Metropolitan Opera-Budget Dining Ideas?

[kernel]

Have already spent too much on opera tickets-can anyone recommend budget offerings anywhere between 57th and 72nd streets?

[Sean Dell]

You can do that at Bin 71, and their beers (which are excellent) and wines by the glass, won't break your bank. They have several small plates that will squeek in under $15 (including those mentioned above).

It's also an elegant little place, perfectly in keeping with a night at the opera.

- Sean

[kernel]

Ideal budget would be $15 or less per entree-is that realistic?

[Desidero]

Here are a few suggestions:

Bouchon Bakery cafe in the Time Warner Center.

Bin 71 on Columbus between 71st & 70th for panini and meatballs.

Le Pain Quotidien on 65th St. between Broadway & CPW.

[Ora]

What's the budget amount$$? So far, you've received two very good, but very different ends of the spectrum for suggestions.

[RGR]

Compass, on 70th St., b/t Amsterdam & West End Avs., serves excellent food in a very attractive space. (Ask to be seated in one of their really comfy booths.) In addition to the more expensive a la carte dinner menu, they offer a 3-course prix-fixe for $35.

http://www.compassrestaurant.com

Enjoy the opera and Bon Appetit!

[hellgate]

Papaya King, corner of 72nd Street and Broadway (or is it Amsterdam at that point). 2 Franks and a Papaya drink - it's better than filet minion.

[selizara]

It's Gray's Papaya on 72nd Street, not Papaya King. And it's way better than Papaya King, too! ($2.75 for the recession special, though they have a big sign in the store saying that prices are going up soon. Bummer, indeed!)

[hellgate]

That's right - Gray's Papaya. Thanks for correcting.

You have to stand, though - but you'll be sitting for hours at the opera.