Favorite pre-theatre local dinner spots...

[ace33]

Posted: 12/3/10 at 10:07pm

I love NYC's theatre scene, but i also love NYC's good-eats!

I'm not really a local (anymore), Bond45 is usually my go-to, but it would be interesting to hear some other local dinner spots... or post-theater desert/drink spots!

I'm talking about local, NYC-esque, hidden gems, etc... places like olive garden in TS does not make the cut. :)

[quizking101]

Posted: 12/3/10 at 10:22pm

Don Giovanni
A fantastic little Italian bistro/restaurant on 44th and 9th (near the Westside Theatre). Each meal runs about $10-$25, but it's well worth it.

Also, VYNL (a nice retro diner) on 51st and 9th.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 12/3/10 at 10:43pm

HELL'S KITCHEN.. Period! (9th Ave & 46th) Fantastic food, fantastic drinks. Superb Nuevo Latino. Elegant food. Their website is gorgeous too. Con: small.

Ethnic deliciousness for about 30 yrs: AFGHAN KEBAB HOUSE. BYOB. Not what you may think. Yummiest rice ever! Use the 3 table sauces on everything, and swoon. (52nd and 9th).

OLIENG THAI (10 Ave & 45th St). Totally tiny and totally great and fresh. My hidden gem.

DAFNI.

[jaxel614]

Posted: 12/3/10 at 10:54pm

Not a local either... but when I'm rushing to get to a show I get a slice of cheesecake from the Juniors bakery. Easy to eat and run.

Also a huge fan of Shake Shack on 8th, lines haven't been too bad lately.

When I've the time and I get down to Chinatown, Wo Hop (17 Mott St.) Greatest chinese in the city! Really cheap, fast, and delicious!

[nealb1]

Posted: 12/3/10 at 10:59pm

Junior's!

I was there 5 times this past week when I was in NYC. Great food and a perfect location.

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 12/3/10 at 11:06pm

Eatery on 53rd & 9th...great drinks, delicious menu with lots of variety, and a great atmosphere.

44 1/2 on 10th Avenue between 44th and 45th Street...it's stunning inside! The atmosphere is gorgeous, the food is beautiful, but it's a little pricier.

Room Service on 9th Ave. between 47th & 48th Street...Thai food. Rather inexpensive with a great decor.

Thalia on 50th & 8th...it tends to get busy, but it's a great place with a lot to offer.

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 12:12am

Agree with Afgan Kebab House. Delicious.

Also agree with Hell's Kitchen/9th Avenue. I avoid Times Square at all costs- expensive & busy.

Cara Mia is great- it's 9th around 45th.

I generally stick to the ethnic restaurants. They're cheaper and better.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:39am

Cara Mia is lovely, I don't know why I don't go more often.

For Sushi: Kodama on 45th and 8th. Inexpensive, quick, delish.

Updated On: 12/4/10 at 02:39 AM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:43am

Seriously, Juniors? You people embarrass yourselves.
The Hourglass Tavern

[steven22]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:46am

Kodama is great. There is always a few broadway people in there (when Hair was open the cast would usually eat there).

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 6:22am

Yes, Kodama is often filled with b'wy folks catching a bite between shows -- it is seldom not to notice someone there.

(They take reservations, too, which is nice for pre theater dining.)

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 7:53am

Serafina on 49th, between broadway and 8th. Amazing, authentic Italian food in a very modern space. Wonderful meal for the cold winter. Right next to the Eugene O'Neill Theatre

[AC126748]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 8:27am

La Masseria on 48th, right next to The Kerr. It ain't cheap, but it's worth it.

[Patash]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 8:54am

Glad to see someone mention Room Service on 9th. I discovered it last year when it was pretty new -- and have been hoping it is remaining as good as then.

And I'll agree about Thalia -- particularly for after theatre dessert or cheese course and drinks. A nice comfortable space.

I have no idea why someone who wants to stop by Juniors for a slice of really great cheesecake after theatre would be "embarrassing" himself by admitting it?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 9:02am

I third the suggestion of finding a place on 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen.

Our favorites are
5 Napkin Burger (best burgers in the city, for my money!)
Room Service (so glad other people are mentioning this place!)
any of the Yum Yum's (there are like 4 of them all on the same corner)

I wouldn't recommend Junior's. Too expensive, the food isn't great, and way too touristy.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 10:07am

I really like Bourbon Street on 46th, but only in moderation.

My aversion to tourists does not hinder my intense love affair with Junior's. Mostly I go there after a show, though. Usually I get slice of strawberry cheesecake and an iced tea (unsweetened so I can put in as much sugar as I damn well please.)

I have friends who swear by Kodama, but I personally hate sushi so I've never been.

[AC126748]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 10:12am

You should still try Kodama--they have a full Japanese kitchen, in addition to the sushi.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 11:05am

I think the Jr's crack is that is simply a tourist trap. That being said, my kids love it there so we go on occassion -- but on my own? Not worth it.

I looked up Room Service (since I'd never noticed it on my own) and the reviews on Menu Pages were less than flattering!

I like 5 Napkin as well.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 1:48pm

John's Pizzeria on 44th Street right across from the Majestic Theater. It's got great pizza, sometimes a bit of a wait, and is housed in a converted church building. Plus it's very close to all your 42nd-46th street offerings.

[singtopher]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:04pm

Allow me to go on record by saying Kodoma is vastly over rated. Granted, I grew up in an area with fabulous sushi.

I love to go over to 9th Avenue. Turkish Cuisine is excellent, 5 Napkin burger, Vynl, Yum Yum and Chelsea Grill are a few that come to mind. Pietrasanta is a personal favorite, but I hear it is no more.

[madbrian]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:12pm

I'm thinking of going to Trattoria Trecolori in a couple of weeks. Has anyone ever been? Thanks.
Trattoria Trecolori

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:17pm

I was actually just about to recommend Trattoria Trecolori. It's not totally fantastic, but it's probably the best place I've eaten in Times Square.

I do usually go down 46th Street into Hell's Kitchen for Restaurant Row...some great places there, especially Becco.

I also like Angus McIndoe on 44th. I had a good meal there once.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:20pm

I'm sure there are places in NY in even better sushi...with a price tag that goes with it! It's certainly not a fancy place, but I've never been disappointed with any meal there and you can't beat the price or location.

(And oddly enough: they have the best freakin' potato salad. I know, weird.)

John's Pizza is also touristy....but I LOVE it. The pizza is great, and so is there other food. I adore their roasted veggie plate.

West Bank Cafe has great food as well, though a little pricier. 42nd between 9 & 10th. Olllie's Noodle shop is right next door. I'm not the biggest fan....but many, many are.

[madbrian]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:26pm

Angus McIndoe is great for celebrity spotting. I've eaten there six times, and seen Broadway folk on three occasions: Gary Beach, Brian Dennehy, and Tony Shalhoub.

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 12/4/10 at 2:30pm

Re: Juniors: I've never gone for an actual meal, just after a show to split a corned beef sandwich and a slice of cherry cheesecake (seriously, best combo. omfg.) with my mom because we're always a little hungry after a show.