Joe Allen Reviews

A friend took us here for a late-ish dinner, lovely atmosphere, nice & quiet, perfect for conversation, great service, delicious food. What else would you be looking for?

Stopped here for dinner after a sight seeing cruise. Great atmosphere. Drinks were good. Food was great. Service was excellent! Wish I had a place like this in my neighborhood.

great steaks right in the theatre district. good family restaurant. not cheap but typical for nyc. food was good overall

Wonderful dinner before a show! The atmosphere was so cozy and intimate, and the staff were all very conscious of our showtime. We didn’t feel rushed, though, just that they wanted to make sure we weren’t late. The pappardelle was delicious and the ambiance couldn’t be beat. Would absolutely recommend it.

Solid food and excellent service. The menu is just right if you want a decent meal without a lot of pomp and circumstance.

For some reason it seemed great the first time I went and not so much this time, kind of "meh". I felt as if the value was expensive. Food was OK, drink was expensive. But hey, it's NYC.

We ate here on our last evening in NYC after seeing Hamilton. Lovely little restaurant with good food, they offer a standard menu and a set menu for $30pp. They had a 2 piece band and a jazz singer to entertain you whilst enjoying your meal. A real good place to go eat if you are around 46th Street. Will definitely visit again when in New York.

This New York institution is the only place to go before (or after!) a Broadway show! Having frequented Joe Allen in the West End many a time, it was a must to visit here before my Broadway show visit. I sat at the bar and had a cocktail - a Cosmo - and had quick and good service with a nice atmosphere. Situated in the heart of Broadway, recommend!

You'll see by other reviews that the decorative theme here are posters from failed plays, some of them starring big names. Who knew Donald Sutherland starred in a stage version of Lolita that flopped! Chatting with our waiter, it turns out he is directing a musical he created - very off-Broadway, but its a start! - based on songs from some of the plays posted. That's the vibe. Food was good, too. Just great place (in a brownstone!) to go before hitting a theatre.

Had dinner at Joe Allen’s before we headed off to see the Cher play. Sharing with the server we were en route to theatre is great communication, as our server was prompt with our food selection . This is a go to restaurant as the food is always consistent and service is always attentive.

Truly a real Steak House excellent matured meats really well frequented highly recommended clean impeccable service Mr Joe super

Great place! Super friendly and FUN staff. Top notch service. Great burger and affordable prices. We will be BACK! Love NYC!

Mmmm, don't pass up your chance to go to this excellent restaurant! I had researched several restaurants prior to my trip to New York and Joe Allen won hands down!

Arrived mid week after a show, around 10.30pm. Straight in. No waiting. Excellent service. Had the Grilled Chicken and chips. Friendly waitress. Great all round meal.

Stopped in after the pre-theater rush at 8. Service was friendly and helpful. The salmon was excellent and my wife enjoyed the shrimp linguini.

My wife and I were visiting Manhattan in March 2022 for a trip long deferred by COVID to see some Broadway shows, including “Hamilton” and “The Music Man.” We also determined to experience some of the area’s fine dining. After researching a number of options, we settled on a few places with good reviews, including Joe Allen Restaurant. We were not disappointed. Originally, we had planned to see “To Kill a Mockingbird” featuring Greg Kinnear on the evening of March 3, but unfortunately production was halted temporarily due to COVID concerns (and eventually was permanently halted, never to reopen on Broadway). Nevertheless, we went forward with our dining plans at Joe Allen. We enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant, just a short-if-chilly walk from our hotel on 8th Avenue. Joe Allen has that classic New York steakhouse feel inside, with hardwood floors, brick walls, a bar in the front, and plenty of seating in the back. What makes the restaurant unique is, instead of posting memorabilia of all the classic and well-known Broadway shows, this restaurant has posters collected from all the shows which closed after just one night, or at least after very short theatrical runs. We amused ourselves looking at these posters that included names of some famous celebrities who nevertheless bombed on Broadway. Our server was attentive and brought our drinks in short order – an Old Fashioned for me, if I remember correctly. I ordered the steak frites which I found to be exceptional. I would recommend Joe Allen to any of my friends looking for a pre-show (or post-show) meal.

I took my daughter here after watching "Six". As I'd heard of it I was expecting more. The food was fine but I thought there would be more of a wow factor. Could be my expectations were too high.

Six of us met at this place in the Theater District which stated on line that it had vegetarian options--it does NOT have options with an s, just one! This restaurant has a very small menu overall; it did have one vegetarian entree and it was AWFUL! A couple of chunks of bland cauliflower with a tasteless sauce and hummus. The other dishes tried within the group were just OK (meatloaf, salmon and the seafood dish). They were nothing special and nothing is worth the cost. The service was good. Skip this place!

When we arrived we felt invisible, it was sometime before anyone came over, once they did service wasn’t too bad. It would have been nice to know on booking that the kitchen was being renovated, we wouldn’t have booked if we had known. The food that arrived was okay but just okay. Crisps were served instead of french fries due to limited kitchen. The best thing about the restaurant was people watching, it’s a haven for characters.

We fancied meatloaf so scarred the internet for a local restaurant and it came up with this place. It was busy but we were seated quickly. The menu is very limited but we knew what we wanted so ordered quickly. We had a table by the bar, unfortunately there was a cold breeze from the AC wafting over our table which made it uncomfortable. The food arrived quickly and there was a fair old slice of meatloaf which tasted fine, as did the wilted spinach. But the mash potato was awful...it was watery and had no substance to it. At $26 a head this was a poor eating experience.

We went before a Broadway play and it was a great choice. In spite of being super busy, we got out in plenty of time. At first I was nervous because it took our server a long time to initially take our orders. He made up for it by repeatedly apologizing and assuring us we would get our dinner in time to eat and get to the show, which we did. The food was great and we had plenty of time to get to our show which was within walking distance. Highly recommend for a pre-Broadway dinner.

Excellent food. friendly, professional service staff. Great atmosphere. Recommend reservations. Good place to people watch.

Kind off an odd place. Friendly folks in a nice setting, albeit slow service. Very limited menu with mediocre, expensive food. Had a bowl of ice cream for dessert ($9).

We had a beautiful evening meal here last night. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere with pictures of Broadway stars on the walls. The food was really good and the service was very friendly and attentive. Will definitely return next time we’re in NYC.

On 24 July 2019 I discovered a group of people outside Joe Allen. I had to see what the restaurant offered so I advanced inside at 11:45 am. Once the maitre d discovered I had no reservation he sent me to the bar despite my inquiry of a table. Here I am enjoying a Malbec, watermelon and cucumber salad and muscles to die for. My advice... reservations are essential. I would have vacated my seat well in advance of those who reserved.

So we found this gem between shows. They were extremely accommodating despite having a full house. The menu was not elaborate but had several good options. The atmosphere was superb The sever excellent! To make it even more fun Joan Collins walks in . Despite the fact that she is 86 She is still gorgeous and very pleasant. I love NYC . I can’t wait to go back here

This restaurant is an institution. Go before your show or after -- it is the place to see. After the show Broadway actors/dancers come in to unwind. The LaScala salad is wonderful . It is very nostalgic for me.

First went to,Joe Allen when I moved to NYC in the 1970s. Loved it and went often. Always first place I go to when I get to the city. Probably go 4 to 6 times a year. For years only ordered the steak tartare. Was great you mixed it yourself which was wonderful. A number of years ago it was off menu (Bloomberg thing) came back as an appetizer not nearly as good. Service has fallen and ambience just different. Made me sad so in the future stop in for a martini and find another place to eat.

One of my favourites in New York. It's a Theatre fan's dream - with posters and photos of past productions. The staff are lovely and very helpful and there's a varied menu too. The food was served quickly and was good - my omelette was light and fluffy. I’ll certainly keep going back whenever I’m in the city. Fortunately, there’s a Joe Allen in London too!

Long established dining and cocktail escape for the Broadway producer (and its associated wannabes) crowd - very similar to London’s West End J.Sheeky’s. Smack dab in the middle of the Broadway theater district, this iconic location serves up great food, fun vibes and attentive service. It’s my go to dining destination for pre or more likely post theater. There’s a few of these places where you’ll often see talent kick back a cocktail following a performance. You feel the presence of Broadway throughout, including the walls adorned with theatrical posters of failed box office non performers as a fun look back of what never made it. Definitely worth a visit to Joe Allen’s when in midtown.

Great little spot in the theater district. Warm cozy ambience. Our food was delicious and service was outstanding. Easy, fast service.

Thank goodness my friends recommended JAs because it never crossed my mind to try it. A fantastic dinner experience that did not disappoint. The wait staff was kind, fun, and very accommodating. And the food - first rate! I had the pork medallions wrapped in bacon with pineapple chutney. Absolutely fabulous in every way. I'm looking forward to returning in the Spring.

Joe Allen’s is our favorite go to restaurant before attending the theatre! service is quick and the ham burger is beyond tasty! If en route to a play, be sure to share that information with your server. The wait staff is so very accommodating to meet your time schedule.

Joe Allen opened this restaurant back in 1965. The cuisine changes daily but they keep some of the signature dishes for regular patrons like their famous, juicy hamburger, free-range chicken, pan-seared pork chop and liver with spinach and mashed potatoes. It still attracts a lot of locals like myself as well as visitors seeing a nearby show because of its location on Restaurant Row. The decor is warm and you will see a lot of people who work on and off Broadway. I like it because the staff is very friendly and the food is consistently very good.

Last time we visited NYC in 2017 we just had cocktails here, this time we decided to dine here and we were not disappointed. From the moment we stepped through the door we felt instantly welcome. The atmosphere inside was excellent and the décor is as well, a perfect place to dine before seeing a show! Our waiter was incredible, extremely friendly and made excellent recommendations. The cocktails were amazing as we remembered and the food was just delicious, I cannot fault anything with this meal.

We always visit Joe Allen's when in NYC, as we are also regulars in London, and recommend it, always. Tonight, we were very kindly given a table for 2 at a busy time, and enjoyed the food and ambience. However, after finishing the meal and paying by credit card - and leaving a generous tip in cash - having left the restaurant, the waiter rushed out into the street after us, brandishing the check and telling us 'service wasn't included!!!' I told him we had left cash as a tip, and he ran back into the restaurant. Apparently another server had picked up the cash. So JA guys - please check with your colleagues before confronting and embarrassing your customers, and putting a damper on what had up to then been a really enjoyable evening.

Service unbelievable good, the food amazing, great experience. Cute place really enjoyable. Thank you all.

This spot is great for. Pre theater dinner. Food was better than we remembered! Service was great. We will definitely goback

Joe Allens is still solid after all these years! The food is always good, service is great, and the vibe is great, plus it's a block and a half from Broadway. Had great steak frites, escargot, etc. We were happy nothing has changed!

Came here tonight as visitors from the UK. We had the most wonderful experience, all of the staff were lovely, and the food was great. This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best restaurant we have been to in New York.

Maybe not the best steak house in town-definitely not the best, BUT consistly good for post show dinner. Always an interesting crowd and decent food + drinks.

Admittedly, my review is written from the perspective of a long time patron. I first went to Joe Allen's when Joel was a young man; but then, so was I.. Of course, Joe isn't there now and what has changed is the culture.. The podium staff is still good. However,, in our recent experiences our server and other servers that our group observed,, seemed anxious to get the order in hand and and process the meal as quickly as could be.. This was a weekday night between 8 -10 PM., not a busy time. The hurried service is too much to ignore. Thus, three stars rather than five.

Waiting and bar staff extremely rude and totally un enjoyable experience. Would not recommend this place at all!!!!!!!!! The food was not great!!

Holiday with family! All very good! Great service, the waiters very friendly and kind, can not wait to return.

Cozy and typical place. Excellent cuisine (meatloff with smash potatoes and fallen spinach as far as I'm concerned), personal care, addition of 170 dollars to 3 for 3 courses and 3 drinks.

Joe Allen is on Restaurant Row near Times Square. This is first time we sat at the bar instead of the dining room. Excellent service. Food was delicious and fairly priced. Good craft beers. If you are in the mood it’s a fun place to meet people. We shared the 1/2 chicken and potatoes, plenty of food for both of us.

My go to place. Service, food, ambience always works pre or post theater. I particularly like the roasted chicken and crabmeat with coleslaw.

We had a reservation but needed to change it since our group got last minute theater tickets. They were so accommodating and switched us immediately. We all enjoyed a burger, fries and salad. The food was delivered so quickly. Our waiter made us nervous because he didn’t write down anything. I truly expected errors since we all had a specific request. Not one thing was missing and we were impressed. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and interesting. We loved looking at posters of shows “that didn’t make it” and watching the non-stop activity in the room. This is a perfect go-to place in NYC. It’s a great location, amazing service, delicious food and overall exceeding our expectations. I’ll be back!

Really excellent service even with crazy after theater crowd, great basics at the bar prepared very well & promptly (violently shaken Cosmo/+tart than sweet) McCallan 18 on the rocks (no large cube😞) the entree sized Steak Tartare was everything it’s billed as, I’d go hot not medium next time, & the fresh Pappardelle w/ Asparagus was cooked to perfection, w/small Cesar salad they made a perfect trio to split for late night. 😋. The quality service just a great bonus.

I have been going here since the 1980s, and it remains one of my favorite spots in New York. A staple for the theater community, the cozy brick walls are decorated with posters from flop musicals. If you have any theater-struck friends visiting New York with you, this would be a must. A celebrity sighting is possible (Dan Lauria was among the enthusiastic crowd who came into the place after the opening night of the Sweeney Todd production with Josh Groban). I have gone with groups and also comfortably dined solo at the bar (great during the lull between matinees and evenings when you can chat with the friendly bartender). Oh, and that Banana Cream Pie!

This restaurant is great for an after theater dinner! Great energetic vibe with great customer service. The menu has a nice variety of options and the food is really well done. I will definitely return. A super fun, casual place that you can still be dressed up and feel comfortable.

Theatre tickets and Super Bowl Sunday. Stopped by Joe Allen for 2 Irish coffee and the famous banana cream pie. Pretty average experience.

We went to Joe Allen on a Sunday evening, after Moulin Rouge, for a quick post-theatre supper. We had planned to go to Sardis, but it was closed, so we were pleased to find Joe Allen open. The restaurant was very quiet, but the staff were very friendly and welcoming, and service was excellent. They made the best Dark & Stormy and Espresso Martini that we'd ever had. The menu was great, and as we were pretty jet lagged and just wanted a quick snack, one of us had chips and guacamole, which was home made and delicious; one of us had a lovely chicken salad, and one of us had watermelon and feta salad which was delicious and highly recommended. We would definitely go back, but hopefully when there were a few more diners there.

I have been a patron of this venue for many years - most likely since the 70’s. Never disappointed! However last night, while seated at a table in bar area, which is my usual, the noise was intolerable! There were two people at the bar who seem to have no regard for the impact of their loud and rowdy voices on others. It was truly disruptive! Is there no possibility for management to ask those who are excessively loud to quiet down? I complained to two waiters but I felt they apparently were not in a position to do anything about or that this ambience meets with their approval and management as well. The food was excellent per usual but I had to work too hard to sustain a conversation with my dinner mate. Farewell, Joe Allen

Solid restaurant before a Broadway show, not a large menu but choices should appeal to most people. Our waiter was efficient and didn’t pressure us to get appetizers and/or extras. Dinners were good.., used OpenTable for a reservation

The sole was very tasty. However, they forgot my asparagus. When I requested my asparagus, the waitress (who didn’t take my order) said I didn’t want asparagus (wrong!). When the waiter that took our order came back to straighten it out, he was very apologetic and said it was his fault and the other gal said I was upset. Well she was overly sensitive about a trivial thing and in the end, I got my asparagus, it was yummy as was my fish!

Remains a favorite but feeling pricey, staff varies some better than others, great location and relaxed vibe, menu somewhat limited to comfort foods, good sized portions.

This is an old school place but I found the food and services are so charming … First, the kitchen opens late, even you finished the show after 22:30. Don’t be scared by those old interiors, after all it has a history place. But lots of local musical lovers and even Broadway staff came here for dinner after a long day! Extremely popular and since I am alone, lucky me that I can squeeze myself onto a seat on the bar. Menu is simple and elegant classical American dining dishes. The reason why I gave them a 5 star is : their seasoning is 100% on spot. As Asian travelers, I found most American restaurant are too salty and greasy. But this one , it is the most proper seasoning food during my two weeks in USA. I asked. Because no one of their chef smokes !!!!!!

Always come here when visiting the city because of great food and service. Went tonight and because of problems with gas line,had a very limited menu. The servers were changing shifts (at 7:30 pm?) so when"our server finally showed up she apologized and said she had to eat first. We had to flag other servers for more wine and the food presenters had to flag down wait staff to clear our dirty dishes. We asked for bread plates and were told they don't provide them(?!) Had to literally raise my hand to flag down a wait staff person to bring our check. What happened, Joe Allen?

Excellent food and the staff, particularly Nick and Michael were outstanding!!! I had the ceasar salad and the salmon....delicious!!! The banana cream pie and yhe chocolate pudding pie were AWESOME!!!!!

Very nice place in Times Square area. The food is good, the waiters are very nice and nice. Price in line with the area, so relatively expensive by Italian standards. Food of satisfactory quality

Went with two others to Joe Allen; because it's almost legendary, I've wanted to try it for a long time. It wasn't exceptional, but it was quite good. The atmosphere was lively, our server was attentive, and the food was tasty. My escargot, however, was actually kind of dry; the butter was almost nonexistent, so I didn't have much to sop up. The roasted cauliflower was a standout. Steak tartare was okay, and one friend liked her cream of broccoli soup and her La Scala salad. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience.

This was the perfect spot for our pre-matinee lunch! If you are a theater fan, you have to come to Joe Allen at least once. It is a staple in the New York theater community. The service and food were great. My only complaint would be the brunch menu felt a little limited, but everyone in our party found something they wanted.

We enjoyed an early dinner after a Matinee of moulin Rouge. There’s a cool vibe. Our server was a sweetheart and our food was quite good. We will definitely go back.

Joe Allan’s is a mainstay of restaurants in the theater district. The menu is simple, but the food quality is rock solid. Great place for a drink and a late meal after a show!

We had drinks ($50 for four cocktails) and a quick dinner before seeing a show...super convenient to most theaters. Make a reservation! There were three of us, and we all enjoyed our meal. My friend and I had the shrimp and grits, which came with andouille sausage and a fried egg, and my son ordered the calf's liver, which he said was delicious.

For $50 a head (including wine), this is a good option for a casual dinner. The pot roast might have been a bit over-done, but some like it that way. Side dishes were excellent, as was the service. Second visit.

Tasty and reasonably priced. We walked in without a reservation before a Broadway show last week. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Place was nice and clean with a nice vibe and a great bartender/waitress. I had the steak frites and my wife had the duck. Both cooked to perfection and delicious. Would really recommend

Great American fare. Things that are standouts. Yankee pot roast / meat loaf/ burgers. Good pour on the drinks.👍 Old school atmosphere. Intelligent service by pros.

As ever on a trip to New York we ate here one night as we enjoy the other restaurants in London and Paris. We usually have a good meal but tonight the service let it down. Halfway through the shared starter the mains arrived which for us is a complete no-no. After that we began to feel rushed for dessert and coffee even though the restaurant was nowhere near full and we were looking to have a relaxed eve. Food-wise we had the scallops which were good, a strip steak and the caesar salad which were ok. In fairness we never go to a Joe Allen for food quality but to chill and enjoy the atmosphere, tonight they missed it. We didn’t tip because of the service which didn’t go down well but we were not paying to be rushed. Just an off night hopefully

What a fabulous place to go before a Broadway show, There were 3 of us from the land down under was recommended to us but a friend. Food was great we all had a different meal. I had their speciality meatloaf, as good as my Mums. Big helpings, we shared a delicious apple crumble and ice cream. Went away more than satisfied

Long established, untrendy "Restaurant Row" destination that is great for pre-theatre. Joe Allen is a friendly, unpretentious place with reliable food and an easy to enjoy menu. Lots of good options on a hot summer night for comfort food, ie. Chicken caesar, gazpacho and so on.

I couldn’t get a reservation online so I called & they fit us in. Great option for a pre or post theatre meal. Friendly, knowledgeable, & efficient waitstaff. Great about sharing meals & substitutions. Our server Michael could not have been nicer; kudos to him. Meal was delicious. We’ll be back soon!

The location was perfect - right near all the Theaters including Hamilton so we chose partly based on location. They adjusted my reservation earlier in the afternoon which was great and the main host was organized and very polite. Service was good - but the food was very average. It's a limited menu which is fine - both my kids had the burger - said it was ok. I had avocado dip appetizer (not fresh) and the pork chop (very dry). My daughter had the apple crumble for desert which she liked. I think you're probably better off dining somewhere you want to dine and then taxi or uber to theater district. This was our second time in NYC so still figuring things out.

We arrived early in the evening as our plans had changed and we could be accommodated. A Wednesday evening 8.30pm. Quieter than expected. Staff friendly. Burger and chicken Caesar salad great. Atmosphere lacking a bit. Not as “special” as I had hoped.

A pre-Broadway show institution, I made my requisite reservation seven days in advance. That morning, there were multiple openings, which make me wonder if they open up only a few tables on Open Table, as the place was not only packed, but 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.

We’ve been regulars at Joe Allen since 1970! My brother took us there for lunch on our honeymoon and we’ve been going back ever since! Our family tradition, now handed down to our daughter, is to always go to JA after a theater performance, and we see most everything on B Way, so that’s a lot of dining! The staff is remarkable, and always friendly and often funny. While our tradition is to order the burger, (one of the best we’ve ever had) we have also had many of the other menu items which were also wonderful! Cant begin to tell you how many celebs we’ve seen there and chatted with, but there have been A LOT! DONT MISS THIS NYC TRADITION!!!

Our pre-theater party of 4 had very mixed results. Salmon was very good but the steak was not good at all. Very limited menu as well. Service, however, was very good.

I had visited the London branch of Joe Allen several times while it was at its original location (I tried it when it moved to its current location at the Strand Palace Hotel but alas, it was dreadful) so I thought I would visit the NYC branch on my last night before going back to London - the food was very good, and while I wouldn’t go as far as saying it was outstanding, I enjoyed everything I had and the waiters were efficient and friendly.

We just loved the ambiance and the food. You definitely should make reservations because the place was packed. I now know why. The service was great and food delicious. Definitely recommend.

We were so looking forward to this restaurant. Made reservations for after a show on a Saturday. They sat us in the bar area - not the main dining where everyone else was seated. Took our order and brought the food out 5 minutes later - steaks undercooked. Then our wait person completely forgot about us. Had to ask others when we needed anything else. Very disappointed. Will not go back.

Joe Allen is a great spot for pre- or post-theater. But it would be just as nice for a reasonably priced meal in a lovely setting with brick walls and candlelight. My husband had a burger and fries with a caesar salad on the side. I had the chicken salad, which was chopped pieces of high-quality chicken atop fresh greens and more. All delicious. Service was prompt and friendly. For us, it's a favorite go-to spot in NYC. Post-theater we've never needed a reservation.

Worth booking online as it can get busy with theatre goers. Great food and service and very interesting location.

A small door leading down to a basement, inside its larger than expected. Very nice setting, cozy and intimate, there's space between the tables. Menu a little limited, but food very good. Staff very attentive and service was good. Busy, need to book. Often frequented by the theatre crowd, goers and players.

Been to Joe Allen many times (both in NYC and London) and it rarely disappoints. Food quality is great and prices are also great! The staff are mostly long-term employees and provide over the top service. Would definitely recommend and we will be back!

Very average. My cocktail, a Vodka on the rocks was served in a 5 oz glass. A bit small. The bread was good. My meal, meatloaf, was below average. A bit like “cardboard”. Service ok but not amazing. 4 people, $200.

We had a post-theatre dinner on a Saturday night. It is old-school, low ceilings, cool Broadway “flop” posters, no frills. But the comfort food is great and the cocktails generously poured. You can’t go wrong! Mashed potatoes and 1/2 butter! Yum!

Great restaurant, crowded even at 11:00pm. We got the last table and enjoyed our food and drink. The scala salad is popular and the restaurant has lots of who’s who sightings. Definitely recommend

Extra Juicy and crisp roast chicken and great hamburgers, among the very best, tastiest in NYC. We've eaten there for years and never been disappointed; it has a very friendly vibe and is fun.

Just ate there with 4 friends. Food and service were great. But they don’t split checks. The bill could have been outta 1945, “Food $208” was all it said in handwritten script. And then they only take a max of 3 credit cards per table. This issue is no bid deal if known ahead of time. They should post this situation online and diners should be told when reservations are made.

Seemed a bit empty, considering the difficulty we had getting a reservation, however, the service was attentive and friendly. Food and drinks are reasonably priced and great selection of bistro-style comfort foods. The banana cream pie wasn't exactly as I was expecting (with a layer of banana just above the crust) , but cold and delicious. Not a special night out kind of place, but a great spot for a quick meal.

We stopped here before a show for cocktails. We had a very lovely bartender along with a fellow employee sitting next to us at the end bar. Love the old time cash register! They stirred our gin martinis without even requesting. Great gin selection with it chilled in a side cart for your drink, awesome! Many restrooms and an overall great neighborhood feel. Definitely a must go to before any show.

We just had a lovely meal after the matinee of Kinky Boots. Staff was super friendly, atmosphere was great, food came out fast and was delicious. I had Cajun chicken sandwich, which they served the way I asked, without bread. The menu included steak and escargot for for the adults, among other options, and Mac-n-cheese and burgers for the kids.

Meatloaf, best I've ever had. How do they make it so tender? Melts in your mouth!! Only 4 stars because the mashed potatoes weren't great. A little watery. Everything else was top notch. Super service and ambiance. Great first night in Manhattan.

We came here after seeing Avenue Q, and we were about 30 minutes early for our reservation. We were promptly seated anyway, and the host acted like it was no problem for us to arrive early. Our waiter was also very friendly, and our food was delicious. I loved the calming atmosphere here as well.

Joe Allen remains our fave pre- and post-theater eatery in NYC. Great servers with a smile...all of them. Menu has delicacies such liver and onions plus all the staples including a to die for steak, outstanding burgers and a brisket sandwich. Cocktails are generous portions. Great dessert selection including a huge banana cream pie.

Before or after theater (or during when the crowds are less). Joe Allen is dependable Broadway watering hole. While the food is pricey it is always good and reliable. And the drinks are the best. Love the posters of Broadway theater bombs on the walls.

This place is a NYC Theater District restaurant for many years. It is a go-to place for pre and post theater dining. It is located down a few stairs what looked to have been the basement of what looks like a townhouse above it. The interior is red brick decorated with you guessed it, theater show posters. The ceiling is low, so the noise level can be a little high when the place is busy. We had a 10:45 pm reservation after a show. The place was packed at that hour. I ordered 2 appetizers, steak tartare and escargot. My spouse the sauteed calf's liver. My appetizers were very good, and just enough food for that late hour. The liver was a very large dinner-sized portion with mashed potatoes and vegetables. We also split a La Scala salad that was very good as well. We had various servers, and all were attentive and helpful. We didn't see any actors, but I understand they do frequent the restaurant. It is also good to note that this restaurant is female owned and managed.

We decided to try Joe Allen's for it's American type menu and it's proximity to where we were staying. After a simply miserable day sight seeing in the rain we were cold, wet and tired and decided to show up 1 hour before our 6:30 reservation. They were so kind and accomodating. Said our table was ready and to hand our coats to the coat check guy, sit down and relax. Thank you, thank you! The place was cozy and itimate, actually much smaller than I thought. The menu was pretty small too. I did order a very good margarita that was expensive but so worth it after our day. For dinner I got the calf's liver. It was tasty but $28 for liver, mashed potatoes and spinach seems pretty pricey even for New York. I thought about the Apple pie for dessert but just couldn't see paying $12. Joe Allen's is in the theater district and our waitress was very willing to accommodate for your show time, which you may appreciate.

Having visited the London restaurant many times, we chose Joe Allen in New York for the first night of our trip. The waiting staff were very good and no faults there at all, however, we were disappointed that on the night we visited only a very limited menu was being offered, comprising of a few basic starters, steak and chips and a few sandwiches. Being used to Joe Allen’s extensive menu we were quite surprised, but at no point were we informed that the menu was restricted for some reason. At the time we booked - via Open Table - we weren’t told about any kitchen closures or such like. It seemed very strange. What we ordered was tasty but we would have liked more choice. If we had known that the menu was so limited, we probably wouldn’t have booked, to be honest. Back at the hotel I did some research and it seems that there might have been a kitchen renovation? I don’t know if that was true as I didn’t actually see this on the Joe Allen website - but that could explain the limited menu. As I say, our meal was nice but the menu lacked the usual Joe Allen pizazz and it would have been nice to have known about any restrictions when booking.

Service is great and fast with campy friendly wait staff. I had the shrimp and crab etouffee - very New Orleans style. I liked the large portion.

Always a great vibe at Joe Allen. We love to come after a Broadway show! The restaurant is steeped in bway history, always buzzing and fun. We had mussels to start, and they were excellent. Then I had the trout which was very nice and my partner the chicken salad. Very reasonable wine prices for NY, we had a good bottle of house cab. Banana pie to finish, which we really did not need! But pretty good, def for sharing! Great place for pre or post theatre, casual, fun and reasonable for NY!

A excellent theater district restaurant. Great vibe, excellent food and drinks and great service. Be on the lookout for Broadway and entertainment celebrities.

We have been going to Joe Allen's in London for years so on a visit to New York four of us had dinner on a Sunday night at their off Broadway Restaurant , the food was very good and the Calves liver was cook to perfection , the wines also were excellent , our main waitress appeared tired and just just doing the basics however the young waiter who came to our table was friendly bubbly and appeared very happy with his work .

Have eaten here for over 25 years. We came with my brother in law and wife this past weekend and for some reason w little fellow named Will decided after 1 bottle of wine for 2 people was too much and told us to leave. I was so embarrassed! Unbelievable the way we were treated. Never again!

Restaurant Row is filled with good to great places. Joe Allen is a pleasant and easy to access restaurant. Meeting friends, need a quick bite before a show. This is a good place to do just that.

I hadn't been in years, & still the dependably great American dinner fast & perfect before going to a show. We had the smoked salmon & eggs and meatloaf. Just delicious. We couldn't resist the pistachio tiramisu and we're not disappointed!

Like another one of your your reviewers, as we have eaten in Joe’s in London for many years, in both the old and new location, and also eaten in Paris, we thought wouldn’t it be nice to eat here. And as someone else says it’s not about the food but the ambience and experience. Yeh first challenge we had was the timings available on open table, because of time differences and cost we didn’t want to call, and even though the time wasn’t great 3.45pm we went with it as the 6pm option would have me at we wouldn’t have made it to Maddison Square gardens on time. The food we had was fine but the issue was the service. Halfway though my starter the mains arrived, the waiter pushed my plate to o e side to make rooms - didn’t day a word but walked off. We were in NYC for five nights and this was the only place were on the bill they wrote suggested tip and a value - yes we are tourists but we don’t need to treated like one! We tried to complain about the service incident but we felt it landed on deaf ears. Shame really - the worst service experience during our trip. Food 3/5 and Service 1/5

I had the grilled chicken salad. The chicken was very dry and without flavour and the salad wasn’t very interesting, in terms of ingredients but the dressing was good.

Seated promptly at a table in the bar area. I don't mind being by the bar, but some of the patrons rather rudely and clumsily knocked into me (staff could glide by no problem). We were in a bit of a rush so skipped appetizers. Wines by the glass were just ok. I had the cassoulet, which was quite tasty. Two had the lobster rolls which were said to be "good" and one had a burger, which looked so-so (but was ordered well done, so I guess you get what you ask for). Had banana creme pie for dessert, which was good, but not great. Food overall quite good, not exceptional, can't compete with some superb dinners we have had in NYC. It is pricey, but I think this is kind of the deal this close to the theaters.

Joe Allen's is the best restaurant in NYC. I'm an actor so that is part of my bias but if you are from out of town and want to see The Wicked people or Nathan Lane or all the best dancers in the US (they are also sometimes your wait staff!). But the food and the drinks and the waitstaff are also the top of the line. I ALWAYS get liver and onions with onions and bacon (OK I pay a little extra!) but if I go more than once then I'll have almost anything else on the menu. Other than eating on the street in NYC Joe Allen is the place to go or if you want a bit more style and posters of failed shows from Broadway make you unhappy cause you were in some of them, then the Orsos Restaurant next door (same owners) is also great. Joe Allen - where to eat in NYC

Joe Allen is a classic! The food is perfect, the service is great and the ambiance is energetic and fun. We had steak, fries and apple martinis, everything was on point. Definitely will visit again the next time we're in New York City.

My husband, Son and I attempted to eat in this restaurant last week but the service was that terrible we had to pay for our drinks and leave. I was disappointed firstly that my gin and tonic was served in a small wine glass? Really you need to look at how to serve different alcoholic drinks maybe google gin glass?! A tall dark haired waiter approached our table and asked if we were ready to order I said yes but could I please have a larger glass for my gin and more tonic he blatantly ignored me and sarcastically said are we ordering !? So cheeky and horrible this ignorant individual would treat paying customers like this we refused to order and asked for the bill 1 beer 1 basically shot of gin and a Fanta $30 ! Absolute joke we left and ended up having a brilliant night in johns pizzeria nearby service was excellent there we spent 5 days in New York our very first time and this is the only place that treated us this way wouldn’t go or recommend.

We have visited the London restaurant many many times and were keen to see its NYC sister. Loved it, again very good food, great environment and great atmosphere. Good value too. The only negative was the waiting staff were too eager to clean plates away, I was literally chewming my last mouthful as my plate was whipped away. THERE IS NO RUSH GUYS, we're out for the night! Everything else was great and if you are looking for a tradiotional upmarket American diner, you wont do much better.

If you want to eat good dumplings try to find another place. And the other dishes we tried were very common.

Had dinner here on a Saturday night. We came after the pre-theater hour and before the post-theater hour, so it was lightly populated and quiet enough to converse. Enjoyed looking at the posters of failed Broadway shows ("Carrie" the musical!). Enjoyed the guacamole appetizer. Didn't like the cubano sandwich, it was bland and didn't have enough on it. My dining companion liked the liver - I tasted it, it was good, I should've had that. The banana cream pie was so-so, nothing to write home about. The service was attentive.

Went to Joe Allen after a matinee, I made reservations on open table 7 days in advance. Reservations were for 6 we arrived at 5;30 and we were seated immediately. Yes the menu is basic, you can look at it online, but what they do is fantastic! I had the hamburger, my son had the steak and my husband had the meatloaf with mash potatoes and salute spinach. Everything was very good. So much so, that my husband who will NOT eat spinach ate ALL of his spinach along with everything else on the plate. I looked at him and said, WHAT??? You ate your spinach?? He said it all just went together, it was so good! LOL Service was fast and friendly. A perfect end to a day on broadway.

This renowned restaurant is a favorite for a pre-theater meal. It’s very busy prior to show time so it’s best to dine after the theater crowd leaves if you don’t have a show to catch yourself. The menu is small which makes decision making quick - just what you need if trying to make a curtain. The service is professional and attractive, making the experience all the more enjoyable. If you don’t recognize any of the show posters on the wall, there’s a reason for that. They’re all flops.

After a superb visit to Joe Allen's in London, when we were in NYC, we booked a table at the USA restaurant. It never disappoints, the food, drink and service is superb. A very pleasurable dining experience and somewhere we always visit when returning to NYC. One thing I think the restaurant could add is a pianist playing music from the shows (in the background) whilst we are eating. Apart from that, I wouldn't change a thing about this place, its a gem.

We went here on a Monday evening for dinner to meet 2 friends that lives in NYC. It was a favorite place of theirs and popular in the theater community. The place has a very cool vibe when you walk in. Luckily, our friends had made reservations and were already seated when we arrived. We did not order appetizers, but had some of the complimentary bread, which was good. We also had some drinks, as well. For dinner, I had the new york strip with french fries. It was excellent. Someone else in my party had the same thing and enjoyed it, as well. Others had the meatloaf (excellent) and the chicken salad (excellent). For dessert, we shared the hot fudge pudding cake (excellent), banana cream pie (excellent) and ice cream (excellent). We truly enjoyed the place. The service was great, the food was excellent and the prices were fine.

We loved this restaurant for it's ambience and drinks as well as food. The drinks and cocktails are beautifully made and served authentically and service throughout is both quirky but professional and personal. Admittedly, the menu is a little limited but the food we had on our two visits was well cooked and tasty, but this restaurant is mostly about it's links with the theatre and the lovely welcome you receive.

Nice place in Midtown. The food was good but the service a bit slow. Decent beer selection for a "non-beer" place.

Stopping in for lunch early on a Friday afternoon was great. Our server Patrick did a fine job answering all our questions and serving our meals. The black bean soup / puree was great. In addition to that we had two grilled chicken salads and of course some drinks. A nice place to spend the afternoon.

We popped in here on a Monday night, it was quiet and we were seated quickly. The staff were pleasant but the food, whilst basic, tasted amazing. I had the wings and a burger, the burger was perfect.

We came here for dinner before a show. The walls are lined in posters from Broadway shows that flopped. Our server was super friendly and personable. I had the burger and I usually know that even though I like my meat well-done, most chefs can’t cook it without burning/ruining it (or maybe they do it out of spite), so I’ve accepted my fate. I was pleasantly surprised by a flavorful, juicy well-done burger here. My husband really enjoyed his chicken dish and my son loved his meatloaf and even willingly ate creamed spinach. We all had great meals and really enjoyed our time at the restaurant.

My husband found this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. I loved it because we were away from all the tourists. The food was delicious. I had the Amish chicken. It was so tender. I had the chocolate pudding cake & it was so good. We will be back next year.

We had dinner after the theater. Kudos to them for staying open late. However, I had a tough time making a reservation and when we got there the place was half empty and stayed that way.Service was very prompt but the menu appeared to be limited, which is not surprising since it was 11 pm. We ordered a brisket sandwich and split it, which was fantastic. We also ordered a bottle of wine which was brought to the table, opened, and then left for us to pour. I actually like to take care of the wine myself, but it was still a little weird.

Love the feel of this famous place. It's true NY - not a tourist trap. Food was very good and worth the price. We are repeat customers!

Very good restaurant and convent to the theater district. Great steak with exceptional service. Good atmosphere.

Took my 4 adult children to dinner here before the theater. Wow what a disappointment. The food was below average except for the caesar salad which was decent, pretty poor wine list, meatloaf was poor, scallops ok. Honestly I do not get the reviews here...so many better places to eat in the theater district. Plus the room smells like mildew. What is that all about. Service was inattentive. Just skip and go elsewhere.

With its high;y-touted reputation, Joe Allen Restaurant in New York City was an interesting dining experience. Service was attentive and entertaining (until the restaurant got busy), and the food was quite tasty and nicely plated. We enjoyed their Oven Roasted Duck Breast, Sauteed Calf's Liver and the Brook Trout with our pinot noirs. Especially unique was the ambience created by the posters of Broadway flops which adorned the walls.

The food provided at Joe Allen was stunning. Very well cooked and brought with amazing service. The venue is cosy and relaxing to be in.

I read that this is an institution, a favorite of the theatre crowd. Since we were looking to have a comfortable late dinner after seeing a show, we booked a reservation here. We were glad we did. Joe Allen is in the heart of the Broadway theater scene. On the walls are framed posters of classic shows. And the food was unfussy comfort food at reasonable (for NYC) prices. My wife had the meatloaf; I had calf's liver. Our waiter seemed very interested in my reaction to my dish so i told him I had not had calf's liver for decades and it was great. He said it was his favorite dish and that before he began working there, it was the dish he would have on his birthday, making a special trip to Joe Allen because it was so good. We both agreed that the sauce was what makes it.

Dropped in for a quick lunch on Valentines Day and had the LaScala salad. It was delicious and I would have to rate it as one of the best salads I have ever had. When in New York, I would specifically go back to Joe Allen's for a salad.

We stumbled upon this place and were very lucky to get a table at a couple of hour's notice. It was the best meal of our long weekend. Everything was very good: the strip steak was outstanding and the house red wine very enjoyable. Service was fine. We were there for a pre-theatre meal, and the food arrived at just the right pace. It is a haunt of many a celebrity, but reasonably priced. Good ambience...slightly cramped. Highly recommended.

Well what can we say great staff, food, atmosphere and great location. We loved every aspect of this resturant. 100% Would 100& come back when next in NY

After seeIng so many recommendations for Joe Allen it seemed like a must~go. We went for brunch before a 2 pm show and it was solid classic food and a nice atmosphere. Fun to imagine Broadway actors hanging out here after a show.

We dined at Joe Allen before heading to a show, and it was a great experience. The restaurant was aware of our timing and ensured we were seated promptly, which was appreciated. The service was very good throughout our meal. We felt like we were dining with locals, which added to the charm of the evening. The food was enjoyable, with a nice variety of options that didn’t disappoint. The ambience struck a perfect balance—warm and slightly upscale, making it a lovely spot to relax before our show. Overall, I highly recommend Joe Allen for a delightful pre-theater dinner.

Typical New York atmosphere, frequented by locals absolutely not a tourist trap. Simple and well-kept menu average price

Literally 3 or 4 minutes from the show, perfect for a pre theatre supper. Good food, great buzz and very friendly, professional and fast service. Food choices are typical of NYC....Caesar salad, with or without chicken, perfect NYC strip steak, pasta, home made burger and plenty of sides. Highly recommend but do book as it gets busy.

Never Again. Horrific people avoid this place at all costs. Food downhill.No words for this place. Service was subpar.

Joe Allen never disappoints. The staff is great. Love Kevin and Chris. They always accommodate our table requests, love to chat about the shows and make us feel at home. The wait staff is excellent. We almost never have a problem but when we do, they insist on correcting the situation. Last night we had one of the best waiters ever, Michael. He took care of everything. Also the wait staff will always get to the show on time if you give them around an hour plus walking time to the theater. And most important is that the food is very good. Always looking forward to coming here.

Sat at the bar and Chris served us our lunch as well as a delicious Bloody Mary and screw driver. Love this place and the quaint atmosphere. The omelet was fantastic as well as the Cajun Chicken sandwich. Their garlic potato chips made at their restaurant are fantastic. Always a favorite place to have lunch or dinner when we come up the see a show. Thank Chris for your kindness.

We recently visited Joe Allen after an evening performance of Hamilton nearby. Their schtick is to display posters of Broadway shows that flopped- badly. The food was good, the atmosphere dark with exposed brick, the prices not too bad. I would go back.

Everybody always talks about going to Joe Allen before or after a show, so we gave it a try after our 7PM show let out. Average service, ambiance and food. Not bad, but not great either. But, then again, this is the Theatre District. Suffice it to say that there are much better places all over New York.

Joe Allen's is a charming small restaurant in the heart of the theater district. we had 5:30 reservations for 7 people. As soon as we entered we were asked to check our coats and then brought right away to our round table in the corner. Nick, our waiter, came right over to make sure were were settle. He took great care of us and was very entertaining. He made recommendations, and offered a little history of Joe Allen's, as well as his own theater background. Nick recommended their signature chicken, which 6 of us ordered - it was excellent, as was the wine. Our 7th guest ordered a grilled chicken sandwich that she said was excellent as well. The food didn't take long to come out at. We noticed that those being seated in the small room next to us seemed to be occupied by customers that were well known to the wait staff and being served items that were not on the menu, so we asked Nick who explained that that was the VIP Room, and the customers were all theater related. Were were there about an 90 minutes, and had plenty of time to walk over to the theater in time for the show.

We were here before a show and thoroughly enjoyed both the ambience and the food. I can see why this is a staple for food in the theatre district. It didn't quite upstage the show, but it certainly added to the whole experience

Shawn was our waitress and she made our dining experience extra special. She went above and beyond describing the menu and assisting us throughout our experience. Food was delicious! Definitely go back the next time we are in NYC!

We had a nice meal here. Food was great. Service was fine. Not a 5* experience but being close to Times Square, it’s probably what you’d expect. Compared to other places we have visited in New York, it wasn’t our favourite but it had no massive issues.

It almost has a speak easy feel to it. It has been in existence for over 50 years. We were there for lunch and our food was excellent. I got the swordfish and it was cooked to perfection. Our server was super. We told her we had to be in and out in an hour. She made sure that we had what we needed. I will go back when I am next in New York. Do not miss this restaurant!!

The waitress was wonderful and Helpful. The food was delicious. The burgers awesome The guacamole Delicious The Salmon absolutely Excellent

Have been going here since the late 70s. Pre and post theater dinners and snacks. Please blend in and when you see famous people please act normal. Don’t ask for an autograph or a picture. Just soak it in. The theater crowd if you will. And there pre and post tours after class and just to hang. They have posters on the walls of all the broadway flips that closed in a week. And there are many of them.

We could not of found a better place before a 3:00 matinee. The food was really good. The atmosphere is really old school NYC. The waitstaff was stop on. I can't recommend this restaurant enough.

I don't understand how Joe Allen is not ranked higher on Trip Advisor. This place has never disappointed me. Have also been to the London location. Both food and service were great!

I love this place. I have been coming here for 30 years. Recently, it has felt just a little tired. The wedge potatoes are not a success and I miss the chocolate chip cookies. The martinis are still perfect

I so enjoyed my brunch is this lively New York Restaurant. The brunch menu had a nice variety, the food was very tasty, and the service excellent. A great place to eat pre-matinee. I would love to come back for dinner.

Joe Allen never disappoints. I ate here twice and stopped for a drink on my most recent NYC trip. The varied but tight menu accommodates quick kitchen turnaround when most patrons must make curtain times. My service was professional and kind at each visit. So long until next time.

I understand this is an icon, so what is the point of my review. Just adding my name to the long list of fans. Fairly priced pre-show dinner.

Living in London UK I have freqeunted Joe's for 40 years and whenever I visit New York I make a point of having dinner in Joe Allen. Its still as popular as it was so try to make a reservation. I tried unsuccessfully to get a table for 1 as 6pm on both Friday and Saturday last week and despite being jet lagged hung around until 8pm when a table was available to book. The menu has got smaller over the years but their classic Burger is still there and it was sooooooooooooo good topped off with bacon and cheese and lovely fries. My fabulous chocolate and walnut pie and ice cream was delicious. Their Bloody Marys are amazing! But its the atmosphere in this cute restaurant that hasn't changed over the years that makes me want to visit every time I'm in NYC, I feel like I'm at home in London.

Disappointing theatre land restaurant which trades on easy traffic!! Food is absolutely average - heavy sauces to disguise mediocre offerings. I would be embarrassed to serve up food if this quality at home!! Redeeming feature is the ambience and the staff who were really attentive and positive

The menu, wait staff and food quality was fabulous!!! They wait on you the moment you’re seated, and then the fun begins. It was a great experience with lots of great memories from the night we were there.

Came to meet up with family after they went to see Suffs on broadway. My first with family and was good. My wife’s sister, her family and my mother in law had already arrived and were well looked after by Jailene our server. She had her A game on which was awesome, she also used to work alongside a former employee of my from a midtown hotel. The food was good, the steak tartare I had could’ve been a little bigger from what I’ve seen from past pics from TripAdvisor. The special soup I had green Mexican style was actually delicious. Place was crowded and loud but fizzled out.

The menu is more limited than it used to be. No meatloaf. It is very popular and gets very busy with the theater rush.

We have been a few times to the London Joe Allen and so really wanted to try the original location in NYC original on our recent trip to NYC. Unfortunately we didn't really 'feel the love' here. It didn't seem to have that same 'late night secluded and snug' feel like the London one does. Not sure why. Service was fine and wine list/choice was fine so no issues there. The other three on our table were generally underwhelmed by their chosen meals, which was a bit of a shame since it was our first night in NYC but my salad was actually incredibly fresh and looked gorgeous and vibrant. The meatloaf looked pretty grim and the person couldn't eat the spinach as it was more garlic than spinach! In London we have struggled to choose from the menu as there are too many things we want; here we struggled to choose as there seemed to be too few things we all wanted. So, just a bit ho hum really. Really loved Bar Centrale upstairs!

We had a wonderful experience here for dinner. The hosts and our server were super welcoming and engaging. The ambiance of the restaurant is also very warm and inviting. I had the meatloaf, which came with mashed potatoes and spinach - it was delicious. My friend had a salad that she enjoyed as well. The walls are decorated with posters from “flopped” Broadway shows, which adds to the charm and definitely adds to dinner conversation as you look around. This is a great, unique place!