We are a group of 4 young(ish)women planning to see Oklahoma at the Gershwein Theater (51st)St. and stay overnight at the Mayflower Hotel (61st). Looking for a casual but nice place for pre-show dinner and a place to stop for dessert after the show. Any suggestions?

You may want to go to www.zagats.com and look at the restaurants in the West 40's and 50's (you can do a search by neighborhood). Generally Zagats is a pretty reliable source. I'd be happy to help more but need some more info from you...price range? type of food?

Casual, but nice? How about the Red Eye Grill on 7th Ave. at 56th (or is it 57th?). Really good food and service. Nice decor, lively atmosphere. They are good at meeting your deadline for the theatre.

I agree with Patrick about the Redeye Grill. It's at the corner of 56th and 7th Avenue. Excellent seafood.

Thanks for the suggestion. I may try the Redeye Grill another day, but for this I'm looking for something less expensive, perhaps between $20-30. The kind of food is open, either Continental or Italian might be my preference.

Try Becco (on 40-something)...

Becco would be a fine suggestion, except that it's on West 46th Street and, thus, doesn't meet Cindy's criterion of being located between 51st and 61st Streets.

We love Cite(51st street between 6th and 7th Ave)on 55th is Circo, This is not unique to NYC but it's a good chain, on 51st (bet 6th & 7th) RuthChris Steak House!

Cara, not to be rude, but did you read the other responses? If Red Eye Grill is too expensive for cindy, then your suggestions are even more so!

For Italian consider Martini's - 810 7th Avenue - 52nd or 53rd Street. Short walk from the hotel and within your price range.

Although its touristy Brooklyn Diner (57th bet. b'way and 7th) always has good food and is fun. And John's Pizzeria is great (44th bet. b'way and 8th). Its a 7 block walk from your theatre (not too bad IMO). They have great pizza. Make sure to show up early. I don't believe they take reservations.

If you can't find the kind of restaurant you are looking for you might consider heading out of the theatre district and getting in a cab. There are lots of restaurants in the east 40's, 50's, and 60's with prices a little more reasonable.

For after dinner dessert we LOVE The Roxy's cheesecake. I believe they are on 48th and B'way. Its totally casual, crowded, and loud but its right in the middle of Times Square and the cheesecake is fabulous.

Good Luck!

Cindy,

You can get a goog fixed price dinner on restaurant row...W 46th st. There are any number of good places there that cater to the before and after theatre clientele.