It’s not a secret- I love live theater and food! I saw 19 shows on Broadway last year (a new record for me!). I keep coming back for the amazing talent on Broadway but the food is a showstopper too. With Times Square, Resturant Row and Hell’s Kitchen converging around the theater district, you have lots of choices but beware of the tourist traps! After much research online and consulting with NYC locals, we’ve tested this list and we keep going back to these favorites before or after shows.
When deciding where to eat before a Broadway show, location and speed of service is key. We also considered menus that would appease multiple palettes with a preference on places that are distinctly NYC. This is a list of my favorite places to grab a bite before (or after) a Broadway show:
Schmackary’s Cookies
You can’t see a show without “the Official Cookie of Broadway”. These giant, frosted cookies are some of my favorite cookies in the world. There is usually a line but it moves fast. Their cookies were recently featured on the TV series Only Murders in The Building season 3. My favorite is the funfetti frosted cookies but their seasonal flavors are yummy too!
Location: 362 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036
Website: https://schmackarys.com/
Gallagher’s Steakhouse
If you have the time to spare, treat yourself to fine dining at this legendary “Old New York” steakhouse. I highly recommend their 3 course lunch with soup or salad, sliced filet and cheesecake for around $30. Be sure to get reservations and allow for plenty of time before your show. We normally get reservations for lunch before a matinee performance.
Location: 228 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
Website: https://www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com
Los Tacos #1
This no thrills taqueria is always bustling but never disappoints. Los Tacos is one of our regular pre and post show eats. The menu is simple: tacos or quesadillas with various meat options (including a cactus option for vegetarians). Once you order at the counter, you are given a ticket to hand to the taco chefs. No ticket, no taco. From there the chef will ask what toppings you would like. You can’t go wrong with their carne asada taco with guacamole and a large hibiscus aguas frescas. There is usually a line but it does move fast.
Location: 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
Website: https://www.lostacos1.com/
Bar Dough
I adore the vibe of this intimate pizzeria and bar. The pizzas are cooked to order which takes time and you need to arrive early since seating is limited. Bar seating is also available.
Location: 350 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Website: https://bardoughnyc.com/
Becco
If you are hungry, go to Becco for unlimited handmade pasta. Their pre-theater special called Sinfonia Di Paste is a rotating Chef’s selection of 3 pastas served in unlimited quantities tableside along with roasted vegetables and a choice of salad for around $35. It’s a great deal if you have time to spare between shows. Reservations are a must and allow plenty of time for your never-ending pasta bowl.
Location: 355 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Website: https://www.becco-nyc.com/
Empanada Mama
I love a good empanada which are basically flakey hot pockets filled with meat or veggies. What makes this place unique is their creative fillings and very reasonable prices on cocktails and sangrias. Each empanada is served in a bag and stamped according to the filling which is helpful when you order several varieties to share. The nachos are GIANT and could easily be shared with 3-4 people. Located in Hell’s Kitchen and walk-ins welcome.
Location: 765 9th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Website: https://www.empanadamama.com/
Tim Ho Wan: Dim Sum Specialists
In 2010, Tim Ho Won won a Michelin star and became the “world’s most inexpensive Michelin starred restaurant” with multiple locations around the world and several in the NYC area. The location closest to the theater district is in Hell’s Kitchen and offers typical dim sum such as noodles, buns, dumplings and soups . The item that you must order is the baked BBQ pork buns- they melt in your mouth and are very addicting.
Location: 362 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036
Website: https://timhowanusa.com
Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery (Junior’s Deli)
Junior’s Deli is centrally located and legendary for their famous cheesecakes. My favorite order is the 1/2 and 1/2 option of a sandwich and matzoh ball soup. They have a giant menu to appease the pickiest of eaters plus a giant display case of dozens of cheesecake varieties. This place can get busy so I recommend eating here at an off hour since they do not allow reservations.
Location: 1515 Broadway at W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 and 1626 Broadway at 49th Street New York, New York 10019
Website: www.juniorscheesecake.com
Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar
Great location when you are craving pub food. The atmosphere reminds me of a western saloon with multiple levels and windows that overlook the street. The menu includes fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches.
Location: 232 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Website: https://www.hurleysnyc.com/
Hot Dog/Pretzel Carts
You must try a street cart at least once in NYC and while they are not life-changing cuisine, they are an NYC icon. The pretzels are warm and chewy but not super soft like Auntie Anne’s or other mall pretzels. The hot dogs are a fast dinner on the run when you try to see a 2pm, 5pm and 8pm show all on the same day (It’s possible with planning and comfortable walking shoes!).
Location: Various locations around Times Square and Broadway theaters
The Meatball Shop
It’s a bit of a walk from Times Square to this location in Hell’s Kitchen but if you love meatballs, this is a great place. You first pick your favorite type of meatball, then the sauce and your choice of pasta. Lots of great shareable options for a group and they have custom ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Location: 798 9th ave, New York, NY 10019
Website: https://www.themeatballshop.com/
$1 Pizza
You will find pizza by the slice shops all around NYC. I like to choose one of the busier locations which means that they have to churn out pizzas quickly due to demand. I also choose a slice that just came out of the oven (not the one that has been sitting out all day). Pizza-flation has hit NYC and there are only a few $1 slice places left and more are now closer to $1.50 per slice in 2024. These places are typically no thrills, just slices, whole pies and cans of soft drinks.
Location: Multiple locations in Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen
Website: https://slicemap.com/
