For a post-show night cap:
Sofia Wine Bar
Just a short walk from the theatre district, Sofia Wine Bar is the ideal hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Midtown. The outside resembles a typical Manhattan brownstone, the inside is warm with dim lighting and the smell of oven-baked pizza hangs in the air. If you don’t feel like formal dining, head downstairs to the intimate courtyard for a glass of European wine and antipasto plate. (242 East 50th St., btw. 2nd and 3rd Ave. For more info, click here.)
Ava Lounge
Times Square is much more beautiful when viewed from the banquette of a New York City penthouse. Enter through the lobby of the Dream Hotel and take the elevator to the heated rooftop bar where you can enjoy delicious cocktails, lounge music and an urban, chic crowd. With a closing time of 4 AM, the party needn’t finish early. (210 West 55th St., between Broadway and 7th Ave. For more info, click here.) Cello Wine Bar
If wine is your vice then you won’t want to go past Cello Wine Bar and the vast array of old and new world wines on offer. Their wine list is updated weekly and everything is available by the glass, making it the perfect place to try something new; and why not share a cheese plate while you’re there. (229 East 53rd St., btw. 2nd and 3rd Ave. For more info, click here.)
La Cava Wine Bar
Open until 3:30 AM, seven nights a week, La Cava is a cozy spot to enjoy a nice glass of wine and a bite to eat following a late Broadway show. Tucked away from the busier parts of Midtown, La Cava provides an intimate and sophisticated spot to let the evening continue. (939 2nd Ave, btw. 49th and 50th Streets. For more info, click here.)
Glass House Tavern
In the heart of the theatre district, the bustling Glass House Tavern is an ideal place for a pre and post show drink and meal. They offer an extensive cocktail list as well as a very reasonably priced prix fixe dinner menu. It’s also the perfect place to spot Broadway stars, producers and writers. Did you bring your headshot? (252 West 47th St, btw. 7th and 8th Ave. Click here for more info.)
The Ritz Carlton Star Lounge
The Star Lounge at the Ritz Carlton Hotel could not feel further away from the busy atmosphere of Times Square. Lavishly decorated in typical Ritz style, allow their legendary New York bartender to prepare you a personal cocktail. For a pre-show quintessential Manhattan experience, make a reservation at their world-famous Afternoon Tea. You can enjoy specialty teas, champagne and delicacies so finely adorned you won’t want to eat them. (50 Central Park South, on 59th St between 5th and 6th Ave. For more info, click here.)
The show must go on...
Joe’s Pub
Situated next door to the Public Theater, Joe’s Pub is one of the city’s most celebrated venues for emerging and established performance artists from all over the world. Shows commence early or as late as 11:30 PM, making it the perfect place to enjoy another show while enjoying a drink with friends. Come celebrate the holiday season with Justin Vivian Bond's Star of Light! show. Backed by talented misfits in extravagant outfits, she promises to light up your night with songs, sass and surprise. Sandra Bernhard's mix of cabaret, rock and roll and stand-up is also a show not to be missed at Joe's this month. (425 Lafayette St., Astor Place. Click here for more info.)
54 Below
Broadway's Supper Club is always open late for those who want to continue singing their favorite show tunes way past curfew. This December, come and see stars like Lorna Luft and Liz Callaway perform at this quintessentially Manhattan nightspot. Late night shows at 11 PM. (254 W 54th St., btwn. Broadway & 8th Ave. To buy tickets and more info click here.)
Apollo Music Café
There’s more to the Apollo Theater than their renowned Amateur nights. The Music Café series is a late night show designed to bring independent, cutting-edge artists to a forward thinking audience. Performances vary across an eclectic mix of genres including jazz, pop, hip hop, funk and rock. Next up is New-Zealand talent Aaradhna, whose old-school soulful voice will you have you mesmerized. (253 West 125th St. Click here for more info.)
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
This intimate 50-seat venue is a fine way to continue a night of stellar theatre. Named “Best New Jazz Club” in 2000 by New York Magazine, it has been host to some of the country’s best musicians. With classic cocktails on offer and soulful American cuisine served until late. This weekend, Smoke will invite legendary saxophonist Gary Bartz to the stage, a name that every jazz fan should know. (2751 Broadway, Upper West Side. For more info, click here.)
Lucky Strike
Who said you can’t be the star of your own show? Head to the upscale Lucky Strike with a group of friends for something a little livelier after Broadway. Part lounge-bar, part bowling alley, this Hell’s Kitchen favorite offers a live DJ, an intimate atmosphere and fine food and snacks. (42nd St and 12th Ave. For more info, click here.)
