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GABRIELLA GERSHENSON

A restaurant row mainstay since it first opened in 1965, Joe Allen retains the theatrical clientele that first put this American-style eatery on the map. The original proprietor, Joe Allen, used to extend a generous line of credit to monetarily-challenged actor-diners, but as the restaurant has become more prominent, so has its patrons. Rosie O'Donnell likes the grilled chicken sandwich with spicy Cajun mayonnaise and grilled onions on ciabatta bread, while another regular, Al Pacino, prefers the endive and watercress salad with Roquefort cheese and walnut dressing. The pre-theater crowd tends to be touristy, but industry types are a staple during lunch hours. Joe Allen is famous for its grilled burgers.

326 W. 46th St., between Eighth and Ninth Aves.
212-581-6464