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Guide to the Theater District

Affordable ribs

Ribs that don't cost a fortune just because they happen to be located near the theaters.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Empire Steak House Times Square image 1
Empire Steak House Times Square image 2
Empire Steak House Times Square image 3
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Steakhouse shines with tender short ribs and a cozy atmosphere perfect for quiet meals. Prices stay affordable even for wine and prix fixe menus. Table-side dessert flambé adds a unique touch to the warm, welcoming setting.

Short ribs come very tender and generous in portion, often described as incredible and delicious. Lamb ribs and beef short ribs both stand out for their flavor and quality.

Quality meals come with affordable prices across the menu, including the pre-theater and prix fixe options. Wine and quick lunches also stay within a reasonable range.

People are saying

"I've never had a steak cooked so perfectly, it just melted in my mouth."

"The short ribs here just fall off the bone."

"I found the prix fixe menu and wines to be affordable and a delight."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a pre-theater menu only from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.

2

You can have a pre-theatre dinner between 4-7 PM for only DKK 350.

3

The happy hour offers a perfectly crafted burger and a glass of wine.

02
Urban Hawker image 1
Food court

Large indoor food hall offers multiple Asian vendors under one roof with a vibrant social atmosphere and lively energy. Bar and dessert stalls add variety, while seating is plentiful but sometimes crowded. Music volume can be high, creating a bustling environment suited for groups and after-work gatherings.

Roasted ribs come falling off the bone with a rich sauce glaze. Prawn and pork rib noodle soups feature melt-in-the-mouth pork ribs paired with fresh prawns and fish cakes in a flavorful broth.

Prices stay very affordable across a variety of Asian street food options. Several restaurants offer tasty dishes at costs lower than many other city spots.

People are saying

"I loved the wide variety of Asian food options here."

"The food here is surprisingly affordable for NYC."

"The pork ribs with noodles were amazing in an intensely flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Urban Hawker gets extremely busy from 12 PM to 2 PM due to lunch crowds.

2

Many stalls offer 20% discounts with Apple Pay on Monday nights from 5-10 PM.

3

The stalls close at 8 or 8:30 PM, despite a 10 PM closing time.

03
Burger & Lobster Bryant Park image 1

British restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with perfect lighting and a big space featuring a bar and high tables. The vibe is friendly and casual, filled with a happy hour crowd and comfortable seating. Live singing adds a personal touch to the energetic environment.

Corn ribs stand out as a popular appetizer with a sweet, crispy texture. The ribs, lobster, and crab offer a flavor profile similar to a crab boil.

Affordable prices stand out, especially in the heart of Times Square. The combo deal offers a good value, and the monsters cost around $40, which is relatively inexpensive.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here really good and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the corn ribs; they were phenomenal."

"I found the combo deal to be inexpensive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers cocktails for $10 and fried calamari for $10.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant has a private dining room available for events.

04
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

An expansive multi-level restaurant with a maze-like layout creates a sense of disorientation. The atmosphere is lively and noisy, featuring loud music and sports broadcasts on screens. A live photographer and private celebration rooms add unique touches to the experience.

Ribs come with soft meat and a moderately strong sauce that pairs well. The pork ribs with BBQ sauce stand out, and advice on the best sauce enhances the experience.

Staff offers multiple affordable options with familiar cuisine. Prices stay affordable but not necessarily cheap for what is served.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"These ribs are so tender, they just fall off the bone."

"I found the food here to be excellent and affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks are $7 and $8 all night between Monday and Thursday.

2

Each evening event runs from 7 - 10 pm.

3

An 18% tip will be automatically included in the bill.

05
Gallagher’s Steakhouse NYC image 1

Steakhouse features an enormous dry aging room and an open kitchen where chefs prepare meals in view. Atmosphere blends old-school jazz with classy, buzzing energy, creating a lively yet refined dining experience. Seating is crowded, with tables close together, enhancing a bustling vibe.

Lamb ribs come as a rib steak that pairs well with filet mignon. Meals include a house-made sauce that complements the perfectly cooked ribs. Lamb ribs offer a cost-effective option compared to other places.

Lunch specials offer affordable prices with good portion sizes. Steakhouse courses come at reasonable costs compared to typical New York menus.

People are saying

"The porterhouse steak was flavorful and cooked to perfection."

"The prime rib here is the juiciest, most delicious beef I've ever had."

"I found the lunch course to be a great deal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for lunch courses on weekends.

2

Lunch course is available until 4pm on weekends.

3

Expect around $130 per person for a meal with drinks, tips not included.

06
Hard Rock Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant doubles as a rock 'n' roll museum with walls covered in signed guitars, stage costumes, and photos. Atmosphere feels loud and crowded, filled with great music that can make conversation difficult. Popular spot for tourists, often requiring reservations due to high demand.

Ribs come in a baby rack portion that is generous and cooked just right, not too stiff or falling off the bone. They pair well with Mac & Cheese and stand out as a delicious main course option.

Prices stay very affordable across visits. Food costs remain reasonable by New York standards.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and came out really fast."

"The ribs here are so tender and full of flavor."

"The prices here are surprisingly affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm daily for select food and drinks.

3

The venue often hosts live music events and private parties.

07
Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Glass walls reveal about 30 chefs crafting dumplings, creating a live kitchen theater that defines the space. Upscale design and a spacious interior set a warm, inviting atmosphere with attentive service. Bar seating offers close views of the kitchen, enhancing the interactive dining experience.

Sweet and sour ribs stand out with their tender texture and balanced tangy and sweet flavor. Beef short rib soup offers a hearty and warming option, especially on cold nights.

Prices stay affordable for the amount of food served. Food tastes good without costing much.

People are saying

"The spicy wontons here are perfectly prepared with the right amount of heat."

"I found the sweet and sour baby back ribs to be delicious."

"I found the food to be affordable and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at this restaurant.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait even with a reservation.

3

You can only make reservations through OpenTable.

08
Havana Central Times Square image 1

Spacious interior with colorful, festive decor evokes 1930s-1950s Havana glamour. Lively atmosphere features live Cuban music and a large bar often packed with guests. Music volume can be high, making conversation challenging near the band.

Slow-roasted guava-glazed St. Louis-style ribs come with a sweet and tangy flavor paired with mango salsita. The Trio De Amantes Del Cerdo offers three pork dishes including Guava Ribs, Masitas, and Pernil, all served with well-cooked rice and delicious sauce.

Prices stay very reasonable across food and drinks. Happy hour offers affordable cocktails that taste good.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and amazing."

"The prices here are really affordable."

"The guava ribs were unbelievable and fell right off the bone."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. except on Saturday and Sunday.

2

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

The restaurant adds a 20% tip to the bill automatically.

09
Virgil's Real BBQ - NYC image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Two floors of spacious seating with giant sports screens create a lively, welcoming vibe. A big bar area and occasional live music add to the energetic atmosphere. The place fills with groups enjoying games and conversation, blending casual dining with entertainment.

Ribs come tender and flavorful, with a typical 1/2 lb portion including six bones. The spare ribs stand out as very good, often paired with other smoked meats and classic sides.

Large portions come with affordable prices. Breakfast stands out as tasty and budget-friendly. Overall, the rates stay very affordable.

People are saying

"The American barbecue here, especially the ribs and brisket, is to die for."

"The ribs here are tasty and delicious."

"The food here is very good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3 PM to 6 PM and after 9 PM.

2

The happy hour offers excellent frozen margaritas for only $5.

3

$5 margaritas are available during happy hour.

10
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant immerses diners in a Forrest Gump theme with playful decor and interactive dining elements like trivia and signal signs to call servers. The atmosphere combines lively energy with views of Times Square, creating a unique and engaging experience.

Meat falls off the bone with tender texture and an intense beef flavor. Asian ribs offer a sweet and spicy taste while pork ribs come out delicious and popular with kids.

Seafood dishes like the crab and shrimp boil come at affordable prices. The menu offers good food without the usual high costs expected in busy areas.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fun, with decor inspired by the Forrest Gump movie."

"I found the food delicious and affordable."

"The ribs here are so tender, the meat just falls off the bone."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for New Year's Eve to secure a spot.

2

Expect long wait times even with a reservation on New Year's Eve.

3

The restaurant offers a great view of the ball drop in Times Square.

11
Junior's Restaurant & Bakery image 1
American restaurant

1950s decor with neon lights and period furniture creates a movie-like atmosphere. The space feels spacious yet busy, with a high noise level typical of a bustling city setting. A wide variety of cheesecakes and a full bar complement the lively environment.

Ribs here come in generous portions that can feed two people. They fall off the bone and offer a rich BBQ flavor that pairs well with shrimp or chicken combos.

Food prices stay affordable even near Times Square, with items like cheesecake around $10. Meals serve groups quickly without feeling rushed, offering good diner food at a fair cost.

People are saying

"I thought the cheesecake here was the best ever."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

"These ribs melt off the bone and are packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at the diner.

2

Breakfast service ends at 11:00 AM on Christmas day.

3

Expect long queues; wait times may exceed 1 hour.

12
Junior's Restaurant and Bakery image 1

Space combines retro diner vibe with vibrant decor featuring red and yellow hues. Atmosphere stays fun and lively, often busy and chaotic, with music that is pleasant and not overpowering. Crowd enjoys classic American comfort with standout cheesecake and a bar offering notable cocktails and beers.

Spare ribs come extremely tender and coated in a rich BBQ sauce. The ribs stand out as really good and memorable.

Prices stay consistently affordable here, making meals easy on the wallet. The cost matches the convenience and location without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I found their famous cheesecake to be truly delicious."

"I found the prices to be very affordable, especially for New York."

"The ribs here are just okay."

Good to know

1

You can put your name on a waitlist to plan your visit better.

2

The place is busy and open till midnight, close to Times Square.

3

On Saturday night at 6:00 PM, there was a 10-minute wait for a table for two.

13
Dallas BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious barbecue restaurant with large dining area and rustic decor creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Tables often have BBQ sauce bottles ready, and a photographer circulates to capture moments. The setting offers a view of 42nd street, blending indoor comfort with a street-like vibe.

Ribs come in large portions and are juicy and tender, falling off the bone easily. Options include sticky ribs and BBQ baby back ribs, all well cooked and flavorful.

Prices stay affordable even in a busy area. Combo dishes offer generous portions at a competitive cost, making it easy to share and enjoy without spending much.

People are saying

"The ribs here are so tasty and tender."

"The American Food portions here are massive, you get so much for the price."

"I found the prices to be super affordable, especially for the generous portions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable as the restaurant is always very crowded.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak dining hours.

3

A default 15% gratuity is added to the bill for larger parties or late dining.

14
Margaritaville Restaurant - Times Square image 1

Rooftop spaces offer magnificent city views with glass siding and an hourly LED light show enhancing the atmosphere. Islander decor creates a laid-back, beachy vibe contrasting the urban surroundings. Music stays at a volume that allows conversation, supporting a casual and fun environment.

Ribs come saucy, tender, and moist with a well-cooked taste. They offer a decent option for rib lovers.

Drinks come in collectible plastic cups shaped like blenders and stay affordable. Food and happy hour prices keep the spot budget-friendly for multiple visits.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and well worth it."

"I found the drinks and food to be really affordable."

"The ribs were saucy, tender, and moist."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The restaurant stays open late at night on weekends for late-night dining.

3

Every Saturday, there is a mixology class taught by Alfonse.

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