Growing up just a train ride away in New Jersey, you’d think I’d have spent more time exploring New York City. But that wasn’t quite the case. Sure, we hit the must-see spots for kids, like the Planetarium, the Museum of Natural History, Yankee Stadium, and the Empire State Building. But dining in the city? That was rare. After all, we had to catch the train home, and sitting down for a meal wasn’t exactly on a kid’s list of priorities!
It wasn’t until recently, chatting with my wife Sharon, that we both realized how many iconic New York restaurants we’d missed out on despite both growing up nearby (Sharon’s from Brooklyn and then Staten Island). So now we’re on a mission: when we’re in the city, we try to visit one of these legendary spots and make up for lost time.
Here are a few we’ve checked off our list so far:
- Katz’s Delicatessen
- Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs (Coney Island)
- Junior’s (Brooklyn)
- Peter Luger Steakhouse
- Gallagher’s Steakhouse
Since Broadway shows are one of the main reasons we keep returning to Manhattan, we figured adding a Broadway legend to our list was only fitting. So, on a recent trip, we finally dined at the iconic Sardi’s—a restaurant that’s as much a part of Broadway history as the theaters themselves.
Sardi’s
234 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
A Bit of Sardi’s History
Sardi’s occupies a prime spot in the Theater District, right next to the St. James Theatre. Initially, the restaurant was down the block and known as “The Little Restaurant,” but when that building was demolished to make room for the St. James, the Shubert family offered Vincent Sardi a ground-floor space in their new offices nearby. This became Sardi’s “Big Restaurant,” which opened in 1927. Ever since, Sardi’s has been a Broadway institution, famous as the go-to hangout for actors and theatergoers alike.
The restaurant is just as renowned for its walls as it is for its menu. Lining those walls are thousands of caricatures of Broadway stars, a tradition dating back to the 1920s. Over time, the caricatures have evolved into more portrait-like sketches, ensuring no celebrity would feel slighted by an unflattering depiction.
Sardi’s also has a special place in Tony Awards history. In 1946, it was here that producer Brock Pemberton came up with the idea for the awards, and for years, it was the site where Tony nominations were announced, tying Sardi’s forever to Broadway’s highest honors.
Like many institutions, Sardi’s has had to adapt. In the ’80s and ’90s, it faced challenges as newer restaurants began drawing younger Broadway stars and visitors. Yet, through it all, Sardi’s has held its place as a symbol of Broadway’s golden age—a place where the echoes of theater history linger in every corner.
Our Visit
We stopped by Sardi’s for a late supper after catching a show. When we arrived, the downstairs dining room was quiet—our show ended earlier than others. But soon enough, the room began filling up, and it felt like we were part of the post-show Broadway crowd.
Given the classic ambiance, starting with cocktails seemed only fitting. If you’re unfamiliar with it, Sardi’s serves Italian food, focusing on pasta and American favorites to keep the menu balanced. Since it was already around 10:30 PM, we decided to keep it light. I ordered the Angus Cheeseburger, and Sharon went with the appetizer portion of the traditional Cannelloni au Gratin.
Final Thought
Sardi’s, nestled in the heart of the Theater District, has been a Broadway institution since 1927. With its walls lined with caricatures of theater legends, it’s a place that embodies the spirit of Broadway’s golden age. We recently visited after a show, starting with cocktails and a light supper. The food was good, and prices were reasonable, especially given the location. But the draw of Sardi’s is its rich history and timeless ambiance. Stepping into Sardi’s feels like stepping back to an era when dining out was an experience. It’s more than a meal—it’s a little slice of Broadway history.
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