54 Below prices

[TamzBway]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 12:45pm

Hi everyone,

I am in love with every concert playing at 54 Below and I'm dying to go - but does anyone feel the prices are just too expensive? On top of the prices, there's a $25 food/beverage minimum. Has anyone gone who can tell me if they really enforce that minimum because if so, tickets become over $50 for most shows and that's just a little much!

Thanks!

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 12:51pm

They do. As with most cabaret spaces, the majority of the cover charge goes to the artist, so the food and beverage minimum is really how the venue makes its money.

It is also easy to reach the minimum, because the food is pricey (but delicious).

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 12:54pm

I want to clarify, if you are with someone else or a group, as long as the bill comes to an average of at least $50 per person, they are happy. For example, if two people's bill is over $50, they will not complain because you only ordered $15 worth of food and your friend ordered $35.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 1:12pm

It is expensive, but it is worth it. Great venue.

Sometimes you can find discounts to some shows on goldstar.com. Not everything will be there, obviously, but some do show up. It won't help with the food minimum, but will with the admission.

[AirJewels]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 1:30pm

There is a discount code on Playbill.com that works for most shows. Also if you are on Facebook you can "like" 54 Below and they occasionally release discount codes for some shows. I can't go as much as I'd like to because of the cost but it's a great venue and well worth it for an occasional treat!

[wonkit]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 1:55pm

I've been to Cafe Carlyle - now THAT is expensive. I satisfied the minimum last time around with a fabulous shrimp appetizer, coffee and a mixed drink. Suited me perfectly.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 3:40pm

It is expensive, but it is worth it. Great venue.

Agreed.

And, yes, if you like on Facebook or join their mailing list, you get frequent coupons codes for $5 off the cover charge.

I also urge you to reserve bar seats, which are less expensive. The views from the bar are excellent.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 3:50pm

Although it may appear like a lot if you add the cover and the food/drink minimum evaluate it against a least expensive Broadway show ticket in the rear mezz. You get no food/drink in the rear mezz and your seat is a considerable distance further. You are actually getting more value for your money at 54 Below...if you look at it this way.

[NYC4Life]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 8:51pm

I think it is actually a pretty great deal. I normally have dinner and drinks after the Theatre anyway so it just doesn't seem like that much.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 8:55pm

Its well priced if you have ever been to Carlyle or Feinsteins. Plus, the venue is divine. If you wanted to see some of these artists in a theatre, youd be paying $100+ for a VIP seat that close. Food and drinks are top notch and its not as stuffy as the other two venues.

[wonkit]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 10:20pm

I was totally intimidated at the Carlyle, to the point that I felt like I was trespassing on the 1%. Especially when I killed some time in Bemelman's, or whatever the bar is called, and one martini set me back $22.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 10/7/13 at 11:30pm

If there's a performer you really want to see, it is totally worth it. The food is delicious and to be honest with you if you order food and a cocktail you'll pretty much be set with the $25 minimum. I'm a poor college student so I haven't been to the venue very frequently (I've seen 3 concerts since they opened), but they've all been well worth the expense. The venue is beautiful and, as others have said, far less expensive than somewhere like the Carlyle or Feinstein's.

[xoffender45]

Posted: 10/8/13 at 12:53am

I just went back to 54 Below for the Camp reunion. And I'm pretty sure its the last time I will be returning until I find a sugardaddy or they somehow get rid of the food/drink minimum.

I ordered a (very delicious) steak meal, and a Coke. With the added 20% gratuity, it came out to $39. Plus the $35 cover charge that I paid, it was a very expensive meal. I left shortly after the movie began because I couldn't see anything.

That said, the venue is gorgeous, and if there is someone you really want to see, then it is worth it that one time. Like, I HAD to see Frances Ruffelle, and it was amazing, and worth every penny. So it all depends on how you look at it. Updated On: 10/8/13 at 12:53 AM

[PlayItAgain]

Posted: 10/8/13 at 1:08am

Have seen 3 shows there, Dee Snyders Christmas show, Tim Minchin, and The Lampshades, the foods great but it really does start to add up.

[TamzBway]

Posted: 10/8/13 at 3:54pm

Thanks everyone! Is it weird to go alone if I sit at the bar? It's more affordable, and I don't know anyone else who can afford the prices but really want to see a show or...ten (okay, I can't afford that!)?

[Marianne2]

Posted: 10/8/13 at 4:30pm

I went by myself and had no problems with it. I got seated at one of the long tables and it looked like there were a few others there by themselves. Not awkward at all.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/8/13 at 5:01pm

Go often. Be nice to the front of house and wait staff. Talk to them about the music and the performers. Chat with the people around you at the bar or the long tables. It's a friendly place. I guarantee you'll make friends.

Or post a thread here: "Going to see Joanna Gleason at 54 Below October 9. Anyone want to join me?"