Dinner & Drinks: Tribeca
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: Flea Theatre and SoHo Rep (aka Walker Space)
Surrounding Neighborhood: Tribeca
Downtown theatre has earned quite the reputation over the last few decades, and organizations like Soho Rep and The Flea are two groups dedicated to keeping the performing arts alive and interesting below Canal Street. Whether you are watching Soho Rep transform their intimate space for an invigorating and thought provoking evening, or you have come to see the next wave of emerging artists light up the stage at The Flea, both theatres, residing a block apart from each other, are two of the best reasons to find what NY Theatre has to offer outside of midtown.
A 5 minute walk south of the Canal Street subway stop, situated just off the corner of Walker Street and Church Street is Soho Rep., “a leading hub for innovative contemporary theater in New York City. Dedicated to artistic excellence by supporting distinctive, diverse and pioneering theater, [they] empower artists to make their boldest work and invite audiences to share in that intimate and transformative live experience. Soho Rep. creates a dynamic context for both artists and audiences that promotes and sustains conversation in the field and the cultural fabric of the city.” — sohorep.org
If you travel one block further downtown, you will find yourself on White Street right next to The Flea, “founded in 1996 by three of New York’s most acclaimed downtown theater artists — director Jim Simpson, designer Kyle Chepulis and playwright Mac Wellman — the award-winning Flea Theater was originally formed out of the purely artistic impulse to create ‘a joyful hell in a small space’. Brash, energetic and dedicated, [The Flea] quickly became a downtown beacon for creative artists of every discipline, and for audiences seeking bold and inventive work.” — theflea.org
It’s not uncommon to feel a little displaces when one is traveling down to these playhouses, but that does not mean you can’t have a great meal as your curtain raiser (spoiler: neither Soho Rep nor The Flea actually have curtains, sorry).
SOUTHS — $ — $$
273 Church Street, btw White Street & Franklin Street, 10013.
Relax with a beer. Wine with friends. Post-theatre conversations with a cocktail.
Everyone is looking for that perfect place to wind down after a show. Sometimes a thoughtful piece of theatre requires some conversation over drinks following the curtain call, and Souths Bar is the clear choice when visiting Soho Rep of The Flea. “Souths Bar and Restaurant is a friendly TriBeCa local that welcomes all with a casual and relaxed feel. The menu is designed with comfort in mind, while the daily specials and cocktail selections are chosen to reflect the season. Souths has proudly served the neighborhood since July of 2000.”
MACAO TRADING COMPANY — $$ — $$$
311 Church Street, btw Lispenard Street & Walker Street, 10013
Adventurous eating. Exotic ambiance. Memorable meals at the right price.
One of the most beautiful and unique restaurants in the neighborhood. Their fusion menu of Eurasian delights makes for a meal you will not forget. Try something you wouldn’t ordinarily think to order, you will not regret it! “Macao Trading Company takes its inspiration from the brothels and opium dens of old 1930s Macao…an exotic time-out-of-time place…mysterious, adventurous, decadent. Whether an intimate dinner, large party, or late night dining, take advantage of our signature Eurasian cuisine: sumptuous blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences.”
NISH NUSH — $
88 Reade Street, corner of Church Street, 10013.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options. Cheap Eats. Mediterranean Menu.
If you’re needing a vegetarian option, or you’re just interested in eating healthy the Nish Nush is the perfect option. 6 blocks south of The Flea, “Nish Nush (Hebrew for snack) offers the opportunity to custom-blend your hummus with a variety of options. [Their] hummus & falafel are made FRESH daily with the best-quality ingredients. [The] falafel is gluten free and made-to-order for the best flavor and freshness. The chickpeas and tahini [they] use are top of the line and a good source of vegetarian protein and calcium”
AÑEJO — $$
301 Church Street, at Walker Street, 10013
Mexican and Margaritas! Tasty Tapas. Fun night out with friends.
Mexican food is always a popular option amongst friends when deciding where to eat. Any list of potential restaurant options probably includes at least one Mexican place, and Añejo is a no-brainer in this neighborhood. With their fabulous margarita menu, and their choice of tapas or more substantial entrees, Añejo is a great place to have a dinner with friends before you take in a new play. Have something light if you’re planning to go out after the show, or tucker in if you want to have a full meal. This classic Mexican location is a splendid option for pre or post-theatre outings. Who wants to split an order of guacamole?
TRIBECA GRILL — $$$
375 Greenwich Street at the corner of Franklin Street, 10013
Upscale atmosphere and menu. Date Night on the town. Take the folks.
Though it may be a couple blocks away, it’s always nice to walk off a bit of that dinner before you sit down for a 2hr play. Tribeca Grill is part of The Myriad Restaurant Group, created by the renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent. At Tribeca Grill there “is an emphasis on excellent food, superior service, and genuine value.” With decadent entrees like Long Island Duck Breast, Pistachio Crusted Swordfish, and Braised Lamb Shank, Tribecca Grill is the perfect place for an elegant night out if you want to impress someone special.
DaMIKELE — $ — $$
275 Church Street, btw White & Franklin Street, 10013
Classic Italian. Great food and wine. Charming rustic atmosphere. Free pizza during the week!
If it’s Italian food you’re after then look no further down Church Street. Da Mikele’s classic menu has something for everyone, and if you have a drink at the bar on a weekday between 5 & 7pm, then you can enjoy their complimentary pizza or pasta! Free food people! “If you haven’t yet, grab a seat at the Tribeca hotspot, Da Mikele — Signature food by Luzzo’s. Its Neapolitan-inspired menu features our favorite pizza, pasta and other Italian specialties, and the cozy, laid-back and friendly vibe makes it our favorite place for any time of day.”
BILLY’S BAKERY — $
75 Franklin Street, btw Church & Broadway, 10013
One of NYC’s favorite bakeries. Cupcakes, cookies, and cheesecake, oh my! Mmmmm icing.
Sometimes you just need to finish off the evening with something sweet. What better way is there to conclude a night of theatre-going than with a freshly baked cupcake, or a slice of pie? At Billy’s Bakery they “use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in [their] baked goods, including real butter, whole eggs, and fresh fruit and nuts.” Butter people. BUTTER. ‘Nuff said.
To check out the rest of our Dinner & Drinks Series, click here.
