The 'BOOP! The Musical' cast's favorite NYC restaurants

In this new Broadway show, cartoon icon Betty Boop takes a day off from her life as an animated celebrity and goes on her first adventure in New York City.

In BOOP! The Musical on Broadway, Betty Boop takes the stage for the first time. The iconic cartoon character comes to life as she leaves Toon Town on her day off and travels to none other than New York. We had to ask the cast: Where would you take Betty on her first trip to NYC?

The actors agreed that Betty has to take a literal bite out of the Big Apple, and they shared plenty of restaurant recommendations spanning various NYC neighborhoods and all types of cuisine. No matter where you find yourself in the city, you're sure to be near one of their picks.

Use the guide below to help decide where you should eat in the city. Maybe you can hit up one of these restaurants before or after a trip to BOOP! on Broadway!

Still planning your NYC itinerary? Check out the BOOP! cast's recommendations for must-see NYC attractions.

Get BOOP! The Musical tickets now.

Bond 45

Located on 46th Street in the heart of the Theatre District, the Italian restaurant Bond 45 is a convenient pre- or post-show dining option. A popular spot among Broadway stars and other industry professionals, the restaurants serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so you can get a delicious, hearty meal and drinks anytime your schedule allows.

Recommended by: Stephen DeRosa (Grampy)
Address: 221 W 46th St.
Price: $$

Breads Bakery

With various locations across the city, Breads Bakery is always nearby to satisfy your sweet tooth. Contrary to the name, Breads isn't just for loaves — there's also croissants, brownies, cookies, cakes, savory goods, and, not to be forgotten, its famous chocolate babka. (The author of this article can vouch that it's to die for.)

Recommended by: Stephen DeRosa
Address: Various locations
Price: $

Bubby's

Get your brunch on at this Tribeca hotspot. Whereas most restaurants only serve brunch on weekends, Bubby's does it from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Eggs, griddle specialties, burgers, salads, and sandwiches are all on the homestyle American menu.

Busy during the day? Select breakfast options, including pancakes, are also available during dinner hours.

Recommended by: Ainsley Melham (Dwayne) Address: 120 Hudson St.
Price: $$

Central Park Boathouse

It's closed and reopened multiple times in recent years, but the iconic location and waterfront views remain the same. The Central Park Boathouse offers upscale American food and drinks overlooking the Central Park Lake, where you can watch people in canoes and gondolas go by. The whole experience feels like something out of a movie, especially when the weather's nice enough to sit outside.

Recommended by: Faith Prince (Valentina)
Address: East 72nd Street and Center Drive within Central Park
Price: $$$

Joe Allen

This upscale tavern has been serving up American comfort food and drinks to Broadway fans since 1965. Located on Restaurant Row, a bustling strip of eateries in the Theatre District, Joe Allen is known for its unique decor: Posters of Broadway flops amusingly line the walls.

Recommended by: Faith Prince
Address: 326 W 46th St.
Price: $$$

Little Italy

This recommendation isn't just for one restaurant — choose any eatery in NYC's Little Italy neighborhood and you really can't go wrong. From casual pizza joints to fancy trattorias, you can find food representing all regions and tastes of Italy. Come in September to experience the San Gennaro street fair, with food vendors, games, entertainment, and more.

Recommended by: Stephen DeRosa
Price: $-$$$$

Mandarin Oriental afternoon tea

It's a splurge, but afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental, a swanky hotel in Columbus Circle, will make you feel as elegant and dazzling as Betty Boop herself. The price includes a selection of scones, sandwiches, and sweets, plus various tea types and, for an extra charge, champagne. There are also vegan and kid's menus available so all can indulge.

Recommended by: Faith Prince
Address: 80 Columbus Circle
Price: $$$$

Tio Pepe

This Spanish restaurant in Greenwich Village has something for everyone, from meat to veggie to seafood lovers. Of course, the paella — or should we say, one of the five paella options — is the thing to get here among the main dishes, but there's an extensive tapas menu if you're not as hungry. Tio Pepe also serves brunch from Friday-Sunday starting at noon.

Recommended by: Anastasia McCleskey (Carol)
Address: 168 W 4th St.
Price: $$$

Veselka

This beloved spot in the East Village has been serving up Ukrainian specialties since 1954. Think pierogis, borscht, latkes, beef stroganoff, blintzes, and so much more in a laid-back setting. Veselka doesn't take reservations, so be sure to factor wait time into your schedule! But trust us, it's worth it.

Recommended by: Aubie Merrylees (Oscar), Stephen DeRosa
Address: 144 Second Ave.
Price: $$

Waverly Inn

Treat yourself to a celebrity experience at a restaurant attended by Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro, Fran Lebowitz, and more. The Waverly Inn is one of NYC's oldest restaurants, dating back to the 1920s, and is located in a cozy Greenwich Village townhouse. No photos are allowed inside, so you'll have to eat there to experience it for yourself.

Recommended by: Faith Prince
Address: 16 Bank St.
Price: $$$$

Zabar's

Zabar's is a grocery store first and foremost, but you can stop by this beloved Upper West Side institution for bagels (specifically recommended by BOOP!'s Stephen DeRosa) and baked goods for a snack or portable meal. Or, stop by the deli counter for soups, salads, and even to-go dinners.

Recommended by: Stephen DeRosa
Address: 2245 Broadway
Price: $-$$

Photo credit: BOOP! The Musical in Chicago. (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)