In our book, the perfect evening at the theater begins with the perfect meal. In New York City, many Broadway shows start at 7 or 8 p.m., so you’ll need an early dinner reservation at a reliable restaurant where you can eat, enjoy, and be on your way. When it comes to making the most out of your theater experience, there’s nothing worse than rushing into the theater at the last moment, so choosing a pre-show dinner is an important call.
Luckily, there are plenty of gems on our list of the best theater district restaurants, with Vogue staffers reflecting on their go-to places. Some are historic haunts with special pre-theater menus, or long-running iconic establishments, while others are perfect for having a quick yet delicious bite if you are already cutting it close to curtain time. Below, read on for our picks.
Joe Allen (326 W 46th St)
Joe Allen has always and will always be my family’s pre-theater dinner reservation. The walls are lined with posters of famous Broadway “flops” and pretty much everyone there is grabbing a quick bite before making their 7:30 p.m. show. The food is classic American, nothing too fancy or indulgent but exactly what you want to line your stomach with before you endure a three-hour Broadway play. —Florence O’Connor, associate producer
Sardi’s (234 W 44th St)
Sardi’s gives new meaning to the phrase dinner and a show. Before I head to a play, I love to sip a Cosmopolitan and take in the caricature-covered walls at this iconic New York spot, which features more than 1,200 portraits of Broadway legends and cultural icons. It’s like playing a life-size game of Guess Who? while enjoying your meal. —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
The Polo Bar (1 E 55th St)
People watching that is at least as good as anything you’re about to see on stage. —Mark Guiducci, former creative editorial director
Photo: Courtesy of The Lambs Club
The Lambs Club (132 W 44th St)
The Stanford White building was once home to the famous theatrical social club of, in the alleged words of George S. Kaufman, “actors trying to be gentlemen,” like Cecile B. DeMille, Fred Astaire, Eugene O’Neill, and Irving Berlin. Even when the club moved on to a new location in Rockefeller Center in the 1950s, a restaurant of the same name remained and took on an illustrious reputation as the see-and-be-seen spot for executives at nearby publishing houses, as well as those looking for a high-end pre-theater meal. Go if you want the classic, fancy New York experience—they have a fixed pre-theater menu to make sure you get to your show before curtain. —Elise Taylor, former senior living writer
Ootoya Times Square (141 W 41st St)
Ootoya has multiple locations, and it’s a reliable Japanese restaurant with something for pretty much everyone. Get sushi, karaage, crispy rice, or a comforting bowl of udon to soothe you as you get ready for your show. —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
Gallagher’s (228 West 52nd St)
One of the most famous steakhouses in Manhattan, Gallagher’s was opened in 1927 by former Ziegfeld girl Hellen Gallagher as a speakeasy during prohibition. So began its illustrious association with celebrity and the performing arts: after prohibition lifted, Gallagher’s arguably became Broadway’s first steakhouse. Eating here feels like stepping back into the 1950s or 1960s in the best way. Order a steak, naturally, and a wedge salad. —Elise Taylor, former senior living writer
Urban Hawker (135 W 50th St)
My favorite pre-theater quick bite is Urban Hawker, the Singaporean food hall on 50th between 6th and 7th Avenue. What could be better than a bubble tea, chili crab, and yam basket before the musical of the season! —Chloe Malle, head of editorial content
L’Avenue (8 E 50th St)
Whenever I’m going to a Broadway show, it’s become a tradition to grab a martini and snack at L’Avenue—specifically, the chalet-themed portion of the restaurant, where you can have drinks by the fireplace. So cozy—even on a hot summer day. —Christian Allaire, senior fashion news writer
Fasano (60 E 49th St)
This Italian restaurant in midtown has a grand, Old Money feel—meaning, it’s the perfect place for a special occasion Broadway dinner. Come for the jazz, stay for the risotto. —Christian Allaire, senior fashion news writer
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