bamn are not familiar with automats, which peppered New York in the days before McDonald’s and Burger King were the only source of fast food. The last New York automat closed its doors in 1991.

“Bamn offers a modern classic, keeping pace with city life in timeless style,” the website says. For those new to form, an automat houses a room full of vending machines covered in windowed compartments that display hot, fresh food. The food is cooked and replenished by a working team behind the windows.

The coin-operated machines are eye-catching to passersby. Bright fluorescent lights and neon pink décor scream in the indie-hipster atmosphere of St. Mark’s Place. The metallic accents and white paneling complement the retro meets new-age look.

The food is along the lines of a fast-food menu, consisting of: bite-size burgers and chicken sandwiches, pizza, chicken strips, macaroni and cheese or chicken pot pie croquets, chicken strips, pork buns, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs, hot dogs, crispy peanut butter and jelly, and donuts. The prices range from $1 to $2.

There are condiments, napkins, and drinks available for the customers. Although there are no tables, there is a standing table along the wall with a mirror for anyone who needs to pause. But most patrons stand while enjoying their food.

The peanut butter and jelly looked as if it were deep-fried and had a great crunchy coating. The sandwich itself was small, round, and cut in half. PB and J is usually soft and sometimes soggy, so the crunchy shell was a refreshing change. The sandwich was a bit cold, and a steamy hot fresh one probably would have been a better experience.

Tim Segado, of New Jersey, was testing the macaroni and cheese croquet.

“It is really delicious!” said Segado. He explains that he previously held a conversation with a friend about automats and Bamn was a pleasant surprise.

“I love the freshly prepared food at your fingertips!” said Segado

Matt Brady, of Farmingdale, N.Y., stopped at Bamn with his girlfriend, Devon Huhn, of Lacey Twp. N.J. The couple chose the chicken nuggets served with barbeque sauce, the donuts, and the corn dog.

“I would definitely come back and try the peanut butter and jelly,” said Huhn.The food tastes like what you would get in the boxed frozen foods section at the supermarket, but the novelty is definitely fun.

“Deliciousness is only eight quarters away!” exclaims Brady.

In addition to the automat selection, there is also a window to buy soft serve ice cream, including such unique flavors as green tea. The soft serve sells for $2.

In an online broadcast segment, entrepreneurs David Leong and Robert Kwak, said that they plan on opening more locations inside train stations, college campuses, and stadiums.

If you forgot your quarters at home, worry not because there is a change machine located inside.

Overall, Bamn is a great place to snack, but leave the entrees to Little Italy.

It is located at 37 St. Mark’s Place, NYC. The phone number is 1-800-400BAMN. To check out the store hours or view a map of its location, you can visit the Web site at bamnfood.com.

(Photo credit bamnfood.com)