Which restaurant is quicker: Tony's DiNapoli or Sardi's?

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:26am

Next Sunday, I am going to see the 3 p.m. show of Blithe Spirit, and the 7:30 p.m. show of Hair. However, I would really like to stage-door Blithe Spirit.

I figure that I would be done by 6:00 at the latest. 1.5 hours should be plenty of time for dinner, but I am wondering which of those two restaurant choices would be quickest, just to save time.

I know Sardi's is right by the Shubert Theatre, but Tony's is a very short walk as well so distance isn't reall an issue.

Anyone been to both and can help me out a little?
Updated On: 5/3/09 at 12:26 AM

[ZONEACE]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:33am

I don't know about the Tony's near the theatre district, but the one on the upper east side is fairly quick. I was there, on Easter, with a group of like 10 and if we had been in a hurry would could have been out of there in under 90 minutes.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 1:04am

Imho as a NYer, these are both tourist traps...try BISTRO SAJU - French Bistro - GREAT Steak au Poivre!) a very good pre theatre deal and nice, cozy place (across from the Belasco theatre - West 44th nr. 6th) or OSTERIA AL DOGE - (Italian) (2 doors over to the right). There's also, of course, ANGUS MC INDOE'S a super place right across the st. from the Majestic Theatre (West 44th ST).
Updated On: 5/3/09 at 01:04 AM

[chase]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 1:07am

Tony's in the broadway district is very fast. Have been done eating dinner there within an hour

[PianoMan2]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 1:12am

I will 2nd Angus as stated above - good food and very quick.

I did go to Sardi's once and I remember it took a long time --- I'm sure with your window you would be fine, but my experience was a rather slow one when it was NOT super crowded.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 8:25am

I always eat at Sardi's for lunch. It has been my experience that they always ask if you're going to a show, which one and get you out in plenty of time to get to your show. Since I always repair to Sardi's bar after a show, I've noticed that the dining room is pretty well cleared out by close to curtain time. And I've always found the service there to be courteous, prompt and attentive.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 8:32am

I agree with Ed's comment. No matter WHERE you chooose, AS SOON as you sit down, tell your waiter you are attending the theater. They will do everything possible to serve you well, including steering you away from ordering food that takes a long time to prepare.

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 9:32am

I realize they're both kind of touristy places thetinymagic2, but I've never eaten at either so I'd like to at least once. Maybe I'll save Sardi's for a lunch, and eat at Tony's for the quick dinner (thanks chase!)

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:36pm

Oh, don't get me wrong, TALKIN, there's no place for a drink apres show like SARDI's for historic theatrical atmosphere. Upstairs! Go for it...

[esparza 333]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:42pm

When i went to a Gypsy matinee in December we went to Sardi's and most of the time they just ask you what time your show is assuming most people are attending a show. We ate an excellent meal and they were quick and very prompt. The truth is most restaurants in the theatre district will get you out pretty fast. I have not been to Tonys yet but I highly recommend Sardi's. You will get a great meal and it is a wonderful theatrical and historical place.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 5:27pm

I don't know if there was something going on last night backstage at Blithe Spirit and they weren't coming out, or if the crowd was just very quiet last night, but when I left the next to normal stage door close to 11, it did not seem or sound as if anyone had come out of the Blithe Spirit stage door yet...so 6pm might be a generous estimate of when you'll be done. Just something to consider...

[wdwfreak]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 7:16pm

Tony Di Napoli.. I went there last night and the waitress suggested to get an appetizer ro salad because once they start your order, they continue it. We had 6 o'clock reservations for 9 and got seated at like 6:20. I think we left at like 7:30. Pretty quick on my terms
Updated On: 5/3/09 at 07:16 PM

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 5/3/09 at 7:19pm

Try Frankie and Johnnie's. They were very good about getting everything out promptly.

Or a hot dog stand and the TKTS booth stairs.