It's true that tourist traps abound on the Great White Way, but fortunately you needn't head far from Times Square to score a stellar meal. Some of the best steak houses and Italian restaurants are located here, and many eateries offer budget pre-theater dinners. We've narrowed the field for BEA attendees, selecting the best spots in Midtown West for a range of experiences and prices.
Unlike the mostly kitschy, theme restaurants that occupy Times Square, the sleek Blue Fin (1567 Broadway, near 47th St., 212-918-1400, dinner entrées $22-$32) is a refreshing departure. Watch the crowds go by from the corner glass bar before heading up the large staircase to a more intimate dining area. Seafood is the specialty here with entrées like crispy skin salmon, Atlantic cod and Florida red grouper.
Toloache (251 W. 50th St., between Broadway and 8th Ave., 212-581-1818, dinner entrées $20-$27), a festive Mexican cantina with oversized bronze chandeliers and gold and terra-cotta tones throughout, is a top foodie destination for its fresh ceviches, guacamoles and standout dishes like the Negra Modelo-braised brisket taco or the quesadilla with black truffle and huitlacoche (corn mushroom).
A mixed crowd of tourists, theatergoers and thespians frequent Joe Allen Restaurant (326 W. 46th St., between 8th and 9th Aves., 212-581-6464, dinner entrées $18-$30), a pre-theater favorite. This casual yet classy restaurant serves reliable American cuisine. Don't fret about missing the show--the Broadway-knowledgeable staff will make sure you get to the theater in time for the opening number.
Plates of fresh antipasti are displayed right as you walk into Bond 45 (154 W. 45th St., between 6th and 7th Aves., 212-869-4545, dinner entrées $22-$47). This Italian eatery, with a dark-wood bar and leather-backed booths, serves a variety of pizzas, pastas and steaks. With a separate pre-theater menu, this Theater District hot spot is an ideal option for dining and then dashing to your show of choice.
The design at Quality Meats (57 W. 58th St., near 6th Ave., 212-371-7777, dinner entrées $21-$46) is inspired by classic New York City butcher shops in its use of warm wood, stainless steel and white marble. Sit at the bar to peruse the extensive menu of wines and single-malt scotches. Then retire to the dining room for sophisticated riffs on steak-house classics like beef Wellington.
Steak aficionados should know that Midtown has superior meats on every block. Here are some sure bets: Ben Benson's Steak House (123 W. 52nd St., near 6th Ave., 212-581-8888, dinner entrées $26-$48) and Uncle Jack's Steakhouse (440 9th Ave., at 35th St., 212-244-0005, dinner entrées $30-$65) serve quality steaks, but at substantial prices.
For more New York City restaurant recommendations, check out Fodor's New York City 2009, the guide The New York Times calls "the can't-go-wrong choice" or visit fodors.com.