The Muny, America's oldest outdoor musical theater, is set to return in 2026 with a fantastic lineup of shows, and we're here to talk about the perfect culinary experiences to enhance your evening. From romantic comedies to classic musicals, each performance deserves a pre-show dining experience that matches its unique theme. Let's dive in and explore some mouth-watering options!
Hairspray: A '60s Seafood Extravaganza
Hairspray, set in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a chance to indulge in the region's famous crab cakes. For a casual picnic, Box Hill Grocer's Maryland crab cakes are a must-try. Or, if you're feeling fancy, Broadway Oyster Bar serves a trio of crab cakes with a unique twist, satisfying any seafood lover's cravings. Personally, I think it's fascinating how a simple dish can become an iconic representation of a region's cuisine.
Shrek The Musical: Medieval Meat and More
Shrek's world of fairytales inspires a unique dining adventure. Mositos' tender turkey legs are a modern take on Shrek's hearty portions, and they even offer a discount for first-time orders. For a more traditional experience, The Scottish Arms transports you to the English countryside with its Victorian-style pub atmosphere and classic European dishes. One thing that immediately stands out is how these restaurants capture the essence of the musical's setting, creating a memorable dining experience.
South Pacific: Island Vibes and Coastal Delights
Transport yourself to a lush island with Buzz's Hawaiian Grill, offering authentic Hawaiian dishes like Kalua pig and poke. Yellowbelly takes a different approach, presenting coastal interpretations of seafood with a twist. From lobster rolls to spicy shrimp ceviche, it's a seafood lover's paradise. If you're not a seafood fan, their beef fat fries are a unique alternative. What many people don't realize is that these restaurants bring a sense of adventure to your pre-show dining, making it an integral part of the overall experience.
Disney's Newsies: A Slice of New York
Newsies, set in New York City, calls for a classic New York-style pizza. La Pizza in University City delivers an authentic experience, with reviews praising its Brooklyn-inspired crust. For a dine-in option, Aubrey offers a taste of iconic New York dining with a modern twist. The minimal menu ensures quality, and the vintage New York City scenes set the perfect mood. From my perspective, it's intriguing how these restaurants capture the essence of a city's culture through food.
Ain't Too Proud: Detroit's Culinary Scene
Celebrating The Temptations' journey, Ain't Too Proud inspires a Detroit-style dining adventure. Nicky Slices, with its signature Detroit-style pizza, offers a unique take on rectangular pizza with an airy dough. Detroit's Middle Eastern cuisine is also a highlight, with Sameem Afghan Restaurant and Sultan Mediterranean Restaurant serving flavorful kabobs and a variety of dishes. It's a chance to explore a city's diverse food scene, which often reflects its cultural heritage.
Meet Me In St. Louis: Gateway City Delicacies
As a quintessential Gateway City musical, Meet Me In St. Louis calls for a taste of St. Louis' iconic toasted ravioli. With numerous Italian restaurants on The Hill, you're spoiled for choice. Trattoria Marcella and STL Toasted offer unique fillings, while Monte Bello serves St. Louis' oldest existing pizza. For dessert, Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery offers a taste of history with its locally made ice cream, including the iconic gooey butter flavor. What this really suggests is that food can be a powerful way to connect with a city's past and present.
Something Rotten!: London's Culinary Delights
Set in London, Something Rotten! inspires a culinary journey through the city's diverse food scene. Himalayan Yeti offers a delicious chicken tikka masala, reflecting London's love for global cuisines. For a classic British dish, Extra Wavy's fish and chips are a must-try, especially with their uniquely addictive salt-and-vinegar fries. It raises a deeper question about how cities with rich cultural histories often have diverse and exciting food scenes.
In conclusion, the pre-show dining experience at The Muny is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of each musical. From seafood feasts to cultural culinary adventures, these restaurants enhance the overall experience, creating lasting memories. So, as you plan your Muny musical adventures, remember to indulge in these themed dining experiences, because food and theater are a perfect pairing!
