Followed my own advice last night before seeing Hamilton: We took advantage of the pre-theater menu at K-Rico. Like the show, the meal lived up to its hype. Highly recommended, and at $35 for a three course meal, it's quite a bargain for high-end steak. They don't skimp on portions with the prix-fixe either, as some restaurants do. The filet is a nice 8-ouncer, and the skirt steak is quite generous. If the meat doesn't fill you up, the sides and desserts will.
Diners have to request the prix-fixe menu and show their theater tickets to get it - they really do enforce the rules. So if that will spoil the mood for you, look elsewhere. For us, it wasn't an issue. Also, get there no later than 6 if you want time to really enjoy the meal. Our reservation was at 5:45, and the ticket-holders' line was nearly to 8th Avenue by the time we got to the Rodgers at 7:40.
Whatever you decide for dinner, enjoy it and - especially - the show. Much of the original cast will be gone by August, but there's so much young talent in this town that it might not matter all that much.
I think it's customary for casts to start turning over shortly after the Tony Awards, which are June 12th. One factor is contract expirations. Truly, don't sweat it. As great as Miranda, Diggs, Odom, Jackson, et. al. are, the material is even better, and the show has been developing a strong bench.
We're going in early august. I'm curious about your statement that a lot of the cast will be gone. Is there a reliable source I can check for more information on cast changes? The official site doesn't have anything other than the dates when Miranda's stand-in is on (weekend matinees).
I don't think anything is official, and it won't happen all at once. WRT Miranda, I could see him staying longer than he had originally planned, to let Munoz get back to full strength before taking over.
Advance sale is so strong that there's no incentive for the producers to address the question either way, at least until after the Tony Awards.