I am going to be in New York City for the next two weekends attending performances of a show at New York University in which my son plays a leading role. Various relatives and friends will be joining me to see the "young'un" on stage at most of these performances. I want to take these folks to a cafe or restaurant before or after the show (depending on whether it's an 8 p.m. show or a matinee) and I would greatly appreciate suggestions. Some may want only a cafe; others may want a restaurant with a menu. I want to be able to give them a few choices. The location is important because we need to be reasonably close to the theater which is at 35 West 4th Street only a few doors east of Washington Square in Greenwich Village.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions you can give.

Thanks in advance,
Jane

Otto comes to mind first. It's a Mario Batali restaurant that functions as a wine bar with great pizza, small plates, and charcuterie. The wine list is all Italian and immense. It's a fun dining scene, and they take reservations, which is a plus. The location also couldn't be more convenient - 1 block north of WSP on Fifth Avenue.

Another great restaurant is Five Points on Great Jones near Lafayette. Fabulous new American food, moderatly priced. Relaxed atmosphere, and they take reservations (on opentable.com!).

Lupa is another Mario restaurant that is fantastic, on Thompson b/t Bleecker and Houston. I don't think they take reservations, but it won't be bad around 8 PM.

http://www.pearloysterbar.com/

I'll second Lizzie's Lupa recommendation; I actually was there last night and it was great as usual. I will say that wait times there can really be long; going early (6:30) or late (10ish) would be your best best. I've tried to get a table for two there around 7:30-8 and waited over an hour. It's worth the wait though.

A new spot opened nearby at the corner of Carmine and Bedford just around the corner called Market Table. I haven't been yet but that might be an option. Here's a little info: http://eater.com/archives/2007/08/plywood_report_94.php

You could also check out Blue Ribbon Bakery (Downing and Bedford---good for sharing), ino (also Downing and Bedford--if there's not many of you and you like wine), both of which are right around the corner.

The Cornelia Street Cafe feels like a hybrid between a full restaurant (which it is) and a cafe (it has a performing arts space downstairs).

Bar Pitti at 6th avenue and Bleeker might be another option---especially if the weather is nice because you can sit outside.

I reread your post an noticed that you were east of Washington Square Park; so I guess some of my recommendations might not be considered very close (but they are within a 10-15 minute walk which isn't too bad). I'll think about spots on that side too and report back. As you can tell.. I spend too much time on the west side of sixth avenue..

These are great suggestions! Thank you so very very much. None of the restaurants are far away from Washington Square. It's an amazing range of places, and on top of that, I love the idea of going to a Mario Batali restaurant.

I just found out that one my cousin's children, age 24, has never been to New York City in her life, so this is going to be really exciting for her. Exciting for me, too!

Thank you, thank you!
Jane

North Square is also a very nice place, and not as crowded as the Mario places. It is located across the northwest corner of the park, next to the Wash. Sq. hotel.

ALso on COrnelia St (very close, off of 6th av) there is Po, Le Gigot, and Palma in addition to the cornelia st cafe already mentioned, that are all nice little places.

Thank you all for your suggestions for restaurants near Washington Square. I am going to NYC tomorrow armed with your recommendations plus addresses and other details to plot out our restaurant itinerary. This is especially helpful because every time I go to see my son in New York City, I am always wishing I had some guidance on the subject of restaurants.

Looking forward,
Jane