Guide to Union Square: Discover theatres, restaurants, and activities in the area

This bustling area of New York City has plenty to offer theatre lovers, from new, hidden-gem shows to classical revivals at the various venues nearby.

For a night of live theatre without having to battle the crowds of Times Square, head a bit more downtown to Union Square, which has plenty to offer Broadway fans. In fact, Union Square was Manhattan’s original theatre district before Broadway venues emerged uptown in the early 1900s. The bustling neighborhood is now home to several Off-Broadway theatres and performance spaces housing new plays, comedy routines, live music, and more to enjoy. And Union Square has tons to offer both tourists and locals alike, with countless eateries, bars, and places to shop.

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Union Square’s theatre scene and its most notable performance spaces, as well as other activities in the area to round out your day. You’ll also find some of the most popular bars and restaurants in Union Square so you can have a bite and drinks before or after your show.

Famous theatres in Union Square

There are several notable theatres located in Union Square, where you can catch everything from an Off-Broadway musical to a Shakespeare play. In addition to the theatres listed below, you can also see live music at venues like Irving Plaza and Webster Hall and stand-up comedy at spots like the Stand NYC and Gotham Comedy Club.

Vineyard Theatre

A nonprofit theatre that has been around since the 1980s, Vineyard Theatre is known for putting on new and exciting plays and musicals every year, several of which have transferred to Broadway after successful runs. Some of these include Tony Award winner Avenue Q, Pulitzer Prize winner How I Learned to Drive, and Obie Award winner [title of show]. With just 120 seats, this intimate space often premieres shows that blend different art forms and use multimedia features to provide a unique theatre experience.

Get tickets to Vineyard Theatre shows on New York Theatre Guide.

Daryl Roth Theatre

Consisting of two theatres, the main 299-seat theatre and the smaller 99-seat DR2 Theatre, the Daryl Roth Theatre is located in the former Union Square Savings Bank before Broadway producer Daryl Roth purchased and converted it into a performance space in 1996.

The longest-running show at the theatre is Fuerza Bruta, which was open from 2006 to 2016. Since 2022, it's housed the popular parody musical Titanique. Additionally, its lower-level D-Lounge, a former cabaret-style space, is now used as the theatre's main bar and lounge area to get a drink and merch before your show.

Get tickets to Daryl Roth Theatre shows on New York Theatre Guide.

Classic Stage Company

If you’re a fan of classical plays, then you’ll want to catch a performance at Classic Stage Company. The company has put on productions at the Lynn F. Angelson Theater on 13th Street near Union Square since 1973. CSC is known for staging revivals of time-honored plays and musicals like Rodgers & Hammerstein's Allegro, Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, and numerous Shakespeare productions including Hamlet, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more. Many of its productions put a unique or modern twist on the classic material.

Get tickets to Classic Stage Company shows on New York Theatre Guide.

The Public Theater

In the East Village, just a short walk from Union Square, is the famous Public Theater, which ushered in groundbreaking productions like Hair, A Chorus Line, and Hamilton. The venue consists of a few different performance spaces, including the cabaret-style Joe’s Pub; it also puts on Shakespeare in the Park every year at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater.

Read our complete guide to The Public Theater and the surrounding East Village neighborhood.

Get tickets to Public Theater shows on New York Theatre Guide.

Astor Place Theatre

One of the oldest theatres in the area is the Astor Place Theatre, which opened in 1968 — but the building itself dates back to 1831 and was home to the Astor and Vanderbilt families.

The theatre’s first production starred a young Al Pacino, and it went on to show many notable productions including premieres by famous playwrights Terrence McNally and A.R. Gurney, among many others. Now, the theatre is the home to Blue Man Group, which has played there since 1991. The organization actually bought the building in 2011.

Learn more about the Astor Place Theatre.

What to do in Union Square before seeing a show

Union Square is a hotspot in New York City for shopping, dining, entertainment, and much more. There are plenty of museums within walking distance, plus delicious eateries to visit before your show. Learn how to make a full day out of your visit with our top things to do in Union Square.

The Strand

Famously housing up to “18 miles of books,” The Strand bookstore is a popular destination when in Union Square, offering used and new books as well as rare collectibles and frequent events and book signings. It’s a great place for book lovers to pass the time getting lost in the stacks, exploring this almost 100-year-old independent bookstore.

Address: 828 Broadway at the corner of 12th Street
Price: $

Shopping

There are tons of different clothing stores in Union Square for a day of shopping or even just browsing. Stroll along Fifth Avenue and pop into some of the most popular stores like Zara, Abercrombie & Fitch, Madewell, and more. You can also browse shops with home goods like Fishs Eddy, which specializes in dishware.

Union Square markets

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Union Square hosts the Greenmarket, a year-round farmer’s market with a collection of produce, baked goods, cheese, and more. During November and December, Union Square is home to a holiday market where you can find goods made by local artisans as well as food, treats, and hot chocolate.

Where to eat and drink in Union Square before seeing a show

With fast casual spots, places for cheap eats, and pricier sit-down restaurants, Union Square has something to offer every schedule and budget when it comes to food. You can grab a bite at one of the many eateries before your show or get an after-theatre drink at one of the area’s buzzing bars.

The Grey Dog

A New York City favorite, The Grey Dog is a casual eatery with locations spread throughout the city. It’s known for delicious cafe bites like sandwiches, soups, and salads, but it also has a robust list of bar bites if you’re looking to split a few plates. The Grey Dog has a full bar as well as cafe drinks, so you really can go any time of day.

Address: 90 University Pl.
Price: $

Luke’s Lobster

Another New York City institution is Luke’s Lobster, which is known for serving its signature lobster rolls. You can also get a shrimp or crab roll if that’s more your speed, or try all three with a “flight.”

The lobster rolls are Maine-style, meaning the lobster is chilled and it’s served on a bun with mayo. There are only a few seats inside, so you might not be able to linger, but you could take your roll to go and eat it in the park on a nice day.

Address: 124 University Pl.
Price: $$

Joe’s Pizza

You can’t beat a classic New York slice when visiting the Big Apple, and luckily, there’s a Joe’s Pizza right by Union Square. This counter-serve New York City mainstay serves pizza by the slice (or you can order a full pie), and you can choose from a selection of toppings.

Address: 150 E 14th St.
Price: $

Yellow Rose

Get your Tex-Mex on at Yellow Rose, located just steps from Union Square, before a show. Founded by San Antonio natives, Yellow Rose offers breakfast tacos for brunch, as well as a tacos, chalupas, quesadillas, and other dishes for lunch and dinner, featuring freshly made flour tortillas.

Address: 102 3rd Ave.
Price: $$

Friend of a Farmer

For a cozy dinner before your show, head to Friend of a Farmer, located in the nearby Gramercy neighborhood. The restaurant serves farm-to-table food, using fresh ingredients to create flavorful, hearty dishes like shepherd’s pie and short ribs. In addition to lunch and dinner, there's a robust brunch menu if you want to start your day off there.

Address: 77 Irving Pl.
Price: $$

Caffe Panna

Naturally, you’ll need to cap your day off with something sweet. Caffe Panna is a popular gelateria known for its classic scoops and exciting seasonal flavors that are all made in-house. You know it’ll be the creamiest, most delicious finish to an excellent day of theatre.

Address: 77 Irving Pl.
Price: $

Get tickets to a show in Union Square

Now that you’re up to speed on all the different theatres there are to visit in Union Square, plus all the exciting things to do in the area both before and after your show, you just have to decide what to see. Get tickets to a show at one of the many Union Square theatres here on New York Theatre Guide and explore a lively, culture-rich area of the city.

Photo credit: Titanique at the Daryl Roth Theatre. (Photo by Emilio Madrid)