Where to Get a Drink in the Theatre District in NYC

What many people call the theater district, we snobby New York THEATRE people call the Theatre District; whatever you call it there are many great places to go and drink. This is what the theatre people are known for and whether you are old Broadway vets rushing the crowd at Sardi's to get your usual table or you are an off-off Broadway newcomer who's just finished their first show at the Producer's Club (and you're not even really 21 but have a fairly decent fake license; not that we'd ever condone that type of behavior in this column!) you can bet that there are a number of swell places for you to go as well.

There is one thing worth noting though, and it's best just gotten out of the way up front. You are going to pay way too much to drink, anywhere, in New York City. It's not until you've come to know bartenders or come to know the rich and famous that you'll ever, ever get out of paying a fairly decent sized bill when you're out drinking. Just so you're aware. So if you're planning a wedding or starting a family or unemployed or just famously poor (or all of the above) and the choices are between your rent money and your drinking money? Always choose to spend your money on your casa. At least at home you can pop open a cheap jug of red wine and get smashingly drunk without too much difficulty whatsoever. But contrary to what you may have heard, there are no 24 hour bars and you can NOT live there. Maybe Starbucks; but not the bars (and even those 24 hour Starbucks can get a little crowded after 3:45 last call (and NO there's no sleeping in Starbucks either!)

Anyway, there are a number of great places to get your drink on in the theatre district and it all depends on what you're looking for. If you're a sports fan and like big TV's and loud music and tall backed chair bar styles then you can always go to The Joshua Tree (366 W 46th St) or her sister Mercury Bar (659 9th Ave at 46th St) Mercury Bar has a little bit more room and is more conducive to 'bar' theatrics which may be perfect for you after seeing Patti Lupone and Michael Cervaris belting a duet.