Pre and Post theater dining at B'way & 45th

[Cheflambo]

Got tix for "9 to 5" matinee this Saturday and am meeting a friend coming in from the 'burbs. Can you suggest a good place for lunch before or drinks/dinner after the show? I'm an expat now living in Houston, so I don't know this area like I used to. My friend and I are meeting up for the first time since high school (way back in the last century) so some place we can sit and have a nice conversation (read: not too noisy) would be great.

[kathryn]

For after the show, I'd encourage you to get out of the theatre district, since most of them will start to get slammed around 6, 6:30pm for everybody dining pre-show. But 5ish will still be early for plenty of other plates.

Pre-matinee choices:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/642517
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/628687
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/549908

[rrems]

I agree with Kathryn about about getting out of the theater district after the show. For a nice, comfortable place with well-spaced tables, big comfortable chairs, low noise level, and fabulous food at moderate prices, I recommend Olana. It is not terribly far from the theater district by cab or a brisk (or leisurely) walk.

[stephaniec25]

Nizza (Italian, pizza/pasta), Five Napkin Burger (gourmet burgers/wings in upscale-ish atmosphere), or El Centro (inexpensive Mexican in fun, festive atmosphere) for lunch before the show, depending on your mood

Definitely try Xia Xia after the show for drinks and appetizers. It's a great South African wine bar with a very nice atmosphere for catching up. If not Xia Xia, try Caselulla which is another wine bar but this one focuses on wine and cheese with fantastic snacks and cheese plates. Worst case (i.e. if both are too full which happens on occassion) you can grab some wine at Bocca di Bacco, an Italian wine bar and restaurant. All 3 of these post-theaters spots are within a few blocks of each on 9th ave.

If you are more of a beer-lover, walk another ave to Pony Bar on 10th Ave, a new craft brewery bar with a constantly changing menu of local and other craft beers. It doesn't get very crowded.

For post-show dinner and drinks, check out Hell's Kitchen, an upscale Mexican spot with wonderful food (not just tacos and burritos) and great margaritas and cocktails.

I agree with the above to leave the immediate theater district vicinity, but Hell's Kitchen has some really great spots.

[Striver]

I like Nizza, and 5 Napkin is very popular - but both are very bustling, noisy places, which doesn't seem to be what the OP is looking for.

I'd go to West Bank Cafe (42nd and 9th). Solid contemporary American cuisine, good wine choices, and relatively quiet (even when busy).

[itryalot]

We are hoping to try Kellari Taverna so we don't have to sit for hours with a heavy stomach. Greek place, been yetting decent review from Zagat members and is part of RW (although their pre and post theatre menus are better than the RW menus). Greek/mediterranean style, looks lice nice atmosphere and a 15 min walk to the theatre.

[Cheflambo]

Great suggestions -- thanks! I'm bumping this up to the top again, so more can see it. Keep them coming!