The 'Maybe Happy Ending' cast shares the best Theatre District restaurants

Discover a new favorite bar or eatery located near Broadway theatres, and then discover why this original new musical received universal critical acclaim.

Gillian RussoNovember 15, 2024, 05:00

A new restaurant and a new Broadway musical make a perfect pair. Maybe Happy Ending, starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, tells the original story of Oliver (Criss) and Claire (Shen), who get an unexpected second chance on life — and a first chance at love — after the world has deemed them obsolete. The twist? They're both robots.

Whether you're going to see this musical or a different Broadway show, you'll probably need a pre- or post-show meal or drink. The Maybe Happy Ending cast shared their favorite spots in the Theatre District, all located steps from Broadway theatres.

See why the cast raves about these eateries, organized by price point, and then get tickets to see why critics raved about Maybe Happy Ending.

Making a date night out of it? Check out the cast's guide to NYC's best date spots.

Get Maybe Happy Ending tickets now.

Hurley's Saloon

Irish pub meets Western saloon at Hurley's, which, if it weren't multiple stories high, might make you feel like you've stepped out of the city altogether. Go here for drinks and pub fare in a no-frills setting.

Recommended by: Marcus Choi (James and others)
Address: 232 W. 48th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $

Urban Hawker

This casual Singaporean food court exclusively showcases Asian cuisines, also including Malay, Peranakan, Chinese, Indian, and more. It's a perfectly on-theme place to visit before Maybe Happy Ending, which is set in South Korea.

Recommended by: Helen J. Shen (Claire)
Address: 135 W. 50th St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
Price: $

An'nam

This laid-back Vietnamese joint offers a wide range of food options, from sushi to dim sum to noodles to customizable bento boxes. Though some meat and seafood entrees are slightly more expensive, it's possible to get a filling meal at An'nam for under $20, especially if you go for the lunch special.

Recommended by: Christopher James Tamayo (understudy)
Address: 234 W. 48th St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
Price: $

Lillie's Victorian Establishment

British comfort food is king at this elevated pub with vintage flair. You'll feel like you've stepped into a royal palace's dining hall as you enjoy entrees like chicken pot pie, fish and chips, or lamb chop.

Recommended by: Marcus Choi
Address: 249 W. 49th St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
Price: $$

Glass House Tavern

Glass House is a go-to spot among theatre professionals, so you might spot a Broadway performer on their day off! Sit down for a leisurely meal in the upstairs dining room, or stay in the first-level bar area, which has a separate food menu, for drinks and quick bites.

Recommended by: Marcus Choi
Address: 252 W. 47th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $$

The Times Square EDITION hotel bar

The high-end lobby bar at The Times Square EDITION offers cocktails, wine, and beer with a bonus: "You can step outside and see great views of Times Square," director Michael Arden noted.

The Edition also houses the French American restaurant The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens and the cabaret-style Paradise Club, where Broadway stars and other acts often perform.

Recommended by: Michael Arden (director)
Address: 701 Seventh Ave. at the corner of 47th Street
Price: $$$

Sardi's

"Sardi's is both a landmark and an institution," said Darren Criss. "There's a mythology to the theatre community and the bar at Sardi's."

He's right — Sardi's is perhaps the most famous restaurant associated with Broadway. Caricatures of legendary stage actors line the walls of this upscale Italian restaurant that's sat at the heart of the Theatre District for a century.

Recommended by: Darren Criss (Oliver)
Address: 234 W. 44th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $$$

Lambs Club

Treat yourself by splurging on a meal at this swanky American restaurant. In addition to a la carte appetizers, steak and fish entrees, and desserts, you can get a two- or three-course pre-theatre prix fixe.

Recommended by: Marcus Choi Address: 132 W 44th St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
Price: $$$