Located right in the Theater District, Joe Allen is a must--but get reservations or you won't get a table. Pro tip: go on a night when you're not seeing a show and aim for 7-8pm. It's calm, quiet, and not packed. Around 10pm, this place turns absolutely nuts with post-theater crowds. The restaurant is small, warm, and cozy, with lots of wood accents that give it a classic, old-school vibe. Drinks are solid--I went with a Mexican mule, which hit the spot. For my main, I ordered the beef short rib roast with mashed potatoes. OMG. Incredibly tender and packed with flavor--easily one of the best things I ate in NYC. My buddy ordered the liver. I tried it and thought it was horrible... but he loved it and said it was one of the best he's ever had. To each their own. Our waiter was funny and entertaining, which honestly made the whole experience even better without being over the top. This ended up being one of my favorite meals in New York, and I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in town again. read more

Joe Allen is a well known restaurant, perfect for pre-theatre dinner. It has a fairly large dining room adjacent to a well appointed bar. It has posters of Broadway flops on the walls adding to the theater vibe. Service is quick and professional. Well crafted drinks, well worth it. Food has a traditional slant. Burgers, grilled chicken, Pan-roasted Trout Almondine, a vegetarian entree, Curried Vegetable Stew, and a bit unusual, Sauteed Calves Liver. Good, solid food. Large portions, none of us had an appetizer or dessert. Two criticisms: first, the tables are sort of jammed together, which isn't unusual in Manhattan, but the chairs are somewhat uncomfortable; second, while you can get bread, but you have to ask for it, which at midtown prices, I find a bit cheap. Pricing is typical for the area. The entrees, other than vegetarian, are between $30 to $42, while the appetizers are about a third cheaper. You come here to be near Broadway, have a great drink and enjoy the ambiance, the food is solid but not the attraction. read more

We had dinner reservations for 6 pm and tickets to see a show at 7:30 pm which was located 5-10 min walk away. We started off with mussels as an appetizer which came in a buttery sauce that was delicious to dip bread in. I had the pan roasted trout almonidine as a main dish which was tender/flavorful and came with green beans. For dessert, we tried the key lime pie and hot fudge pudding cake which were both delicious. Our food came out quickly and we did not have an issue with making it to our show (though we did have to prompt our waiter for the check towards the end). Overall, a great experience for a pre-theater meal that will get you there on time! read more

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Joe Allen is my favorite spot in the theatre district! It's perfect for pre- or post-theatre dining: convivial, comfortable, and casual but sophisticated. It's classic NYC! If you want to get a taste of what old-world, civilized, down-to-earth, friendly, entertaining service is like -- with good food and drinks that won't break the bank -- you can't do better! read more

Joe Allen is a New York institution, and it isn't uncommon to see Broadway actors eating here before or after shows. The first time I ate here a famous TV and stage actor walked in! The ambiance is fantastic with a step-down to enter and soft warm lights inside. Actor photos hang on the walls. Service is great and the food is served quickly. And it's delicious! I've had the steak fritas and meatloaf. The steak is excellent. read more

Joe Allen - Meatloaf - American Near Me - New York, New York

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I love this place. I've lived in NYC for 30+ years. It's a hit or miss though, sitting at the bar. Today was a miss. I think my bartender is/was on a double. The guest should not be concerned about that. It's your job. Do it. The lackadaisical kind of attitude, I did not get a thank you, after I paid, actually no hello, when I sat down at the empty bar. What I've learned is, I won't go back, when this woman is working. It's a waste of my money. read more

We had a fabulous meal - each of us had calves liver. My friend had mistakenly left her money purse behind. The next day when we called the restaurant we were told it had been found and was in their safe. What a great staff! She retrieved her purse and was told they wouldn't accept a tip for their honesty and kindness. We love Joe Allen!!! read more

What happened Joe Allen?? Been coming for over two decades, brunch lunch dinner drinks. Always good. But today????? What a miss. Had a reservation (under a friends name), figured I would try something different. Got the cajun chicken salad. Bowl of romaine, no eacarole, two small pieces of cucumber but what should have been the star of the plate was almost inedible. Cold tough tasteless chicken that may have been prepped yesterday and put in the walk-in - thats how chilled it was. Server asked about the meal, i said the chicken was cold and tough, i ate almost nothing. She did ask if I wanted anything else but everyone else was done. Two ordered desserts. Not gonna lie - thought maybe one could have been comped. Everbody else had a great meal as we usually do. But c'mon Joe Allen, every dish should be prepped like you care. read more

Our first time here! I had dinner last night (1/7/26) after seeing a show. We were seated immediately by a very welcoming host or manager, who couldn't have made us feel more at home. Our server, whose name I wish I remembered, a petite blonde woman, was honestly a dream. She was so kind, quick and funny, my husband and I agreed we wish she could have sat down and joined us. Our food barely hit the table before it was gone. I've never had chicken melt in my mouth the way the francese did here. And the banana pie? Holy crap. We will 100% be back to try more of the menu, as ex-restaurant employees, we have not been this impressed by an establishment in a very long time. Thank you so much!!! read more

Joe Allen - Chicken francese - American Near Me - New York, New York

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Joe Allen is one of those New York places that delivers time and time and time again. Great atmosphere. Wonderful service. But most importantly the kitchen and bar just seem to turn out greatness year after year after year. The bar team always knows how to make great cocktails. You want a real martini? Hit the bar at Joe Allen - they got you covered. Wine list is super strong. Beer, too. Most importantly, though, the kitchen... there's nothing on that menu that's not a 5-star dish. I've always been a sucker for the Steak Tartare. I'd argue it's one of the top preparations in New York City. Do yourself a favor and visit Joe Allen. read more

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Somehow I had never heard of this theater-district classic, even though I'm born and raised here. Three of us came for an early dinner after a matinee. I absolutely loved the atmosphere -- so old-school and classy. Everyone was very nice, and the service was attentive without being cloying. I had an interesting bourbon cocktail and the trout almondine. Both were excellent. (I think never time I'll get the liver (yes liver!) dish that one of my companions got -- it was huge and she said it was delicious.) Prices seemed about right for the neighborhood. All in all, it was a lovely dining experience. read more

I love this place! Every time I visit NYC I see a show and have a late dinner at Joe Allen afterwards. And lots of people have the same idea - the place is packed and they are playbills all over. The burger is good but this time we went with the chicken and mashed potatoes. Delicious! They have a house wine available and you can get it in three different sizes which I really like. They make a good martini. Service is good. I wish I lived here and could go more often. ( we have had quite a few sightings of actors too) read more

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Front door reception was wonderful! But next time I'll sit at bar. Waiter plops the water carafe on the table and flips the water glasses over but pouring it was to much ! as was the 2. 1/4 liter of wine Plop the glasses and the liters and walks away. We didn't want the spinach and no other option was available or offered. Liver was awesome meatloaf was un edible I don't dare tell Kelly Ripa! This visit broke my heart. My memories of being part of the theater world feels dead bc Joe Allan doesn't care about service. read more

Great spot to hit up after you see a broadway play! Get a reservation, and try to arrive around 10pm to get a glimpse of the actors and artists that are performing in the area. read more

Joe Allen - Old Fashions - American Near Me - New York, New York

Have lived in the area in for quite a while and came on a recommendation from a friend - and BOY were my expectations exceeded! Great ambiance for restaurant row and convinced Sean, our server, gave us the best service we've had in years of eating in Hell's Kitchen - an area known for being the cornerstone of great hospitality - but despite the spot being busy in its pre-show rush (if you're seeing a show on Broadway, definitely hit Joe Allen) he gave great recommendations on the menu, was knowledgeable about the area as well as Joe Allen itself and had a great understanding of the company culture. We'll be trying out the sister restaurant next door and the bar next per his recommendation. If I were his boss I'd give him a raise! Onto drinks. Great beer selection with some solid, unique but familiar, draft options, and had a really diverse selection of liquor. Grabbed a super dirty martini and was impressed with the chilled sidecar (more places should do it) as well as the balance of the cocktail itself. Super yummy and perfectly made. The guac with taro chips was delicious and the chips were made perfectly, didn't feel greasy or oily and felt healthy + comfort-foody simultaneously, which is hard to do. I had about three different entrees lined up mentally as everything sounded delicious. Menu is a perfect mix of classics with twists and some English-Irish staples to my understanding. My partner went with the Meatloaf & I did the Steak-Frites. If I could give six stars I would. Fries were perfectly crispy, the red wine jus for the Steak was PERFECT, and the strip was cooked to medium rare perfection. The meatloaf was savory and had the perfect consistency and was divine. Will be making this the new go-to spot. Delicious. read more

Joe Allen - Martini with a chilled sidecar - American Near Me - New York, New York

Great spot for a burger and cocktail -- both excellent -- before a show. The service was perfect too! Our waiter, Devon, made us feel like regulars even though this was our first visit. Looking forward to going back and trying something else. read more

I came here for my 30th birthday (the night before technically). We were doing a show so we wanted to do a cute little theater night and came here. It was kind of hard to get a reservation so this was more of a late lunch at 4:30. I ordered the calf's liver which was super yummy. I was disappointed they wouldn't let me sub the spinach for broccoli (they had broccoli as a side option on the menu). My roommate had the steak and said it was excellent. Unfortunately me and my roommate ended up having stomach issues later in the evening. read more

Joe Allen - Sauteéd Calf's Liver - American Near Me - New York, New York

Longing for the day when Jason was at the bar and the tables had white tablecloths. Who changed the meatloaf recipe? They doubled the prices and lost all the charm read more

Joe Allen is the old school pre and post theatre restaurant. Not only does it have a great bar and reasonably priced menu, it has an awesome wait staff. Our food was delicious, well priced, and they accommodated our extra asks with grace and ease. It is that rare place on restaurant row that is not touristy or overpriced. read more

My son wrote the following review after our dinner at Joe Allen. BEST STEAK I EVER HAD no really. A perfect medium rare and perfect service. It has exposed brick walls and candlelight and feels like a bar at an inn. It's a great experience for families. read more

Great spot to grab a burger and martini before a show. Food is solid, not amazing, but one of the better options in the area if you don't have time for a long meal. Shout out to Drew for the great service! read more

I have been coming to Joe Allen for years but alas last night our relationship ended. We arrived at 9:30 and the maître d told us they were fully booked for the night. Understandable for a Friday evening. I asked if we could wait for something to open up and told us to wait under the TV by the bar (which was first come first serve). We saw some people paying their bill and getting up at the bar so I went to look at taking their place but someone had already claimed the spot. A server politely asked us to wait at the end of the bar under the tv which we did. The female bartender came over to our end and said hello and I ordered a Manhattan and a glass of water. The woman yelled at us, "I CANNOT HAVE YOU STANDING AT THE BAR!" I was a bit shocked and told her the maître d told us to wait here. She said, "I'LL HAVE TO CHECK WITH SOMEONE ABOUT THIS!" Off she went, soon the return with my manhattan and the water. I asked for the bill and generously tipped 33% on it because we have worked in the service industry and I won't let someone make me look bad. Even the others sitting at the bar were shocked and commented to us and we told them we would not hover. We were quite aware we weren't at the Irish pub down the street. We finished our drinks and I checked in with the maître d one last time but nothing had opened up. I told him about the interaction with the bartender and he said, "Well she was just doing her job". To which I replied, "Her job is to be rude to your customers?" Here's the deal. You aren't Jean Georges, not even close, you're a theater has been that fills up on a Friday night with people willing to eat mostly average food. You now have proven to be rude to your customers and not welcoming at all. If you don't have room to seat someone that can be understood, but you invite them to come another night and don't ask them to wait while your employee yells at us for waiting where you told us to go. We left and went two doors down to Le Rivage where we were welcomed, the atmosphere was lovely, the art beautiful, the food delicious and the service impeccable. We will never be back to a highly disappointing experience at Joe Allen. read more

Joe's is the best place for a bite before or after a broadway show. The underground vibe is totally New York and perfect. Whatever you do, order the burger and the banana cream pie for dessert! read more

Joe Allen - American Near Me - New York, New York

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A pre-Broadway show institution, I made my requisite reservation seven days in advance. That morning, multiple availabilities opened, which has me wondering if they take reservations on a few tables on Open Table for visitors, as the place was packed when we arrived. We were seated in the corner near the service station by the door. A terrible table, perhaps solely for those out-of-towners like me thinking a reservation means something on Restaurant Row. Skip Open Table and call directly, perhaps? The saving graces were Matthew, our charming server, and my strong gin & tonic. Our meals were very average for such a highly touted restaurant. My Caesar salad was overdressed, and dotted with supermarket quality crotons. The salmon was nicely cooked but the ramekin of rice lacked complexity. Surely the food could be improved upon, but I suppose with Joe Allen's reputation, there is no need. The diners will continue to flock to it, both locals and visitors alike, even though its heydays are long past. read more

Joe Allen - American Near Me - New York, New York

This was an okay restaurant. We had a reservation so we didn't need to wait. We got escargot and french fries as an appetizer and they were both really good. Then we ordered the chicken Caesar salad, an italian salad and trout. The Caesar salad didn't really taste the best and the Italian salad, there was just so much meat and cheese and not a lot of salad. We placed an order before a group of five probably like 10 minutes before they did, but they got their food before we did and they ordered stakes which usually takes longer. I don't know if that's just usual or maybe there's a back up in the kitchen, but I did notice that. The restaurant is very nice there's a lot of Broadway posters that are up that flopped on Broadway. Overall wouldn't come back nice to try just once. read more

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The coke was bottled so great start and usually i'm not a big fan of blue cheese but there's on the buffalo wings were amazing. The guacamole was amazing and the root chips go great with them. The server was very nice and the restaurant had very nice decorations. For my entree I got the burger which was great. read more

I had a great experience. They were very accommodative of our Broadway show time and the service and food was amazing. We were helped by Sarah and she was amazing a joyful personality and sparked great conversation. Overlap the experience was amazing and I highly recommend especially for Broadway nights! read more

Came here because Serafina didn't feed us enough. I would have happily swapped my dinner meal to be enjoyed at Joe's. Was lucky enough to get a couple seats at the bar. We were blessed with a very nice bartender Lily who go us our Bad Seed Cider and Guacamole. I was worried about ordering guac with taro chips and it turned out being some of the freshest avocado and yummy chips to dip with. I enjoyed seeing the art work on the wall and hearing the stories of previous and current patrons who have gone through there. Going here would definitely be on my list again and enjoyed a full on meal! The brick walls and dungeons vibe was great. Also huge shoutout to the host who was so friendly and even came over after we found our bar seats to check in on us. JUST THE KINDEST PEOPLE read more

Excellent service from Bob, great drinks and food. Not the typical tourist trap. My local friend recommended it and it was a cozy quaint place. read more

Live Midtown Manhattan. Can never find LIVER like. Ever! Finally! Totally beautifully presented were two very substantial slices. Wafer thin & exquisitely presented with bacon, mashed potato & onion. Absolutely melt in your mouth wonderful. A magnificent server named DEANNA made everything that much more spectacular. Will definitely be back. Ambience, charm & wonderful...EVERYTHING! read more

Friendly efficient service with good food and beverage all at fair prices. Excellent spot for pre theatre. Great job, Joe!

The service was great. Our group did not feel rushed and the food was good people in the group who had hamburgers loved them. All around we all (5 of us) were more than happy. read more

Warm, inviting, and never touristy. My server was Brian-- attentive and professional. I went for lunch between conference workshops. A little getaway with my journal and a cup of joe. I had the Grilled Chicken Salad with trevisano and currents. Delicious. read more

Joe Allen - Grilled Chicken Salad with Trevisano & Currents - American Near Me - New York, New York

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Beautiful atmosphere. The wait staff was very helpful. Food was delicious. I had meatloaf and banana pie. Will definitely go back. read more

Joe Allen - Banana pie. - American Near Me - New York, New York

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Terrific restaurant geared around the theater scene. Good service -Good food-have been going there for years!!!!! It's the place to stop for Dinner prior to the Broadway Theatre!!! Will be back again!! read more

Food was delicious and staff were very friendly and attentive. So good we went again after a matinee. read more

Service, hospitality, and ambience were enthusiastic and fun. The food? Not so much. Mediocre at best. We ordered the burger, escargot, crab cakes, and salad. This place is more of a namesake and a fun place to try before a Broadway show if it's your first visit. Solid dirty martinis though. read more

I should have written a review of Joe Allen a long time ago. Seems I have a tendency to only review places where I've had a bad experience, and never give credit to the consistent stalwarts. I love this place and will keep going back over and over. If you love Broadway, you have to go to Joe Allen at least once. The walls are lined with posters of Broadway's flops. Anybody can pay tribute to the hits; Joe Allen remembers the shows the crowds don't. The crowd comes here for a pre-show meal (or drink), or an after show drink (or meal). The staff love Broadway too, they know why you're here, they know you've got a show to get to, and the service is friendly and fast. I'd say the food is good, but in the dozen or so times I've been there, I've only ever had their burger and fries, and banana cream pie for dessert. All are perfectly done. Order the burger how you like it, they can do a true rare. Don't order medium rare if you want medium. They are going to give you what you ask for. And definitely get the pie. read more

Historic restaurant in theatre district. Lovely service. Very friendly. Hamburger was good. Chicken was excellent. We were there with a friend and the waiter let us stay and talk for an hour. We eat early so if it had been super busy they might not have been so accommodating. A place we would definitely eat at again. read more

Had a fantastic cheeseburger. Still gives iconic NYC vibes. The waitstaff was great, attentive but in a cool way. Easy walk from theaters so highly recommend going over to Joe Allen! read more