Your Philly Theater Dining Guide: Where to Grab Dinner & a Show

The epicenter of big-time theater in Philly, the stages along Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts — the Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Miller Theater, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre and the Wilma Theater — showcase Broadway productions, musicals, concerts and more. 

Here’s where to dine nearby in the neighborhood:

• Inside the Kimmel Center: Casual cafe by day, lively cocktail bar by night, the Curtain Call cafe and lounge at the Kimmel Center offers small plates of elevated bites, as well as beer, wine and specialty cocktails, while on-site restaurant Leo — named in honor of renowned conductor Leopold Stokowski — features “global cuisine with a Mediterranean twist,” including a prix fixe pre-theater menu.

• Prix fixe menus nearby: Elegant Estia on Locust Street features high-end Greek cuisine with a prix fixe pre-theater menu, while the Kimpton Hotel Palomar’s Square 1682 in Rittenhouse Square features a modern American pre-theater menu. While not specific to theatergoers, Ocean Prime also offers an early dining menu Sundays through Thursdays.

• Fine dining: Right across from The Wilma, luxurious Steak 48 is an upscale spot to spoil your inner carnivore, while along Spruce Street, Vetri Cucina is consistently recognized as one of Philadelphia’s top restaurants.

• Comfort food: Popular and intimate Little Nonna’s in Midtown Village serves up Italian-American classics, while the lively comfort food and drinks at nearby Bud & Marilyn’s can fill you up with classic American fare.

• Brunch or coffee: Hitting up a matinee? Grab brunch and a specialty coffee (or a mimosa, if you wish) at the Midtown Village location of beloved Green Eggs Cafe.

Arden Theatre has been presenting world premieres and popular works while garnering dozens of Barrymore Awards during its four-decade existence. And within its historic Old City neighborhood lies a selection of fun eateries and pubs matching Arden’s intimate aesthetic.

• Fine dining: Vibrant Cuba Libre is a well-known destination for small plates of creative Cuban cuisine and its spirited rum bar. And around the corner on Market Street, James Beard Award-winning Ellen Yin’s fantastic Fork serves a chic contemporary American menu. And just down Chestnut Street is Stephen Starr’s iconic Buddakan, offering modern Asian fusion in a dramatic and stylish setting.

• Gastropubs: For more drink options, pop into National Mechanics (housed in a circa-1837 former bank building) or, past Independence Hall, elevated comfort food served streetside at cozy Red Owl Tavern within Kimpton Hotel Monaco.

• Discounts for theatergoers: The Arden has a long list of nearby recommended restaurants and dining partners, each offering discounts for those heading to a show. Check out the list here.

Located at the edge of Rittenhouse Row, the two theaters inside The Drake building serve as home to several organizations — including InterAct Theatre Company — operating under the “At The Drake” performance banner. And within a few yards of each other around the intersection of 16th and Spruce streets are a foursome of pre-show options.

• Classic spots: A longtime Philly favorite, Monk’s Café is known for its extensive beer selection alongside legendary mussels and crispy Belgian frites. Across the street is intimate classic Italian BYOB La Viola.

• Global flavors: If you’re looking for flavors from across the globe, try chic Samurai Japanese Restaurant’s well-regarded sushi and sashimi inside the Academy House building or dig in at bustling Thai locale Jasmine Rice on 16th Street.

As the only American Shubert Organization venue outside New York City, the century-old Forrest Theatre hosts big-name touring productions and right-from-Broadway shows. Close by are several showstopping spots for dinner and drinks in the surrounding Gayborhood.

• Upscale eats: Among the city’s buzziest establishments, Charlie was a sinner. is a cozy yet glam vegan tapas lounge with plant-based plates and crafted cocktails. And down at 12th and Locust streets is stylish LGBTQ-owned Knock, an upscale American restaurant and bar.

• Global flavors: El Vez is a Mexican favorite offering a modern take on classics (and a great tequila selection), while Asian flavors are on display across the street at Michael Schulson’s popular Sampan.

The 220-seat FringeArts — inside a century-old former riverside pumping station — hosts contemporary out-of-the-mainstream performances, experimental concerts and the annual Fringe Festival. The venue’s Delaware River waterfront location provides convenient access to full-night-out spots with a similar vibe, including its own Fringe Bar, offering pub cuisine, eclectic beverages, and more live music and entertainment.

• Gastropubs: A short walk along the riverfront takes you to spring-to-fall outdoor destination Morgan’s Pier, an oasis of craft beer, casual dishes, and live music and DJs for a casual warm-weather night out. Or grab some comfort food at low-key rustic bistro Race Street Cafe, with its popular eponymous burger and classic tavern eats.

• Japanese: Head a bit west into Old City for Tuna Bar, an upscale-yet-relaxing Japanese raw bar and grill known for its sushi, or stick closer to the theater with Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, offering both lively, family-friendly tableside cooking with river views and a quieter indoor vibe complete with live piano.

The intimate 150-seat St. Stephen’s Theater, a performing arts center owned by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, hosts engaging classic, modern and original works from not-for-profit Lantern Theater Company in busy Market East between City Hall and Independence Hall.

• Fine dining: A must-try pre- or post-show spot is another of Ellen Yin’s award-winning establishments. Modern-American High Street inside the historic Franklin Building emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and artisanal preparations (and killer sourdough pizzas).

• Gastropubs: American brasserie The Wayward within Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City features an impressive gin list to complement its French-inspired cuisine. And for laid-back experiences, wander over to the Center City location of popular gastropub chain Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant or explore the memorabilia while you dine at Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia.

• Dining partner discounts: Not sure where to start? Check out the theater’s curated list of dining partners (including some of the above spots), each offering discounts to ticket holders.

As one of the nation’s top urban collegiate performing arts centers, the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Live Arts presents music, dance and touring plays across three theater spaces. Its University City locale offers a varied collection of dinner options with a younger aesthetic.

• Farm fresh: Within the busy area amid the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University campuses, find trendy White Dog Cafe, known for sustainable farm-to-table contemporary American cuisine.

• Global eats: The West Philly neighborhood surrounding the venue is also a hotbed for great Asian cuisine, led by Chinese staple Sang Kee Noodle House, as well as lively French-inspired bistro Louie Louie, part of The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel. 

• Fast casual: Short on time? Grab-and-go a quick pre-show bite at the Philly location of “healthy fast casual” chain Dig Inn.

One of America’s oldest theaters in continuous use — dating back to 1912 — Plays & Players Theatre (and its primary tenant, 1812 Productions) is located in Rittenhouse Square’s quiet, residential Delancey Place, near several of the city’s most elegant dining spots.

• Fine dining: Among the city’s top restaurants by any measure, Parisian-style brasserie Parc from Stephen Starr is a special place to kick off an evening of dinner and a show, as is Starr’s luxury steakhouse Barclay Prime, home to the $140 wagyu and black truffle cheesesteak, while nearby Rittenhouse Grill offers a traditional steakhouse experience.

• Veg options: Plant-based cafe P.S. & Co. serves organic small bites with gluten-free options, healthier desserts and more — with grab-and-go options — while Bar Bombón offers Latin-inspired flavors (think sweet plátanos, tacos and margaritas) from its classy and casual corner spot on 18th Street.

A prominent Northwest Philly playhouse, the Sedgwick Theater in Mt. Airy is a nearly 100-year-old Art Deco theater (and former movie palace) that’s home to Quintessence Theatre Group. The theater’s Germantown Avenue location provides easy access to a variety of dining options.

• Global eats: Next door is Italian BYOB favorite La Trattoria, while Albanian-owned Töska Restaurant & Brewery sits just across the street, with globally inspired food and house-brewed craft beer. A bit further up the cobblestoned avenue, find cozy Bar Lizette, specializing in Alsace region cuisine fusing French and German (everything from schnitzel to moules frites).

• Nearby Northwest eateries: Just a bit further up Germantown Avenue leads you to Chestnut Hill, where you can find even more global flavor options like sushi and Japanese cuisine at Hokka Hokka or traditional Indian food in a cozy setting at Nirvana Indian Bistro. Take a short drive to Manayunk (try award-winning burgers at Lucky’s Last Chance) or Roxborough (try Tibetan comfort food at the White Yak) to find even more dining options.

South Philly nonprofit Theatre Exile focuses on contemporary works and new plays featuring local talent in an intimate setting, along with an opportunity for theatergoers to have a most-Philly-ever experience for dinner-and-a-show night.

• Old World Italian: Just a block south of the venue, diners (and film buffs) enjoy Old World Italian spot Victor Café — the real-life stand-in for Adrian’s Restaurant from the Rocky franchise — with classic red-sauce dishes served by an opera-singing waitstaff.

• Cheesesteaks: For another true-Philly experience, take a short half-mile walk to the world-famous Italian Market corner featuring twin cheesesteak icons Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks for a pre-show whiz wit.

• Brunch: If it’s a matinee day, comfort brunches and an impressive selection of champagne cocktails and bloodies await at Green Eggs Cafe’s South Philly location.

Philly’s Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theater in the country, with Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette rumored to be in attendance on opening night in 1812. A number of nearby eateries and pubs offer pre-show dining just as elegant.

• Fine dining: Go big at Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s self-titled Japanese spot, one of Philly’s major culinary destinations, or savor local flavors of farm-to-table American cuisine at nature-inspired Talula’s Garden in Washington Square.

• Comfort food: If comfort food is your desire, find a relaxed, casual vibe (and hearty milkshakes) at Craftsman Row Saloon. For a taste right off Broadway, head to P.J. Clarke’s at The Curtis for classic American fare.

• Partner-restaurant discounts: Buca D’oro Ristorante is the official restaurant partner of the theater, offering discounts to ticket holders. The theater also has 15 additional dining partners with an array of discounts available.

Award-winning regional theater Act II Playhouse in Ambler offers a broad range of performances, including comedies, dramas, musicals and original works, with a myriad of dining choices up and down Butler Avenue, the borough’s main street.

• Latin food: The flavors of Mexico permeate the menu at regional favorite Cantina Feliz with its bright and vibrant setting, while authentic tastes from a bit further south are on display at Geronimo’s Peruvian Cuisine.

• Fine dining: Highly regarded Bridgets Steakhouse carves up prime beef cuts in an upscale atmosphere, while new-kid-on-the-block Porter offers American fare on its first floor and speakeasy vibes and sophisticated cocktails upstairs at the Gaslight Cocktail Bar.

• Gastropub: For some refined pub grub along with some local waterway-borne craft beers, check out Tannery Run Brew Works.

Newly remodeled Bristol Riverside Theatre, located inside a former moviehouse that overlooks the Delaware River, is known for its inclusivity and use of local talent, along with its proximity to the many dinner options in this part of Lower Bucks.

• King George II Inn: Any discussion of the Bristol dining scene must start with King George II Inn. Arguably the nation’s oldest continuously operating inn and tavern, the landmark — which dates back to 1681 — serves a mix of indulgent classics and modern takes.

• Seafood: The borough’s riverside location gives rise to the ocean-to-table sustainable seafood offerings at BYOB Jules at Market, located a short walk from the theater.

• Casual dining: If you’re looking for comfort food with a chill vibe, try the traditional Mexican entrees and flavorful margaritas at Mill Street Cantina, or savor wood-fired pizza and seasonal cocktails a five-minute walk away at Itri Wood Fired.

Residing inside a circa-1790 former gristmill, iconic Bucks County Playhouse in charming New Hope has seen the likes of Grace Kelly, Dick Van Dyke, Robert Redford and Liza Minnelli grace its stage. Enjoy riverside dining and come-as-you-are vibes at these spots.

• Riverside dining: Rising right behind the theater, the renamed non-profit Playhouse Deck features spectacular river and bridge views to enjoy with a menu of seasonal American cuisine and sips, as does Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant, just up the river. Located next to the theater inside the Ghost Light Inn, barn-style gastropub Stella of New Hope brings farm-to-table sustainability to the riverside.

• Cozy casual: Nearby, find the Landmark Tavern nestled within the historic Logan Inn — one of America’s oldest, dating to 1727 — for cocktails and comfort food.

“Long live the Hedgerow Theatre.” Nineteenth-century dramatist Seán O’Casey’s rallying cry still holds true at the 100-seat repertory theater, founded in 1923 and built out of a 19th-century gristmill. With Hedgerow’s location in far southeastern Delaware County — south of Media — walk-to dining options are limited, but there are fantastic spots for a pre-show meal within a short drive.

• BYOB: Beloved Fond, having shuttered its East Passyunk doors after two decades in 2021, reemerged in Wallingford three years later, serving the same French-infused American menu just a mile from the theater.

• Gastropub: Over by Swarthmore College (and inside The Inn at Swarthmore), Broad Table Tavern features twists on American favorites with a great bourbon selection.

• Family-friendly: Before a show with the whole fam, Tom Jones Family Restaurant in Brookhaven is a haven for diner lovers.

The Media Theatre is a 440-seat former vaudeville stagehouse, currently operating as the largest professional regional theater employing equity actors in Delaware County. Find a number of places for a before-show meal across the theater’s county-seat town. 

• Fine dining: A true Delco original, The Towne House is a local institution with five distinct dining rooms, each with its own vibe and cuisine, featuring farm-to-table fare and an extensive wine menu.

• Comfort food: An offshoot of the popular Old City location, Media’s Spasso Italian Grill is likewise known for its authentic Italian cuisine in a chill locale. For a relaxed experience just steps away from the theater, try Brick & Brew gastropub’s housemade pizzas and craft beers.

• Dining partner discounts: The theater has a curated selection of close to ten dining partners, each offering discounts for ticket holders.

Regional professional theater People’s Light has been producing a mix of diverse shows in Chester County since 1974. Before hitting up these performances, there are plenty of eclectic choices for dining before showtime around its Malvern location.

• Fine dining: Head to the General Warren for traditional-yet-contemporary fine dining within a historic inn dating back to 1745, or choose contemporary sophistication at Fork & Bottle within The Desmond Hotel.

• Gastropub: If you prefer a more laid-back pre-theater dining experience, try Sly Fox Malvern Taphouse at the Grove — one of four locations of the local brewery chain — offering inventive pub grub and local brews.

Theatre Horizon is an American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company Award-winning professional theater company in Montgomery County with several choices for dinner-and-a-show near its Norristown stage.

• Global eats: In a town where one out of every three residents is Latino, fantastic Hispanic food abounds, including Taqueria La Michoacana, offering generous portions of authentic Mexican food within a short walk. Stroll a bit further for La Poblanito Mexican Bar’s vibrant setting to enjoy traditional Mexican alongside an array of cocktails. Nearby, August Moon offers a cozy and unexpected Korean and Japanese fusion spot down Main Street with traditional dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi and sushi.

• Comfort Food: For family-friendly comfort food with grab-and-go options, head over to nearby Bridgeport for pub grub and local brews at Puddlers Kitchen & Tap, powered by Conshohocken Brewing Company.

Philly’s got a variety of venues that offer “dinner and a show” all in one spot. 

• Dinner Theater: Fabrika Philly in Fishtown draws inspiration from the glitz and glam of Las Vegas, so expect burlesque, comedy, acrobatics and more, with a menu as eclectic as the programming. Or for a killer dinner-and-a-show combo, try The Dinner Detective at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City to put your sleuthing skills to the test while you dine.

• Comedy: If you’re looking for more laughter in your life, hit up Philly’s top-notch comedy clubs. Rittenhouse Square’s Helium Comedy Club offers pub fare and an extensive cocktail and beer menu, while Fishtown’s Punch Line Philly offers comfort food and regular stand-up, plus drag brunches and more.

• Live music: Jazz, soul and more are on the menu at several of Philly’s dine-in live-music venues. Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Center City is the oldest continuously operating jazz club in Philadelphia, featuring live jazz five nights a week and a New Orleans-inspired menu from chef-owner Mark DiNinno. The award-winning wine selection at City Winery in the Market East neighborhood pairs nicely with regular soul, folk and jazz acts. SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club on North Broad delivers elevated soul food on the restaurant side and nationally touring jazz acts in an adjacent intimate 75-seat jazz club.