Summer's definitely in high gear, and so is the season's annual glut of outdoor music shows. With so many musical options to choose from, one hardly has time to find a place to eat before the concert. To ease your preshow munchies, we've pulled together a few spots to try, from the very cheap to the very expensive, near four of the bigger outdoor venues.
Summerstage: For a cheap bite before a show at Central Park, you can grab a sandwich at the ever-reliable Lenny's or get a cup of soup at Hale & Hearty (if it's not too sweltering). But if you're looking for swank dining, there's always over-the-top French dinner at Daniel. For something in between, stop by Arabelle for its prix fixe.
McCarren Pool: Before or after a concert at this Williamsburg venue, nearby fuel-up options include modern Vietnamese spot Silent H and Mediterranean newcomer Lokal. Or, if you want an experience from another era, dig into hearty Italian fare at 108-year-old staple Bamonte's.
Celebrate Brooklyn!: As the name suggests, when going to an outdoor concert in Prospect Park, one should celebrate the borough they are in. And what better way to do that than with a classic New York slice at Joe's? For a less-traditional slice, there's always Two Boots. If pizza isn't your thing, a good midpriced option is the Peruvian mainstay Coco Roco; service can be leisurely, though, so plan accordingly. Finally, for farm-fresh bites before you tromp through the park, it's hard to go wrong with Rose Water.
River to River: This arts extravaganza encompasses a wide swath of Lower Manhattan that's chock-full of dining options, including the delicious cheese steaks at Carl's Steaks and the stupendous views at Liberty View. For something that's a little more Zen, there are rolls aplenty at Battery Park newcomer Kaijou. Or just blow what's left of your expense account, if you have one, at MarkJoseph Steakhouse.