thoughts on Sardi's or Joe Allens

cjmclaughlin10 said: "I have tickets to Hello, Dolly! Next month and am looking for an equally special restaurant for dinner (keeping with the classic Broadway theme, or something grandiose like the Harmonia Gardens). I know Sardi's and Joe Allen are historic landmarks in the theatre district (and Sardi's is practically across from the Shubert), but I was wondering about the quality of the restaurant its self. Im a little bit of a food snob, so I don't want to fall into a tourist trap.

So my question is this, should I go for dinner or just cocktails/desert post-show? Do you prefer one of these restaurants over the other? If you can think of any other classic restaurant/bar theater hang outs, please let me know

For reference: our typical (non theatre related) mid-town staples are Sushi Yasuda, Gabriel Kreuther, Esca and Estiatorio Milos.

Thanks in advance for all your help!"

I've dined at Sardi's once and Joe Allen twice, and the food at neither called to mind a "tourist trap". Although the menu at Sardi's doesn't seem exorbitantly expensive at a glance, our dinner for four with cocktails resulted in a hefty bill. The menu prices at Joe Allen seem to be similar to Sardi's, but we somehow managed to get out of there without breaking the bank. Joe Allen is famously good at ensuring that all pre-theatre patrons are done in time for their respective curtains.

CJ, I have been so excited about planning our trip to see Dolly in June. Every detail matters to me. The hotel, restaurants, everything.

Like you, I want the Harmonia Gardens experience, but don't want to break the bank. My daughter (pictured below) and I have been scoping out things for our group of eight and here are our plans.

Dinner: La Grenouille. It has the most fabulous ambiance, full of flowers, terrific French food and arguably the best souffle in New York. And the great news - they have a Prix Fixe pre-theater menu, three courses for $64. That works for us perfectly pricewise and timewise. http://la-grenouille.com/

After Theater: The Shubert is across the street from Sardi's. After the show we're going to hop on over and go upstairs to the bar, which looks out onto the Shubert. Baked Alaska and prosecco for all.

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ETA: I could use some tips on how to post photos. Do I delete some info from the URL?

Updated On: 3/17/17 at 12:25 PM

Updated On: 3/17/17 at 12:46 PM

Phantom4ever said: "The one time I tried to go to Sardi's I was turned away because they said the whole menu is family style and there is nothing for a single diner to order."

That's odd and not remotely true. Are you sure this was Sardi's?

Yep. I meant Carmine's. My apologies everyone! Sorry for the incorrect info!

Updated On: 3/17/17 at 01:05 PM

Sardi's is wildly overrated and overpriced. Joe Allen's is better, but the service can be a little brusque. I wouldn't call the food at either place impressive--these are places you go more for the experience than the meal. Neither is a favorite, personally.

We'll be eating at both establishments on our next trip.

We'll have a pre-show dinner at Sardi's before Dolly. As you mention, it's a classic Broadway experience right across the street. I personally enjoy their cannelloni and their beef tartare is a classic. It's not cheap. It's very old fashioned, but that's what makes a classic classic. We frequent the second floor bar on our trips. While the skilled bartenders DO work quickly, it's hardly slapdash. Their negronis are second-to-none and the atmosphere is full of show talk. I miss the pretzels and cheese spread, but enjoy their quesadillas and club sandwiches at the bar. (Of course you could probably guess that from looking at my profile photo)

We also LOVE Joe Allen. I've not had any issues with service there. In fact, quite the opposite, it functions like a well-oiled machine. Perhaps it may be a matter of polite-but-don't-waste-time NY attitude - which I totally understand and am comfortable with. I love their burgers, lobster rolls, and liver & onions. We'll be grabbing burgers at brunch before Come From Away.

Not that you asked, we're having dinner before Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet at Pergola des Artistes around the corner.

Updated On: 3/17/17 at 02:44 PM

"Sure there are a lot of great bars in New York with craft cocktails. I'm quite fond of Pegu Club. But this one night is Dolly night for us. If you stick with prosecco you can't go wrong.





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I really like the idea of Prosecco here (pre show warm up) and then dinner at what in my mind, is one of the grandest meals in the city, the chefs tasting menu Gabriel Kruether (it kind of reminds me of a modern day Harmonia Gardens...)

brief side note, dose anyone know the Dolly run time so i can figure out what time to make the reservation for

I've not had any issues with service there. In fact, quite the opposite, it functions like a well-oiled machine. Perhaps it may be a matter of polite-but-don't-waste-time NY attitude - which I totally understand and am comfortable with.

No. I lived in New York for fifteen years--I know the difference between no-nonsense, economical service and rude/incompetent service. The few times I've been to Joe Allen recently--and I find myself going less and less because the experiences haven't been pleasant--have been marked by glaring errors in service, like having (on a not particularly busy night) to flag down my server three times to order a second drink, or having a server deliver my food then completely disappear until it was time to drop the check. Since I don't think the food there is anything special, I'm fine with taking it out of my restaurant rotation.

Thank you for your clarification AC12678. This has not been my experience, but I trust your account. Hopefully I'll not have an experience like yours when we visit in May.

Although this is not the typical experience, last May we stopped by the upstairs bar on a Thursday night after Shuffle Along, there were a bunch of "Humans" there who commonly had drinks after the show a few doors down, Reed Birney, Arian Moyed, one of the daughters (I forget which actress), Joe Mantello with his date, Carol Kane, and Alex Brightman from School of Rock.

To be frank, although there is a good sprinkling of veteran broadway folk in the mix, I'm more likely to find myself talking to a fellow broadway enthusiast from out of town. And it's great to share in the energy and excitement of a broadway trip, so that's just fine.

henrikegerman said: "I enjoy both. But for a classic show biz experience with better food, you might want to consider Chez Josephine."



I quite agree, Henrik. I know some people think of it as a tourist trap or a once-reputable establishment in decline, but I couldn't guess why. I’ve yet to have a disappointing meal or experience at Chez Josephine. And If you’re going before a show, give yourself an extra half-hour to relax into the experience rather than having to eat and run. Enjoy the piano. Have an extra glass of wine. Don’t skip dessert. And bring good company. It's not Jean-Georges, but I wouldn't want it to be. It's kind of perfect unto itself.

Updated On: 3/17/17 at 04:34 PM