Do You Break For Lunch?

Lunch counter in office building, 1957, NYC

You know how in Mad Men people take lunch hours (and smoke in their offices, and have whiskey for breakfast)? Well it's time to reclaim that mid-century mentality! Because currently the average worker only takes 20 minute lunch breaks, and those are taken at their desk (and they aren't even 3-martini lunches). Seriously, Don Draper would never be caught saying nonsense like this.

So now there's some nationwide movement called Take Back Your Lunch, and today it will take over Madison Square Park between noon and 2 p.m. Lunchers should meet at the park area closest to Madison Avenue between 24th and 25th streets to take part—this will happen every Wednesday throughout the summer (but in different locations). Today there will also be a Wildwood BBQ lunchbox special, which includes a pulled pork, beef or chicken sandwich with vinegar chips, coleslaw and pickles, sweet tea or iced tea, and a Fluffernutter S'more—all for $15. (Sounds like this doesn't exactly fit with the campaign to not have a heart attack by age 45).

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Food on June 23, 2010 11:26 AM

Comments [rss]

inoyourider

If I don't get a lunch hour, I bill an hour of OT.

ab_bklyn

I've been lucky with my current job and my last job; both had communal tables where we could all sit down to eat (away from our desks) and encouraged taking time away from work to do just that. But I've worked in places where I was inhaling my lunch at my desk and it sucked.

TheCowman

I'm eating lunch at my desk while reading this... wtf??

henryhamilton

Sure. They smoked, drank in the morning, drank for lunch and smoked some more. Now. THEIR DEAD!

S.D.

The Poll should have "Once in a while".

mocanlagunas

Depends on the weather... but usually yes... Any time out of the office is good...

Jon Draper

I try and live my life around the rules of don draper. lunch for me. every day

evbo

Sometimes I'll go out for lunch. But most of the time I'm here in the office, inhaling it.

S.D.

The Poll should have "Once in a while".

dr zippy

As a competitive eater I only take a minute off for lunch but I consume a dozen hot dogs in that minute.

LeLY

No thanks, I'll take back the time not going to lunch gains me in the evening.

RabbiLaFunque

It's just spam to sell some dude's book and get business for their "training" programs.

Gothamist got spammed!

Jen Carlson

I realize the event is for some book, but I still thought the idea of not taking lunch breaks was interesting. As someone who has never taken a lunch break, it was nice to know that so many others don't as well. Solidarity, etc.