The 'Maybe Happy Ending' cast shares the best Theatre District restaurants
Discover a new favorite bar or eatery located near Broadway theatres, and then discover why this original new musical received universal critical acclaim.
A new restaurant and a new Broadway musical make a perfect pair. Maybe Happy Ending, starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, tells the original story of Oliver (Criss) and Claire (Shen), who get an unexpected second chance on life — and a first chance at love — after the world has deemed them obsolete. The twist? They're both robots.
Whether you're going to see this musical or a different Broadway show, you'll probably need a pre- or post-show meal or drink. The Maybe Happy Ending cast shared their favorite spots in the Theatre District, all located steps from Broadway theatres.
See why the cast raves about these eateries, organized by price point, and then get tickets to see why critics raved about Maybe Happy Ending.
Making a date night out of it? Check out the cast's guide to NYC's best date spots.
Get Maybe Happy Ending tickets now.
Hurley's Saloon
Irish pub meets Western saloon at Hurley's, which, if it weren't multiple stories high, might make you feel like you've stepped out of the city altogether. Go here for drinks and pub fare in a no-frills setting.
Recommended by: Marcus Choi (James and others)
Address: 232 W. 48th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $
Urban Hawker
This casual Singaporean food court exclusively showcases Asian cuisines, also including Malay, Peranakan, Chinese, Indian, and more. It's a perfectly on-theme place to visit before Maybe Happy Ending, which is set in South Korea.
Recommended by: Helen J. Shen (Claire)
Address: 135 W. 50th St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
Price: $
An'nam
This laid-back Vietnamese joint offers a wide range of food options, from sushi to dim sum to noodles to customizable bento boxes. Though some meat and seafood entrees are slightly more expensive, it's possible to get a filling meal at An'nam for under $20, especially if you go for the lunch special.
Recommended by: Christopher James Tamayo (understudy)
Address: 234 W. 48th St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
Price: $
Lillie's Victorian Establishment
British comfort food is king at this elevated pub with vintage flair. You'll feel like you've stepped into a royal palace's dining hall as you enjoy entrees like chicken pot pie, fish and chips, or lamb chop.
Recommended by: Marcus Choi
Address: 249 W. 49th St. between Eighth Avenue and Broadway
Price: $$
Glass House Tavern
Glass House is a go-to spot among theatre professionals, so you might spot a Broadway performer on their day off! Sit down for a leisurely meal in the upstairs dining room, or stay in the first-level bar area, which has a separate food menu, for drinks and quick bites.
Recommended by: Marcus Choi
Address: 252 W. 47th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $$
The Times Square EDITION hotel bar
The high-end lobby bar at The Times Square EDITION offers cocktails, wine, and beer with a bonus: "You can step outside and see great views of Times Square," director Michael Arden noted.
The Edition also houses the French American restaurant The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens and the cabaret-style Paradise Club, where Broadway stars and other acts often perform.
Recommended by: Michael Arden (director)
Address: 701 Seventh Ave. at the corner of 47th Street
Price: $$$
Sardi's
"Sardi's is both a landmark and an institution," said Darren Criss. "There's a mythology to the theatre community and the bar at Sardi's."
He's right — Sardi's is perhaps the most famous restaurant associated with Broadway. Caricatures of legendary stage actors line the walls of this upscale Italian restaurant that's sat at the heart of the Theatre District for a century.
Recommended by: Darren Criss (Oliver)
Address: 234 W. 44th St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Price: $$$
Lambs Club
Treat yourself by splurging on a meal at this swanky American restaurant. In addition to a la carte appetizers, steak and fish entrees, and desserts, you can get a two- or three-course pre-theatre prix fixe.
Recommended by: Marcus Choi
Address: 132 W 44th St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
Price: $$$
Get Maybe Happy Ending tickets now.
Photo credit: Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
Frequently asked questions
What is Maybe Happy Ending about?
See Andrew Barth Feldman and Helen J Shen in the Tony Award-winning musical Maybe Happy Ending, a comedy about robots falling unexpectedly in love as they near the end of their designated lifespan.
How do you book tickets for Maybe Happy Ending?
Book tickets for Maybe Happy Ending on New York Theatre Guide.
What's the age requirement for Maybe Happy Ending?
The recommended age for Maybe Happy Ending is Ages 8+..
How long is Maybe Happy Ending?
The running time of Maybe Happy Ending is 1hr 40min. No intermission.
What are the songs in Maybe Happy Ending?
The score is largely sung by just two characters and blends genres, including jazz, contemporary musical theatre, and more. Audiences can expect love duets and sweeping solos.
Who wrote Maybe Happy ending?
This new musical has music composed by Will Aronson, lyrics written by Hue Park, and a book written by both Aronson and Park.
Who directs Maybe Happy Ending?
Tony Award winner Michael Arden, a leading force in Broadway musicals, stages this new production.
Is Maybe Happy Ending good?
Beloved internationally, the mjusical now comes to Broadway where it earned a Critic's Pick in The New York Times and Variety called it "moving...it teaches us to be human."
Is Maybe Happy Ending appropriate for kids?
Yes, the show is recommended for ages eight and up (and audiences must be above age four to enter Broadway shows).
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