By Troy Segal, ZAGAT.com staff editor; From Best of the Buzz

Dinner and a show: it's a classic way to spend an evening in New York, for natives and visitors alike. In fact, 90% of theatergoers usually eat out before or after a show, according to one of our surveys. Small wonder that restaurants have been around the Theater District as long as the theaters themselves: Barbetta, perhaps the oldest in continuous operation, debuted in 1906 – two years after Times Square itself – and the legendary Sardi's dates from 1921.

While there's never been a dearth of dining options in the Theater District – which runs roughly from West 42nd Street to West 55th Street, between 6th and 9th avenues – currently the area is seeing a spring awakening (to borrow the name of the hit musical) of new places. Some are a bit off the beaten Broadway path, but they're still well within walking distance and geared to get you to the show on time.

The theatergoer's guide below offers a look at the area's latest dining options, plus a selection of bars and lounges for nightcaps and nibbles. We've also listed several conveniently located hotels for those spending the night. Now, all you need is theater tickets for a quintessential NYC-style night on the town.

Restaurants

A

Amalia

204 W. 55th St.(bet. B'way & 7th Ave.), 212-245-1234
www.amalia-nyc.com

Named after Sigmund Freud's mother (her portrait adorns one of the rooms), this bi-level newcomer blends baroque and modernistic design touches in a dreamlike fashion; culinary analysts may well intuit some Mediterranean influences in the New American menu.

B

Anthos

36 W. 52nd St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-582-6900

Meaning "new beginning," this recently opened eatery features an haute Greek menu composed by chef Michael Psilakis (also of Kefi); partner Donatella Arpaia (davidburke & donatella) has imbued the grand, glass-enclosed setting with a pink-and-brown-hued, cherry blossom theme.

C

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
Coming Soon

6 Columbus Circle, 308 W. 58th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.), no phone yet (slated to open this summer)

Scheduled for a summer opening, this Midtown outpost of the beloved Blue Ribbon and Blue Ribbon Sushi establishments will combine the best elements of both.

D

Brasserie 52

772 Ninth Ave. (bet. 51st & 52nd Sts.), 212-586-5006
www.brasserie52.com

Hell's Kitchen meets Montparnasse at this casual debutante on Ninth Avenue, which can be less crowded (and cheaper) than some establishments right off Broadway; expect modestly priced French bistro fare in a Euro-modern setting.

E

Brooklyn Diner USA

155 W. 43rd St. (bet. B'way & 6th Ave.), 212-265-5400
www.brooklyndiner.com

This Times Square offshoot – the original's near Carnegie Hall – pays Formica-tinged homage to the diners of yesteryear, with a variety of American ethnic eats that range from a 15-bite hot dog to meatloaf to Chinese chicken salad; wash 'em down with a real egg cream (plain or spiked).

F

Gordon Ramsay

151 W. 54th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-468-8888
www.thelondonnyc.com

British bad boy chef Gordon Ramsay, whose eponymous eatery is No. 1 for Food and Service in Zagat's London Restaurants Survey, makes his U.S. debut with this earth-toned, coolly elegant dining room (jackets please, gentlemen); if time is too tight for the seven-course prix fixe before curtain, there's always the à la carte New French menu, and two pre-theater menus in the adjacent London Bar.

G

Hawaiian Tropic Zone

729 Seventh Ave. (49th St.), 212-626-7312
www.hawaiiantropiczone.com

They've spared no expense (reputedly $11 million) at this sprawling new beach party–themed venue, the self-styled "hottest place on earth" (or at least Times Square); plentiful cocktails, video-screen pin-ups, a New American menu by David Burke (davidburke & donatella) and bikini-clad waitresses all suit the suits who congregate here.

H

Insieme

Hotel Michelangelo, 777 Seventh Ave. (bet. 50th & 51st Sts.), 212-582-1310

Marco Canora's elegant new ristorante in the Michelangelo Hotel means "together" in Italian, a nod to its menu presenting old-world dishes and modern interpretations side by side; the muted, contemporary setting reflects its adult aspirations, providing an urbane sanctuary from the gritty Midtown bustle outside.

I

Junior's

1515 Broadway (enter on 45th St., bet. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-302-2000
www.juniorscheesecake.com

This huge Schubert Alley spin-off of the venerable Brooklyn institution serves Jewish deli classics; save room for the umpteen varieties of cheesecake.

J

Metro Marché

625 Eighth Ave. (41st St.), 212-239-1010

The Port Authority Bus Terminal is the unlikely home for this shiny new brasserie; its brightly hued dining room, complete with zinc-topped bar and leather banquettes, makes a fitting backdrop for the classic French fare and raw seafood bar.

K

Natsumi

Amsterdam Court Hotel, 226 W. 50th St. (bet. Broadway & 8th Ave.), 212 258-2988

Adorned with dark and light woods and privacy-inducing booths, this venue just off Broadway offers a variety of sushi and Japanese cooked dishes, some with a light Italian influence (e.g. tartufo with green tea ice cream); don't overlook the amber-hued bar across the hall.

L

Nirvana 54

245 W. 54th St. (bet. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-307-9797
www.nirvanacuisine.net

Though relocated from its longtime Central Park South perch, this Indian has nonetheless retained its colorful style, with silk brocade banquettes and a ceiling draped in exotic cotton prints; they serve until 1 AM – perfect for a post-show subcontinental supper.

M

Sushi of Gari 46

347 W. 46th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-957-0046

Chef Gari Sugio continues to expand his Japanese empire with this entry on Restaurant Row; the lengthy menu of avant-garde offerings includes over 130 varieties of sushi.

N

Ted's Montana Grill

110 W. 51st St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-245-5220

Believers in burgers, both beef and bison, and other all-American vittles should mosey over to this big-city outpost of mogul Ted Turner's home-on-the-range-themed chain, complete with pleased-to-know-you servers in denim jeans.

Bars

A

Algonquin Blue Bar

Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-840-6800
www.algonquinhotel.com

Everyone knows this landmark hotel's lobby lounge, but equally sophisticated (and more intimate) is this woody bar, with its own entrance adjacent to the main one on West 44th Street.

B

Bar Centrale

326 W. 46th St., 2nd fl. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-581-3130

Above veteran saloon Joe Allen (which owns it) is this new lounge, a cozy corner festooned with faux zebra upholstery and family photos; it's quickly gained a rep among theatrical types – the likes of Lauren Bacall and Bill Nighy have been glimpsed there – so post-show rezzies are recommended.

C

Broadway Lounge

Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway, 8th fl. (bet. 45th & 46th Sts.), 212-398-1900

At the northern tip of Times Square, this roomy eighth-floor perch in the Marriott Marquis offers an impressive panorama of the Great White Way from its window seats.

D

Divine Bar

236 W. 54th St. (bet. B'way & 8th Ave.), 212-319-9463

Just down the block from disco-turned-theater Studio 54 (currently home to 110 in the Shade), this lounge is known for its large array of wines by the glass and tasty tapas-style eats.

E

Flûte

205 W. 54th St. (bet. B'way & 7th Ave.), 212-265-5169
www.flutebar.com

As the name implies, champagne and sparkling wine is the specialty of this very dark, very romantic hideaway, with a subterranean setting on West 54th Street.

F

Harmony View

210 W. 50th St. (B'way), 212-957-5100
www.harmonyview.com

For fairly priced drinks, plus pub grub (illuminated by a variety of vintage neon signs), this large Irish taproom gets targeted by theatergoers and a lively after-work crowd.

G

Kemia Bar

630 Ninth Ave. (enter on 44th St.), 212-582-3200
www.kemiabarny.com

A rose petal–strewn staircase leads to this exotic address, semi-hidden underneath Marseille restaurant; it serves bountiful cocktails and light French-Moroccan eats.

H

Kyotofu

705 Ninth Ave. (bet. 48th & 49th Sts.), 212-974-6012
www.kyotofu-nyc.com

If all you need is a nibble and some sake, check out this new intimate Hell's Kitchen Japanese dessert specialist, which offers mostly soy-based sweets as well as a small selection of savory bites and tempting cocktail list.

I

M Bar

12 W. 44th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-277-8888
www.mansfieldhotel.com

Those into old-time swank will find this fancy librarylike bar an m-peccable spot for innovative cocktails and light eats.

J

Night Hotel Bar

132 W. 45th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-835-9600
www.nighthotelny.com

Granted, the paint-it-black decor may not be for everyone, but those who go for Goth declare this hotel bar a best bet around Broadway.

K

Riposo 46

667 Ninth Ave. (bet. 46th & 47th Sts.), 212-247-8018

Quite compact – it only seats 24 – this wine bar specializes in Italian vintages and accompanying nibbles.

L

Spotlight Live

1604 Broadway (bet. 48th & 49th Sts.), 212-246-2693
www.spotlightlive.com

Inspired by that performance of Les Miserables or A Chorus Line you just saw? This glittering newcomer cranks up the karaoke concept by letting patrons sing on stage with live professional back-up, or cut their own CD; in between verses, chow down on American fare by chef Kerry Simon (of Las Vegas' Simon Kitchen & Bar).

M

Time Out New York Lounge

Worldwide Plaza, 340 W. 50th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.), 646-871-1730

What could be more convenient for pre- or post-showtime sipping than a venue that's actually in a theater? That's the case with this new industrial-chic lounge, nestled in the New World Stages underground complex (currently home to the long-running Altar Boyz and four other shows).

Hotels

A

The Blakely

136 W. 55th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-245-1800, Toll Free: 800-735-0710
www.blakelynewyork.com

Bucking the boutique hotel minimalist Zen trend, this small place provides a classic Continental-style base that's equally good for show-going or Fifth Avenue shopping.

B

The Bryant Park Hotel

40 W. 40th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-869-0100, Toll Free: 877-640-9300
www.bryantparkhotel.com

Beautiful views of its namesake park belie this boutique's proximity to Times Square; its understated, contemporary rooms appeal to a cool clientele.

C

Iroquois

49 W. 44th St., (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-840-3080, Toll Free: 800-332-7220
www.iroquoisny.com

On a street that's chock-a-block with hotels, this old-timer gets high ratings, especially for its cordial, conscientious staff.

D

London NYC

151 W. 54th St., Manhattan; 212-307-5000, Toll Free: 800-937-5454
www.thelondonnyc.com

Formerly the Rihga Royal, this bit of Cool Britannia features modern rooms kitted out by David Collins (with loos by Waterworks), deluxe concierge service and super-chef Gordon Ramsay's first NYC restaurant (see above).

E

The Michelangelo

152 W. 51st St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-765-1900, Toll Free: 800-237-0990
www.michelangelohotel.com

Go for baroque, Italian-style, at this hotel whose opulent, larger-than-expected accommodations include marble bathrooms.

F

The Muse

130 W. 46th St., (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-485-2400
www.themusehotel.com

Part of the Kimpton Group, this small hotel offers an oasis of luxury (complete with in-room spa treatments) smack in the middle of the Theater District.

8

The Pod

230 E. 51 St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-355-0300, Toll Free: 800-742-5945;
www.thepodhotel.com

Ok, it's pretty far east of the Theater District, but budget travelers might find this new hotel worth the walk; modeled on the space-saving decor of ships, the rooms (some with shared baths and bunk beds) feature free WiFi, LCD-screen TVs and – of course – iPod docking stations.

9

The Plaza Hotel
Coming Soon

768 5th Ave. (at 59th St.), TK PHONE, (slated to open this fall)

The legendary grande dame, scaled-down but freshened up, is scheduled to re-open by Oct.1 (its 100th anniversary).

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G

6 Columbus Circle
Coming Soon

6 Columbus Circle, 308 W. 58th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-204-3000 (slated to open this summer)

This '60s mod-inspired boutique hotel facing the Time Warner Center is due to open later this summer.

Theaters

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