Post-show dining in theater district

[Dan6]

Posted: 3/22/22 at 5:47pm

Heading to NY for a theater trip in a few weeks, and many of the shows we're seeing (including Funny Girl, Paradise Square, Company, and A Strange Loop) all have 7:00 curtains. I recall that used to be a rare exception to the 8:00 default start time (usually on Tuesdays), but I guess it's become much more common. It does make it hard to make reservations for a pre-theater dinner unless we plan to eat at 5:00, which we're not crazy about.  On the other hand, we generally don't like to have a big dinner at 10:00 either. And while grabbing a quick slice before or after a show works fine for me, we'll be with my in-laws who prefer a bit nicer sit-down location. Does anyone have good recommendations of nearby places for a light post-theater supper? How do others handle dining out for a 7:00 curtain? Thanks!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/22/22 at 6:04pm

From the COUNTLESS threads that exist asking this same question.  Please be more specific.  This is NYC.  There are hundreds of options within a 2-3 block radius. 

Whatcha looking for?  Vegan?  Non-Vegan?  Italian?  Chinese?  Expensive upscale?  Middle America food?  Nouveau American?  Japanese?  Great All-American diner food?  Burgers?  Chain restaurant?  

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 3/22/22 at 6:11pm

Joe Allen is great. It’s comfort food. They will make sure to serve you quickly yet fully with a 5 or 5:30 reservation. An easy walk to the majority of theatres.

[Dan6]

Posted: 3/22/22 at 6:14pm

Sorry for the new thread; I know there are others dealing with restaurants in general, this was a more specific inquiry about places offering lighter post-theater supper. I've gone to Joe Allen several times and am also aware of Sardi's offerings but am looking for other options. Type of food is flexible, don't need vegan, but traveling with my in-laws who are in their 80s so looking for something a bit more upscale than Ellen's Stardust. Thank you. 

[Michelle Birnbaum]

Posted: 3/22/22 at 6:41pm

I vote for Le Rivage on Restaurant Row.   I have dined there many times and my mom absolutely loved it.

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 3/22/22 at 7:23pm

We've gone to Hold Fast (also on Restaurant Row) after an 8pm show on a Saturday, and they're open til 2am daily.  They're more of a bar that serves food but you can definitely get a full meal there, though the portions are maybe smaller than a regular restaurant.  Bar Dough down the street is also fairly good too, though only open til midnight.

[Tom5]

Posted: 3/23/22 at 11:33am

I prefer post show dining because...you're not limited to the Theatre District. Go anywhere. Plus you don't have to keep looking at your watch. As to those who think you'll be hungry while watching your play maybe that's an indicator that the play isn't so hot. 

[The8re phan]

Posted: 3/23/22 at 11:50am

Big fan of Becco on W46th....... whether pre-or post-show

[JasonC3]

Posted: 3/23/22 at 1:01pm

Strategy with my in-laws has often been making a later lunch the main meal at a nice restaurant, then a drink and appetizer before the show.  if hungry afterwards, another drink and appetizer post-show or dessert and coffee.

[Pashacar]

Posted: 3/23/22 at 8:37pm

I find a 7:00 curtain works perfectly with the ever-more-common 90- or 100-minute show. Then you can be at dinner before 9, which to me is more reasonable than 5:45 or 6:00. But sadly that doesn't apply to most of your itinerary this time around.

Anyway, second Hold Fast if it's later in the evening. Great memories of a post-Josh Henry Carousel meal there :)