‹ Before the curtain › Broadway
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre · 261 W 47th St
Dinner before School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play
The closest places to the Samuel J. Friedman that get you fed and out in about an hour, what to order so the kitchen is fast, and a Book button for the right night. Sit down 90 minutes before curtain.
Sit down at 5:30pm, pay by 6:35pm, in your seat for the 7pm curtain.
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All'Antico Vinaio
Order fast: A schiacciata with mortadella and pistachio cream
Huge sandwiches on Tuscan bread, made in minutes. A few stools, so plan on the sidewalk.
From The Infatuation's theater-district guide, Aug 2026. Photo like it: Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Bar Centrale
Order fast: Deviled eggs, a reuben and a classic cocktail
Upstairs from Joe Allen, behind an unmarked brownstone door. Reservations by phone only, and they ask about your show so they can get you out on time.
From The Infatuation's theater-district guide, Aug 2026. Photo like it: 19Tarrestnom65, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Joe Allen
Order fast: The burger with fries and a dirty martini; banana cream pie if there's time
Theater people's canteen since 1965, with posters of Broadway flops on the walls. Walk in 90 minutes before curtain, sit at the bar and you're out with half an hour to spare.
From The Infatuation's theater-district guide, Aug 2026. Photo like it: Jon Mountjoy, CC BY 2.0.
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Orso
Order fast: The pizza bread, the fegato and the bolognese
The theater crowd's Italian on Restaurant Row since 1983. The staff pace your dinner to the show. Tuesday to Saturday.
Photo like it: Vegan Feast Catering, CC BY 2.0.
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Bar Lola
Order fast: The three-cheese mac and cheese and the Thai fried chicken bites
The no-reservation save on Restaurant Row: you can almost always walk in, and the waiters know your curtain. Stick to the starters.
From The Infatuation's theater-district guide, Aug 2026. Photo like it: Mack Male from Edmonton, AB, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0.
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Walk times are from the theater's door at an easy pace. Places picked from The Infatuation's theater-district guide and the restaurants' own pre-theater menus, checked open Oct 29, 2026. Set menus and prices are as the restaurant published them and change; check when you book. Shows from Wikipedia. Something wrong? hello@chefamazing.com. Chef Amazing isn't paid by any restaurant or theater here.
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