Dinner & Drinks: Midtown West
With such a vast theatre scene in New York City, selecting the right show can be challenging. With an even more expansive selection of restaurants, deciding where to eat before the show can be just as difficult. We hope our Dinner & Drinks series will ease your minds (as well as your stomachs) by highlighting some great places for all sorts of pre and post-theatre eats, sweets, and liquid treats.
Highlighted Theatre: Ars Nova and Ensemble Studio Theatre
Surrounding Neighborhood: Midtown West
Believe it or not, New York City’s midtown theatre district does not drop off at 9th Avenue. You may encounter numerous actors shedding their costumes and wig-caps as they head to Hell’s Kitchen for a post-show drink, but if you keep wandering west (and stop before you hit Jersey) you will encounter two of NYC’s most exciting incubators for new plays: Ars Nova and Ensemble Studio Theatre.
On 54th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenue, Ars Nova is “committed to developing and producing theater, comedy and music artists in the early stages of their professional careers” and they have birthed many of the city’s most compelling artists. Their production of the Debate Society’s Jacuzzi was listed among the top 10 productions from 2014 in Time Out New York, and they produced the off-Broadway mega-hit Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.
Just two blocks south, on 52nd Street (also between 10th & 11th Ave.) is Ensemble Studio Theatre, “founded in the belief that extraordinary support yields extraordinary work. [EST is] a dynamic and expanding family of member artists committed to the discovery and nurturing of new voices and the continued support and growth of artists throughout their creative lives.” Here playwrights are given free reign and extraordinary support to realize daring works like, Year of the Rooster, When January Feels Like Summer, and the Broadway Bound sacrilicious dark comedy, Hand to God.
These intrepid companies deliver mouth-watering works of theatre, so it naturally follows that mouth-watering restaurants should surround these institutions. Here are a few suggestions.
TABOON — $$
773 Tenth Avenue (at 52nd Street)
A fun night out. Charming and sprawling atmosphere. Reasonable prices. Delicious menu and great wine list.
“Inspired by the vibrant spices and flavors of the Middleast and the Mediterranean, with fresh handmade food from an ancient oven, bold and articulated flavors… Taboon quickly earned a loyal following and a well-respected place in New York’s culinary landscape.” Right around the corner from these great theatres, Taboon is a perfect place to start your night on the town.
ARDESIA $$ — $$$
510 W. 52nd Street (btw 10th & 11th Ave)
Relax with Friends. Light Eating. Stylish and savory.
“Ardesia is a casual food and wine bar…[with] an ever-expanding wine list…[and a] food menu [that] consists of everything we love to have with wine or beer from classic wine-friendlies such as [the] house-made charcuterie and artisanal cheeses to quirky, inventive snacks like homemade NY style pretzel and duck bahn mi, all are designed to be shared.” Right down the street from Ensemble Studio Theatre, this is the perfect place for that pre/post theatre drink.
RISTORANTE IL MELOGRANO — $$
501 W. 51st Street (on 10th Avenue)
Cozy & Intimate. Authentic Italian. Cute date place. Good Portions & Great Service.
This homey Italian restaurant “specialize[s] in crafting mouth-watering food” and they do not disappoint. This is a great place for an intimate dinner and some great conversation. The restaurant may be tiny, but the flavors are big, and it is a perfect place to have some one-on-one time before or after a show. If they have a risotto special — get it!
CASELLULA CHEESE & WINE CAFE — $$ — $$$
401 W. 52nd Street (on 10th Avenue)
Wine & Cheese…who could ask for anything more?
At Casellula their mission is simple: “to share our passion for cheese with as many people as possible.” They also boast a delicious menu of tapas, and larger plates (did someone say mac & cheese?). This is the perfect place for that post-theatre discussion about the plays you just saw.
INTI RESTAURANT — $ — $$
820 10th Avenue (btw 54th & 55th Street)
Affordable Latin Cuisine. Steps from Ars Nova. Delicious Casual Eats.
This terrific casual dining spot is a great place for a pre-theatre meal if you are in the mood for Latin food. With delectable seafood options, and traditional South American dishes, Inti is the perfect place for a low-key and highly satisfying meal.
To check out the rest of our Dinner & Drinks Series, click here.
