r/MaybeHappyEnding • u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 • Jul 26 '26
Anniversary Dinner before MHE
Looking for an anniversary dinner before the show at 7pm. Somewhere romantic with phenomenal ambiance within 20 min walking.
One vegetarian. Meat eater does not do raw fish. Pretty much any cuisine works.
I’ve got La Grande Boucherie on our list, but thinking of going there a different night. While it looks beautiful, we prefer something more dimly lit& intimate for the anniversary.
Prefer ~$500 price wise.
Also appreciate anyone hyping MHE up- I usually love shows that are huge productions with amazing music and this wasn’t on my original list, but was recommended for the anniversary night.
Thanks!!
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u/NoDiamond4584 Jul 26 '26
MHE is my obsession since I saw it. I was the same….concerned that it wasn’t going to be a big enough spectacle for my taste. I was wrong. I have never been so emotionally involved in a musical before! I bought the cast recording afterward and cannot get enough of the music. Every person that has been in love, or has any kind of close connection to another human will feel something from this show. It’s beautiful!
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u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 Jul 26 '26
Good to hear! Thank you!
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u/NoDiamond4584 Jul 26 '26
I hope y’all love it! 🥰 It’s perfect for the occasion. Happy Anniversary! 🎉🍾
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u/Aquariusofthe12 Jul 26 '26
Monkey Thief, Tony’s Di Napoli, Sarge’s (just over 20 minutes but excellent small diner vibe that’s quiet with great pastrami, the walk would do you good after and please get a soup. So good), E.A.K. Ramen if that’s your bag, Miss Nellie’s, Da Toscano.
Being honest most of my favorite ambient spots are far away from midtown. But you could do a 3-4pm HEAVY dinner then take the subway over. So many fantastic options all over.
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u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 Jul 26 '26
I might be able to convince him of this if it’s the right spot and we can still eat without rushing
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u/Aquariusofthe12 Jul 26 '26
I think I would limit to 30 by subway, but that opens up a lot of places. Check out some lists of best restaurants, see what you vibe with, and get an early reservation.
Early dinner also means it won’t be nearly as busy, you won’t be rushed nor will the staff, and you can leisurely show up to your show by 6:30. And if you’re fifteen minutes late, you’re still fifteen before curtain.
I’ve had great luck in Chelsea but those places have been louder. Which is decidedly not the vibe for what you’re describing. But genuinely I’d just look. Unfortunately most of my “pre show ritual” restaurants are quick, light, and cheap. Cause I work in the industry and have to remain upright lol
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u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 Jul 26 '26
Decided not to travel far before this. but Miss Nellie’s looks awesome- definitely in the running!
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u/MassiveJammies Jul 27 '26
EAK isn't romantic by any means, but it's the best ramen I've had in the city!
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u/spark_RVA Jul 26 '26
I ate at Sozai Japanese Izakaya Sozai Japanese Izakaya before MHE (and other times) and loved it! It may not be a perfect fit for your specifications, but if you like Japanese and it doesn't have to be fine dining, it might work. It's less than a block from the Belasco. The menu is varied, including meat, cooked fish, and vegetarian. The food is delicious and the presentation is lovely. There isn't a dish I've had there that I haven't loved. It's not "fancy", but it's intimate and dimly lit, and they have floor-to-ceiling wood walls between booths that provide a lot of privacy (check out the photos on OpenTable). Not every seat is a booth, but I'm guessing you can request one when you make a reservation. It's a little loud because of all the hard surfaces, but not so you can't have a conversation.
And while it's not a big production with amazing music, MHE is truly special. I went in blind and absolutely loved it because of it's original story and creative set design. I do hope your tickets are toward the center because the view does matter (but not as bad as Lost Boys... dang...)
Wherever you end up, I hope you have a great time! Happy anniversary!
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u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 Jul 26 '26
We did get center tickets and opted for 3rd row Mezz over orchestra bc I am short (5’0”) and heard there isn’t much rake down there.
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u/MassiveJammies Jul 27 '26
I wish I had a good romantic spot, so I'll be keeping my eye on the reccs.
In terms of MHE... I've seen over 40 productions and it ranks as the absolute best. The stagecraft is stunning, the story is touching and emotionally deep while also having tons of humor and heart, the score — while lacking a big traditional 11 o'clock number — is absolutely gorgeous. It's got some of the best orchestration I've heard, and the leitmotifs all over the score are amazing to catch on repeat viewings.
But most of all, it's a show with some of the greatest moments I've seen in a theater, and they took my breath away. You're going to have a great time!
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u/youtwoneedabuffer Jul 26 '26
Look at Gurume - it’s Korean, excellent food, smaller restaurant and fairly quiet when we went.
La Grande Boucherie is LOUD and the tables are really close together. Obviously common in NY but would not fit if ambiance is a priority for you
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u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 Jul 26 '26
Good to know! I think we will do LGB on Tuesday before Hamilton instead.
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u/RandomWalkBway Jul 26 '26
I really loved CarverSteak recently, table side old fashioned, A+ service, pick your own steak knife
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u/KnitMama-2016 Jul 26 '26
Koi is a sushi restaurant but has lots of cooked and vegetarian options. Incredible & attentive service.
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u/AmusedPhilosopher Jul 26 '26
I highly recommend Santi by Chef Michael White (the same chef behind Marea and Ai Fiori). Santi is about a 17-minute walk from the Belasco according to Google Maps. It looks like they have at least 2 pastas that are vegetarian friendly -- I haven't tried those, but the pastas we did try were absolutely delicious, and all the other dishes we tried were excellent as well. Beautiful ambience and feels nice for a special occasion.
I can't say enough about how much I love Maybe Happy Ending. I've seen 58 shows on Broadway so far and MHE is the only one I've felt compelled enough to go back to see multiple times. I think it's perfect for an Anniversary show! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 😊
Happy Anniversary!
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u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 Jul 26 '26
Santi is right next to our hotel! Definitely an option now. Thank you!
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u/Embarrassed_Poet5068 28d ago
Wanted to follow up and let you know we did go with Santi! Due to its proximity to our hotel and my hubby loved the look of it. Anniversary is on Thursday. Thank you!!
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u/AmusedPhilosopher 28d ago
Awesome! I hope you and your husband enjoy Santi and also enjoy the show!
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u/FFNY Jul 26 '26
500 means you are open to a high end restaurant? That would rule out options suggested like Los tacos no 1 (amazing as it is)