Broadway is back! You can see it in the bright lights, the roar of applause emanating from the theaters, and the familiar buzz and energy on the streets of New York City’s Theater District. From getting the best seat in the house to figuring out where to eat or what else to do around your big night out, let this be your guide to the sights, sounds, and tastes in and around Broadway. 

As a Broadway fan, foodie, and longtime Theater District resident, these are some of my favorite ways to experience the shows and the neighborhood.

Originally published 10/08/2021

Getting Tickets

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CREDIT @TKTS ON INSTAGRAM

Making plans in advance? You’ll find the greatest array of options through each show’s official ticketing partner online. Each show uses different booking partners, so the best way to get tickets is to find the official site for the show you want to see and go from there. 

If you’re looking for last-minute tickets or a discount, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of deals to be had, especially if you’re flexible on dates and shows you want to see. Download the Today TiX app or visit lottery.broadwaydirect.com for deals and ticket lotteries. For same-day tickets at 20-50% off, visit the famous TKTS booth in Times Square (47th Street and Broadway) or a TKTS location in Lower Manhattan (next to South Street Seaport) or at Lincoln Center (in the David Rubenstein Atrium). And if you just can’t choose which show to see, go the Broadway Roulette route, and get tickets for $49-$59 per person--the only catch is the show and seating locations are a complete surprise when you book! 

All Broadway shows have accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Because most Broadway theaters don't have elevators to the mezzanine level, wheelchair users can book orchestra seats at a heavily discounted rate. Shows also offer select audio-described, ASL-translated, and sensory-friendly performances for visitors with a wide range of accessibility needs. For accessible seating and auxiliary services, contact the theater box office by phone or in person.

Where to Eat and Drink 

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KOCHI / CREDIT @ASTEVENPANTRY ON INSTAGRAM

While Times Square has plenty of chain restaurants serving up a comforting slice of Americana, why not venture beyond the neon lights for exciting local flavors and authentic international cuisine in neighboring Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown West?

Here are a few recommendations, including a few hidden gems you won’t find in most city guides, organized from the southern end of the neighborhood (West 40th Street) to its northern reaches and into the Lincoln Center area. 

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For a quick bite to eat:

  • Los Tacos No. 1: It’s standing room only at this taqueria, but the fresh flavors will have you going up to the counter to order more of what many regard as New York’s most authentic Tijuana-style tacos. 229 W. 43rd St. btw. Seventh and Eighth Aves.

  • Little Pie Company: Delightful pies and other baked goods favored by celebs and pie connoisseurs all over. Outdoor seating available seasonally. 424 W. 43rd St. btw. Ninth and 10th Aves. 

  • Claudio’s Pizza: If you’re looking for where the neighborhood goes for pizza by the slice, a walk over to 10th avenue is worth your while. Outdoor seating available. 598 10th Ave. btw. W. 43rd and W. 44th Sts.

  • Épicerie Boulud: A casual place to grab a coffee, sandwich, salad, or pastry from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. 1900 Broadway and W. 64th St.

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For a moderately priced meal:

  • West Bank Cafe: The place to be if you really want to be a part of it, this reasonably priced New American restaurant is known to be a theater industry hangout, and even offers cabaret performances in their basement. Outdoor seating available. 407 W. 42nd St. and Ninth Ave.

  • The Marshal: Enjoy delectable 12" pizzas topped with creative farm-fresh ingredients from upstate New York farms, accompanied by a medley of New York's finest wines and craft beverages. Heated outdoor seating available. 628 10th Ave. btw. W. 44th and W. 45th St.

  • 5 Napkin Burger: Get creative with your toppings or just go for a good ol’ burger and fries. One thing is for sure: these burgers are so juicy that you really will need five napkins! Heated outdoor seating available. 630 Ninth Ave. and W. 45th St.

  • Friedmans at the Edison: Enjoy comforting classics like chicken matzo ball soup and buttermilk fried chicken in a historic setting. 228 W. 47th St. btw. Seventh & Eighth Aves.

  • Churrascaria Plataforma Brazilian Steakhouse: An all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ where waiters carve a variety of meats tableside truly makes this a veritable meat lover's paradise. 316 W. 49th St. btw. Eighth and Ninth Aves.

  • Toloache: Exciting contemporary Mexican cuisine from tacos to ceviches and mouth-watering entrees, accompanied by expertly crafted margaritas and mezcalitas. 251 W. 50th St and Eighth Ave.

  • Dolly Varden: Creative New American cuisine and cocktails inspired by Jazz Age-era New York City. Heated outdoor seating is available in a streetside vintage railcar. 302 W. 51st St and Eighth Ave. 

  • The Smith: Indulge in specialty cocktails and New American cuisine. Enclosed outdoor seating available. 1900 Broadway and W. 63rd St.

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THE GRANDE BOUCHERIE / CREDIT @NYCLOVESNYC ON INSTAGRAM

For a special occasion:

  • Kochi: A Michelin-starred modern Korean prix fixe menu helmed by an alum of The London Hotel and Per Se. Enclosed outdoor seating available. 652 10th Ave. and W. 46th St.

  • La Grande Boucherie: Mouthwatering French specialties in an ornate space that will make you feel like you are in Belle Époque Paris. A heated covered outdoor terrace allows for al fresco dining in any weather. 145 W. 53rd St. btw. Sixth and Seventh Aves.

  • Marea: Critically acclaimed pasta and seafood dishes from Eleven Madison Park alum Lauren Desteno. Outdoor seating available. 240 Central Park Sth.

  • Tavern on the Green: One of New York City's most scenic dining rooms and terraces, located inside Central Park. Outdoor seating available seasonally.  W. 67th St. and Central Park West.

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For a drink:

  • Aldo Sohm Wine Bar: Expertly chosen wines, charcuterie and cheeses from the Le Bernardin head sommelier without the three Michelin star price tag. Outdoor seating available. 151 W. 51st St. btw. Sixth and Seventh Aves.

  • Russian Vodka Room: Come here for the restaurants’ own infusions of vodka, and stay to snack on Eastern European specialties like pelmeni (Russian dumplings) and smoked herring. “Na zdorovye!” 265 W. 52nd St. btw. Broadway and Eighth Ave.

  • Barcelona Bar: Looks are deceiving at this tiny bar with divey vibes. Order a Broadway-themed shot and get ready to put on a performance, complete with costumes, music and props. Don't throw away your shot and try the "Hamilton" or let the "Harry Potter" cast a spell on you. 923 Eighth Ave. and W. 55th St.

Things To Do

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Seeing a Broadway show may be the main event of the day, but the area around the Theater District is always abuzz with activity. Here are a few ideas for things to do before or after you hit the theater:

  • Immerse yourself in theater fandom at The Museum of Broadway: One of New York City's newest museums is dedicated to all things Broadway, with plenty of interactive displays and selfie opportunities! 145 W. 45th St. btw. Sixth and Seventh Aves.

  • View life-sized replicas of American Icons at Madame Tussauds: Visit the world’s greatest wax museum in the heart of Times Square.

  • Take a Circle Line tour: See NYC’s skyline from the water on a relaxing cruise. Enjoy unparalleled views from the outdoor deck or a temperature-controlled indoor cabin. Pier 83, 42nd St. and 12th Ave.

  • Relax in Bryant Park: Enjoy a leafy refuge in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. Play a game of ping pong, take a ride on the carousel, and from late October, take a spin on the ice rink or get a head start on holiday shopping at the annual Winter Village at Bryant Park. Fifth Ave. and E. 42nd St.

  • New York Public Library: Located at the edge of Bryant Park, the New York Public Library’s flagship location is an Instagrammable book lover’s paradise. To get the most out of the experience, sign up for a free tour (available Monday-Saturday) and don’t miss the stunning Rose Main Reading Room. Fifth Ave. and E. 42nd St.

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  • See the world’s best art at MoMA: One of the most important collections of modern art, the MoMA is a feast for your eyes. Don’t miss the original of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” 11 W. 53rd St. btw. Fifth and Sixth Aves.

  • Play spy games at the Spyscape Museum: Unleash your inner 007 at this interactive museum dedicated to the art, science and history of espionage. 928 Eighth Ave and W. 55th St.

  • Take a walk in Central Park: The park is splendid in all seasons. Autumn’s red, orange and yellow hues are not to be missed! 59th-110th St.

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