Where to eat before and after a Broadway show

Discover the best places in the Theatre District to grab a pre-theatre meal, happy hour drink, or fast casual bite steps away from dozens of venues.

With more restaurants on every block than you can count, finding a place to eat in the Theatre District that everyone can agree on may feel overwhelming. It's best to have a dining game plan set ahead of time because the Twizzlers and sippy cups of wine you grab at intermission won't always do the job. So we've compiled a list of the best restaurants to eat at before or after a Broadway show.

A good rule of thumb is to steer clear of any restaurant you can find in your hometown. (Sorry, Olive Garden.) Hamilton tells us New York is the greatest city in the world, so that means some of the greatest food in the world is at your fingertips. We've recommended the best of the best restaurants near Broadway theatres so that you can make your plan now. From splurge-worthy specialties to budget-friendly bites, there's a restaurant for everyone that fits every price point.

Westway Diner

Established in 1988, this family-owned and operated restaurant is a New York City staple. There's something for everybody on their menu — it is eight pages long, after all. Whether you want a salad at 11 a.m. ahead of a matinee or need a waffle at 11 p.m. after an evening show, Westway Diner can satisfy every craving. This local hotspot is also a favorite of some famous New Yorkers: Westway is the diner where Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld reportedly ate as they came up with the concept for Seinfeld. So that means, yes, soup for you!

Address: 614 9th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Majestic Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre, St. James Theatre, Hayes Theatre, Shubert Theatre

Los Tacos No. 1

Tacos may not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of New York, but after stopping at Los Tacos No. 1, your mind will change. For less than $7, you'll have your choice between carne asada (steak), pollo asado (chicken), adobada (pork), and nopal (cactus) on either a corn or flour tortilla. If you're going for an authentic taste, choose the corn. Make sure you order your tacos "con todo" so they come complete with all the toppings, including salsa, cilantro, onions, and guacamole. Prepare yourself for the little kick of spice by ordering a horchata or an ice-cold Mexican Coke.

Address: 229 W. 43rd St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Lyric Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre, Todd Haimes Theatre, St. James Theatre, Shubert Theatre

P.S. Kitchen

World-class chefs and restaurant owners from all around New York came together to create P.S. Kitchen, which means you can't go wrong with anything on the delicious all-vegan menu. The sophisticated, plant-based dishes boast flavors inspired by the season and meals from around the world. There's even a special weekend brunch menu that's perfect for a pre-matinee meal. Best of all, P.S. Kitchen donates 100% of its profits to charity.

Address: 246 W. 48th St. between Broadway and Eighth Avenue
Price: $$
Nearby theatres: Longacre Theatre, Walter Kerr Theatre, Lena Horne Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Barrymore Theatre

Glass House Tavern

Glass House Tavern has been serving the pre- and post-theatre crowd for years, so they'll make sure to have your food ready in a timely manner to make sure you don't have to rush to your show. There is a three-course prix fixe option that includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert, or you can order from the regular menu that includes meat, fish, and veggie dishes to satisfy anyone's tastes. The restaurant is also a go-to bar and restaurant for theatre professionals, so you never know who you might see.

Address: 252 W. 47th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $$
Nearby theatres: Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Ambassador Theatre

Hold Fast Kitchen & Spirits

Hold Fast is a laid-back spot in the heart of Restaurant Row on 46th Street. The menu features finger food like wings, burgers, sandwiches, and tacos alongside hearty salads and soups. On weekends, there's a brunch menu with options ranging from shrimp and grits to crème brûlée French toast. And no matter what time you come, you'll be able to choose from the extensive cocktail, beer, and wine menu, making Hold Fast the perfect place for a pre- or post-show drink. The restaurant has a happy hour from noon to 8 p.m. every day, so anytime is a good time to stop in.

Address: 364 W. 46th St. between Eighth and Ninth Avenues
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Marquis Theatre

Nizza

With a classic Italian menu, Nizza has been a go-to spot for many Broadway theatregoers since opening in 2007. Both the lunch and dinner menus boast a wide selection of pizzas and pastas alongside specialty meat and fish entrees for pre- and post-show dining. There is also an array of gluten-free options for those who want to enjoy the flavors of the Italian Riviera without the carbs. Other specials include Wine Wednesdays and a bottomless brunch on weekends.

Address: 630 Ninth Ave. between 44th and 45th Streets
Price: $$
Nearby theatres: Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre, St. James Theatre, Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Golden Theatre, Imperial Theatre, Music Box Theatre, Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Marseille

If you're more in the mood for French cuisine than Italian, right next to Nizza you'll find Marseille. Alongside traditional French favorites like croque madame, escargot, and crème brûlée are American dishes like a burger (topped with French gruyere cheese, of course), Italian cavatelli pasta, and plenty of other meats, seafood dishes, salads, and soups all given a French touch. From 3:30-5:30 p.m. daily is Marseille's oyster happy hour, which makes oysters and four other appetizers available at a discounted price. There's also a weekend brunch special for the pre-matinee crowd.

Address: 630 Ninth Ave. between 44th and 45th Streets
Price: $$$
Nearby theatres: Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre, St. James Theatre, Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Golden Theatre, Imperial Theatre, Music Box Theatre, Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Joe Allen

This snug tavern in the middle of Restaurant Row is famous not only for its American comfort food and cocktails, but also for its walls lined with posters of big Broadway flops. Joe Allen is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, and it's a favorite for Broadway casts and crews, too, who frequently gather there for a post-show drink. The namesake owner has been spotted at the bar on more than one occasion, too. And no night at Joe Allen is complete without ordering the banana cream pie for dessert — it's far from a flop.

Address: 326 W. 46th St. between Eighth and Ninth Avenues
Price: $$$
Nearby theatres: Imperial Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

Sardi's

Sardi's is the quintessential Broadway restaurant. Best known for the celebrity caricatures lining the walls, the restaurant has been a Theatre District staple since it first opened on 44th Street in 1927. Its menu caters specifically to the Broadway crowd. You can enjoy delicious pre-theatre, post-theatre, and prix fixe dinner options (including an appetizer, entree, dessert, and coffee). But what makes Sardi's the ultimate Broadway restaurant is the fact that it's the "birthplace of the Tony Award." The idea for the award came to producer/director Brock Pemberton while dining here in the 1940s.

Address: 234 W. 44th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $$$
Nearby theatres: Shubert Theatre, Hayes Theatre, St. James Theatre, Booth Theatre, Minskoff Theatre