My vote goes to Gramercy Tavern as well. In my opinion the all-around best, most consistant rest. in the city.

check out www.chowhounds and go to the NYC link..they have all the latest buzz

Ask for the Garden Room at Le Madeleine when changing your reservations.

Gramercy Tavern doesn't offer a $30.03 prix-fixe during the week we're going to be there; that's why I'm considering a few that will be, including OIBL,TIBS for either pre-theater dining or one of the two nights during our six-night stay when we won't be going to a Broadway show or a Yankees game. I was wondering if OIBL would be a feasible pre-theater option before going to see "Nine" at 8.

I'm also looking for suggestions for pre-theater dining before one of the other shows we're going to see, "Cabaret" at Studio 54 at 7pm on a Sunday night. I think Aquavit is also offering a $30.03 pre-fixe dinner, as is The Sea Grill and Montrachet, all seemingly within walking distance of Studio 54. Other inexpensive-to-moderate suggestions in that vicinity are welcome. We're probably going to do Becco on our third "theater night", before the 7:00 curtain of "Long Day's Journey Into Night" (was going to do Carmine's, but Becco sounds better from what I've read).

HowardR,

I requested the Garden Room when we made our original reservations (per your suggestion, by the way), but was told that they couldn't "guarantee" a table there. I might go ahead and keep the original reservation, depending on the response I get about OIBL being a viable pre-theater dining option with its current $30.03 special.

I think it would be pushing it to try to make theater from OIBLTIFBS. Besides, why go to a romantic place to squeeze it in? Stick with your original plan or change Chanterelle lunch IMO. Happy eating. Hope you're dieting now :))

djdave, I recently requested the garden room at LeMadeleine and also was told they couldn't guarantee it; however, we arrived about five minutes before our reservation time, and we did get a table in the garden room. I had the distinct feeling that it was because the entire party was there early. Our dinner was outstanding, and we got to the theatre on time.

We love 44 Southwest. Good red sauce Italian, very reasonable. Two can eat for around $60 there.

"Splurge" on Manhattan Ocean Club.

I can't understand why people don't think Babbo is romantic. I loved it! Get a proseco cocktail at the bar. And make that res. now! The only thing not romantic about Babbo is eating at 5:30 if you can't get a res.

And make that res. now! The only thing not romantic about Babbo is eating at 5:30 if you can't get a res.

With Babbo, you must wait 30 days before the date you plan to dine. So I have a few more days before I "qualify" before our July trip. Just bought the Babbo Cookbook, which almost sealed the deal with me as far as eating there for a "splurge" until some of these $30.03 specials were extended at other restaurants.

What's wrong with eating there at 5:30? More hectic?

Yes, but you aren't even going to get out of Babbo (the "lower priced" alternative), for $150 including tip. Well, maybe if you don't drink anything.