Plan Your Perfect Broadway Night Out
For Theater-Curious Dudes, Date-Night Heroes, and Anyone Who Just Wants to Have a Great Time in NYC
Welcome to Broadway for Bros, where we believe a night at the theater should be exciting, memorable, and zero percent intimidating. Whether you’re flying solo, hanging with friends, or trying to impress someone special, planning your Broadway night out is part of the fun—and we’re here to help make it smooth, simple, and epic.
Step 1: Pick the Right Show for You (Or Your Crew)
What’s Your Vibe?
- Comedy or satire? Try Book of Mormon, Spamalot (national tour), or Shucked (national tour).
- Epic and emotional? Go for Les Misérables, Hadestown, or The Phantom mof the Opera.
- Pop music or spectacle? Moulin Rouge!, & Juliet, or MJ the Musical deliver big energy.
- Something she’ll love that you’ll secretly enjoy too? Wicked, Hamilton, or Six.
Check out our Top Shows to See list for reviews that actually speak your language.
Step 2: Buy Tickets Without Overpaying Like a Tourist
When to Buy
- Planning ahead? Book 3-6 weeks out for the best seats.
- On a budget? Use apps like TodayTix, the TKTS Booth, or individual show lotteries.
- Feeling spontaneous? Rush tickets and digital lotteries (like Sweeney Todd or Merrily We Roll Along) can land you $40 seats.
Where to Buy (Safely)
- Official theater websites (avoid scalpers)
- Trusted resellers like SeatGeek or TodayTix
- TKTS Booth in Times Square (day-of deals)
Pro Tip: Avoid Craigslist. Don’t get hustled.
Step 3: Choose a Pre-Show Dinner Spot (That Doesn’t Suck)
You want:
- Good food
- Fast-ish service
- Proximity to the theater
Our Bros-Approved Picks:
- Becco (Italian, solid wine list, $33 pasta special)
- Joe Allen (American, insider-y, classic Broadway haunt)
- Kohoku-Ku Ramen (Casual, flavorful, quick slurping before curtain)
- Westway Diner (Laid-back and legendary)
- Ippudo (If you’re feeling fancy ramen vibes)
Want to grab drinks first? Head to our Bars & Restaurants page for more recs.
Step 4: Dress the Part (No Tux Required)
What to Wear to a Broadway Show:
- Jeans + button-down = totally fine.
- Jacket or blazer = you’ll feel sharp but not overdressed.
- Avoid: flip-flops, basketball shorts, graphic tees with offensive slogans.
- Wear layers—theaters can be freezing or hot, sometimes both in the same night.
- Check out our “What to Wear” tips.
Bonus: Date-Night Looks
If you’re going on a date, dressing like you gave it 10% thought goes a long way.
Step 5: Know the Logistics (And Avoid Rookie Mistakes)
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early. Lines for the bathroom and drinks can be long. Don’t rely on the Courtesy Five to save you.
- Bag check is a thing. No huge backpacks or open containers.
- Phone off before curtain. Don’t be that guy. Don’t commit these 10 Broadway Etiquette Mistakes.
- Yes, you can bring your drink to your seat. Broadway sippy cups are real and glorious.
- Running time? Most shows are 2.5 hours, with a 15-minute intermission.
Where Are the Theaters?
Most Broadway theaters live between 41st and 54th Streets, from 6th to 8th Avenues. It’s walkable. Wear comfortable shoes.
Step 6: After the Show—Keep the Night Going
Want to talk about it over drinks?
- Glass House Tavern (trendy, chatty)
- Haswell Green’s (loud, fun, post-theater crowd)
- Lantern’s Keep (hidden gem inside the Iroquois Hotel)
- Bonus: Check out our Beer Pairings with Broadway Shows
Want to go full fanboy?
- Stage door after the show! Some actors come out for autographs and selfies.
Common Questions From Fellow Bros
Q: Can I eat during the show?
A: You can snack if you buy it from the theater, but try to keep it quiet. This isn’t a ballgame. Practice proper etiquette.
Q: What if I have to pee mid-performance?
A: Wait for intermission. If you absolutely must go, exit quietly. Use aisle seats if this is a concern.
Q: Can I show up late?
A: You can, but they might hold you in the back until a scene break. It’s awkward. Just be on time. The Courtesy Five is exactly that, a courtesy.
Q: Do I need to know the story before I go?
A: Not really. But skimming a quick plot summary helps you enjoy it more.
Q: Is it okay to laugh? Or cry?
A: Yes and yes. That’s the point.
Last-Minute Checklist
- Tickets bought
- Dinner res
- Fit planned
- Pre-show bathroom trip
- Phone silenced
- Drinks in hand
Let the curtain rise.
Final Thought: Make It a Night to Remember
Going to Broadway isn’t just about sitting in a seat for two hours. It’s an experience—one of the most iconic things you can do in New York. The music, the acting, the crowd, the vibe. There’s nothing like it.
So plan it right. Dress the part. Eat well. Laugh hard. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get hooked.
Welcome to Broadway, bro.