Dinner before concert @ Irving Plaza?

[jmo9]

We have a 9pm show at Irving Plaza and need some reccos for a yummy dinner beforehand. Not looking to spend like at Gramercy Tavern, but not on the cheap either. Very open to different types of food. One of us is pregnant, so alcohol is not necessary.

[BW212]

On a very casual and probably cheaper level than you are talking about, I love going to The Cottage before concerts at Irving Plaza. It's just down the block (so sometimes you see the bands eating there) and as far as neighborhood Chinese places go, it's my favorite. (Everything is a bit more flavorful than you expect it to be).

[Lucia]

Casa Mono, Tavern Room at Gramercy Tavern, Giorgio's of Gramercy, Via Emilia

[winepunkguy]

Galaxy Global Eatery, right next door. Very unique. Not to be confused with Galaxy Diner, Relatively inexpensive and unique.

[RGR]

I like the Tavern Room and Via Emilia. However, neither takes reservations, so I'm not sure they would be the best options for someone who has tickets to a show unless, of course, they leave plenty of time by eating very early.

[Jel212]

I'm trying Nirvana tonight - menu looks very interesting!

[Jel212]

Well, prices were higher than they were online, whch isn't uncommon, but considering what the place was, they were a bit too high. The hostess, also our waitress, was a bit curt with us. The food was just decent - I had the special, which was one choice of one appetizer and one choice of one entree (the lentil cakes - ok but SUPER hard, and the chopped up rice noodle dish, which was ok, but nothing special)

[fein]

is there a specific cuisine you are looking for? there so many good spots in the neighborhood, also how far you willing to travel? haven't been but i hear casa mono is great.

[ESNY]

Casa mono is great and is a block or two away.
Nirvana is a relatively new Sri Lankan place on 3rd ave and 18th (or 19th) street. Just went the other day and really enjoyed it. First experience with Sri lankan food but I enjoyed it and the waitress was very nice and helpful. The string hoppers and hoppers were great. Recently written up in the Village Voice.
As someone else wrote, Irving Mill is right there on 16th street. Haven't been yet but have friends who have enjoyed it.

[fedthefish]

i'd suggest irving mill

[cmarie]

I haven't been there but Mario Batali's spanish place Casa Mono is over there I think. It's on my list of places to eat.