pre-theater dining

Does anyone have ideas for pre-theater dining (5:30 p.m. - weeknight) for somewhere that has decent ambience, caters to pre-theater, and is not totally dead at that time? We never go out early and, therefore, have no idea what restaurants would be good choices to go this early...but the show starts at 7:00 & it will be too late to eat afterwards. The restaurant can be downtown or on Bardstown Road. Thanks so much!

Z's Fusion always seems to be busy early and they have a prix fixe if I'm not mistaken- I think 3 courses for $30.
I let them know we are theater bound and they get us out in time.

Have you been to Theatre Square Marketplace, yet? Seems like the kind of atmosphere I wouldn't mind pre-theatre.

I'll echo Z's, also 732 Social, Mayan Cafe, White Oak, and Proof are likely to be busy but not slammed at 5:30 on a weeknight.

We had a pre-theater dinner at the Oakroom a few weeks ago, and it was exceptional, but the place was dead at 5:30 on a Saturday. It was picking up just as we were leaving.

You might also consider Rivue - we've been there before pre-theater, and they packed up a nice to-go theater snack pack, and timed everything perfectly so that we were out on time, but not too soon so that we had to kill time. I don't know whether it would have much of a crowd on a weeknight that early, though.

Along Bardstown Road, Jack Frys would be nice, and I'm betting it would be a little busy then.

We offer a pre-theater menu that has been well received and are less than 5 minutes from the show. It consists of our house salad, choice of salmon or sirloin entree, and creme brulee for dessert. All for only $26.

These are all excellent ideas. Now we need to go to more shows so we can try all of these pre-theater! Thanks very much for the suggestions.

We normally get a decent pre-theate rush at Saffron's.

In an attempt to try and be complete - we've done pre-theater dining at 301 Bistro and Vincenzo's as well. Lot's of really good options out there.

Hi Mary Ann, how are you?
Are you still selling your pound cake at Pauls? I looked the other day and couldn't find it. I was bummed, great stuff. I've changed jobs recently so you won't find me in Middletown anymore, I'm now the head chef at Olivia's On Goss.
Look me up sometime, lunch will be on me.

Michele,

I sold the pound cake business to Patti Fadel from Patti Cakes, and they should be supplying Paul's with the pound cakes (along with additional flavors) under their own label.

I wondered if I was just missing you at Highland or you had moved on. Congrats on your new job; I will see you at Olivia's on Goss soon!

Mary Ann

This year, Brownings has been my pre-theater dining location. Very close to the theater and ample parking. I want them to stay open!!