We’ve all faced the dilemma: You have tickets for a show at 8pm, and you rushed so you wouldn't be late—but now you’re 45 minutes early. And you skipped dinner. Not to worry: Many of New York’s best theaters offer pre-show drinks or bites, to provide proper fuel (or buzz) to get your through your evening. Whether you're catching a Broadway show, something Off-Off or are venturing to a theatrical outing in Brooklyn, we've found you someplace to grab a table and unwind before the curtain goes up. Even if these aren't the best restaurants in NYC, they are close, convenient, and often cheap.
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East 10th Street Coffee, an excellent purveyor of first-class beans, keeps the patrons caffeinated for the classics. There aren't a lot of tables in Classic Stage Company's somewhat cramped lobby, so you may have to enjoy your cup of joe standing. Watch out for the scrumptious rich brownies—they're classics of a different sort.
The Lounge at Dixon Place has a funky, scrappy, old-East-Village vibe that is sometimes hard to find in that ultra-gentrified student/hipster zone. As the site says, “you can even take your drinks into the theater, or stay put and catch free readings or live music while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails.” It’s open Monday through Saturday starting at 6pm—and best of all, your booze money for a tasty “Humping Dog” or “Dixon Drop” goes to support the artists and the space.
When it opened in 2013, Theatre for a New Audience’s shiny new Brooklyn home was a welcome addition to the landscape, joining BAM and making Fort Greene a prime arts destination for tourist-weary Manhattanites. Whatever your borough, fortify yourself before a dose of classical theater with a pressed cheese sandwich or a slice of quiche, washed down with small-brew beer or a splash of wine. If you’re in a hurry—or only hungry for dessert—grab a (scrumptious) artisanal chocolate bar, cookie or shot of espresso. The tables in the café (officially named Monica & Ali Wambold Food & Drink) are comfy, the light is good and if the weather is nice, you can lounge outside.
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