As a Broadway devotee, I have spent countless lunches, pre-show cocktail moments, parties and events at Sardi’s. More than a restaurant, Sardi’s is truly Broadway’s unofficial Town Hall. Whether you're looking for a quick pre-show cocktail or hoping to spend a couple of hours immersed in theatrical history, here are five reasons Sardi’s should be at visited by anyone who loves theatre.
1. Classic Italian Cuisine and the Little Bar
Sardi’s offers a menu that is a comfort to theatrical veterans and fans where you can enjoy a full menu of classic Italian and American fare. But for the ultimate experience, saddle up to the Little Bar on the main floor. This cozy spot is the perfect place to enjoy a stiff cocktail while absorbing the restaurant's history. Or, for the true “Broadway experience,” take in the upstairs bar on Sardi's second floor. This section offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere that serves as a classic Broadway "roost" for theatre professionals to talk shop—while providing a great view of the activity and lights on West 44th Street. Be sure to order a dirty martini or a classic Manhattan; and ask for their “homemade cheese spread with crackers.”
2. Over 1,200 Celebrity Caricatures
Nothing compares to walking into Sardi’s and being surrounded by over 1,000 celebrity caricatures; it's a history of Broadway! Started in 1927 by artist Alex Gard, in exchange for free meals, this stroke of genius cemented the establishment's identity. Every portrait is an honored tribute, with each recipient getting their own unveiling ceremony (and yes, the stars do show up!). So, you can dine next to Liza Minnelli, eavesdrop under Ethel Merman, or perhaps even spot a young Richard Rodgers. Are you a Muppet fan? Kermit is right at the top of the stairs! Sardi’s is the only place in the city where you can quite literally “break bread” with the legends of the Great White Way.
3. The Original Opening Night Party Venue
Did you know Sardi’s is the birthplace of the Broadway opening night party? For decades, it was the single most vital, nerve-wracking, and euphoric place to be after the curtain dropped. Casts and crews would anxiously gather, waiting for the early editions of the New York Times and the Daily News critics’ reviews to arrive. When the reviews were good, the room erupted; when they were bad, at least the company could be miserable together. Today, that electric buzz of anticipation and celebration still hangs in the air, making it the perfect spot to toast your own evening, win or lose.
4. The Cheese Club Connection
From the moment the doors open for lunch, Sardi’s fills with current Broadway royalty. Where else can you grab a cannelloni au gratin or their teriyaki glazed salmon (my absolute favorite on the menu!) while sitting two tables away from a Tony winner, a famous director, or a prominent theatre critic? In its early days, Sardi's was home to The Cheese Club, a notorious gathering of writers and critics that was famous for its witty, and often brutal, gossip. That legacy of being Broadway's social center endures. You never know who you might see discussing their next project or signing their big deal!
5. Step Inside the World of Blue Moon
Ready for an immersive cinematic experience? Richard Linklater’s new film, Blue Moon (in theatres October 17), starring Ethan Hawke as legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart, uses Sardi’s not just as a location, but as a principal character. The entire film is set on the opening night of Rodgers's Oklahoma!. The story unfurls inside Sardi's iconic bar and dining room. By visiting Sardi’s, you aren't just reading about a pivotal night in theatre history, you’re standing right where one of the American Songbook's greatest and most tormented figures grappled with his fate. It's the ultimate method-acting research for any theatre fan.
Sardi’s is located at 234 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036. Open Tuesday–Saturday for lunch, dinner, and late supper, join in the history. Before the house lights dim for your next Broadway show, there’s only one true place to set the stage for your evening: the legendary Sardi’s!
