STARDUST DINER a lot of fun and a ton of nostalgia!!!
Written: Mar 30 '03 (Updated Feb 09 '04)
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Pros: Fun upbeat atmosphere, a peak into what the fifties were like.
Cons: Can be crowded at peak times, food is ok.
The Bottom Line: For an unpretentious, fun filled, and even a good tasting meal, with budding stars entertaining, the Stardust is a good value.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Ellen's Stardust Diner |
Last night my wife and I were in New York City with our youngest daughter, just fourteen year old, and two of her friends for her birthday celebration. Due to a break down of communications our original plans were changed. We then opted for a "Night on the Town" for my daughter and her friends.
After doing some touristy site seeing and fun spontaneous video taping we decided on Ellen's Stardust Diner for a bite to eat. Having been there a few times previous, I knew what to expect. Things haven't changed in the last few years.
HOW TO GET THERE
On the Southeast corner of 51st street and Broadway is the entrance to the diner. This is still in the heart ofTimes Square. The neon and digital lights were dazzling as usual.
We had driven into the city. I parked in a garage on the corner of 54th and Broadway. It costs $21.00 for up to twelve hours or twenty five dollars for twenty four hours. Shorter terms are available but without all that much savings.
The subway has many lines that stop on nearby 50th and Broadway. You will find the 1.2.3.9.Q,N and R subway lines take you just steps away. I find this the quickest and easiest way to get around the city. Bus lines are also on Broadway and Seventh Ave.
THE DINER
The first thing you notice when approaching the The Stardust Diner is the music being heard from the outside speakers, under the awning. If you see people hanging out that means there may be a bit of a line. The first few times we went we did have to wait about twenty minutes for a table. Last night at 10pm we were immediately seated.
At first we were given a nice booth near the Broadway side of the restaurant. In most other place this was a nice cozy spot to be in. We didn't go to the place for cozy. We went for a fun filled atmosphere of music.
I suggest getting a table or booth in the middle of the restaurant. That is what we were moved to and seated. That gives you a ring side seat for the upcoming circus of excitement. If it's busy you will be shoe-horned in. This place is not for comfort, fine dining, or romance.
There is always music playing. Sometimes with and sometimes without the movie clips being played on a large projection screen. Though the quality of the picture of the movies isn't that good, the music they play is. Most of the tunes are easily recognized by this fifty something guy. I will say that my daughter and her friends knew the songs, words, and story from most of the movies these old time scenes came from.
The diner has a feel of an original diner with booths, vinyl covered benches and seats with chrome galore.
The perimeter has much reminding one of the fifties. One corner table has many of "The Kings" pictures. Some Elvis tunes may also be heard. Another wall has a mural with many fifty's cars at a drive in movie. The fifty six and fifty seven chevys and fords are all instantly recognizable. Miss Marilyn Monroe has a few pictures about too.
To touch off the look is a Train track above your head with a moving locomotive pulling a few cars around the room.
The ENTERTAINERS
The waiters and waitresses meet you in fifty's red and black attire. Poodle skirts on the gals was the norm and the guys were wearing their black "chino's" with black and red collared shirts.
Most of the help was young, in their twenties, and enthusiastic. The fun of this restaurant is that your server may be bringing your fries with one hand while holding a microphone in the other, belting out a tune.
The help all take turns putting on musical background choices and then come out singing live fifties favorites. These are all aspiring actors and talented singers trying to be "discovered." I had a video camera and they didn't mind at all. They played to it.
"Unforgettable" was sung by one fellow who grabbed a gal and started dancing slow with her in the aisles. Some upbeat song were done too. The girls were singing The Thing We Do, following the words on the big screen, while a waiter led the group. I would say about six or seven different waiters and waitresses came out and did a song in the hour or so we were there.
Don't be surprised if one of the waiters jumps up on the back railings of the booth seats and starts singing just above you and your BLT Sandwich. It really is fun watching them entertain.
Some of the tunes were for us to listen to and appreciate. Others were up tempo, kareoke style songs that everyone sang along to. Hey, the whole place helped sing Sinatras' New York, New York!! The girls got up and followed the song with a kick line.
The help is hoping you will tip a bit extra for their entertainment. There is a "Tips" bucket near the door. This is for above and beyond the usually expected 15 to 20 percent tip for the service.
One quick note. The restrooms are upstairs, no elevator for those who may be handicapped. I didn't ask if they had any special accommodations on ground level. The rest rooms are appropriately named Guys and Dolls.
FOOD?
Oh yes, they do serve food here. It is mostly diner fare. Nothing very special that I could tell. It is a fairly complete menu with sandwiches, soups, chili's, wraps, salads, and some Tex Mex type items. Of course many styles burgers and fries top the orders. Check out the names of some of the sandwiches etc. Big Bopper, the Frank Sinatra, The John Wayne, Ethel Mertz and the Mighty Mo Burger with a secret 1953 recipe sauce are listed. A Tommy Tune A Melt is on the menu. For those avoiding meat you may try the Whole Earth Wrap.
To me this is a place is just as much for the entertainment as the food. The menu has moderate to a little pricey, for a diner, offerings. Prices are from six to fifteen dollars. I have never been there in the mornings but I understand they have a complete breakfast menu too. The Stardust opens at 7am and goes on till 11am for breakfast and then the lunch menu goes till 11pm.
They do offer A Sunday Brunch, open from 9am till 3pm. Look for specials with the western names like the Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Hop-A-Long Cassidy, Gene Autry and the Wyatt Earp.
Last evening, being the girls had a pizza party a few hours earlier, we didn't order much from the regular menu. Some of the Stardust's "Waffle fries" were had and then we went to the desserts. They are listed on the back cover of the menu and some of these are a must.
For you New Yorkers who grew up on egg creams, they do it up, seltzer bottles and all, right at the table. Malts, cherry, and chocolate cokes, shakes, even health shakes, and all kinds of other drinks are listed.
The ice cream sodas and other desserts are all about $4.50.
All three girls had Brownie Mudslide Sundaes. Nothing was left but a smudge of hot fudge sauce on the plates. My wife and I both shared a $1.95 two scoop ice cream and had egg creams. We also tasted the brownie. It was excellent.
Look for those famous names again. Maybe you will try the Chubby Checker Sundae
The fries and desserts for five of us came to just under $27.00. They accept all major credit cards and preferably cash for tips.
I believe this was my forth time at the place. The level of entertainment and enthusiasm was a bit different each time. I believe the enthusiasm of the crowd feeds the entertainers. Don't be shy, sing along, shout out, and applaud.
I would recommend the place for dessert, a little fun, and respite, after a hard day of shopping, site seeing, and doing shows.
Be sure you do sing along on one of the tunes. You can then claim the bragging rights of saying
"I have sung on Broadway!".
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Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Go in for a good uniquely NYC dessert menu. Malts, egg creams, creamcicles, and a mean Brownie Mudslide Sundae
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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