660 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA
http://www.foxtheatre.org/
The Varsity
61 North Avenue
Atlanta GA 30308
The Varsity is located on North Ave. not far from Fox Theatre. I haven’t actually been to Fox personally but I passed it when I was going to the Varsity. As any downtown area, it’s pretty cramped and pressed for parking and opportunities for a decent place to eat. The Varsity is just on the outer rim of downtown and is known as an Atlanta institution. Of course if you’re already from Atlanta then you already know that. You have the option to park or do a drive up. The menu is relatively cheap but something to note is that it’s cash only. But you can fill up on a hot dog, onion rings and a shake for under $10. This location is open until 1130pm on Sunday-Thursdays and 1230 am Fridays & Saturdays so perfect for pre and post shows.
17 Irving Place,
New York, NY
http://www.livenation.com
Max Brenner
841 Broadway (14th street/Union Square)
New York, NY 10003
www.maxbrenner.com
If you’ve ever been to Max Brenner before, you may be aware that it is filled with lots and lots of chocolate and sweet goodies. The menu is orgasmic with many variations of crepes, cakes, fondue, cookies you name it. But before you go thinking I want real food not a bunch of sugar let me stop you right there. While Max Brenner specializes in chocolate (their hot chocolate is amazing) they do a great job of making sugar the star of meals you can eat any time of day. I’ve gotten many crepes and even waffles with chocolate and ice cream here and it satisfies just like regular meal. However if you’re really not into the idea of a pre-show sugar high then they offer regular food too like sandwiches, pastas, and salads (but really who wants to eat all that in Willy Wonka’s factory?). And the great thing is it’s open late (up til 2 am on weekends) so you can easily hit it up after show let out. But remember it’s NYC so to fill your whet appetite look to spend close to $15-20 per person for your “food”
1735 Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90028-5248
www.avalonhollywood.com
uWink
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.uwink.com
Uwink is located in the Hollywood and Highland Complex and is a cool innovative restaurant that you can definitely have fun at. Although the lighting is low, the overall feel is like the cool new trendy sports bar in town. The purpose behind the restaurant is to allow you and your party to order food (at your own pace i might add) via touch screen monitors built into the tables. Not only is this extremely convenient since you don’t have to wait to be waited on, it also gives you all the options of adding and taking out whatever you want with your food AND drinks. So, if there are any mistakes, you have no one else to blame but your yourself. The menu consists of your general all-American dishes: burgers, pastas etc. The service itself is relatively quick — just be sure to request silverware when you order because yes, it is something you need to “order”. While you wait there are an assortment of games you and your friends can play against each other for free up to 1 hour. Once you’re finished each person can pay individually or for other people in their party right there at the table. Gives splitting the bill a whole new meaning. Speaking of the bill, the restaurant is moderately priced considering it’s Hollywood. Drinks run at about $2.75 and average cost of a dish is $11. The downside to uWink is simply, well the food ain’t THAT great. I went on a couple occassions and ordered different items both times and the food was just subpar. However, if you’re looking for a relatively fun and inexpensive experience to pass the time before heading down to Avalon then it’s a cool hangout. Overall grade: B
