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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Cool barbecue spots in the Theater District

Made for those who prioritize a cool, unconventional social scene and believe that barbecue is the only acceptable fuel for a night out.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
P.S. Kitchen image 1
P.S. Kitchen image 2
P.S. Kitchen image 3
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Vegan restaurant

Vegan restaurant offers modern decor with cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating on a small terrace. The space includes a full bar serving crafted cocktails with balanced flavors. Warm, clean environment attracts diners seeking a trendy yet comfortable dining experience.

BBQ wings stand out with strong flavor and impressiveness. The Smoky BBQ Burger features a tasty bun and rich taste. BBQ chicken appears in filling wraps and salads that satisfy well.

A cool vibe fills the bar-restaurant with a second story eating area adding to the ambiance. The mushroom sandwich offers a spicy kick balanced by crisp lettuce and Bleu cheese.

People are saying

"The vegetarian food here is surprisingly delicious and satisfying."

"The vibe inside is really cool."

"The BBQ wings here are the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner during show nights.

2

The weekend brunch is popular and can get busy.

3

Every purchase at P.S. Kitchen supports social causes.

02
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Restaurant offers a family-oriented and friendly atmosphere with moments of calming energy despite its busy setting. Staff engage with guests through birthday singing and photo-taking, adding a personal touch. Seating shows signs of wear but private rooms suit celebrations well.

Boneless wings come with a honey BBQ glaze that stands out. Ribs pair well with barbecue sausage. Chicken wings and sandwiches lean toward a sweet BBQ sauce that can be quite sugary.

Staff bring a super cool vibe with friendly and funny service. The atmosphere feels nice and relaxed, perfect for cooling down in a busy city.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really good and delicious."

"The BBQ back ribs were great."

"I found this place to be a very nice and cool spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to closing on Monday to Thursday.

2

Happy hour cut-off on Fridays is at 7 PM.

3

During happy hour, a separate menu and drinks are available.

03
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.

Real BBQ and smokehouse style food stands out with consistently delicious barbecue and a house specialty BBQ hamburger. The menu offers honest, classic BBQ dishes with reliable quality every visit.

Spacious layout and friendly staff create a cool atmosphere that fits well with the barbeque vibe.

People are saying

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

"The barbecue here is really good and tasty."

"The atmosphere here is really cool."

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.

04
Yard House image 1
New American restaurant

Sprawling multi-story space with big screens and three-story cooler creates a lively, pub-like atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed yet loud, filled with sports fans watching games on numerous TVs. Tables feature self-service kiosks for easy ordering, enhancing the energetic dining experience.

Smoky and tangy BBQ sauce stands out with a thinner au jus texture rather than thick sweetness. The BBQ wings are crunchy and well-coated, while the Korean BBQ cheesesteak offers a solid, flavorful option.

A relaxed and chill atmosphere sets the tone here, making it a super cool sports bar vibe. The manager from the Hawaii location adds a unique touch to the overall coolness.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious and thoughtfully prepared food."

"The food here is awesome and super delicious."

"The smoky, tangy barbecue sauce made the burger."

Good to know

1

The open bar is available until 1 o'clock on New Year's evening.

2

Guests are asked to leave the building after the party ends at 12:30 AM.

3

Expect a crowded venue during happy hour and game nights.

05
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.

Barbecue ribs come out perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The BBQ lunch pairs ribs, fried chicken, and salads with apple cobbler and ice cream for dessert.

Big space with a rock music theme creates a cool atmosphere. The decor is well thought out and the music adds to the vibe. A menu for larger groups is available.

People are saying

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

"The staff here is so welcoming and nice, making it feel Kid Friendly."

"The barbecue here has perfectly cooked meats and flavorful dishes."

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.

06
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.

Ribs and chicken come slathered in BBQ sauce that stands out for its rich flavor. Meals include fries and coleslaw, making for a solid American BBQ experience that's family-friendly.

Vintage, cozy vibe with classic diner feel and gentle ambiance. Music stays low, keeping the atmosphere cool and relaxed.

People are saying

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

"The cheesecake here is seriously the best I've ever eaten."

"The barbecue chicken and ribs were yummy."

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.

07
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.

Half BBQ chicken and pork ribs come with barbecue sauce and fries. The ribs are priced at $39 and have a lighter sauce than expected. Barbecue sauce also appears on dishes like the shrimp, replacing other sauces.

A super cool seating area sets the vibe, paired with an amazing LED light show statue that lights up the atmosphere. The overall feel is very fantastic and lively.

People are saying

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

"The atmosphere and decor here are really cool."

"The barbecue ribs were good, with fries."

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.

08
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.

Sticky wings and beef ribs stand out with excellent BBQ sauce and a unique Henny BBQ flavor. The spot serves hearty portions and big drinks at reasonable prices, all in a lively atmosphere with quick seating.

Service stands out with excellent attention and a really cool server. The atmosphere feels cool and the Halloween decorations add a unique touch.

People are saying

"The ribs here are so tasty and tender."

"The barbecue ribs and chicken here are excellent."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and fun."

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.

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Theater District, New York

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