Mars 2112 (credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images)
From aliens to ninjas, a glance at some of the best themed restaurants the New York City has to offer.
By Issa M. Mas.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
(credit: Ellen's Stardust Diner/Facebook)
1650 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 956-5151
ellensstardustdiner.com
Reviews & More Info
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a timeless classic. The retro 1950s theme diner is filled with nostalgic memorabilia from that era. It has authentic 1956 Predicta televisions and a “drive-in theater” screen, which showcase performances of the 1950s. They also have a “Miss Subways” gallery honoring the beauty queens of yesteryear. Train lovers will also enjoy the city’s largest indoor train, the New York Central that you can watch as it circles around the mezzanine of the diner. Adding to the fun of this unique diner is the restaurant’s singing wait staff and variety shows.
Ninja
(credit: Stan Honda/Getty Images)
25 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 274-8500
ninjanewyork.com
Reviews & More Info
Dining at Ninja is more about the experience than the food, but both are better than you will get at your average theme restaurant. The experience begins the moment that you walk into the door, because the decor is designed to look like a Ninja castle from the feudal days. The dining room is like a Japanese garden and there are private rooms available as well for events. The waiters are all “highly trained ninjas” who perform and interact with you throughout your meal. While Ninja is not a children’s restaurant, it is very kid-friendly. While waiting for your food the staff will bring children small toys, stickers and origami…which kids tend to love.
Mars 2112
(credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images)
1633 Broadway (at 51st Street)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 489-2112
mars2112.com
Reviews & More Info
A fun place to take the family; this restaurant has a UFO-like craft that takes patrons to the dining area, where the Mars Bar and Space Arcade are located. The dining area, called the Crystal Crater, is three stories high and decorated to simulate Mars terrain. The food and drinks all have space-themed names, and the waiters are dressed in “futuristic” costumes. After their meals, diners pass through two doorways where a “teleporter” takes them back to the main floor to exit their otherworldly experience.
American Girl Place
(credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
609 Fifth Avenue (at 49th Street)
New York, NY 10017
(877) 247-5223
americangirl.com/stores/location_ny.php
Reviews & More Info
If you have a daughter or niece, you are sure to know about the phenomenon that is the American Girl doll craze. The American Girl Place not only sells these dolls but also offers a unique dining experience among other things. Offering patrons options for brunch, lunch, dinner, and even afternoon tea, this experience is sure to be a hit with the girls in your family.
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Issa M. Mas blogs at Single Mama NYC.
Filed under: Best of, Family & Pets, Food & Drink Tagged: American Girl Place, Ellen's Stardust Diner, Mars 2112, Ninja, Restaurants, themed restaurants
