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Free Entertainment - Fun Place - Good Food - Low Prices (Reply to this comment)
by worldtravelers
Free Entertainment at a Fun Place with Good Food at Low Prices in Times Square on Broadway
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it all adds up to Five Stars in my book.
I've been to Ellen's Stardust Diner many times over the years and always found it to be an enjoyable place to eat at any time of day or night. I agree that the tip bucket is most uncomfortable on those occasions when it's passed around but I only laugh at any of the other antics, like the CD hawking, personal introductions, birthdays, etc. I never felt pressured to contribute or buy anything in any case, but have often really had a great time there.
The food varies from very good to mediocre, depending on the item and how busy the kitchen is - and that is no different than any place in NYC. I've had horrible food at 5 star 'renowned' restaurants with prices ending with many zeros, so ten or fifteen bucks at Ellen's with good entertainment on the side is a bargain in my book.
Ellen's is a lot of fun when the wait staff is singing and interacting with the patrons. The last two hours before closing can be quite lively. With very moderate prices by NY standards, the entertainment is certainly a treat, and let's face it, so are some of the menu items. You might not get the best food capable, but it often beats the Marriott Marquis' boring menu, the Crowne Plaza's cold or lukewarm entres, the Olive Garden's quasi-cafeteria-quality food, or Mama Sbarro's stale salad/food bar - all of which are two to five times more expensive than Ellen's. Non of them have fun menu items like Brown Cows and Egg Creams or Meatloaf and Banana Splits or Chili Dogs and Chicken Tenders or Ice Cream Sodas, but Ellen's does, along with staff belting out broadway tunes.
See ya at Ellen's Stardust.
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Dec 04 '03
4:27 pm PST
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Re: Re: What a good rating.. (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
I admit the place was kind of touristy and I usually hate those kind of places because the quality is low and the entertainment is bad. However, I think Stardust Diner pulled it together nicely - the songs were well-done (I thought they were all performed but could be wrong) and I think the music, food, decor and price all came together into a nice experience. Hey, it wasn't the Ritz, but if I can have a good time and a meal for under $20 in Manhattan, I have to give it a good rating.
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Nov 10 '03
4:14 pm PST
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Re: What a good rating.. (Reply to this comment)
by davidmanning
I'm with caterguru. Even the way you describe it, it doesn't sound like five stars. But the food is eh, even for diner food, and the singing is obviously tourist-oriented (which is why I wouldn't downgrade for that personally). The last time I was there (with, surprise! a tourist), a couple of songs were being lip-synched, almost like a couple of the waiters couldn't really sing but were required to take their turn.
But you were asked for tips? And solicited for CD purchases? Yecch.
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Nov 10 '03
1:34 pm PST
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Re: I have been to this place a number of times with...... (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
I thought it was really strange to be passing a bucket for additional tips. I had planned to leave a decent tip but then I got overwhelmed with digging ones out of my wallet that I just left 15% on the bill since I had already donated to the bucket.
Personally, I thought the one minute pitch on the c.d. was over the top annoying. I wouldn't mind if it was available for purchase but I didn't need the advertisement. It was too bad because the pitches detracted from the fun of the place.
Overall though, I would go back and bring my kids. I think they would get a kick out of it.
thanks for the comment!
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Nov 10 '03
10:22 am PST
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Re: What a good rating.. (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
Actually, I expected the food to be bad - it usually is in these touristy places. I wouldn't say it was great but it was decent, especially given the prices. Thanks for your comment.
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Nov 10 '03
10:20 am PST
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I have been to this place a number of times with...... (Reply to this comment)
by popsrocks,  in Restaurants & Gourmet
...the family and out of town guests. It's a fun restaurant and the food is decent.
I have never had any of the "entertainers" hawking their wares (CD's) or trying to collect additional money in a bucket or any other way.
I do suggest you leave an adequate tip for their service and entertainment. I would be turned off by the bucket in an establishment. I do give on the streets. Don't think I would in the restaurant.
Great review.
Phil
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Nov 10 '03
9:40 am PST
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What a good rating.. (Reply to this comment)
by caterguru
Im glad you had a good time here. Maybe it has changed from some 5 years ago. I had a terrible visit. My food tasted "old" and my service was poor. I should try again someday with high hopes. I did enjoy the music and old styles.
Good review
CG
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Nov 09 '03
4:25 pm PST
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Re: Great Review ModMARV !!! (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
Thanks for the comment. Seeing a server in a poodle skirt sing Madonna tunes was strange. I usually hate touristy places but this one seems to get it right.
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Nov 09 '03
3:35 pm PST
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Great Review ModMARV !!! (Reply to this comment)
by sam-pro
...interesting well thought out presentation of a restaurant. They obviously like to pitch. Madonna and the 50's...hmmmm. Great writing!...Peter
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Nov 09 '03
3:12 pm PST
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