We are going to visiting NYC the first week of August and are going to see Avenue Q and Rent. Does anyone have any good suggestions for us? We would like to spend around $25 per person for entrees. Also, for an 8:00 show, what time do you suggest making reservations?

There are so many to choose from. What type(s) of food?
If youj make reservations for 6 p.m., you'll be fine. The restaurants in the theater district are quite experienced in getting their patrons to the theater on time.

As mentioned above, all of the theater district restaurants are very good at getting you in and out so you don't miss your show. Let them know when you sit down and they will have you out on time.

Becco does a very nice (and very affordable) prix fixe dinner. They are located on West 46th, and here is their dinner menu link:

http://www.beccoparty.com/beccoparty/menu.html

$25 person for an entree won't present much of a problem in terms of limiting your choices. As Howard indicated, really depends on your food preference.

If you want something lowkey and relatively inexpensive, then Virgil's BBQ or John's Pizza (both on West 44th) could fit the bill. Ollie's Noodle shop is good for relatively inexpensive Chinease with limited decor.

Cafe Un Deux Trois has been around forever and is decent for a basic French Bistro. Rachel's American Bistro on 9th and 44th is usually good and a good value. Along 8th Avenue are tons of places. Uncle Nick's is usually good for greek seafood, especially if you sit in their garden area.

If you don't care about it being a chain and are inclined to eat at one of these places, both Applebees and Chili's have West 42nd Street location. Wouldn't recommend them, but clearly some find them appealing.

Definately plenty of options all of which should give you plenty of time if you get there around 6.

If kathryn is willing to spend $25 for an entree, she can do a lot better than most of the suggestions made! Here are four worthy of your consideration:
Italian: Orso, Lattanzi
French: Chez Josephine, Le Madeleine

Recently ate at Southwest 44th (the name implies the placement of the restaurant - the food is italian) before Lion King. Very good food...nice staff, great bartender and cute atmosphere. Most entrees are between $15-$20. 6pm is just fine but make reservations just for peace of mind.

Dervish Turkish has an excellent prix fixe pre-theater menu for I think $20. It's the best deal in town and good food with lots of choices for a prix fixe. I also like La Cuscina on 9th av, which offers a 10% discount if you show them you thater tickets. They also have a prix fixe, but the regular menu is reasonable and good. Another decent place is the left back cafe I think on 43rd st. You should make a 6pm reservation (unless the restaurant is not that close)

No matter which restaurant in the theater district you decide on, reservations are a must. And, if it's a popular restaurant, you should do it soon.

I can also vouch for Southwest 44. excellent Italian food and great location for going to the theater afterwards. It is quite small with only about 15 tables or so. It is very quaint with a corner location.

See the thread I started on pre theater specials for additional suggestions. I can vouch for Dervish Turkish. HourGlass cafe OK too.

Italian: Osteria Al Doge
French Bistro: Chez Josephine

I would eat by 6:30...

Both excellent. Chez Josephine is very romantic as well.