Planning Your Night Out Around Dinner and a Show
Do you want to surprise someone special? Need to impress your boss or out-of-town guests or do you just want to do something different for a change? Planning a stress-free evening here in San Francisco doesn't have to be stressful. All you need is a simple plan: dinner and a show! For an amazing night out, choose anything playing at the SHN Orpheum Theatre and any one of the great restaurants close by.
The Orpheum
The SHN Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco opened in 1926. It was designed specifically for theatrical performances and has been renovated twice, most recently to make it even better for the Broadway performances, although it has hosted a variety of types of shows, including vaudeville, silent films, motion pictures and musical comedy. The outside was designed to look like a 12th Century French cathedral, and the vaulted ceilings inside give it a dramatic flair. It seats over 2,000 people, but the layout of the theatre provides the entire audience with a great viewing vantage.
The majority of the reviews recommend this theatre for its rustic but beautiful ambiance and fabulous acoustics. Deemed to be a Locally Designated San Francisco Landmark, the SHN Orpheum Theatre has been around for almost 90 years and is the perfect location for an evening of relaxation. This theatre is ready to make your evening perfect, with handicapped accessible restrooms and an easy drop-off area so you don't have to hike from a garage to get to your seats.
The Orpheum has hosted numerous Broadway shows, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and even The Grateful Dead! You might want to plan a little bit in advance because the shows offered at The Orpheum generally sell out quickly! Favorites like Chicago and Kinky Boots are scheduled to run now through the end of the year, and then Newsies will start in February 2015. On a fun note, if you buy tickets for opening night of Newsies, you’ll receive a free Newsies bobblehead as a souvenir! Although the majority of performances at the Orpheum are intended for adults, children over 5 years old are permitted. The theatre’s FAQ page is extremely informative and covers just about any questions you might have.
Let's Eat!
The Orpheum Theatre has partnered with several great area restaurants nearby. Many of them offer discounts and specials when you present your ticket stub. From British-inspired cuisine at The Coachman to a 3.5 star seafood restaurant like Farallon, you can easily find somewhere to enjoy a meal before or after you take in a show. If you want something familiar and more casual, Sam's Diner offers all your diner favorites, together with some other choices from around the world. They even have some fun show-themed entrées! Whether you are dressed to impress, or have chosen to be a little more casual, you’ll feel right at home at First Crush, as they claim to be a “casual-upscale fine dining restaurant” that promises to make your evening “unique and memorable.”
Parking (Ugh!)
One other tip to make sure your evening is special and enjoyable is to consider using a car service. Who wants to circle around and around, dodging other cars and people, just trying to find a place to park, only then to worry about getting a ticket when the meter expires? Although there are a few meter spaces and parking garages close by, the Orpheum even suggests using public transportation during the holidays. So, why don't you include a car service in your plans for your special evening? If it's not something you do often, treat yourself! Let someone else be your chauffeur for the evening. This way, you can enjoy the evening to its fullest without having to worry about getting there safe and sound. Plus, seeing a Broadway show and going out to dinner are always better when you can arrive in style. Imagine pulling up to the theatre or restaurant, not having to open your own door or trek from a garage, making heads turn. You'll be the envy of those poor souls waiting for someone to vacate any parking spot, and you can enjoy all of the cocktails and beers your heart desires!
There are so many shows and restaurants to choose around the Bay Area from that you will be able to find entertainment for the evening that you and your date will remember forever.
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