Joe Allen ☆☆

The main dining room (Photo by Maria J.)
The main dining room
The main dining room, Joe Allen, London (Photo by Maria J.)
The bar, Joe Allen, London (Photo by Maria J.)
Chopped chili beef, Joe Allen, London (Photo by Sally F.)
The main dining room, Joe Allen, London (Photo by Maria J.)
Mac and cheese over ragu, Joe Allen, London (Photo by Sally F.)

A classic post-theater restaurant in Covent Garden

I know, I know, you didn't come all the way over to England for burgers and fries. But Joe Allen's has been one of London's top theatre-crowd restaurants since 1977, a crowded and noisy sister to the famed New York eatery.

They serve grilled meats, chili bowls, Hudson Bay shrimp and crab sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, and other tried-and-true faves to both patrons of, and players in, West End theaters—sort of a the second string choice if there's no room at The Ivy.

Service, though, often ain't great.

They also offer a bargain set menu until 7pm (all day Sun and Mon) with two courses for £14.75, three courses for £17.50 (add wine for £3).

Culinary tours links