Big Smoke NY!

[edstoggie]

After years of missing out on Vegas and New York BS due to my work schedule I finally have a chance to make it to one. So my wonderful wife got me a ticket as an early Christmas present since I will be overseas for Christmas this time around. I'm looking forward to it but as a newbie to Big Smoke and New York I was wondering if anyone can give me some helpful information/advise? I would like to know things like should I go early and how early. Will there be plenty of cabs in the area after the event? And some general info on New York like good steakhouses for dinner. Any night life in Times Square area? Whatever you guys think might be helpful. Thanks.