Restaurants between Theater District & On the Avenue Hotel, Broadway & 77th St

menupages.com is a good place to start. Look in the west 70's/80's for places near the hotel and in the west 40's and/or west 50's near the theaters.

Gray's Papaya at Broadway & 72 st. is a MUST for hot dogs. It's just a stand, not a restaurant, but the dogs are great and make a good lunch or snack.

Levain's Bakery has the most outrageous big cookies. (74th b/w Columbus & Amsterdam).

Zabar's (gourmet foods) and H & H bagels are also go to places in the 'hood.

Tenzan is good Japanese/sushi and has very good value lunches.

Pasha is a good Turkish restaurant.

If you like trying different things, Le Caridad is only a block from the hotel and mixes Chinese and Cuban. http://menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=3&restaurantid=1722&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=18

I don't know what you are interested but I will share my last two pre-theater experieices with you. In September we went to Le Madeleine (French)and just a couple of weeks ago we went to Plataforma (Brazilian). Each had lots to offer and were very good. I got my info from www.chowhounds.com Just go to the Manhattan board and search pre-theater. You'll get lots of input!

jmsvss,Le Madeleine has reopened? Where? At the old location or a new one? It closed back in March and I was unaware it had reopened. Or did you mean you went in September a year ago?

Le Madeleine reopened as (or was replaced by) Le Petit Un Deux Trois a few months ago.

I think it is "replaced"-- see here:

http://www.observer.com/2008/real-estate/landlord-replaces-unwanted-french-bistro-um-french-bistro

On the Ave is in an area with a plethora of budget and moderate prices neighborhood restaurants with good food. Tight nearby I especially like Isabella's and Ocean.
But - if you're eating before a show (we usually eat after to avoid having a rushed and very early dinner) you're better off eating within a 10 minute or so walk to the theater - to avoid problems with any last minute delays.

You have a couple of good recos - but if you tell us your budget - and what types of food you like/dislike it will help.

TTT

We enjoy Italian and Continental cuisine, and moderate priced restaurants would be fine! Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

I stayed at On the Ave for a weekend in January and I was very pleased. There is a diner right across the street from the entrance. My BF and I ate breakfast there both mornings. It's the usual NYC diner breakfast -- eggs, toast, coffee, lox plate etc. Fast and fresh.

I also second the suggestions of Isabella's and Ocean. They are right across the street from each other on Columbus, near the Museum of Natural History. Both are moderately priced.

We stayed at On the Ave as well and ate at the diner across the street for breakfast. I think it's called Manhattan Diner. For dinner, do not miss Bettola on Amsterdam. Here's a recent thread on the same subject:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1&tid=35139392

Gosh - I do apologize, time flies when you are having fun! I was at Le Madeleine in Sep 2007 not '08 as I was thinking when I posted earlier. I did not realize it had closed.

Have a wonderful NYC experience - there are many wonderful options. Do check out the Chowhound board.

BTW Patrick, I added Quartino to our upcoming Chicago trip after reading your TR.

I think you'll like Quartino. Just don't forget to take your ear plugs!!

Isabella's, a New York fixture for 20 years, is on the corner of Columbus and 77th Street.

It's great.

The further from Times Square you go, the better the restaurants (atmosphere & cuisine).

Enjoy!

"The further from Times Square you go, the better the restaurants (atmosphere & cuisine)."

One of the most idiotic over-generalized statements ever. Sure -- like every restaurant within 20 blocks of Times Square is awful, but every single one further than that is wonderful! The MacDonalds in Brooklyn has better atmosphere and cuisine than Le Bernardin, for example.

Yes, like everywhere in New York there are both good and mediocre restaurants somewhere "near" Times Square.

Sorry, cranky, I live here.

Juvikago can take or leave my spot-on comment, but, then again, I live here.

Cheers!

Gekko, how funny you play the "I live here card" as if that somehow makes you an expert on an area you hate and avoid and obviously haven't eaten at that many restaurants in the area. How would you know when you have been posting for years that you avoid ALL restaurants in that area? And yes, I'm including all the Hell's Kitchen area -- too close to Times Square to be any good for you?

Hey, it's all opinions. I'm willing to bet I've eaten at more restaurants with 12 blocks of Times Square than you have. Shouldn't that make me a "better expert" than someone who doesn't eat in that area? By the way, the only place you've ever raved about in Times Square is that mediocre tourist trap called Havana Central? So clearly you've shown your idea of "good" and mine are not the same.

Meanwhile, aren't you the one who posted about two restaurants in Chicago with raves, then got all bent out of shape by those who live there who said you were wrong? Clearly those who live there should know more than you, right? Too funny!

Again, it's all opinions. But saying that the quality of food and atmosphere of restaurants somehow relates directly to how far they are from Times Square really is a laughable idea. It's right up there with "there are no good restaurants outside NYC!"

Another great option, for casual burgers etc., is the Lincoln Square P.J. Clarke's, West 63rd Street.

It's very popular so there's often a line, but it's worth the wait.

http://www.pjclarkes.com/lincoln/directions.php

ttt

We stayed around 57th and really liked Vinyl for casual cuisine, over around 9th st. Also the Burger Joint in Le Parker Meridien for a great burger and a pitcher of beer. Just look for the little neon burger symbol in the lobby of the hotel. Shellys right in that area is kind of old school and we had a great Thanksgiving eve meal there as well.

juvikago, it would be helpful if you told us the location of the 2 shows. While you can eat near the hotel or inbetween, it's usually easier if you're a short walk from the theater.

maps.gooogle.com
has a great feature where if you map a location (like the hotel or a theater) and then use the "search nearby" function for restaurants (or anything else) you not only get a list, but often with reviews.

I can't really help with restaurants in the theatre district but can recommend a bunch of places by On the Avenue.

Ocean Grill- seafood/continental
Isabellas- seafood/continental
Cafe Frida- Mexican
Ruby Foos- Asian
Pappardella-- italian
Shake Shack-- burgers/fries
St. James Gate-- great pub food

Thanks to all of you for your many suggestions. Mclaurie, the two shows we are going to see are August: Osage County at the Imperial Theater, 249 W. 45th St., and Spring Awakening at the Eugene O'Neill Theater, 230 W. 49th St. I will try the maps.google.com as you suggested.

August Osage is at the Music Box, not the Imperial. They're both on w. 45th st. though.

Joe Allen's (American)
Akdeniz (Turkish)
Kodama (Japanese)
Via Brasil (Brazilian)
John's Pizzeria

are all near both theaters and not too expensive. If you want something fancier, DB Bistro Moderne is very nice French and they have a pre theater menu. Make reservations.

Staying at On The Avenue? Walk across Broadway and have something (a burger?) at Burger joint/Pizza Joint, 2 adjoining restaurants open 23 hours a day. It's a low rent New York culinary institution.
When I go to the theater, I'll often make a reservation and get some first rate BBQ at Virgils.It usually quick, too.
John's Pizza in the theater district, always good