I've read that taxis are hard to come by after the theater. We'll be staying at the Beacon on the Upper West Side. Do we have a drink/bite to eat and then try to get a cab? Is the subway the best option?
Thanks.

I generally start walking towards my destination until the crowd thins and I find a cab.

Or certainly you can head to the subway.

But if the weather allows it, do what New Yorkers do and walk.

And go here for dinner:

http://www.telepan-ny.com/

Bill Telepan was the top-rated chef at Judson Grill before opening his own restaurant on the UWS.

I agree with the recommendation to walk. We generally find it takes about a minute to walk one short (uptown/downtown) block. So, it would only be about 1/2 hour walk to the Beacon from the theater--more or less, depending on the eaxct location of the theater.

Yes - you will have trouble getting a cab. If the weather is bad you can take a subway - or even the bus if you prefer. But, if thte weather is pleasant it's a nice stroll (about 1.5 miles) to stretch your legs after sitting for so long - and you can stop at an outdoor cafe for a drink on the way.

One time we left the theater quickly and immediately after the show ended and were able to get a cab. Another time we just walked a few blocks, came upon a Chinese restaurant that was still open and had a midnight snack, then got a cab.

We usually walk to the hotel, but take a subway to family's homes.
M

Wow. Thanks to all for the info. I guess I thought it was a longer distance between the two spots. Guess I'll have to look more closely at the maps before I get there.

Thanks Gekko for the restaurant recommendation. It look wonderful.

There's a great website which is hopstop.com that will give you directions from your hotel to the theatre and how many minutes it will take to walk. It has great maps too. It will be helpful in planning your entire trip! Have a great time!

Lovetolaugh, as you may have surmised, this is our first trip to NYC. I really appreciate the tip. All we need to do now is add an extra hour or two for our meanderings in between. I just got back from the bookstore with 2 new maps so watch out New York. Here we come.

Most (but not all) theaters are in the 40s between 7th and 8th avenues.
If you don't want to take the subway
(which is a good, safe good option), walk over to 8th avenue and take the M104 bus which stops every 2 or 3 blocks. There should be a stop near the theater and will leave you off a block or so from the Beacon. Ride is about 10-15 minutes.
(It may take you just as long by subway if you are not right next to a stop on the 1/2/3 subway line)

mdwest - I just went in May for my first time since I was a child (that really doesn't count)! This forum helped me in countless ways. I was the "tour guide" for 5 other women and armed with the knowledge I got from all the fodorites, I did a pretty good job! We are going again in October hoping to time it right for the changing of the leaves in Central Park and this time to see Jersey Boys. We stayed in midtown the first trip to be close to the theatres because of the taxi situation. Now that we are more familiar with NY, we want to try the UWS and we're staying at either the Lucerne or On The Avenue. We will either walk from the theatre up to the Columbus Circle area and try to get a cab or just keep on walking!! I can't tell you how much reading this forum has helped. Also, if you want to see some of the areas you'll be in, try out the google map site. It's great!

Obviously the exact date of leaves changing dffers from year to year - but just so you know - since the city is so much warmer than surrounding areas the leaves in Manhattan don;t usually change until the very end of Oct or even earlyl Nov.

I'll have the laptop ready just in case I have any last minute questions when we get to New York. I know where to turn if I do. I've been reading NYC postings for a few months and the information has been wonderful. Can't tell you how much I appreciate the responses.