Pre-theatre dinner?

Can you give me some suggestions on restaurants to hit before seeing Wicked later this month? I don't get out that way very often.

Thanks!

Marketplace
Proof
St Charles

Proof
Harvest

[Robin Garr]

There are a lot of great suggestions coming in, but I'd consider proximity a plus. For an event at the Kentucky Center, Proof or St. Charles Exchange seem like winners because it's easy to park one time and walk to both destinations. Saffron's would fall into that charmed circle as well. I know you could walk to Marketplace or Harvest and other NuLu destinations, but I'm not sure I'd want to dine and do a power-walk in dress-up clothes.

Don't forget Dish on Market!

I agree with Robin - park once for the evening!

While I also would rank Proof or St. Charles first, on various occasions we've hit Bistro 301 (good food at much lower price point), the downtown Bristol, Z's (more frequently before it converted to a steakhouse), Morton's (the bar menu is inexpensive), or Rivue. At a slightly longer walk (but not bad) is Doc Crow's.

What we usually do, however, is to go after the show. Back in the olden times after a show you could go to Hazenours or the Bristol, and that was it. Today, there are dozens of great places you can go for a late night dinner (virtually all of NuLu), and parking isn't the problem it is at 6.

Note that several places in walking distance have pre-theater specials. Blu in the Marriott is pretty good. I would not recommend Vincenzo's (has good priced pre-theater menu) unless you are recognized, as those known to the house get in and out fast with wonderful food & service, while others (like us) have poor service and may miss the show.

Let's not forget Vincenzo's who has a pre-theatre menu.

Be aware that they are expecting about 50,000 people over this run. There will be big business in the area restaurants (see link below). We are going as well but are cautious about eating downtown beforehand, especially on Friday night. We saw a small play at the Ky Center last year when Van Halen was in town. Our selected restaurant was swamped and we had to rush through dinner and literally run to the theater.


http://www.wdrb.com/story/19526863/popu ... estaurants

Be aware that they are expecting about 50,000 people over this run. There will be big business in the area restaurants (see link below). We are going as well but are cautious about eating downtown beforehand, especially on Friday night. We saw a small play at the Ky Center last year when Van Halen was in town. Our selected restaurant was swamped and we had to rush through dinner and literally run to the theater.


http://www.wdrb.com/story/19526863/popu ... estaurants

It goes without saying that you MUST make reservations! When you make them, call up rather than using Open Table, and ask when you have to get there to see the show - then arrive early.

For especially crowded times we've had great experiences at Bistro 301 - being in the same block as Actor's Theatre, thery are used to full houses who have to leave enmasse, and handle things very well. Actually, the only place we've had trouble getting out of was Vincenzo's.

We've also had great luck at Bistro 301.

Personally, we usually eat someplace on our drive in, making sure to leave enough time for eating and parking, and telling the server immediately that we are making a show. That typically means eating at 5:30 for an 8:00 show- which also means the non- KCA area restaurants are not slammed and parking is easy. In the past we've done North End, Blind Pig, and Mayan Cafe ( but your results will vary based on your route). We've also had great luck at Bistro 301.
Deb

The Bristol Downtown takes reservations, as well. They are pretty full for this week's performances but do have availability for the next 2 weeks of shows.

Please keep in mind that there is a 10 minute seating hold at the beginning of Wicked, and another 8 minute seating hold at the beginning of Act II, meaning if you are late you will not be admitted until after the seating hold is released. The total run time for the show, including intermission, is 2:45.

Gosh, thanks everyone, for the great suggestions. I'm really leaning towards eating here on the East End early (5:30ish) and then driving downtown for the show. I still haven't decided though...