Pre or post theter dining?- Page 2

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 4/14/08 at 10:47am

If I go to NYC with people, I like to stay away from the chain restaurants when seeing a show and perhaps go to a deli. The only exceptions are, if I am by myself, I usually grab some McDonalds or if I am with someone and we are in a rush, we'll go to a chain restaurant.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 4/14/08 at 10:53am

just walk down Amsterdam St.

Walk down what? 10th Ave doesn't become Amsterdam Ave. until 59th St.

[ChristopherDurangFan]

Posted: 4/14/08 at 9:58pm

Proper theatre etiquette dictates you MUST go to Olive Garden before a Broadway show!

They've got all you can eat breadsticks! Oh, the breadsticks...!

[geaj]

Posted: 4/14/08 at 10:38pm

We used to go to La Bonne Soup. It was close to the theatre district and it was good. Anyone know how it's holding up these days?

[DrMark]

Posted: 4/15/08 at 5:02pm

I tend to go before the show. By the time the show is over, I'm usually tired from running around all day, and I don't like eating a big meal and going to bed. That being said, there is something cool about a relaxing apres theatre meal. I do not eat at chain restaurants in New York City. There are too many other great places to go. I recommend Joe Allen's, if you've not done that. Locals and theatre folk frequent the place, so you never know who you might see there. Pergola des Artistes is another place I enjoy. They serve authentic French food, and they are very conveniently located. I think I've strayed off topic a bit. I must be hungry. Cheers!

[JRybka]

Posted: 4/15/08 at 6:05pm

We came back last weekend and we went to:

Carneige Deli
Grimaldi's Pizza (Under the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn)
Carley O's (Time Square Diner)
Roxy's Deli
McCormick & Schmidt (Chain but so so good!)
and the best Dim Sum I ever had at Jing Fong's (in Chinatown)

All where good (except Roxy's was expensive)

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 4/15/08 at 7:04pm

I usually eat before the show then hit Roxy's for cheesecake afterward.

[LittleSally]

Posted: 4/15/08 at 7:27pm

Has anyone tried '21 Club'? They seem to have a nice pre-theatre dining option for a decent price.

[brettystar]

Posted: 4/18/08 at 7:14am

Thanks everyone. I can't wait until my trip next month so I can enjoy all of these great food suggestions!

[AC126748]

Posted: 4/18/08 at 12:24pm

I would say that the choice to dine pre-show or post-show depends on what you are seeing. Most places will remain open late, but close the kitchen between 10:40 and 11. So, if you're planning on going to a longer show, you might be out of luck at certain places. That said, I prefer to eat post-performance. Some of my personal favorites in the Theatre District:

Maria Pia (51st between 8th and 9th)-great Italian at reasonable prices, in an intimate atmosphere. (http://www.mariapianyc.com/media/websitemari.html)

La Masseria (48th between Broadway and 8th)-Another great Italian place, but a bit pricier. Totally worth it, though. Very close to the Walter Kerr, the Longacre and the Eugene O'Neill. (http://www.lamasserianyc.com/)

Bistecca Fiorentina (46th between 8th and 9th)-Italian and European continental; the signature steak is out of this world. (http://www.bisteccafiorentinanyc.com/)

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 4/18/08 at 12:49pm

From Australia:

G'day mate!

You'll get a laugh at this chain restaurant:
Outback Steakhouse
919 3rd Ave (South of 56th st)
New York, NY 10022
[phone]

Foods not bad. But, in NYC I would never eat at a chain.

[chad2]

Posted: 4/18/08 at 1:16pm

uggh.. Olive Garden! C'mon people Teloache on 50th between Broadway and 8th..it is pretty amazing! Midtown food is overpriced and gross. I prefer to eat after the theater and head downtown. Get out of the money sucking tourist trap! If you must..head over to Hell's Kitchen and try Hell's Kitchen.. a wonderful Mexican joint. Yum Yum!

[Ftworthguy]

Posted: 4/18/08 at 1:58pm

Every time I get to New York, I love to have a post-show dinner at Joe Allen's on 46th between 8th and 9th. You'll need a reservation [phone]. Just tell them what show you are seeing and they will tell you the time your reservation should be. (If you plan on stage dooring after your show, just have them push the reservation by 20 or 30 minutes)

It's a fun atmosphere, good food, and you are BOUND to see someone of note in there. One night had dinner next to Michel Learned (The Waltons) and Daniel Davis (The Nanny). Another night, Diane Wiest, Marisa Tomei and Al Pacino were having dinner together. On another evening, we ran into Sarah Jessica and Matthew.

lots of fun!!

[LittlexFallxOfxRain]

Posted: 4/18/08 at 10:31pm

DO NOT GO TO OLIVE GARDEN.
It isn't that good. There's so much better in the city.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 4/18/08 at 10:39pm

"Has anyone tried '21 Club'"

Slightly off-topic but I stumbled across this television show that went into the "secret" places all over New York. The Stone Masons first "subway", the Tong Hideouts in Chinatown, and the 21 Club.

I thought it was so interesting that the cameras went right down into the original wine cellar though the hidden doorway. Even how Mayor James Walker was so mad that the Feds busted into his favor speakeasy that he called the police from inside the club and had them tow and ticket all the Federal cars.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 12:30pm

Sorry to bump such an old thread, but I was linked to it and I have a question. Do any of these restaurants suggested have an enforced dress code? Because although I don't dress like a total shmuck, I'm hardly puttin' on the ritz. Nothing really sounded like it might, except some of the Italian places and those suggested by AC126748 (which, wouldn't you know it, are the places that to me sound DELICIOUS. wait - can a place sound delicious? does that even make sense?! ...oops sorry) but I still wanted to be prepared. Thanks again!

[16andschizo]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 12:50pm

please dont go to the olive garden!

here are some great italian restaurants in the times sq area. make sure to make a reservation!

la masseria on 48th btwn bway and 8th

basilica on 9th ave btwn 46 and 47th

carmine's (family style dining) on 44th btwn 7th and 8th

scarlatto on 47th btwn bway and 8th

also, anyone visiting the city should checkout menupages.com it has the menus and reviews of every restaurant.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 1:05pm

Yes, but dress code? And I'd never dream of going to Olive Garden or Red Lobster or any of the other NY "staples".

[Jersey Girl2]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 1:17pm

http://providencenyc.com/

Try providence-
The food is wonderful and the martinis are outstanding.

[Eponine3]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 1:27pm

The nice thing about getting dinner in the theater district is that they are very sensitive to show times and the staff of those restaurants have gotten pretty good over the years of getting people seated and served and to their shows on time. Regardless of where you choose to eat reservations will always be helpful to make sure they can seat you at the time you need. One of my favorite places to eat is Daniella's on eight ave between 45th and 46th streets. Their Vodka ravioli is amazing.. the price is reasonable and they are usually always able to seat you right away when you walk in. Hope that helps and enjoy your time in NYC!

[Timmer]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 1:28pm

Did you hve the cannelloni at Sardi's? if not, it's worth going back for the cannelloni -- that and the theatre caricatures are what they're famous for. It's absolutely oneof the best meals you'll have.

[Mamie]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 1:29pm

I prefer a light snack in mid afternoon and a late dinner after a show. My personal preference is Joe Allen. I always call and make a reservation and let them know what show I'm seeing. They know the times each show lets out and they'll make your reservation for about 15 minutes after that. (Let them know if you plan on 'stage dooring'.) The food is good and (by NY standards) not very expensive. I don't think I've ever been there and not seen some familiar stage folks who are also stopping by 'post show'.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 1:31pm

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 01:31 PM

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 7/28/08 at 1:56pm

Angus McIndoe is always my first choice. Their food, staff, and atmosphere are all excellent.

Carmine's is great, but it is family-style, so be willing to split the dishes because I'm sure you won't want to bring left-overs to the theater.

It really depends on how hungry you are, but if you give yourself enough time, eating before a show should be fine. I wouldn't arrive at any restaurant near Times Square 6:30 or later if you intend to make an 8 o'clock curtain.
Also, reservations are the best way to go.

If you have the time, during the Summer, Little Italy has so many choices. Clearly a better choice for real Italian than Olive Garden (not that I don't enjoy the salad and breadsticks).

And there's a place across from Lincoln Center (I think it's called Josephine's?) that is a little pricier, but definitely worth it.

[neddonovan]

Posted: 7/29/08 at 10:27am

Reading old posts is painful. Delete :)

Bistro Website Updated On: 11/8/17 at 10:27 AM