Check out these theatrical restaurants near Broadway venues

Enjoy a pre- or post-show meal in an eatery or bar featuring theatre-themed decor, singing waitstaff, or Broadway-related prix fixes and other specials.

"Food, glorious food," goes a song from the musical Oliver! Enjoying a Broadway play or musical can just be one course in your theatre experience in New York City. After all, the Theatre District boasts many restaurants that remind us there’s no business like show business.

Servers who break out into showtunes? Decor that highlights Broadway history? Drinks at a spot named after a Cabaret song? You’ll find those options and others at our favorite theatre-inspired places to dine before or after a Broadway show. Better yet, many have pre-theatre happy hour and/or prix fixe specials.

To help with your planning, we’ve listed the Broadway venues nearest each restaurant, but most of the ones not listed are no more than 15 minutes away.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a vibrant, retro-themed diner famous for its singing waitstaff, The Stardusters, who belt Broadway tunes while serving casual American diner fare, like burgers, salads, and shakes.

The website quotes the Hairspray lyric “I’ll eat some breakfast, then I’ll change the world.” Aptly, breakfast showstoppers like the “Holy Moly French Toast” are served all day.

Address: 1650 Broadway at the corner of 51st Street
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Broadway Theatre, August Wilson Theatre, Neil Simon Theatre, Studio 54, Ambassador Theatre, Eugene O'Neill Theatre, Circle in the Square Theatre, Gershwin Theatre

Glass House Tavern

Thanks to the enticing menu, warm decor, and lively atmosphere, Glass House Tavern famously attracts local and visiting theatregoers, industry professionals, and performers alike before and after a show. The popular $60 prix fixe option includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert that tempts you with options like tortelloni, salmon, and bread pudding. Choices, choices.

If you’re tight on time or looking for something lighter, the bar menu has you covered with risotto balls, flatbread pizzas, and more.

Address: 252 W. 47th St. between Broadway and Eighth Avenue
Price: $$
Nearby theatres: Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, Walter Kerr Theatre, Longacre Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre, James Earl Jones Theatre

Mom’s Kitchen & Bar

With its easy-does-it decor and friendly service, Mom’s Kitchen & Bar creates a welcoming environment for theatergoers, occasionally offering limited-time, Broadway-related drink and dessert specials. At all times, the menu features hearty dishes that are all about comfort. “We may serve an insane Brunch menu all day & everyday, but our Crispy Chicken & Gravy platter slaps, too,” the eatery notes on Instagram.

Craving a margarita, sangria, or Jello shot? Mom’s is the place: There’s a happy hour on weekdays from 3-6 p.m.

Address: 701 Ninth Avenue at the corner of W. 48th Street
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Walter Kerr Theatre, Longacre Theatre, Ambassador Theatre, Eugene O'Neill Theatre, Circle in the Square Theatre, Gershwin Theatre, Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, James Earl Jones Theatre

Friedman’s and Gayle's Broadway Rose

Situated in the dining room of the Edison Hotel, just steps from three Broadway houses on the block, Friedman’s earns applause for its ambience, locally sourced ingredients, and gluten-free options. That’s true of all its NYC locations. The comfort-forward, diner-like menu features sandwiches, salads, all-day breakfast dishes, entrees, cocktails, and mocktails.

But like an actor who plays multiple roles in a show, Friedman’s at the Edison has a dual identity. Every Tuesday to Sunday from 5-8 p.m., the place transforms into Gayle's Broadway Rose, where servers serenade you with classic and modern showtunes. In addition to the regular Friedman’s menu, ice cream drinks are a specialty.

Address: 228 W. 47th St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
Price: $$
Nearby theatres: Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, Booth Theatre, Golden Theatre, Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Imperial Theatre, Music Box Theatre, Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Longacre Theatre, Walter Kerr Theatre, James Earl Jones Theatre, Marquis Theatre, Minskoff Theatre

Sardi’s

Where to go for a meal or drink and bank on seeing the likes of celebrities such as Sarah Paulson, Huey Lewis, and Jonathan Groff? Sardi’s. The iconic, century-plus-old Broadway institution is renowned for its walls of celebrity caricatures, and those three stars are among the newest additions.

That theatrical vibe sets the stage for continental cuisine for lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Popular dishes include filet mignon, Caesar salad, and warm chocolate cake. For a quick bite or drink, dash into the bars on the first and second floors.

Address: 234 W. 44th St. between Broadway and Eighth Avenue
Price: $$$
Nearby theatres: Lyric Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre, Todd Haimes Theatre, Hayes Theater, St. James Theatre, Shubert Theatre, Nederlander Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Joe Allen

Famous for its hearty steakhouse fare, in-crowd atmosphere, and posters commemorating Broadway flops, Joe Allen serves lunch and dinner, plus brunch on weekends. It’s been a beloved pre- and post-show go-to since 1965. Much of the menu frequently changes, but the Joe Allen Burger and hot fudge pudding cake always get standing ovations.

Address: 326 W 46th St. between Eighth and Ninth Avenues
Price: $$$
Nearby theatres: Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, Booth Theatre, Golden Theatre, Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Imperial Theatre, Music Box Theatre, Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Don’t Tell Mama

Named for a saucy number from the classic musical Cabaret, Don’t Tell Mama is a lively piano bar and restaurant that combines delicious food with live entertainment. There’s a playful spirit at this beloved haunt, which is a magnet for locals and visiting theatregoers.

The adjacent Mediterranean restaurant Kitchen 46 features starters, pizzas, and fish, chicken, and pasta entrees.

Address: 343 W. 46th St. between Eighth and Ninth Avenues
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, Booth Theatre, Golden Theatre, Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Imperial Theatre, Music Box Theatre, Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Marie’s Crisis

A quick subway trip from the Theatre District, Marie’s Crisis in the West Village is a beloved piano bar whose musicians exclusively play showtunes. Singing along is encouraged, so this bar summons both visting and local showtune lovers.

There's a required two-drink minimum, but you can pick from cocktails, beer, wine, juice, and soda. Happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m.

Address: 59 Grove St.
Price: $
Nearby Off-Broadway theatres: Lucille Lortel Theatre, Greenwich House Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre