New York City question About This Page:

[Happymommy]

Hey! We're going to New York City (in exactly two weeks today--- it just hit me) for a show, and I need to make a reservation somewhere for dinner--- but I haven't been there in years and don't know where to go (no kids on this trip). Any recommendations? I don't want something too fancy, but was hoping for something good. I have to look up where our theater is--- that would probably help. Thanks!!

Editing--- we're going to the Longacre Theater (200 block of West 48th Street)--- I don't know if anyone knows NYC well enough to know something that's not too far from there--- something in walking distance or I something we could cab to, because I know we'll just park once near the theater, and that will be it for driving in the city.

[tinker_me_happy]

I ate at Ella's Starlight Cafe. It was within easy walking distance from Time Sq (I'm bad with the street numbers) Around 5oth and Broadway. It was cute, good food, casual dress. The wait staff all sing. We then walked around and walked back to 39th where our hotel was.

[Chri5ti]

Just went in to see a show last weekend. We tried Bubba Gumps right at Times Square. The food was excellent, average prices for NYC, and we didn't wait. That was for lunch. Not sure how you will do getting reservations. Not too many places take them unless you are a large party. I am going back in to see Phantom in 3weeks and we are eating at Juniors. NYC style Deli that a lot of people have suggested. It is on 45th or 44th right off Broadway.

Good luck!

[jimmymac]

Another vote for Stellas. It's less than 10 minutes form the Longacre. It;s onBroadwat in the low 50's

[RobDVC]

How about John's Pizza?

[scottjs]

I sure hope you see a show on Broadway!! I want to see Wicked really bad!!!

Sorry can't help you with eats though. Our second major vacation from now is New York City.

Good luck

[Happymommy]

I didn't see the responses--- thank you!!! We had actually already made the decision to go to Bubba Gumps--- haven't been there since our honeymoon in Hawaii.

Yes we are seeing a show on Broadway---- Boeing Boeing.

[mcc0313]

There is a little place on 8th Avenue between 47th and 48th called Zune - it is Southwestern food but not your average burritos and rice...it is more southern food with a spicy side....the pork is great and there is a wonderful chicken with greens. They also have seafood, salads and yummy desserts...

The food was amazing, my father introduced me to it and I have gone a few times after work with friends...

[4Disney2]

Hi I am here in NY, a very popular place is Dallas BBQ - by Time square and 43rd street (if you sit in the back it has a camara that gives you a view of all the people walking in front of the restaurant, very Fun)
If you get the chance go to The World of Disney store in 5th Ave., same street you will find, Tiffany, Trump Tower and FAO Schawtz. (sorry for the spelling) Have Fun!!!

[Dave Marx]

I used to work in that area, but it's been years, so it's hard to make up-to-date recommendations. This is the Theater District, though, which means dinner before and after theater, too. You've got legendary names like Sardi's and Mama Leone's (Mama's is gone, though), there are always a few trendy new places, and lots of old, favorite names that have been around forever, whether the food is up to old standards, or not.

I spent many years working in on Restaurant Row - West 46th between 8th and 9th. the street is lined with restaurants. One "old reliable" there I'd recommend is Joe Allen. It's classic American bar food, and a long-time theater hang-out (secret: the show posters on the wall are all for shows that were spectacular flops). It was essentially our company hang-out back in the early '80s when I was in the jingle business (remember Reach Out and Touch Someone, and GE We Bring Good Things to Life? That was us). If you want to stay on the inexpensive side at Joe's, go with my old lunch standby- a burger and a cup of black bean soup (I used to call it an "expense-o-burger" and it still is, but it's still good). The La Scala Salad is another classic from the old days - chopped salami, provalone cheese, iceburg lettuce - something like an Italian sandwich without the bread. It can be a bit intense for one, but good to split as a starter.

Speaking of Italian (Northern, in this case), Barbetta, also on Restaurant Row, has been there for 100 years! It was still excellent 20-something years ago - we'd go there for really special company occasions. They've got a fabulous courtyard garden for summer dining - prices are high, and I can't tell you if it's still up to snuff, but you may want to look into it.

Also on Restaurant Row (in fact, in the same building in which I used to work) is B. Smith Restaurant. Barbara's an old buddy of mine - a major advertiser on WQXR radio, where I worked in the late '80s most of the '90s. I used to do regular live broadcasts from the restaurant's old location on 8th Ave, and I often worked with her on the production of her commercials, too.

From the Longacre you're not horribly far from the Carnegie Deli, either (speaking of old stand-bys).

I can't say I've given you any cheap options, but dinner may still be cheaper than those show tickets.

[Happymommy]

Thank you so much again, everyone!!!! I'll show this to my DH and see if he wants to try one of these restaurants rather than Bubba Gump! Thank you again!!!!!!