Traveling same day from DC to NYC then took a cab ...

Traveling same day from DC to NYC then took a cab from the city to meet coworkers living in the area for dinner from a recommendation. Had to empty pockets, metal detector wand, then told I had to leave laptop bag at coat check. I agreed and said I would have to get the laptop out of it as it cannot be left unattended- Information security. I was told that I couldn't bring laptop with me to dine. Metal detector guy was polite but it seems it's more likely to be a crime scene than a restaurant from that experience. Had to leave, call another cab and redirect dinner party to the town of Beacon across the bridge. Found welcoming experiences there.