Radio City Music Hall – Dining

Radio City Music Hall is one of the finest theaters in the world, so of course the concessions sold there are nothing less than top-notch. They’ve got all the classics, including popcorn, pretzels, and hot dogs, along with a variety of beverages. Just be prepared to pay a little more than what you would at your movie theater back home.

Of course, you could save yourself some money by getting something to eat before heading over to Radio City Music Hall instead. If that’s what you decide to do, your options are plentiful. This is the Big Apple, after all!

Rockefeller Center, the 19-building complex in Midtown Manhattan where Radio City Music Hall is located, is home to 50 eclectic dining options. From casual coffee shops and delis to swanky suit-and-tie steakhouses, there’s bound to be an eatery in Rockefeller Center that satiates both your palate and budget.

Another option is to grab a bite to eat from one of the food carts found on practically every street corner in Manhattan. Being the tourist magnet that it is, Rockefeller Center is teeming with carts of all different kinds. Hot dogs, soft pretzels, and halal food are ubiquitous as well as delicious, though there’s much more to try if you’re willing to venture off the eaten path.

 

Concessions

No matter where you’re seated in Radio City Music Hall, be it in the front row of the orchestra section or the nosebleeds of the third mezzanine, you’re never far from a concession stand. There are four in the Grand Foyer, three in the Grand Lounge, one in the back of the orchestra section, one on the first mezzanine, another on the second mezzanine, and two on the third mezzanine.

The lines can get pretty long at some of the stands, especially during big events like Radio City Music Hall’s iconic Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. If that’s the case, your best bet is to head downstairs to the Grand Lounge. More often than not, the lines at the three concession stands there are significantly shorter because they’re so out of the way.

The selection of snacks and beverages varies from stand to stand, but most offer popcorn, pretzels, and beverages of both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety. A few also sell hot dogs and fun frozen drinks. The concession stand on the first mezzanine has the most unique selection, with freshly brewed coffee and hot chocolate, as well as warm, fresh-baked cookies.

 

Rockefeller Center

If you’ve got some time to kill before your show starts, why not stop in one of the many restaurants located around Rockefeller Center? With 50 to choose from, you’re bound to find one that tickles your taste buds.

Rockefeller Center is home to plenty of quick service and on-the-go eateries, including some you’re probably familiar with, such as Au Bon Pain, Chipotle, Pret a Manger, Starbucks, and Subway. by CHLOE. is another fast-casual option you might not have heard of, but should definitely consider checking out. Everything on their menu is 100% vegan and 110% delicious.

If a sit-down meal is more your speed, Rock Center Café and Ted’s Montana Grill are two great choices. They’re both a bit more affordable than some of the other upscale, full service restaurants in Rockefeller Center.

Bison is the star of the menu at Ted’s Montana Grill, finding its way into everything from burgers and meatloaf to pot roast and steaks. Rock Center Café offers stunning views of The Rink at Rockefeller Center paired with delicious, chef-driven dishes like Tuscan kale salad with roasted chicken and gnocchi in a braised lamb ragù.

 

Food carts

The street food scene around Rockefeller Center is ever-changing, so it’s hard to say with certainty what carts you’ll come across during your visit. However, The Halal Guys, a New York City food cart institution, have set up shop permanently on both the southwest and southeast corner of 53rd Street and 6th Avenue.

Other food carts you can bet on being able to find near Radio City Music Hall are ones selling hot dogs, soft pretzels, or honey-roasted nuts. If you’re lucky though, you might come across one of the gourmet food trucks that roam the streets of New York City, serving everything from Korean barbecue tacos to lobster rolls. Just make sure to keep your eyes and nose peeled!