Favorite spots for Pre-Broadway Drinks/Dinner

[YvanEhtNioj]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 4:21pm

I remember there was a thread about this, but I can't seem to find it. Considering many places have opened and closed since the pre-pandemic era, I'm curious to know about your favorite spots to visit before a show (apart from Sardi's, of course).

One of my go-to spots, Vodka Soda/Bottoms Up, sadly didn't survive the pandemic (RIP). Recently, I've been enjoying The Dickens on 8th Ave. It's a new gay bar/restaurant with a cute little rooftop, prompt service, and easy bites.

I'd love to hear about your favorite spots to hang out before a show (bonus points if you can get a cocktail for less than $16) 

 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 4:38pm

I enjoy The Dickens as well! Dutch Fred's is pretty good too. My guilty pleasure is Iron Bar... it's a little dive-y but the food is usually pretty good.

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 4:41pm

Emmy Squared.  48th and 8th. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 5:05pm

Hurley's on 48th was always my "go to" bar/restaurant. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 5:30pm

• Hurley's > Glass House (because you can actually hear yourself think)
• Everyone seems to like Haswell Green's
• Dolly Varden (51/8th) 
• Hold Fast and Blue Lady on Restaurant Row
• Valerie and its sibling bar are great for theaters closer to 6th Ave, but probably best not to show up without a reservation.
• The Independent (40&7)
• For a real quick drink, the multitude of Irish bars in midtown can get the job done (especially for theaters closer to 6th Ave) and often have some seating.
• 9th in the high 40s-50s has a number of great Mexican, Thai, and Mediterranean spots
• Drama Bookshop for coffee

What are the bars like in the Marriot Marquis? Obviously more touristy, but there's never a huge crowd on the occasions when I've gone up to use the public bathroom.

Updated On: 4/11/24 at 05:30 PM

[bud2]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 5:45pm

Tacuba Hell's Kitchen.

[nealb1]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 5:51pm

You can't beat Junior's right on Shubert Alley, or their 2nd location further up Broadway near The Winter Garden.  Delicious food, great prices and a perfect location when going to the theatre.  The majority of my meals are always eaten at Junior's when going to NYC.  Will be there at the end of the month for 8 days, and seeing 13 shows.  

[BentleyB]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 6:16pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "

• Hurley's > Glass House (because you can actually hear yourself think)
• Everyone seems to likeHaswell Green's
• Dolly Varden (51/8th)
• Hold Fast and Blue Lady on Restaurant Row
• Valerie and its sibling bar are great for theaters closer to 6th Ave,but probably best not to show up without a reservation.
• The Independent (40&7)
• For a real quick drink, the multitude of Irish bars in midtown can get the job done (especially for theaters closer to 6th Ave) and often have some seating.
• 9th in the high 40s-50s has a number of great Mexican, Thai, and Mediterraneanspots
• Drama Bookshop for coffee

What are the bars like in the Marriot Marquis? Obviously more touristy, but there's never a huge crowd on the occasions when I've gone up to use the public bathroom."

There is really only one bar now at the Marquis.  There used to be two different areas and a restaurant but after the 2020 reconstruction it is now basically one big room.  They try to divide it up into dining and bar, but it never really works that way.  It’s great if you are staying there for an after show drink, otherwise I would skip it. 

[scripps]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 6:25pm

Bodega on 47th and 9th. The couple behind the much missed VYNL opened this spot in December and it has a nice mix of breakfast all day, burgers, some old favorites, and specialty drinks at reasonable prices.

https://www.bodegahk.com/

[BETTY22]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 6:51pm

Glass House

Bond 45

Sardi's

Bar Centrale

[yyys]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 6:55pm

VIV (Thai)

Glass House

Hold Fast

 

[pair-o-dice]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 7:04pm

If you want to go where "industry" and actors hang out - Joe Allen, Bar Centrale and West Bank Cafe are your best bets for seeing a Bway star or two.  Haswell Green and Glasshouse for runner ups. I'd also recommend the bar at the Civilian hotel.

[sppunk]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 10:52pm

As Is, 50th &10th

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 10:56pm

You can easily beat Juniors. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/11/24 at 11:10pm

Usually Joe Allen ,  Bar Centrale , Glass House and La Grande Boucherie has a lively bar and great pre-theatre menu

Updated On: 4/12/24 at 11:10 PM

[CJRochester]

Posted: 4/12/24 at 9:15am

I had good preshow meals at these two places during my recent visit:

Mamma Mia - 9th Ave at 44th,

The Marshall Brick Oven - 10th Ave between 44th-45th. 

 

[jr88]

Posted: 4/12/24 at 1:37pm

Our new favorite spot is Cafe Un-Deux-Trois on 44th between the Belasco & Hudson. Great happy hour between 5-7 and several 3 course prix fixe dinners for $48. I believe that during happy hour drinks were less than $14:)

[The8re phan]

Posted: 4/12/24 at 1:52pm

Becco (if i'm feeling fancy or extra hungry..... the plates are HUGE!!!!)

5-Napkin Burger (great burgers, plus right next to Schmackery's for a dessert cookie)

Rancho Tequileria (great food and fantastic drinks!)

Burger & Lobster (for Lobster rolls)

B-Side Pizza Bar (tasty pies and drinks!)

 

Updated On: 4/12/24 at 01:52 PM

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 4/12/24 at 4:03pm

I love The Dickens for drinks. And its nice to have an upscale gay bar where you can actually order quality food, some of their apps can serve as a light meal. Though I wish their happy hour was better (I dont want to order cheap high noons at a nice bar...cant they include at least ONE cocktail option? I usually end up with the happy hour wine).

For another gay bar: Vers has a decent happy hour with cocktail and food specials (addicted to their frozen painkiller and the pretzel bites). But usually I only do this one on a weekday because it is usually PACKED on weekends and too stressful for preshow.

If its a sit down dinner:

Becco (nothing beats the pasta symphony. nothing), Marseille, Nizza, VIV Thai, and (if there isn't a wait) Arriba Arriba.

If seeing something east of Broadway, I'll check in to see if Valerie has space. If it's not overrun by finance bros (which sadly, it often is), its actually a lovely restaurant and bar with delicious cocktails. And one of the only bright spots in that area of midtown.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/12/24 at 4:11pm

Of course, there are the "stereotypical" Broadway bars like Sardi's, Dutch Fred's, and Glass House Tavern, while John's Pizzeria and 5 Napkin are a couple of my favorites. 

Try Trattoria Dell'Arte for something more upscale and if you're willing to walk a bit into the Theatre District — it's right across the street from Carnegie Hall. 

[Ensemble1712945421]

Posted: 4/12/24 at 7:14pm

I would plan ahead and not eat anywhere near Times Square.

Carbone in Greenwich Village is delicious although can be hard to get reservations. 

Soho House in Meatpacking or Ludlow House are great as is Zero Bond. 

[Melissa25]

Posted: 4/13/24 at 7:39am

Not just limited to the theater district…I figured this article may also offer some ideas. I copied a few to try from the comments section.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/11/dining/our-reader-favorite-nyc-restaurants.html?unlocked_article_code=1.kE0.E5Xw.gGIDXQ4mhXY0&smid=url-share

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/13/24 at 8:55am

Try Rick Bayliss' Tortaza on 40th and Bway. Great Mexican bites with a contemp twist, beautiful food and drinks. Service is great, too. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 4/13/24 at 11:13am

EDSOSLO858 said: "Try Trattoria Dell'Arte for something more upscale and if you're willing to walk a bit into the Theatre District — it's right across the street from Carnegie Hall."

Trattoria is excellent, and I believe much of its menu is available at Bond 45 in the theatre district (same owners).

[Wick3]

Posted: 4/14/24 at 12:33pm

It depends on which theater I plan to go to. Other posters have already listed some of my favorites (Bar Centrale, Cafe un deux trois, becco, dickens, dutch fred's, etc.) 

The bar my friends and I went to after watching Heart of Rock n Roll is called Woo Woo lounge. It's an 80s speakeasy cocktail bar on 47th street between Broadway and 8th avenue (right next to Mean Fiddler bar and SIX musical). You need to go to their website to get the passcode to enter. I've taken friends from out of town here so they get the idea of what NYC was like back in the 80s and everyone has had a great time. Cocktails are $18 though so not the cheapest.