6:15 dinner okay for pre-show meal?

I know this is a bit fastidious, but I'm going to my first Broadway show in little more than a week's time and I'm quite anxious about the plans. Especially dinner - we made reservations at Milos for 6:15, they have a prix fixe menu, it's about a 15 min walk according to Google back to the Richard Rodgers theater for our 8pm show of Hamilton!

Is that a reasonable time to eat before the show, with enough time to walk back, have a cocktail nearby, and scoot to the show? We have tickets in hand, so no waiting at Will Call. I just don't know if NYC fancy pants meals take longer than I'm expecting. I'm not accustomed to nice restaurants to be perfectly honest.

Okay, thanks!

Updated On: 5/22/16 at 01:04 AM

You need more time. (I live in the nabe, and work in the theatre). I would say 5:45.or even a bit earlier, if you plan on having cocktails, and a 2-3 course dinner.Remember, you have the MOB!! scene of leaving your restaurant, crossing over Times Square, standing in line with your tix going thru theatre security. You want have a relaxed, beautiful dinner and enjoy your show. You should be at your theatre by 7:30. (Everything takes longer in ny and the theatre district). Edit: what street is your theatre on? If you re going to MILOS on. 55th st, it s going to be more of a 30 minute walk. Give yourself 2 hours for dinner.

Updated On: 5/22/16 at 01:16 AM

Lots of other good replies here.

Something people often don't think about: How long Act 1 will be, and how likely they are to have to pee depending on what they eat. I have a pretty small bladder, so I stop drinking anything an hour before curtain if I can help it. In this context, 6:15 seems pretty close, but you know you best!

I have eaten dinner at 6 at a few places and been fine for the show but that's usually in and around 44-46th St areas. Most restaurants in the theater district will ask if you are seeing a show but if they don't, you should mention it up front. If possible, I would suggest changing the time to 5:45 just so you can enjoy the dinner without worrying about the time. If not, see if Becco on 46th has an opening that night. They are excellent in getting you out quickly in time for shows. I've eaten there as late as 6:45 and been fine for an 8 pm show.

You will be fine at 6:15. That is the time that we always have our reservation.

If the maître d (and waiter) don't ask -- tell them you have an 8 PM curtain. That makes a big deal. Also, be a few minutes early, so you don't get caught up in the 6:30 reservations who are coming early.

And most importantly, try to read the menu, learn the specials, and order promptly. The delay in good restaurants is the time it takes to prepare your food -- the stuff isn't made in advance.



We've never had a problem having a nice leisurely dinner and making it to the curtain. And remember, almost all the theatres wont let you in until just before the show -- so if you are a half hour early, you get to wait on line on the street. (Which is no fun in the rain.)



Now, having said all of this (every word of which is true, to my experience) -- why get indigestion as day long worrying??? Wouldn't you rather look at your watch and say "Oh, we have lots of time." Therefore, it might be better to get a reservation for 6PM, or at least show up early for your 6:15.



But really, you'll be fine.



ENJOY!!

OP here!

It's the Richard Rodgers Theater (Hamilton!!), and I'm doing the Prix Fixe menu so I definitely know what I'm getting already.

Thanks for all of the great answers. I suppose it might be prudent to change to a 6pm dinner, just to guarantee some casual relaxation / drink time before the show. I'm Mountain time zone at home so it's just going to be eating dinner at 4pm, so we'll just make sure to have a light lunch :)

You plan to get to a restaurant AND be seated AND served by 6:15pm AND you want to mozy over to bar for a pre-show cocktail AND walk thru the theatre district to the theatre ALL in 90 minutes? If no one in your party talks, that is.



Good luck, amigo. I always make 5:30pm dinner reservations for an 8pm curtain due to past experience. I'm always amused by people's lack of time-management factoring logistics. One of my friends always thinks everything takes 15 minutes then 2 hours later we're still dealing. Ugh!

BrodyFosse123 said: "You plan to get to a restaurant AND be seated AND served by 6:15pm AND you want to mozy over to bar for a pre-show cocktail AND walk thru the theatre district to the theatre ALL in 90 minutes? If no one in your party talks, that is.



Good luck, amigo. I always make 5:30pm dinner reservations for an 8pm curtain due to past experience. I'm always amused by people's lack of time-management factoring logistics. One of my friends always thinks everything takes 15 minutes then 2 hours later we're still dealing. Ugh!



"

I also feel more comfortable with early dinner at 5:30 pm. Besides, prix fixe dinner is usually lighter than when one orders a la carte.

Just tell them you have a show. It's not that big a deal and it won't be the most leisurely meal but people do it all the time.

1. You should be fine, but definitely tell your server. They'll take care if you.



2. You do NOT have to get to the theatre by 7:30. All you'll be doing is standing on a long line. (And having a drink at the theater is totally overrated AND overpriced. )

3. If you have any women in your group, remind them to use the facilities at the restaurant, the line st gh ed th heater is awful!



Have a wonderful time.

Secret Restroom tip: during intermission, (or before or after) quickly hop across the street (46th st) to the Edison Hotel, walk thru the corridor to the lobby and ask the desk clerk for the # for the ladies room. Voila! Run back for Act 2.

AND... Post-show Shake Shack advice.

The place is SERIOUSLY crowded. When you arrive, it's best if someone in your party can immediately dedicate themselves to snagging seats while another stands in line to order. If you're all familiar with the menu and options, it can help the table person tell the line person what they want when walking in. (Pre-staging condiments and delivering to the hopefully-snagged table is a handy way to pass the minutes waiting for the food after ordering)

Updated On: 5/22/16 at 03:54 PM

I think you should just get Chinese take-out or McDonalds and eat it right in the theatre during the show. Trust me, the audience will be totally cool with it....hee hee, jk.