Au Bon Pain - The Bakery Café

Au Bon Pain, meaning "from good bread" in French, is a beloved bakery café located inside the iconic Theodore M. Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame in northern Indiana. Founded in 1978 by Louis Kane at Boston's historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, this location continues the brand's legacy of crafting fresh-baked goods daily using time-honored traditions. The café offers an extensive menu featuring handcrafted sandwiches made with their signature bread, fresh salads, hearty soups, and an array of pastries including their famous croissants and baguettes. Visitors to the Hesburgh Library—famous for its golden dome and stunning architecture—can enjoy a quick, delicious meal or snack while studying, meeting, or exploring the campus. The atmosphere combines the convenience of a fast-casual restaurant with the quality of a European bakery, making it a favorite spot for Notre Dame students, faculty, and campus visitors. Seasonal offerings like their Fresh Picks for Fall showcase innovative flavors available for a limited time. With a commitment to using simple, quality ingredients like flour, salt, and sugar, Au Bon Pain delivers what they call "a nourishing, delicious balance"—whether you're craving something indulgent or nutritious. Open daily with friendly service, this Notre Dame location provides the perfect convenience for anyone at the library complex.