When you think of a great dining establishment for pre-theater the most obvious restaurant comes to mind immediately: Joe Allen’s. It’s basically synonymous with “Best Broadway Eats.” Everyone knows about Joe Allen’s- celebs, locals, out of towners, etc. There are framed old play books, paintings and signs covering the brick walls. The dining room is long and separated from the bar from a brick wall. It’s packed around 6:30 p.m. each night and the waiters love working their and know the menu backwards and forwards. The menu is all over the place, old school and consists of classics such as New York Strip Steak, Meatloaf, Pasta, etc. and dishes that an older crowd flock to like Calf’s Liver. By the way don’t get the liver. Start off with a few apps like the Guacamole or Jalapeño Poppers. Don’t miss the Escargot. It’s truly tasty and if you like butter, trust me and go for it. It’s a good little nibble. The Turkey Chili is satisfying but nothing award-winning. The Chicken is great and the mashed potatoes are so creamy and flavorful that you can’t help but wonder how many sticks of butter just consumed. The side of Eggplant Caponata is served warm and has a lot of textures and tastes. I loved this for a veggie break, and it’s a good dish to add to the palate.
The dessert menu is ridiculous and a desire to taste of everything enters your mind. The Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is a heaping plate covered in fudge and ice cream, overflowing and monstrous you wont really know where to begin. It’s a keeper and the presentation is fantastic. I surprisingly couldn’t finish it. The Apple Crump Pie has a delicious and memorable crunchy top. Joe Allen’s will always be a New York institution and feel-good spot for New Yorkers and locals alike who need a solid pump up experience before a Broadway show and magical entertainment of this wonderful city. Take your parents here…I mean have your parents take you here.
