New York Theatre District deli/restaurant shout-outs?

February 15, 2013 5:36 AM

Taking an older relative to see a Broadway matinee this Saturday, on 45th between Broadway & 8th Ave. We'll be hungry for lunch, but the selection of restaurants is overwhelming and I'd love a few suggestions. A good deli is ideal, but mainly looking for a place we can sit without too much waiting, with reasonably pleasant surroundings and good food. Thinking restaurant rather than lunch counter, someplace with table seating. Price is not the most important variable, so this need not be a rock-bottom bargain. As my relative is not able to walk quickly, I'm looking for something within a block or so of the theatre. Thank you!
posted by citygirl to food & drink (12 answers total)

The Cafe Edison; doesn't get any more convenient than that. Have the matzo ball soup!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:46 AM on February 15 [6 favorites]

(I should mention that the main entrance to the cafe is on 47th St, but you can cut through the Hotel Edison to exit at 46th St, and then walk through the Marriot Marquis alley to get to 45th St- this is a great way to avoid crowds).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:48 AM on February 15

If you want to try something "landmarky," Sardi's would be fun. It is a little spendy (about 15-20 bucks for an entree for lunch), and a bit fancier, but it's an institution and it may be fun to see all the different caricatures there (or even just play "hey, I remember seeing this in Seinfeld/Muppets Take Manhattan/etc.").
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:55 AM on February 15 [2 favorites]

I came to say Sardi's too. In itself it's a tourist attraction. We had post-matinee coffee and pastry there, pretty much just to say that we had. It's nice and quiet after a show, and we could enjoy the surroundings.

If you want something slightly exotic, but in a nice environment, we've had dinner at Plataforma, a Brazilian Rodizio place. You know, where they roam around the restaurant with meet on skewers and you stuff your face until you pop? Good for the low carb crowd! Have a caipirinha, a wonderful cocktail made with sugar cane liquor.

Lunch is prix fixe, $39.95, but you won't want dinner!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:14 AM on February 15

There's a Junior's outpost on Broadway between 44th St and 7th Ave. I've had many completely acceptable deli-esque pre-theatre meals there, and it's extremely close. It's not the original, but get some cheesecake!
posted by telegraph at 6:30 AM on February 15

Oooh, if Sardi's is too pricey I second Junior's; it's less fancy, but it's also an Institution (well, the Brooklyn location is, but this would do). It's on the same block as Sardi's, so you can check them both.

And yes, cheesecake. I recommend splitting a single slice. Especially if you get the devil's food cheesecake (which is, basically, a devil's food cake with an entire cheesecake between the two layers of cake).
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:39 AM on February 15

We have eaten twice in the last year at Daniela's Trattoria on 8th between 45th and 46th Streets. It is reasonably priced Italian with quick service and good food. Here are some reviews. A few weeks ago we went to another Italian restaurant on 46th Street a block west of 8th Street so this would be a little bit further, the service was slower and it was more expensive. Next time we will go back to Daniela's.
posted by maxg94 at 6:46 AM on February 15

Nthing Cafe Edison. Sardi's is great, but the food isn't always super. Junior's is okay, too, but more expensive than Sardi's even, for us.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:51 AM on February 15

Cafe Edison is great, and is very New York-y and old timey.
posted by essexjan at 7:12 AM on February 15

Thanks for all the great suggestions! The Cafe Edison looks inviting for this weekend - special thanks for the location tip -, but it's wonderful to have all these options for future theatre trips.
posted by citygirl at 11:31 AM on February 15

Cafe Edison gets another vote. If you've got appetites, Carmine's on 44th is fun, too. The lasagna is roughly the size of your head, though....
posted by umberto at 11:31 AM on February 15

Thirding Junior's. My boyfriend and I went there last year when we were in NYC and we loved it.
posted by SisterHavana at 8:52 PM on February 16