Joe Allen

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.

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.

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.

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

I've been dining at Joe Allen since the early 1970's, and keep coming back because of its genuine warmth and friendliness, and the reliably good food. It's not gourmet, but I've always enjoyed tasty, well prepared, generous servings of a good variety of American fare. There's no better burger in town, and the Steaks, pot roast, fish, soups and salads are always good. The banana cream pie is a pillowy mountain of delight. It's always packed pre theater, and reservations can be hard to come by at peak hours. but you can often snag a seat at the bar, which is convivial and totally cool. It's long time owner died a few years ago, but Joe Allen lives and prospers. For me, it's the essence of New York.

Must-visit for theater fans. Reliably good food & great service. I bring all my visitors here!

All around great! The food is always hot and good, and the staff are always super personable and provide excellent service! I'm a creature of habit, and almost always get the meatloaf, which comes with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach, but tonight I went for my mom's fave, the grilled half chicken. It was piping hot, and tender and juicy. It's de-boned, so makes it super easy to eat! No strange sauces or spices, but still quite flavorful. It comes with mashed potatoes. My aunt and uncle both got burgers which they said, and I've heard, are very good! A solid pre-theatre dinner spot, which empties out a little bit before curtain time. Occasionally, you will have celebrity sightings if you're into that. Reservations are a must and cannot be made before 1week in advance.

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.

Great dinner after a Broadway show, our server Devon was awesome!! Fast helpful service and delicious food. We loved the la scala salad and grilled shrimp entree. I'll be back for sure!

Overall...disappointing. Service - mediocre. One person's food was delivered almost 20 minutes before everyone elses. Cold winter night and this restaurant is usually warm, inviting and charming. We were sat immediately (had reservation post show) however we were seated with a huge cold draft affecting the table. Asked to be moved as tables had emptied. We were told there were reservations for every table and a move could not be accommodated. By the end of the evening, none of the tables had been seated and, since we closed the place, were surprised our request wasn't granted. I have been coming here for many years but noticed a significant change in the prestige factor from the staff as well as the quality of food. Very saddened that this restaurant is not up to the standards it once was.