Looking for a Good Pre-Theater Restaurant: How is L'Allegria?

A friend and I are seeing the 8 pm performance of Beauty and the Beast on Saturday, July 21st. We are looking for a good pre-theater restaurant. Here are some preferences for the restaurant:

1) Affordable(we already spent a ton on tickets)

2) Not a touristy place (such as Planet Hollywood or Mars 2112, although we will probably end up eating at one of those as a last resort)

3) Close proximity to the Lunt-Fontanne/Times Square or a *very* quick Subway ride from those places

I also wanted to make reservations (not sure if every place takes them). I'm worried about long waits, especially since Saturday night is probably the busiest for NYC dining areas. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it!

P.S. I like Italian food and your typical American food (burgers)...the person I am going with isn't as picky!

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Updated On: 7/14/07 at 11:42 AM

I went to that place once, Robb. It smelled like blood. Probably slaughter the animals in the back room.

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bump

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I've not tried either of those Italian places. Jacks on 40th is nice - some italian dishes, some nouvelle thangs. Irish bartenders.

http://www.jacksrestaurantandbar.com/

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SW Forty Four (across the street from Allegria, which is NOT good). Family owned, ultra homey and inexpensive place (good food) -- talk to Anna, the proprietor! A regular neighborhood place, and the "Martini Room" in the back is a lovely bar.