The lights of Broadway beckon, you have tickets for an 8:00 p.m. curtain, and you certainly don’t want to sit through a song and dance number, let alone a dramatic monologue, with a growling stomach. So get something to eat before the show. Whether you want a special dining experience or merely fill your belly, there are many possibilities for eating inexpensively in and around Times Square.
Dine well in an attractive, well-reviewed restaurant for under $30, including the tip. Yes, this is possible in New York City due to the many prix fixe (fixed price) offerings—particularly as pre-theater meals. Head over to restaurant row on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, and take a look at the signboards out front advertising the specials. Make sure you go early enough to snag a table, and keep in mind that these prices usually do not include wine with the meal.
Look to local ethnic spots for a good meal under $20. These cafes and restaurants give diners the opportunity to try something a little different at affordable prices. Thai, Indian, Mexican and many other choices abound. For example, if you would like to try Thai, Wondee Slam at 792 9th Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets boast a great green curry.
Take advantage of the many diners for a meal under $15. A Reuben sandwich, roast beef plate or gyro dinner are just some of the options at diners such as the Galaxy Diner at 665 9th Avenue between 46th and 47th or the Red Flame at 67 West 44th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Take-out becomes an attractive option when you find that you can fill up on a variety of incredible offerings for under $10. Midtown Manhattan boasts a number of these emporiums where you simply grab a container and walk along a hot table filled with such items as fried chicken, spaghetti, rice pilaf, meat loaf, sausage and peppers, a variety of soups and fresh fruit, as well as a variety of salads and desserts. You can eat this delicious take-out on a bench, sitting on the low stone walls that surround many midtown buildings, at a table in Bryant Park at 6th Avenue and 42nd Street, or consider eating your meal in your hotel room.
Buy street food for a true New York experience and a bargain price to boot. Less than $5 will buy you a couple of hot dogs and a soda. But for the same price you can also get amazing meals from a vendor’s cart: try filled pita pockets or falafel nuggets served with rice.
