Posted: 6/4/15 at 3:38am
Hi! So, I'm seeing my first show at 54 Below (Tony Battles: The Lion King vs. Ragtime Edition) - I've eaten dinner there before but never during a performance. Seating is assigned by the Maitre'd - we've paid for full price main dining room seats. I am not sure of the etiquette. Do you tip the maitre'd at 54 below? How much do you tip? THANK YOU in advance for your help!
Posted: 6/4/15 at 3:48am
I don't think this is necessary. All seats are great. If you get there early enough you should get seated as close as you like.
Tip afterwards as you would for dinner alone. Likely as in many places, tips are pooled and split between staff anyways.
Posted: 6/4/15 at 11:17am
Getting there early is your best strategy, plus expressing enthusiasm for the show to the host and politely requesting the best table possible. The front-of-staff people are usually happy to help out the music lovers. But if you get there late, you'll have to take what's left.
Unlike some other cabaret venues in NYC, there are no bad tables at 54 Below, but there are some really good tables, which they sell as Premium Seats. Those include the 4 front seats at each of the long center tables and the banquettes along the back, which I prefer.
And then leave a big tip at the end.
Enjoy!
Posted: 6/4/15 at 11:18am
I would third getting there early, as I've had my seats upgraded twice for being among the first people there.
Posted: 6/4/15 at 12:36pm
As a former server there, the waiters/back servers/bartenders are in one pool and the other people are hourly. So, if you're going to tip, give a tip on the way out or a handshake if they "hook you up" - but there's no reason to just tip them. If they go out of their way to help you out, etc, by all means slip them ten bucks or something.
