Joe Allen

Great for pre- or post-theater — a no-frills New York theater hotspot. You'll probably rub elbows with a Broadway darling.

You walk in and you can “feel” the showbiz history. It’s also a great place to bump into showbiz friends you may not have seen in awhile. I often will grab a seat at the bar, catch up with the bartenders, and enjoy the best burger in town (the Joe Allen Burger, and make sure to get your fries extra crispy!)

I was taken there on my first visit to NYC in 1968. I still stop in once in a while. All the posters on the walls featuring mega-theatre and film stars are posters from huge flops they were in, proving it’s never too big to fail. A Manhattan from the bar and some black bean soup get me started. I enjoyed seeing the scenes in the Broadway Musical Applause, allegedly staged amid the brick arches at Joe Allen. At one time there was a Joe Allen in Los Angeles and in London, both of which I visited — and both had the iconic brick arches.

This great theater meeting place and restaurant — where the quality of the food is taken seriously, not just thrown together, has been at the top of my list for over 50 years. Joe is gone, but the great food, service and ambience are as good as ever. I can’t wait to go there. Tonight!

I like Joe Allen because it’s survived the death of its owner and still has the same vibe and feeling. I like the simplicity of the menu and the food because it’s not trying too hard.

It’s one of those places when I moved here I was like, “I couldn’t possibly go in that place.” And when you finally go in it feels so special. You have that feeling in New York where you’re like, “So much is happening in New York. I must be missing out on something.” I don’t feel that at Joe Allen — I always feel like I’m right where I need to be. They make you feel like “this is the spot.”

Does it get any better than a post-theater trip to this classic spot? Great for those nights when you want to pretend you’re a character out of All About Eve!

Unfortunately, Joe tragically passed away earlier this year, but for showfolks like me this is a pilgrimage site. I love perusing the posters on the wall from various shows, whilst being steeped in so much Broadway history. I usually see a familiar face or two, and the menu never disappoints. Joe, however, will always be missed.

The wings, the steak, the banana cream pie! Also you always bump into someone you know.