Pre-Theater Dining Near Broadway
A relaxed Thai dinner and still in your seat before the overture. We know the theater clock.
The Best Thai Restaurant Before a Broadway Show
You have tickets, a curtain time and a craving for something better than a rushed slice of pizza. Elephant Ear was made for this evening.
We are on Ninth Avenue between 47th and 48th Street, in the Theater District's own backyard, a short, pleasant walk from the great Broadway houses. Thai food is ideal before a show: dishes arrive quickly, they are made for sharing, and you can eat beautifully without feeling heavy in your seat.
Tell us your show and curtain time when you book. Our team will pace the meal so you have time to enjoy it and still walk to the theater relaxed.
From Our Table to Your Seat
Approximate walking times from 690 9th Ave, as published by the restaurant:
- Majestic Theatre · 245 W 44th St6–8 min
- Hamilton · Richard Rodgers Theatre, W 46th St8–10 min
- The Book of Mormon · Eugene O'Neill Theatre, W 49th St10–12 min
- Wicked · Gershwin Theatre, W 51st St12–15 min
- Times Square~10 min
Most theaters on West 44th–49th Street, including Restaurant Row on West 46th, are within about ten minutes on foot.
A Pre-Theater Plan That Works
1 · Book early
For a 7:00 PM curtain, reserve for 5:15 to 5:45 PM. For an 8:00 PM show, 6:00 to 6:30 PM. Evenings before shows are our busiest.
2 · Tell us your show
Mention the curtain time when you book and again when you sit down. We will keep courses moving.
3 · Order to share
A salad, a soup or curry and one chef's special for two, with rice, arrives quickly and keeps you light.
4 · Leave 15 minutes
Ask for the check with dessert and give yourself a quarter hour to walk and clear security.
A Perfect Pre-Show Thai Dinner for Two
- Start: Mango Avocado Salad or the Elephant Roast Combo to share
- Soup: Tom Yum Goong with Mixed Seafood, served in a Benjarong pot
- Main: Pineapple Curry Duck or Crying Tiger with Garlic Rice
- Wok: Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles if you are in a hurry
- Finish: the Thai Sweet Combo, or a Thai iced tea to go
- At the bar: a cocktail while you wait for friends
Running late? Call (646) 478-8661 and order ahead for pickup. We will have it ready to eat before or after the show.
Post-Show Dinner Until 11 PM
Matinee or evening, our kitchen is open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, so you can also come after the show. Ninth Avenue stays lively late, and a steaming bowl of Tom Yum or a plate of crispy pork belly is a fine way to talk over the second act.
Read more in our journal: Pre-Theatre Dinner in Hell's Kitchen and A Local's Guide to Eating Near Times Square Without the Tourist Traps.
Reserve Your Pre-Theater Table
Book online or call us, and tell us your show. We will take care of the timing.