Joe Allen Question

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/13/19 at 1:07pm

So....I got reservations for Joe Allen's (first time, actually) and because I waited until 1pm, I had to settle on a 6pm reservation.   I'm guessing, like most NY restaraunts, that an hour is plenty of time to dine?  I'm only concerned since we have a 7:30 curtain for Harry Potter.

 

Any thoughts appreciated. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 2/13/19 at 1:10pm

They’ll ask you your curtain time when you sit down, but you should be fine to get to the theatre for 7:30. They might even sit you a few mins early.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/13/19 at 1:14pm

I asked to be bumped into a 530 if there was a cancellation, and we'll likely show up a little early in hopes of just that. 

[Finch]

Posted: 2/13/19 at 1:22pm

They are great--and will get you out on time.  You'll have to walk down 8th Ave, about 5 blocks, to get to the theatre.

If you need to, ask to sit at the bar for diner.  Same food and same atmosphere.

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 2/13/19 at 8:50pm

We go to Joe Allen a lot! They are so good at getting you out on time.  It’s kind of their thing.  Of course, if you don’t want to feel rushed, I’d try to get in earlier. The bar might be a good option for you. You may be able to grab a spot at the bar earlier.  We usually sit at the bar when we go.  Everyone loves theatre and they’re all friendly. I’ve always had good experiences there. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 2/13/19 at 9:40pm

dramamama611 said: "So....I got reservations for Joe Allen's (first time, actually) and because I waited until 1pm, I had to settle on a 6pm reservation. I'm guessing, like most NY restaraunts, that an hour is plenty of time to dine? I'm only concerned since we have a 7:30 curtain for Harry Potter.



Any thoughts appreciated."

 

Look over the menu prior and arrive early around 5:45 and order right away when you sit down. Just don't order the steak as that takes time...They're quick and let them know your seeing a show and need to leave by 7:00. Have FUN!

https://joeallenrestaurant.com/

 

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 2:13am

...and just DON'T do what I did last time (and I really should've known better).
DO NOT take your first bite of their very juicy burgers without being over your plate. I spent the night wearing a shirt full of burger juice.
They are very good. (But I miss the Lobster Rolls)

[Keiichi2]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 2:22am

My friend and I ate at Joe Allen in between the two parts of Harry Potter back in December.  The service was wonderful, and they did a great job to make sure you had time.  I had ordered the chicken, which they said might take a while to make, but it came out really quick, I think in about 20 minutes or so after I ordered it.  We did not feel rushed.  Yes, if you get there early enough, I'm sure they'll look for a way to seat you.

Enjoy!  The food there is great.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 6:00am

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 6:33am

This makes me want to eat there. It’s been on my radar for awhile. I don’t have dinner plans tonight before Kiss Me, Kate. Perhaps I’ll try this (sir at the the bar) if I don’t try that Italian place around the corner from Studio 54.

[suzycat]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 8:59am

Get the mashed potatoes! Best I’ve ever had.

[ddenoff2]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 9:30am

The best burger in town (and it comes out fast).  Simple squishy sesame bun which, as Joe himself mandates, almost melts away by the final bite.  And also the best hot fudge in the city! 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 2:27pm

Miles2Go2 said: "This makes me want to eat there. It’s been on my radar for awhile. I don’t have dinner plans tonight before Kiss Me, Kate. Perhaps I’ll try this (sir at the the bar) if I don’t try that Italian place around the corner from Studio 54."

 

Sitting at the bar is great and go for the burger ~ YUMMY! NJOY Kate!

[Tom5]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 6:09pm

Just for the record the coolest and most exclusive restaurants are the ones never never never listed here or anywhere. That's why they're exclusive.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 6:28pm

Tom5 said: "Just for the record the coolest and most exclusive restaurants are the ones never never never listed here or anywhere. That's why they're exclusive."

I know a broadway actor who once gave one of those restaurant recommendations you see in the back of playbill. He said he didn't pick the restaurant and they basically paid for a nice dinner for two there and asked his opinion on things like "I liked the salmon!"

[Footlight Parade]

Posted: 2/14/19 at 6:29pm

The good thing about Joe Allen's is you never know who you might see there....after a show.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 9/19/19 at 9:14pm

I didn’t make it to Joe Allen’s earlier this year for my inaugural experience. But I’m planning to eat there on October 2nd between my Betrayal matinee and Oklahoma that night. Betrayal should let out about 3:35 p.m. and showtime for Oklahoma is 7:00. Apple Maps shows that it’s a 10 minute walk to Circle in the Square from Joe Allen.

So I’m planning to make a reservation (gotta earn those OpenTable points) for 5:00 p.m. and request to sit at the bar. I’d rather have too much time rather than less. I don’t like feeling rushed through a meal. Plus I’d like to take in the decor.

Looking at the current menu (see link) and reading the above posts, it seems like both the hamburger and the lobster roll are the most popular items that are currently on the menu. I will also likely get an appetizer. I live in Oklahoma where I don’t often order seafood as we’re landlocked so I’m thinking of the crab meat ceviche for my appetizer and lobster roll for entree. I know I’ll get some chili at Oklahoma, but my understanding is it’s not a substantial portion. If I’m wrong, please let me know and I’ll possibly scale down my order at Joe Allen.

Mainly, just wanting to know everyone’s favorite appetizers, entrees and (why not, I’m on vacation) desserts at Joe Allen.

Thanks in advance!

https://joeallenrestaurant.com/menus

Updated On: 9/19/19 at 09:14 PM

[keen on kean]

Posted: 9/19/19 at 9:29pm

Are they back up to the full menu? After the gas leak closure, they had a very limited selection.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 9/19/19 at 9:32pm

keen on kean said: "Are they back up to the full menu? After the gas leak closure, they had a very limited selection."

if you look at the link I provided, the menu does look pretty limited  I’m okay with that.  

 

[Pose2]

Posted: 9/19/19 at 9:35pm

Small menu, very average food but worth it for the Broadway actors. In the past month, I had the pleasure of seeing Norm Lewis and John Benjamin Hickey there. They also always ask if you are seeing a show, so they understand your time is limited and provide great service. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 9/19/19 at 10:03pm

I kinda doubt I’ll encounter any actors between matinees and the evening shows on a Wednesday at Joe Allen, but weirder things have happened.

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 9/20/19 at 3:51am

Given that Joe opened that restaurant so long ago I was wondering if he was still alive? He was such a fine actor.

[karen24]

Posted: 9/20/19 at 1:47pm

I was there on 9/12 and they were still using the limited menu, but fortunately the roast chicken is still available (my favorite). No vegetables except salads, though. I hope they get back to their full menu soon but they seem to be doing fine. I love that place.

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 9/24/19 at 5:32am

We sat right across from Joe, earlier this year, at the other attached venue.  Very much alive!

[astorian_ofthe_heart]

Posted: 9/24/19 at 12:22pm

The chili from Oklahoma! is a veggie chili, so not super filling, but they do give you a fair amount. I'd say you'll still be good with both an appetizer and entree.

The guacamole is actually good, but not mindblowing. The caesar salad was really good, and I really enjoy the burger and fries. You don't actually know how hard it is to get a good burger and fries at 10pm until you're coming out of a show starving, lol. Never had the lobster roll there, and I'd say if you want a really awesome lobster roll, Joe Allen might not be the place to go. I could be wrong, though! I'll say the crab meat ceviche was awesome, and so was the chipotle hummus. You can't really go wrong, they're a wonderful little place.