Good pre-play restaurants

[mrkita08]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 7:16pm

Me and my girlfriend are going into the city tomorrow to see Spring Awakening at 2:00pm. I was hoping some of you could give me some suggestions for a good preferably cheap restaurant that has a Spring Awakening "pre-game" crowd in it.

[East Village]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 8:04pm

I wouldn't say these fall into the cheap range, but they're not crazy prices either -- and they're a lot of fun if you're on a date. They're also some of the favorites with actors and the theater obsessed, but best for celebrity sightings after the show.

Un Deux Trois, 123 West 44th -- great pre-theater bar crowd

Angus, 258 West 44th -- peculiarly chatty pre-theater bar crowd:)

Joe Allen, Joshua Tree, or any place on Restaurant Row, West 46th between 8th & 9th

Chez Josephine, 414 W 42nd, a little out of the way but super romantic -- and unusually friendly for a french place:)

Posted: 3/1/08 at 8:10pm

Le Madeleine on 43rd between 9th and 10th! GREAT brunch!!

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 8:56pm

Le Rivage .......... a $20 5 course meal! It isn't very "spring Awakening" crowd but it is by far the tops.

[another_reprise]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:04pm

I second Joshua Tree and suggest Yum Yum Bangkok, very cheap, excellent food (if you're into Thai that is) large portions, and a pleasant atmosphere. My friend and I got two appetizers, two entrees and two drinks for a total $14... It's located on 9th Avenue too, I think on the corner of 46th. Hope that helps!

[ILuv2shop531]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:07pm

cosmic diner is only a block away from the theater & it has really good food at good prices. Also, juniors is good, a little bit more though.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:13pm

I'll second Yum Yum Bangkok and Le Rivage, and add Havana Central.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:17pm

I second Cosmic Diner. Have fun!

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:28pm

Just a comment. I am not sure I know of a bar or restaurant that caters to a "pre-game" crowd for one particular show. If you are in the theatre district, I think you are going to get people going to a number of different shows. That makes it fun when you meet people and chat about the shows they are seeing. At least it has for me. And after the show also when you go in and people are carrying their playbills, I have gotten into a lot of good conversations about the shows people just saw.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 9:48pm

I have found some of best places to eat through these NYC restaurant threads. Thanks to all who contribute.

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 10:14pm

I have made a list and put some in my favorites to check out if possible when I am in New York.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 10:25pm

Ollie's - 42nd between 9th and 10th

[Nikki2]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:40pm

Try Kyma, a Greek restaurant on the corner of 46th and 8th. The food is good but definitely not a "Spring Awakening" crowd. I second Le Rivage but I think La Rivista, also on 46th between 8th and 9th is terrific. Happy Dining!!

[mrkita08]

Posted: 3/1/08 at 11:53pm

Thank you all so much for the suggestions.

This sounds too good to believe though.
"My friend and I got two appetizers, two entrees and two drinks for a total $14... It's located on 9th Avenue too, I think on the corner of 46th. Hope that helps!"

Was the meal $14 the both of you combined?

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 1:46am

I was at Yum Yum tonight. The food was mediocre, and between my friend and I (1 soup, 1 app, 2 entrees, 1 beer, 1 thai iced tea), the total came out to 37 dollars.

Try Wondee's if you want better Thai food.

[another_reprise]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 1:47am

Thank you all so much for the suggestions.

This sounds too good to believe though.
"My friend and I got two appetizers, two entrees and two drinks for a total $14... It's located on 9th Avenue too, I think on the corner of 46th. Hope that helps!"

Was the meal $14 the both of you combined?

Yup. I do believe it was a lunch special: an entree with two extras for $6.50 (our extras happened to be drinks and an appetizer) We ended up going there two days in a row.

Eta: Here's their website

Updated On: 3/2/08 at 01:47 AM

[staticradar]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 12:36pm

I have to second Ollies...great chinese food, good portions and fast service. Even if it's crowded you can usually get seated and eat in like 20 minutes. It's the #1 place my friend and I go to before a show. Can't recommend it enough!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 12:37pm

Kodama Sushi....last time I went it was FABULOUS. 45 & 8th

Cara Mia Cafe...Italian: on 8th at 46 or 47th
Zen Palate....Vegetarian across 8th ave from Cara Mia Cafe