Surfergirl

Snagged tickets for Kinky Boots in NYC on a Sat night in November. Soon to be 85 year old Mom will have arrived from LA that day. My guess is that even with the 3 hour difference (meaning the show will start at 5 p.m. L.A. time) she might want to grab a bite before the show. But with my energetic mom, you just don't know!

So . . . looking for recs for a light dinner either before or after the show, depending on her stamina. It's going to HAVE to be close by the theatre, since she will probably not want to walk great distances or cab someplace.

She's a foodie, and loves her wine . . . BUT if we go before the show too much will knock her out! And husband and I are not the types to spend a whole evening in a restaurant and are definitely unpretentious when it comes to dining. We like lively vibe, eclectic clientele. We all like to drink. So close, fun, and for mom, something a little more elevated than a famous Ray's. Even a pub will do. Love French, Italian, unpretentious American, and small plates (i.e. tapas kinda food) will work. I'm the only one at the table who stopped eating Sushi when it became fashionable.

Suggestions?

panecott

There is a pub right on the block of the theater, across the street. I can't think of the name of it but it will come to me. Angus something or other? I'll think of it.

There's also John's Pizza (not just pizza) right next door.

doug_stallings

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is between 8th and 9th Avenues on 45th Street. There are several restaurants close by.

One of my favorites is Marseille on 44th/9th Avenue. It's a Mediterranean French restaurant that has a decent prix-fixe menu.

Another is Etcetera Etcetera on 44th between 8th and 9th. It's a modern Italian restaurant (and sister to one of my favorites ViceVersa) with really good pastas (which can be purchased by the half-portion). For those who are hungry but don't want too much, an appetizer and half-portion of pasta is a good choice, and then you can share dessert. They usually have a very nice cherry panna cotta, which is light. Or you can also get a prix-fixe menu.

panecott

surfergirl, sorry, the two places I mentioned are on 44th, right around the block from the theater you're going to.

John's has good casual Italian food and Angus (I was right about the name) has good pub/bistro type food, and I'm pretty certain they have late supper after dinner.

Both places are casual and comfortable.

I'm not a fan of Marseille, mentioned above. I gave it a second try after a disappointing first time there and was disappointed again. Nice service but food is very mediocre.

emd3

Literally around a short corner from the Al Hirschfeld theater is a very nice little Mediterranean ( with a French accent) bistro called L'YBane, at 709 8th Ave, btwn 44th and 45th. Very good for before or after Kinky Boots- we went before for an appetizer and drink at the bar (good happy hour deals) and after for dinner. Casual, nice open front in nice weather, friendly. Their menu is listed on menupages.com

Surfergirl

Thanks all. Great options!

Surfergirl

I should ask one more question here -- since it's a Sat. night, are we going to need reservations, either before or after?

Thanks again!

NeoPatrick

Assuming you're choosing a place in advance, why wouldn't you make a reservation? It's just so much safer regardless. Or of course, you can go from place to place, maybe get in or maybe wait to be seated and sit and worry about making the curtain.

Most places are safer after, however, except places like Joe Allen's which are always fully booked after theatre.

doug_stallings

You definitely need reservations at most good places around Times Square (if the restaurant accepts them), even if you are eating at Five Napkin Burger. What I think you'll find is that even when restaurants look empty, they have reservations and will seat lots of people over the next hour and will slowly fill up before 8 and then will empty and fill up again after the theater starts.

Saturday is generally one of the busiest nights of the week.

SueNYC

There's a good local sushi place across the street called Kodama or kodaly -It's on 45th just in from the corner.

Surfergirl

Just wanted to jump back in and touch base here.

We were lucky enough to be able to exchange our tickets from the Saturday night show to the Sunday matinee. Why? My mom got hung up flying into NYC from L.A. due to the incident that took place the day before. So I guess the box office was being very nice and generous, since it was clear that with the delays, my mom would miss the show.

And we were right. Her 4:30 arrival time was pushed back to around 9 p.m.. Then Virgin America managed to lose her (and a lot of other) luggage. So for two nights she had to wear (and we had to look at) Mom in the same damned outfit.

To all of you who recommended Kinky Boots -- THANK YOU!!! It and Billy Porter were stupendous!

We ended up having a bit before the show right at the corner at one of those new (to Los Angeles, anyway) upscale sports bars. You know, one of those places with urban decor, sliders, and lots of dishes with kale along with "comfort food" (usually involving egregiously fattening things like mac and cheese). Chicken sliders with aoli pretty good. These days it's all about the sauce and the bun..

MichelleY

Thanks for reporting back. Glad it worked out for you!