Dinner before - or after? - a show at the Nokia at LA Live

[jaxmom]

I'm taking my husband to a show at the Nokia Theatre LA Live in about a month as a combo birthday/anniversary present. I'm trying to figure out what to do about dinner. The show is on a Friday at 8 pm. Odds are we will not be able to get downtown before 6:30 (and frankly, that's probably optimistic). Initially I was planning on eating before the show, even if it's not a full sit-down dinner, but am also open to the idea of getting a late night bite (or perhaps just dessert and coffee). In a perfect world we would only park once (either at LA Live and walk from there to a restaurant, or vice versa). I'd like to keep the budget reasonable - the show is really the main event of the night, not the meal - and would be happy to keep the cost in the $75-$100 range, all in (we're not big drinkers.) I'm intrigued by Rivera, especially their late night menu, although I have some reservations because my husband is not a big Mexican food fan (but I sense this is not your run-of-the-mill Mexican) and I actually think the show might end on the early side and we'd get there before that menu kicks in. (It's Eddie Izzard's one man show.) Additionally, hubby doesn't eat fish or seafood of any kind, though I do.

I know there are a few options within LA Live but would love any other thoughts. Looking for something festive but not loud or scene-y, that will be a change of pace from the places we usually end up with our 6 year old. Your input on where - and when - we should eat is much appreciated!