Where to Eat Before a Broadway Show: A Guide to Pre-Theater Dining in NYC

Introduction

Nothing quite compares to the experience of seeing a Broadway show. From the lights and music to the incredible performances, it’s an unforgettable night out. And while you may be tempted to rush directly from work to the theater, there’s one important step that should not be overlooked: pre-theater dining.

Pre-theater dining is the practice of having a meal or snack before a show. It’s a great way to fuel up for an evening of entertainment, and can help ensure you make the most of your experience. According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, “90 percent of respondents said they believe eating a meal before or after attending a live performance enhances their overall experience.”

A Guide to Pre-Theater Dining in NYC

New York City is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, many of which are conveniently located near Broadway theaters. Whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a light snack, here’s a guide to finding the perfect spot for pre-theater dining in NYC.

Top 5 Restaurants Near Broadway Theaters

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal before the show, these five restaurants are all conveniently located within walking distance of Broadway theaters.

• Giorgio’s of Gramercy – Located just two blocks away from the Richard Rodgers Theatre is Giorgio’s of Gramercy. This classic Italian restaurant serves up delicious dishes like eggplant parmesan and rigatoni bolognese.
• Nizza – Nizza is a French-Mediterranean restaurant located just a few blocks away from the Lyceum Theatre. The menu includes a variety of small plates like hummus with pita bread, as well as larger entrees like pan-seared salmon.
• Weezies – Weezies is a cozy American restaurant located near the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Its menu features comfort food classics like mac and cheese, burgers and fried chicken.
• Toloache – Toloache is a Mexican restaurant located near the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. Its menu includes a variety of tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas.
• Carmine’s – Carmine’s is an Italian-American restaurant located near the Minskoff Theatre. Its menu includes a variety of pastas, seafood dishes and pizzas.

10 Quick Bites Before the Show

If you’re short on time and need something quick, here are 10 spots near Broadway theaters where you can grab a bite before the show.

• Junior’s Cheesecake – Junior’s Cheesecake is located near the New Amsterdam Theatre and serves up slices of its famous cheesecake.
• Rosa’s Pizza – Rosa’s Pizza is located near the St. James Theatre and serves up slices of pizza, calzones and strombolis.
• Shake Shack – Shake Shack is located near the Imperial Theatre and serves up burgers, fries and shakes.
• Luke’s Lobster – Luke’s Lobster is located near the Longacre Theatre and serves up lobster rolls, shrimp rolls and crab rolls.
• Levain Bakery – Levain Bakery is located near the Walter Kerr Theatre and serves up freshly baked cookies.
• Friedman’s Lunch – Friedman’s Lunch is located near the Helen Hayes Theatre and serves up sandwiches, salads and sides.
• Pret A Manger – Pret A Manger is located near the Circle in the Square Theatre and serves up sandwiches, salads and soups.
• Bareburger – Bareburger is located near the Vivian Beaumont Theatre and serves up burgers, fries and shakes.
• Sarabeth’s – Sarabeth’s is located near the Lyric Theatre and serves up breakfast items like omelets and French toast.
• The Halal Guys – The Halal Guys is located near the Neil Simon Theatre and serves up platters of chicken and rice.

Review of Pre-Theater Restaurants in NYC

To get a better sense of what pre-theater dining in NYC is like, we spoke to local theatergoers about their experiences. Here’s what they had to say:

“I love going to Giorgio’s of Gramercy before a show. The atmosphere is really nice and the food is always delicious. Plus, it’s so close to the theater that I don’t have to worry about being late.” – Sarah, 34

“I usually try to grab a quick bite before the show. My favorite spot is Shake Shack because it’s fast and tasty. Plus, they have great milkshakes!” – John, 28

“Sometimes I like to splurge and go to a nicer restaurant before a show. My favorite is Nizza; the food is always amazing and the service is great.” – Julie, 37

Where to Eat Before a Broadway Show – A Local’s Guide

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local theatergoer, here are some tips for finding the best places to eat before a Broadway show.

Best Places to Grab a Bite Before the Show

When it comes to pre-theater dining, there are no shortage of options in NYC. To make sure you get the most out of your experience, it’s important to do your research. Look for restaurants that are within walking distance of the theater and offer delicious food that won’t take too long to prepare.

Insider Tips for Snacking Before You See a Show

If you’re short on time or just looking for a light snack, here are some insider tips for snacking before a show.

• Bring your own snacks. If you’re pressed for time, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks to the theater. Just make sure to check the theater’s policy on outside food before you go.
• Try street vendors. Street vendors are a great option if you’re looking for a quick snack. Hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn are all popular choices.
• Eat at the theater. Many theaters now offer food and drinks in the lobby. So if you’re feeling hungry before the show, you can always grab a quick bite in the theater.

Conclusion

Pre-theater dining is an important part of the theatergoing experience. By taking the time to find the perfect spot for a meal or snack, you can ensure that your evening is enjoyable from start to finish. With this guide to pre-theater dining in NYC, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a bite before the show.

For a sit-down meal, try one of the top 5 restaurants near Broadway theaters. Or, if you’re short on time, grab a quick bite at one of the 10 spots near the theater. And remember, it’s always a good idea to do your research and plan ahead.

So the next time you’re planning a night out at the theater, don’t forget to include pre-theater dining in your plans. With a little bit of preparation, you can ensure that your experience will be truly unforgettable.