10 Delicious Pre-Theatre Restaurants in NYC’s Theatre District

Pre-theatre dining in NYC's Theatre District near Times Square.

I work in the Theatre District, and I see a lot of Broadway shows (more than 40 this year alone, most via lotteries and rush – more on that here). One question I often hear is where to eat in the Theatre District (i.e., Times Square area) that is delicious and not totally touristy.

The Broadway musical Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge!

Enter, my list of 10 restaurants in the Theatre District that I recommend. I frequent each of these restaurants often and can confirm the food is good and they are not geared exclusively to tourists.

Of course, dinner is only half of it – you still need a ticket. Here is how we saw 31 Broadway shows for about $47 a seat, almost entirely through the digital lotteries and rush. To see which shows you can still get into tonight, check our list of every Broadway show with a lottery or rush right now.

My 10 Pre-Theatre Restaurant Picks in the Theatre District

1. Cuerno, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, upscale, resy required.

Cuerno is an incredibly delicious Mexican steakhouse located on 50th Street between 6th and 7th. I love, love, love this place, and I go here pretty regularly pre-theatre and otherwise. The food and drinks are incredible. Open daily, reservations are usually necessary. Go for an upscale, delicious meal pre-theatre. Cuerno is a bit pricey compared to other options, but it offers a $37 three-course lunch during the week that is a steal.

A coupe of sparkling Mexican rose at Cuerno, a Mexican steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan.

Sparkling Mexican Rose at Cuerno. Who would have thought this is in Midtown Manhattan?

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Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: One of the Best Christmas Bars in NYC!

Ceiling of Lillie's Victorian in Union Square covered in giant ornaments, garlands and Santa figures above the bar

*Updated for 2026*

It’s Christmas in New York City, and time to review another one of my favorite holiday spots in the city: Lillie’s Victorian Establishment! Lillie’s is one of those over-the-top Christmassy bars and restaurants, where everyone wants an Instagram picture. I have been to the Times Square location numerous times at both Christmas and otherwise (it is one block from my office), and I want to the Union Square location last November (2025) to see the Christmas decor first hand.  This post details a visit to Lillie’s Victorian around the holidays and how to get inside, even without a reservation!

Lillie's Victorian Union Square.

Lillie’s Victorian Union Square.

Long dining room at Lillie's Victorian in Union Square, with red napkins on wooden tables under a ceiling packed with Christmas ornaments

Very fun decorations at the Union Square location starting mid-November.

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

With two locations, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is a year-round Victorian-era British Pub in New York City named for late British actress Lillie Langtry. The restaurant’s namesake arrived in New York in 1882. Her American debut was set for New York’s Park Theatre, which burned down on October 30, 1882, the day she was due to open. According to Lillie’s, only a charred sign with her name survived. For your purposes, Lillie’s is most famous for its elaborate Christmas decorations, which go up year in mid-November.

Dan and his wife smiling with holiday drinks at a table inside Lillie's Victorian Establishment, surrounded by Christmas decorations

Dan and I at Lillie’s Victorian  in Union Square in mid-November.

Lit Christmas wreath with a red bow above a red velvet banquette set for tea at Lillie's Victorian in Union Square

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, Union Square in November 2025.

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