Where to get pre-show fast food near Broadway theatres

Need to grab a meal or snack quickly before your show starts? Read our curated picks for the best fast casual and to-go restaurants in the Theatre District.

Getting a pre-show snack, lunch, or dinner, doesn't have to be a big production. Maybe you don't want to eat a full meal before your 2.5-hour show, but you know you'll be hungry at intermission if you go on an empty stomach. Or perhaps it's 6 p.m., your show's at 7, and you need to grab something quick.

Not only are most Broadway theatres within a 10-minute walk of each other, but so are lots of delis, slice shops, and fast-casual places in the Theatre District. You're bound to find something on your way to whichever venue you're off to, but we do have our favorites (that aren't just fast food chains).

These spots are even worth going a few minutes out of your way for — as long as you don't miss your show! We've listed the nearest theatres to each below, but most of the ones not listed are still within a couple blocks. Check out our food recommendations below.

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Los Tacos No. 1

There's always a line outside Los Tacos No. 1 — but that's how you know it's good. This no-frills place will not only get you your tacos in five minutes flat, but they'll also be some of the best tacos you'll find in the city. The four main types are chicken, steak, pork, and cactus, and whichever one you get, they're best "con todo" — with all the fixings, including cilantro, avocado, tomato, and onion.

If you're not in the mood for tacos, quesadillas and other Tex-Mex options are also available.

Address: 229 W. 43rd St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
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

All'Antico Vinaio

One sandwich at this popular Italian place is big enough to feed two people — or serve as both a pre- and post-show meal for one. Authentic Italian staples like fresh prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula live alongside unique sandwich ingredients like pistachio cream and truffle honey on All'Antico Vinaio's. All 16-plus signature sandwiches are stuffed between thick slices of warm foccacia bread.

All'Antico Vinaio also has locations in Greenwich Village, on the Upper East Side, and by Washington Square Park if you're seeing a show in a different neighborhood.

Address: 729 8th Ave. between 45th and 46th Streets
Price: $$
Nearby theatres: Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 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

Carnegie Pizza

Go here for the best garlic knots this side of Broadway (priced at 5 for $4). Carnegie Pizza is one of many slice shops in the Theatre District, but those knots are what propelled this one to our list. The pizza's tasty as well, with traditional New York slices being offered alongside various types of thick, square Sicilian slices for those seeking a little more dough.

In addition to water and soft drinks, Carnegie Pizza also sells cans of beer and hard seltzer if you want a very budget-friendly pre-show drink.

Address: 200 W 41st St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Nederlander Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre, Todd Haimes Theatre, Stephen Sondheim Theatre

Dollar pizza

Most shops charge $1.50 nowadays, but "dollar pizza" is still a New York staple and one of the quickest, cheapest food options you'll find in any neighborhood. The pizza's hot, it's fast, and it's easy to gobble down on your way to your show starting in 10 minutes.

Dollar pizza shops are plentiful in the Theatre District, so it should be easy to spot one near your venue. If we had to recommend one, it would be the shop on 40th Street and Broadway (next to the Independent bar), which still only charges $1 per cheese slice.

Address: Various locations
Price: $
Nearby theatres: Various theatres

Inday Express

Located a 10-minute walk south of Times Square, Inday Express is a fast casual restaurant specializing in Indian bowls, wraps, and curries. A roti — a wrap made with thin Indian bread — is one of the best options to take on the go.

Inday's bowls and curries offer various options for proteins, veggies, and toppings over rice or salad, and every flavor combination is delicious. If you have time to spare and the weather's nice, grab a bowl and eat it outside in nearby Bryant Park.

Similar fast-casual places nearby include Cava (Mediterranean), DIG (American), and Naya (Mediterranean).

Address: 133 W 38th St. between Seventh Avenue and Broadway
Price: $$
Nearby theatres: Nederlander Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre, Todd Haimes Theatre, Stephen Sondheim Theatre

Green Symphony

Those looking for nutritious or plant-based options should flock to Green Symphony, a health-food deli. Grab a hot rice bowl, a cup of chili, a grab-and-go salad, or a handmade granola snack to eat in Times Square. There's also an extensive smoothie bar — one of those could even make a filling, portable meal.

Address: 255 W 43rd St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
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

For more recommendations, check out our guides on where to get drinks, sit-down lunch and dinner, and dessert, plus our roundup of the all-around top restaurants in the Theatre District.

Photo credit: Zach Lisko via Unsplash