The ten best theater bars and cafés in NYC

HERE
Wine, salads, panini and coffee: Here’s all the pre- or postshow noshing you need. Can’t enjoy experimental stagecraft on an empty stomach! 145 Sixth Ave between Broome and Spring Sts (212-352-3101)

59E59
The second-floor bar is a great place to sip a wine or a couple fingers of whiskey from the impressive single-malt selection. 59 E 59th St between Madison and Park Aves (212-279-4200)

The Public Theater
Grab a seat and a hot cup o’ joe in the spacious and welcoming Public lobby. 425 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St (212-967-7555)

Theatre Row
The second-floor lounge has lots of cushy sofas and a cute little bar for a preshow drink. 410 W 42nd St between Ninth and Tenth Aves (212-714-2442, theatrerow.org)

St. Ann's Warehouse
Hang out in hipster-paradise Dumbo, nibbling Asian fusion snacks and washing them down with Brooklyn Lager. 38 Water St. between Dock and Main Sts, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-254-8779)

New World Stages
Here’s a perfect after-work rendezvous spot for cocktails and canoodling. The bar is low-key and the lights are low. 340 W 50th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-239-6200)

BAM Harvey Theater
After trekking out to Fort Greene for some European theatrical event, you might want a refreshing coffee or wine in the airy café. 651 Fulton St between Ashland and Rockwell Pls, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-636-4100)

Second Stage Theatre
Kick back in the swanky, bright-orange lobby (designed by Rem Koolhaas) and enjoy a tea before the show. Get there early; seats go fast. 307 W 43rd St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-246-4422)

Classic Stage Company
East 10th Street Coffee, an excellent purveyor of first-class beans, keeps the patrons caffeinated for the classics. 136 E 13th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-352-3101)

Ars Nova
The program changes constantly at this snug Midtown West venue—theater, comedy, music, what have you—but the full-service bar remains constant. 511 W 54th St. between Tenth and Eleventh Aves (212-868-4444)