Playwright Tavern Act II Introduce
In the bustling, high-energy environment of New York City's Theatre District, finding a pub that feels both authentic and welcoming can be a real find. Playwright Tavern Act II, located just a stone's throw from Times Square, is exactly that kind of place. It’s a classic Irish pub and sports bar that serves as a beloved destination for a wide range of patrons, from locals looking for a dependable spot to tourists seeking a true taste of Irish-American hospitality. With its comfortable atmosphere, extensive menu of traditional favorites, and a vibrant bar scene, Playwright Tavern Act II provides a welcome retreat from the city's constant motion. This article will provide a detailed and factual guide to the pub, outlining its offerings, location, and the unique features that make it a standout choice for your next outing.
The core identity of Playwright Tavern Act II is that of a quintessential pub. It's a place where you can feel comfortable, whether you’re dining solo or with a large group. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, and the vibe is often lively, thanks to its status as a sports bar with great beer and cocktails. The menu is a highlight, offering a satisfying mix of traditional Irish fare and classic American dishes. As one reviewer enthusiastically shared, their first meal in NYC at this pub was "absolutely delicious." The review specifically praised the "steak and mash potatoes" for being "cooked to perfection" and the "cheeseburger and fries" as a perfect classic. This kind of feedback speaks volumes about the quality and care put into the food.
While a different customer review mentioned a negative experience with service and an automatic gratuity charge, it is important to remember that individual experiences can vary, especially in a high-traffic area like Times Square. The pub's a la carte menu offers a wide variety of choices, from classic appetizers like "Finest Buffalo Wings" and "Beer Battered Mozzarella Sticks" to substantial main courses such as "Shepherd’s Pie" and "Guinness Battered Fish & Chips." This diverse menu is designed to cater to a wide audience, ensuring there's something to please everyone in your party. The addition of a kids' menu also makes it a family-friendly destination, a welcome detail in a neighborhood often associated with adult entertainment.
The pub's dedication to providing a full experience goes beyond just food and drinks. As a sports bar, it's a great spot for catching a game, with a lively atmosphere that enhances the viewing experience. For those who prefer a more relaxed vibe, the outdoor seating provides an opportunity to enjoy the energy of the city while dining comfortably. The pub also hosts live performances, adding an extra layer of entertainment that makes it more than just a place for a meal. The combination of great food, drinks, sports, and entertainment solidifies Playwright Tavern Act II's reputation as a dynamic and multifaceted venue.
Another key aspect of the pub's appeal is its ability to serve a wide range of functions, from a quick solo visit to a full-blown group gathering. The menu includes party-sized platters, perfect for hosting special events or large groups. This versatility, combined with its prime location and a friendly atmosphere, makes it a reliable choice for any occasion. This article aims to provide a clear and honest picture of what you can expect, ensuring you're well-informed before you walk through the door.
Location and Accessibility
Playwright Tavern Act II is located at 732 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036. This prime address places it in the heart of the Theatre District, just a short walk from Times Square. The location is incredibly convenient for theatergoers, tourists, and locals alike. It is easily accessible via multiple subway lines and bus routes, making it a simple destination to reach from any part of the city.
The pub also offers a wheelchair-accessible restroom, which is a key feature that makes the establishment more accommodating for all guests. While the pub offers a variety of service options, its central location and easy accessibility are major assets in a busy urban environment.
Services Offered
- Outdoor Seating: The pub offers seating outside, providing a great option for enjoying a meal or a drink with a view of the city.
- Dine-in: The full-service dine-in experience allows patrons to enjoy the lively atmosphere and the complete menu.
- Table Service: The pub offers table service, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing dining experience.
- Food at Bar: For those who prefer a more casual experience, food can also be ordered and enjoyed directly at the bar.
Features / Highlights
- Great Beer & Cocktail Selection: The bar is known for its wide selection of beers and well-crafted cocktails, catering to a diverse range of tastes.
- Live Performances: The presence of live entertainment creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, making a visit to the pub more than just a meal.
- Sports Bar: As a sports bar, Playwright Tavern Act II is a go-to destination for catching major sporting events in a fun and energetic setting.
- Fast Service: The pub is known for its efficient service, which is a major advantage for patrons on a tight schedule, such as pre-theater diners.
- Traditional & American Fare: The menu is a highlight, offering a great mix of classic Irish dishes and American comfort food.
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: This feature ensures that the pub is a welcoming and convenient place for all patrons.
Contact Information
Address: 732 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 354-8404
What is worth choosing
Playwright Tavern Act II is worth choosing for its authentic pub feel combined with its prime Times Square location. It offers a much-needed break from the more tourist-focused, large-scale restaurants in the area. The food is consistently praised for its quality and classic pub fare. The menu is a key reason to visit, offering a satisfying selection of dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates.
The atmosphere is another major selling point. The pub's dual identity as a sports bar and a traditional pub makes it a versatile destination suitable for a variety of moods and occasions. Whether you want to grab a quick burger before a show, enjoy a leisurely dinner, or spend an evening watching a game with a group of friends, Playwright Tavern Act II fits the bill. The inclusion of outdoor seating, live performances, and a kids' menu further enhances its appeal. For a dependable, welcoming, and flavorful dining and drinking experience in the heart of the city, this pub is a top choice that lives up to its reputation.
Playwright Tavern Act II Menu
Appetizers
- Soup Du Jour $11.00
- French Onion Soup $12.00
- Crispy Calamari $19.00
Yogurt lemon dill sauce, Marinara sauces or Buffalo style
- Crispy Coconut Shrimp $14.00
Thai chili sauce
- Playwright Nachos $18.00
Black beans, melted cheddar, jack cheese, pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos, sour cream
- Finest Buffalo Wings $16.00
Celery, blue cheese
- Golden Fried Chicken Fingers $16.00
Homemade honey mustard
- Beer Battered Mozzarella Sticks $13.00
Marinara sauce
- Irish Nacho Fries $14.00
Chopped smoked bacon, cheddar, jack cheese, scallions
- Waffle Fries $12.00
- Trufle Fries $14.00
Shaved parmesan
- Playwright Medley $28.00
Wings, Fingers, Sticks and Skins
Salads
- Caesar $13.00
All dressings are Gluten Free
- Mesclun Green $13.00
- Thai Grilled Chicken $21.00
Lettuce, crispy noodles, cabbage, red onion, soy ginger dressing
- Southwest Kale & Grilled Shrimp $24.00
Tomatoes, corn, black beans, guacamole, cheddar, jack cheese, ranch dressing
- Crispy Chicken Caesar $20.00
Crispy romaine, shaved parmesan, garlic croutons, Caesar dressing
Burgers
- James Joyce $23.00
Irish bacon, cheddar, fries
- Sean O'Casey $22.00
Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, fries
- Grilled Turkey Burger $21.00
Chipotle mayo, fries
- California Veggie Burger $21.00
Guacamole, ranch dressing, fries
Sandwiches
Gluten Free bread available upon request
- Times Square Chicken $20.00
Breaded chicken, lettuce, tomato, garlic mayo, toasted Kaiser roll, fries
- Playwright's Reuben $24.00
Open faced - Corned Beef or Pastrami sauerkraut, melted Swiss, Russian dressing
- Playwright Chicken Sandwich $20.00
Grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, pesto mayo, melted mozzarella, focaccia bread, fries
Traditional Favorites
- Grilled New York Strip Steak $53.00
Mashed potatoes, vegetable of the day
- Corned Beef & Cabbage $27.00
Buttered boiled red bliss potatoes
- Shepherd’s Pie $24.00
Ground sirloin, fresh vegetables, brown gravy, topped with mashed potatoes
- Bangers & Mash $23.00
Caramelized onion gravy
- Old Fashioned Brown Beef Stew $28.00
Slow braised with carrots, onions, turnips, celery, and potatoes
- Playwright’s Chicken Pot Pie $24.00
Tender stewed chicken with carrots, onion, celery, and pigeon peas in a velvet cream sauce
- Guinness Battered Fish & Chips $26.00
Tartar sauce, lemon wedge, fries
- Broiled Atlantic Salmon $32.00
Smothered in Dijon mustard, topped with fresh herb crumb crust
- Mexican Shrimp Scampi $30.00
Flambéed with Gold Tequila, lime juice, butter
- Irish Style Saute Chicken $26.00
Flambéed with Irish mist with mushrooms finished with demi glaze and a splash of cream
Pasta
- Pasta Paisano $21.00
Chopped kale, tomato, mushrooms, olives, pesto olive oil, shaved parmesan
- Chicken Penne Ala Vodka $24.00
Flambéed with Smirnoff vodka, roasted garlic tomato sauce, splash of cream
- Mushroom Ravioli $23.00
Sautéed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, port wine creamed demi-glaze
Kids
- Chicken Fingers & Fries $18.00
- Grilled Cheese & Fries $18.00
- Mozzarella Sticks & Fries $18.00
- Hamburger & Fries $18.00
- Mini Shepherd’s Pie $18.00
- Pasta $18.00
Butter or Marinara sauce
Sides
- Fries $12.00
- Cajun Fries $12.00
- Onion Rings $12.00
- Mashed Potatoes $12.00
- Baked Potato $12.00
- Boiled Red Bliss Potatoes $12.00
- Vegetable of the Day $12.00
Main
- Soup of the Day $8.00
- Classic Caesar Salad with Shaved Parmesan Cheese $12.00
Ranch, Balsamic, Blue Cheese & Thai Peanut Sesame
- Beer Battered Mozzarella Sticks $11.00
Marinara Sauce
- Irish Nacho Fries $12.00
Topped with Chopped Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Jack Cheese, Scallions
- Coconut Shrimp $12.00
Thai Chili Sauce
- Playwright Finest Buffalo Wings $15.00
Dry Rubbed & Tossed in our Homemade Buffalo Sauce, Celery & Blue Cheese
- Golden Fried Breaded Chicken Fingers $12.00
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Playwrights Medley $24.00
Chicken Fingers, Buffalo Wings, Mozzarella Sticks & Potato Skins
- White Truffle French Fries $12.00
Topped with Shaved Parmesan Cheese
- Beer Battered Onion Rings $10.00
French Fries
- Grilled New York Sabrett Hotdog $14.00
French Fries
- Grilled German Bratwurst Soaked in Beer $15.00
Bavarian Horseradish Mustard & French Fries
- James Joyce Burger $20.00
Topped with Irish Bacon, Cheddar Cheese|Served with French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle and Bermuda Onion
- Sean O’casey Burger $19.00
Char Grilled 10oz Ground Chuck|Served with French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle and Bermuda Onion
- Grilled Turkey Burger $18.00
Chipotle Mayo|Served with French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle and Bermuda Onion
- California Veggie Burger $17.00
Topped with Guacamole and Ranch Dressing|Served with French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle and Bermuda Onion
- Guinness Battered Fish & Chips $20.00
Served with Tar-Tar Sauce, Lemon & French Fries
- Penne Pasta Ala Vodka With Chicken $22.00
Topped with Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Dessert
- Rich Chocolate Thunder Cake $9.00
- Sea Salt Caramel Cheese Cake $9.00
PARTY MENU
Each serves approx. 15-20 people
- Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard $130.00
- Potato Skins with Sour Cream $100.00
- Chicken Wings $120.00
(Buffalo, Teriyaki, Thai Chili) Served with Blue Cheese and Celery
- Battered Mozzarella Sticks $120.00
Served with Marinara Sauce
- Combo platter $150.00
Tenders, Skins, Wings, Mozzarella Sticks
- Beef Sliders $125.00
- Chicken Sliders $125.00
- Greek Spanakopita in Filo Dough $115.00
- Bacon Jalapeno & Cheddar Meatballs $125.00
- Beef Satay $130.00
- Chicken Satay $130.00
- Pigs in Blankets with Honey Mustard $110.00
- Pork Pot Stickers $135.00
- Curry Samosa $110.00
- Mini Quiche $110.00
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls $130.00
- Finger Sandwiches $125.00
(Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, Ham Salad, Egg Salad) 24/p
- mini Wraps $125.00
24p (Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, Ham Salad, Egg Salad)
- Fruit, Vegetables & Cheese Tray $125.00
- Bruschetta with Rosemary Focaccia Crostini $110.00
- French Fries $55.00
- Waffle Fries $75.00
- Salad Bowl $70.00
- 1 Dozen Dinner Rolls with Butter $30.00
Playwright Tavern Act II Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live performances
- Sports
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Playwright Tavern Act II Photos










Playwright Tavern Act II Location
Playwright Tavern Act II
732 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
Playwright Tavern Act II Reviews
pricesatmosphereirish pubgratuityguinnessburgerfloorbartendercrab cakeirish coffee
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1A bit questionable. I was at the rooftop area and my bartender told us it was “last call” for drinks yet he was making drinks and shots for a fellow coworker- who I might add might have a problem. He wasn’t working on that floor but he was up there often to sip on drinks and take shots. A bit concerning if you ask me especially if you told me it was last call and yet I see you making drinks for your co worker . Please do better Michael E. - according to my receipt. Also is tip automatically included? I saw the person receipt next to me and she had the option to make the tip whatever she wanted but when I got my bill it was already added to my bill!!! I definitely will not be returning
September 14 · J MMe and mum just arrived in NYC and had our first meal here which was absolutely delicious! Mum's steak and mash potatoes was cooked to perfection and my cheeseburger and fries too!
May 07 · Daniel ManningIf you catch this place at the right time, it's spot on. Food was excellent. But wow it can get so busy really quickly.Popped in a few times, and the staff were all so friendly and helpful.Good drinks and food, it's a shame that some of the customers were so very loud it was quite off putting 😔
July 06 · Sarah WoolridgeThis place was great. The food was really good and it was prepared really fast. Great first place stop-off for a first trip to New York.
July 16 · Sidewalk Tha VillainFood was really good but not a real Irish Bar. The only thing Irish was the Guinness!
September 07 · Lindsey Cunliffe
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