There’s something about the energy of leaving a big, Broadway musical that makes you want to keep the song and dance going. In the city that never sleeps, the night is still young. Here are 10 places to grab late-night food or a cocktail in the Theatre District, just as show stopping as the performance.
So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar & Restaurant
A hidden side door leads you into So & Sos, a cocktail bar with nightly live music. Enjoy the light Sesame Tuna with Szechuan chili crunch, smashed cucumbers, and yuzu ponzu; or the eatery’s famous “K-Pop” Fries, which come loaded with kimchi, sambal chili mayo, shredded cheese, cilantro, scallions, and chopped steak or chicken.
Drinks like a French 75 or Penicillin are worth the price of admission. There’s a $75 food and beverage minimum per person in the stage room after 7 p.m.,Thursday through Saturday, plus an additional $10 entertainment fee per person added during live performance hours. After all, the show must go on! The Lounge is available for walk-ins at all times with no minimum. 302 W. 52nd St., Theatre District, soandsosbar.com
Serendipity3 Times Square
Take the whole family after your Broadway show for the iconic frozen hot chocolate that’s big enough for multiple people to share. There are also sundaes galore, plus traditional diner food like macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, and hot dogs. The ambiance is bright with Andy Warhol-themed wallpaper, vibrant glass mosaics, and bright neon colors.
Photographers come around to take photos of your party for purchase, which is a nice souvenir to remember the night. The restaurant also offers a seasonally-themed Broadway dessert in honor of being in the Theatre District. 157 W. 47th St., Theatre District, serendipity3.com
See No Evil Pizza
Want to grab a quick bite after the show? See No Evil Pizza is a hidden stop before you swipe your subway card at the 50th and 8th Avenue southbound subway station. And while small, there are seats inside the 1980s-punk styled shop.
The Michelin-recommended pizza place serves thin-crust pies like the spicy Hell Pie with hot soppressata, pepperoni, smoked mozzarella, pecorino, and calabrian chili. Pair a pizza with small plates like sardine toast or seasonal beans in walnut sauce. End the meal with the signature vanilla soft serve topped with olive oil and sea salt. 210 W. 50th St. (in the 50th St. subway station, concourse 1), Midtown, seenoevilpizza.com
Pebble Bar
An unmatched location that’s always packed with celebrities and news makers, Pebble Bar is on floors 2, 3, and 4 of a legendary 1830s townhouse at Rockefeller Center. It’s been the hottest Tony Awards after party spot for the past few years.
But while famous people might flock to the bar, here, cocktails are the real stars. For example, The Legends of the Fall comprises cinnamon-infused Rabbit Hole Heigold bourbon, apple brandy, clarified apple, citric acid, and Angostura bitters. There’s also small bites like olives, sliders and yes, Oysters Rockefeller. 67 W. 49th St., Theatre District, pebblebarnyc.com
Madame George
Nightlife in Midtown continues at Madame George, a relatively new speakeasy that’s one of the Theatre District’s worst kept secrets. Cozy up in Irish velour-fabricated seating while perusing the eclectic cocktail menu, which spans several pages. Listen to live music and order some late-night nibbles like the mouth-watering General Tso’s chicken plated in a ceramic takeout container, Bang Bang Shrimp, or housemade tiramisu for dessert. 45 W. 45th St., Midtown, madamegeorgenyc.com
Rosevale Cocktail Room
Keep the Broadway theme going with a reserved seat at the Rosevale Cocktail Room’s private Blue Vault. It’s an exclusive tasting room tucked away on the second floor of the Civilian Hotel that features a collection of rare Remus Bourbon whiskeys. While you sip, check out a curated museum of vintage Broadway artifacts, including costume pieces, mock-up set displays and photographs.
With live jazz every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 12:30 a.m., small bites are served. Colossal shrimp, steak tartare, short rib croquettes or a crispy trio platter of shoestring fries, tots, and sweet potatoes are on the menu if you need to nibble. The cocktail list was inspired by choreography, music, costume, lighting, set design, and the layered history of the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood itself. 305 W. 48th St. 2nd Floor, Theatre District, rosevalenyc.com
Elsie Rooftop
Perched 25 stories above Midtown near Bryant Park is Elsie Rooftop, a glamorous all-seasons oasis. The lounge pays homage to one of society’s most renowned doyennes, the legendary interior decorator, Elsie de Wolfe. The stylish space features plush seating and stunning skyline views. Cocktails like Smokey Heiress made with Gunpowder gin, Lillet Blanc, dragon fruit, agave, lemon, and soda compliment the upscale ambiance. Food options include flatbreads, hamachi, crudo, ahi tuna tacos, sliders, and dessert. 1412 Broadway, 25th floor, Midtown, elsierooftop.com
Bowtie Bar
Brand new to the Broadway scene is Bowtie Bar, another Theatre District destination, complete with spectacular views thanks to its location inside the Renaissance Hotel Times Square. The bar also offers one of the best late-night-bites in the form of a snack tower brimming with chicken tenders, coconut shrimp, fries, and condiments. Add on the mini espresso martini flight and keep the party going. 2 Times Square, Midtown, bowtie-bar.com
Carmines Times Square
If you’re looking for a traditional sit-down meal after the show, Carmines should be on any list. The Italian restaurant, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, is known for huge, sharable portions of chicken parm, shrimp scampi, and other classic red sauce joint delights. The traditional beef and veal meatballs are also meant for second helpings. Right now, it’s offering “The Original Girl Dinner” that includes a Caesar salad, fried zucchini, and an espresso or dirty martini. 200 W. 44th St., Midtown, carminesnyc.com
Bar Centrale
Otherwise known as the famous haunt where Broadway stars congregate post-show, Bar Centrale remains high on the must-visit list. Reservations are strongly encouraged if you head to the hidden oasis, which is located up the brownstone steps above Joe Allen’s and Orso.
Push through the heavy velvet curtains to find a quaint bar and lounge with classic drinks from martinis to Old Fashions and elevated bar bites. On the menu are vietnamese spring rolls, salmon taquitos and housemade taro chips or potato skins, crème frâiche, and scallions. 324 W. 46th St., Theatre District, barcentrale.nyc
