Bars & Bites: Where to Eat and Drink Before (or After) Broadway
Because No One Should See Phantom on an Empty Stomach
Welcome to Bars & Bites, your go-to guide for fueling up before curtain and winding down after the final bow. Whether you’re heading out with a date, flying solo, or corralling your crew, the right food and drink can elevate your Broadway night from decent to legendary. We’ve scouted the Theater District for spots that hit the sweet spot between delicious, fast(ish), and vibe-appropriate. Think less Olive Garden, more local legend.
Quick Pre-Show Bites (You’ve Got 45 Minutes)
🍜 Kohoku-Ku Ramen
Slurp-level: expert. Flavor-level: off the charts. Get in, get warm, get satisfied. (Personal favorite!)
🍕 John’s of Times Square
Great for groups. Brick oven pizza in a converted church. Loud, classic, fun.
🌮 Los Tacos No. 1
Fast, casual, unbeatable tacos. Stand-up counters only—perfect if you’re on the move.
🥪 Del Frisco’s Grille
Luxe-ish without being stuffy. Good burgers, killer fries, and surprisingly fast.
Sit-Down Dinner Without the Drama
🍝 Becco
Italian comfort food. Famous pasta trio. Great wine list. Big theater crowd presence.
🥩 Gallaghers Steakhouse
Old-school NY steakhouse vibes. Pricey but worth it if you’re going big.
🍣 Sushi of Gari 46
If you’re looking to impress with sushi that’s actually good. Quiet and upscale.
🍳 Westway Diner
Unpretentious and classic. A good post-matinee or late-night fallback.
🍽️ Marseille
A stylish, French-Mediterranean brasserie right off Restaurant Row. Great for dates, group dinners, or anyone craving mussels, steak frites, and a killer wine list. Great food (get the mussels and the espresso martini) and great bartenders. (Personal favorite!)
Restaurant Row: Broadway’s Culinary Shortcut
Just west of Times Square on West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues lies Restaurant Row—a one-block stretch packed with pre-theater eats of every variety. You’ll find everything from steak and sushi to soul food and schnitzel. It’s walkable, vibe-y, and incredibly convenient.
Notable Spots:
- Joe Allen – Broadway insider favorite with strong drinks and classic American fare. Local bar flies and bartenders have high Broadway IQ and are very friendly. (Personal favorite!)
- Orso – Upscale Italian with the occasional celebrity sighting.
- Bourbon Street Bar & Grille – New Orleans-inspired menu with a festive rooftop.
- La Rivista – Classic red-sauce Italian that’s relaxed and hearty.
- Dim Sum Palace – Tasty dim sum with good NYC energy. (Personal favorite!)
It’s an ideal backup plan if you didn’t make reservations—just stroll and follow your nose.
Bars With Theater Vibes (Pre-Show Sips or Post-Show Debrief)
🍷 Glass House Tavern
Right in the heart of the action. Solid drinks, smart crowd, and a lively post-show buzz.
🍸 Lantern’s Keep
Hidden speakeasy inside the Iroquois Hotel. Great cocktails. Chill, date-friendly.
🍺 Hold Fast Kitchen & Spirits
Relaxed and low-key with good beer and Broadway memorabilia on the walls.
🍻 Rudy’s Bar & Grill
Divey, iconic, cheap beer and free hot dogs. Not fancy. Very fun.
Late Night Eats After the Show
- Shake Shack (8th & 44th) — Open late and reliably great.
- Empanada Mama — Huge menu, fast service, and open super late. (Personal favorite!)
- Margon — Cuban lunch counter that becomes a weirdly magical midnight stop.
- Carnegie Diner & Cafe — Slightly bougie diner with comfort food done right.
Tips for Eating & Drinking on a Broadway Schedule
- Most shows start at 7 or 8 PM. Aim to be done eating by 6:30.
- Tell your server you’re seeing a show. They’ll speed things up.
- Matinee days = packed restaurants. Make reservations if you can.
- Skip dessert. Grab something sweet after the show instead (Schmackary’s is a cookie-lover’s dream).
What to Avoid
- Chain restaurants unless you’re in a pinch (you didn’t come to NYC for Applebee’s).
- Anything with slow service or a long wait if you’re tight on time.
- Trying a brand-new place right before curtain. Save the risk for after.
Final Word: Pair the Show With the Right Spot
If you’re seeing something upscale like Hamilton or Hadestown, go classy. Book of Mormon or Spamalot? Go fun and fast. If it’s a date, choose somewhere with a little ambiance. If you’re rolling with friends, prioritize beer, burgers, and a stress-free experience.
Broadway nights aren’t just about the show—they’re about the full experience. Let Bars & Bites be your co-pilot for the ultimate night out.
Cheers, bro.