Recommendations for a pre-theater drink/bite in Boston near the Common?

[kathrynl6]

Hello! I would appreciate any recommendations for a suitable cafe/bar where I can bring a small group of graduate students and an author for a conversation and a light meal before going to a play on a Friday evening in the Theater District at the Paramount theater. I would prefer to avoid chain establishments, and would love some place not too expensive (my guests are grad students) but nice. Any thoughts? Thanks so much in advance...

[terrycatch]

Teatro on Tremont

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Teatro
177 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111

Tremont Cafe
418 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

[owades]

In my experience, Teatro is too noisy for conversation. One option I'd suggest would be Tantric India Bistro at 123 Stuart Street.

[Gordough]

How about Stoddard's on Temple Place a 5 min walk from the Paramount?

[barleywino]

if you're willing to limit yourselves to the appetizers, Troquet.