You don't come here for the food. You come here for the environment, entertainment, experience, and of course, the singing waiters. The food here is expensive and overpriced for diner food, but you're in Times Square and this is a known tourist trap, so if you go in with the right expectations, you'll have a good time. I got the Be Bop a Lula Burger which came with mushrooms, onions, and bacon and it was a solid burger. I also really liked how crunchy the waffle fries were. Would I normally pay nearly $30 for a burger? No. But I came here to hear the talented singers perform Broadway songs so I just chose an entree for the sake of it. The Sunset Swan Song mocktail was refreshing. They are quick with service which I appreciated. I waited 45 minutes on line outside on a Saturday evening, but it doesn't really matter what your spot in line is. You get seated based on party size! read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Be Bop a Lula Burger - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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We had a great time here! We came during breakfast time on a Tuesday, and the place was about half full. There wasn't a wait or anything, but it was pretty chill. They sang a handful of songs during our time there but there was definitely a long gap between them (to be fair, it was like 8am) The food was good, not AMAZING but it was pretty good. It was a little pricey, but not terrible. They came by with a bucket asking for tips for the staff to be able to take lessons/classes, but just be prepared they were VERY pressure-y with it. This is separate from the tips from your order. I think this was a good experience to go once, but probably wouldn't come back again unless I had friends visiting from out of town that wanted to go! read more

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I came here early Saturday morning to bring some family that were visiting NYC. There was no line thankfully, so we were seated upstairs pretty quickly. The diner fare is fairly standard, but I loved the singing and performances - they had a few Broadway songs, but mainly pop and Disney songs. I was incredibly impressed and would go back with friends who love music and singing. read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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This is a unique location on Broadway with singing wait staff who are off-work broadway actors. There is a very very long line and if you are solo you can cut it like me and go to the bar. there's a bouncer out front by the way. I had the chicken Parmesan which was ok. the performers were really good and makes me wish my singing in the shower was that good. this is a nice family friendly stop for an nyc visit. but just be aware of the lines, especially if you have children. I hope these hard worker wait staff are able to succeed and make it big on broadway!! read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Chocken parmesan - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

This was my son and I second time going to StarDust, and this time we had two friends with us and they really really enjoyed it. Upon arrival, I was shocked that there was no line because I always see a line when I'm in that area. When we got inside, the hostess told my friend and I that she could not bring in her pulley. Now my friend she is an elderly woman and that was the first time we heard that at any restaurant. So another hostess came out and he told us that we could drop the pulley off at the hotel around the corner and they charge five dollars so said so done. I took it for her as that hostess gave her a chair to sit down and by the time, my son and I came back, they were already seated waiting for us on the first floor, which was great. The ambience is diner style. Hence the reason for their name, and I understand why they don't allow any pulley's or luggage because the area is tight so keep that in mind. We looked over the menu and the performers/servers started to sing, and it was fantastic. We all pulled out our phones and started to record and sing along. I ended up ordering the chili cheese nachos my friend got the chicken nachos my Son ordered the French toast and his friend ordered the tater tots scrambled eggs with bacon. Everything was delicious and I our nachos was humongous, lol and satisfying. The performers/servers were phenomenal as usual and I highly highly highly recommend this experience and will go back time and time again so thank you for your service until next time. Cheers. read more

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This place always has a line of tourists. As a local, I had never been until today! We were looking for a breakfast place in Times Square and since none of us had ever gone here, we decided to see why it's so popular. A short line early Sunday and we were seated right away. The vibe is fun and festive with confetti, colorful decor, and the old school diner seating. There are two floors of seating and a restroom upstairs. The staff sings a variety of songs and are so talented. Enjoy a show while you eat and if you're lucky you'll get showered with confetti. Most servers hope to make it to Broadway and work here as they pursue their dreams. Cool concept and fun environment. The food was mediocre, but you go more for the experience. I got the cinamon bun pancakes. Three thick sweet pancakes come with packaged sytrup and butter on the side. This was about $18. A friend got eggs and another got the breakfast burrito. Both were just okay. Nothing really vegan for breakfast other than a non-dairy yogurt parfait. They don't serve lunch until after 11am so we could only order breakfast. Our server told us the confetti was vegan. Haha What a sense of humor! The 'show director' then comes around with a bucket for donations towards servers who take acting, dance, and music classes. They take cash or electronic forms of donation. While optional it felt a little pressure driven as the person comes to each table with the bucket to donate. Maybe mentioning it and placing the bucket somewhere for anyone who would like to donate would be easier or include a QR code somewhere for folks to scan. Worth a visit once, mainly for the experience - not the food. It's an all American style diner so don't expect to find too many options if you have diet restrictions. A number of tv shows/films have been shot here and the restaurant has been around for a long time. Check it off your bucketlist. read more

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The talent was great when they were singing. Some old lady manager kept grabbing the mic to beg for tips and talking. Just let them sing! Food was ok but everything was a little overpriced. fyi they add the 20% tip To the bill so don't overpay by accident. read more

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Went on a friday at around 9:30pm with a group of 4 and waited maybe ten mins for a table! Service quality itself is iffy like we felt like we had to flag down our waiter a few times but they are running around like crazy and PERFORMING!! Everyone was so talented and the show was really enjoyable. One random factor i greatly appreciated is they dont have the speakers turned to max volume. I feel like everywhere I go in new york with live music has it drowning out my own thoughts. It's a perfect volume to enjoy the show, still be able to talk to your waiter and your friends, and still hear your own consciousness. Pricing is pretty typical NYC tourist spot, gratuity is included in the checks. No entrance fee or performance fee. Food was pretty good! Burger and fries was quite tasty and a great portion! Good beer selection too read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

Still great fun with okay service abs a wonderful show. Same prices as elsewhere and delicious food with a show included . The decor is even more fun that usual in June for Pride. read more

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Had to stop by this place on my trip because it's so iconic. All the servers are in Broadway and are constantly singing with serving you. Everyone sang so beautifully and it's like a free broadway show. People definitively come here for the experience and not the food. The portion of the food was huge and I only finished half my bagel and tater tots. Keep in mind, since the servers are singing, it was hard to track them down when you need something. Also be sure to bring some cash to show your support! read more

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My friend and I visited Ellen's Stardust Diner in the afternoon before we saw a show on Broadway. We tried to go once before, a few months back, in the evening, but there was a very long line that was wrapped around the entire building. Coming in the afternoon was definitely the right move! The prices were a little more than we were expecting, but we got a Caesar salad, quesadilla, and some preshow drinks. We had an excellent waitress. She was so nice and although we had ordered a chicken Caesar salad, when it came it out, it turned out they forgot the chicken. We let our waitress know and she took the chicken off the bill very easily. It was by far the best Caesar salad! They were really accommodating with food allergies as well, and my chocolate martini was delicious. We had had a great time and we'll definitely be back before we see shows in the city. read more

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Please go here for the experience. The food is just meh. The restaurant is large with 2 floors. Clean and bright. Restrooms were also clean. Menu is large with your typical diner food. They also serve alcohol. Service is nice and friendly. A bit slow, but it's expected as it's very busy. All the servers are very talented and can really perform. Kind of really interesting to see all the servers performing their closing side work while belting out show tunes. Def recommend for entertainment and drinks. read more

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Service was very good especially for how busy it was. Ambiance was great. They did a good job making sure everyone could see the show. Nachos were ok. Fries were delicious. Wish they would have done a little more for the birthdays but all in all it was a good experience. read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Bacon Mac and Cheese Burger. - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

This restaurant delivered an excellent overall experience. The food, atmosphere, and live entertainment were all outstanding. Although my table was on the first floor, the layout seems thoughtfully designed so that most tables offer a good view of the performers. We ordered the classic New York City Reuben and the skirt steak. The Reuben was flavorful and generously portioned, with tender meat and well-seasoned waffle fries on the side. The skirt steak was cooked perfectly and equally satisfying. The staff added a memorable touch to the evening by singing and engaging with guests, which created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. I would absolutely return and highly recommend this place for both the dining and entertainment experience. read more

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What a fun surprise on Broadway! The hubby and I had not tried this diner on our visits to the city so thought, why not? We entered to a lively party zone!! Bright colors, confetti and SINGING!! What we DIDNT know was that the wait staff are super talented people... some already performing in Broadway shows. The restaurant is an oval shape and 2 levels- so they walk around and sing or walk on the elevated stage on the ground floor. The food was a mix of typical diner cuisine..... If you're looking for a Michelin experience, this is not for you. read more

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It is great that the servers sing! It's like good karaoke. We saw solos, duets, even a group number. We heard from musicals (Hamilton!) to Amy Whinehouse. The food is basic. Diners usually have amazing food, however, here, just food. Not bad, not amazing, just ok. The Stardust Salad was huge! Good salmon portion, a ton of cheese and a delectable balsamic vinaigrette. My bestie had breakfast burrito and oddly, no eggs inside. The waffle fries was the winner of that plate. French toast was ok. Nothing special, just ok. If there was a 3.5 they would get it. I enjoyed the performances, I'm just talking about food here. read more

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Brunch with a side of singing! If you love Broadway, then this is a fun warm up to enjoying musical songs being sung by servers throughout brunch. Basic brunch menu, but the vibe is upbeat early in the morning, if you are not a morning person, go to a quieter diner. This place is famous as a go to place for group brunch, future broadway or current performers serving up brunch. I'll take friends as a first timers but not a regular go to place to NYC's iconic diner in midtown Manhattan. A tad pricey for the entrees you choose, plus after servers finish singing they go around with a bucket to ask for donation on other causes or tips, etc. Not necessary but it's part of the shtick! read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - One of the servers singing a tune for diners - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Overall, this diner was fine.. They don't take reservations so I'd be aware of timing and that you may need to wait. We timed it so we didn't have to wait at all. Our food was average at best but not cheap. All the singing and performers are good and it was unique to have them singing live from all over the diner. Wouldn't go back but may be fun if you like Broadway and want a unique dining experience! read more

Had the absolute best time here on my recent visit to New York, and listen, as other reviewers say, you don't come here for the food (although the baked potato soup I had was decent / good size, served maybe a bit lukewarm 4/5)), you come for the INCREDIBLE talent of the people who work here. I came right after a show and since it was cold weather the line wasn't too long but since it was just myself i waited a bit longer to get in as they try to maximize the space (which is fine by me as I got a good seat on the second floor above the center area disco ball where I had a good view of everything), the talent of the employees is off the charts! Energy is great, love the spirit and variety of the songs that are sung. And also, super important to tip your servers! They are all aspiring Broadway performers and I don't think I have ever seen anyone sing Alicia Keys pouring a Coke and giving someone their bill at perfect pitch. I'd easily pay a Broadway ticket price for this and it's technically free with your meal, they just kindly ask for any cash (or Venmo/Paypal accepted!) tips for what you think the show is worth. I easily stuck around for almost 2 hours and had a blast! read more

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Oh wow! 2nd time here. 1st time we seat on the 2nd level, you can still see everything but not as personal. This time we were there at 4pm, no wait line, sat on the 1st floor right by the runway. So up close and personal and definitely enjoyed ourselves more.The vocal of every single one of them(wait staffs) are so good! Felt like you are in a broadway show. Everyone is super friendly and nice, because we were only there for a snack, we order the nachos to share. It was delicious and we truly enjoy the food and the show. The whole atmosphere there is lively and happy, non stop of singing. Well done stardust diner, we will be back. read more

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No one comes to Ellen's for the food and that is ok. You come for the atmosphere, specifically the singing servers and the constant entertainment. The singing is nonstop. The servers, every one of them, take turn after turn after turn. Some are better than others and almost all of them are a lot of fun. The food is serviceable. I went ultra safe with a grilled cheese sandwich, something that cannot be messed up. The basic cheese quesadilla, another foolproof dish, was also just fine. The burger was ok. Ellen's is not the kind of place where you are asked how you want your burger cooked. The shakes look gorgeous but are just decent. The line outside--and yes you will absolutely wait in a very long line--is ridiculous, but there is no way around it. But pay attention: sometimes they call out for certain numbers of people in your party and you can skip ahead of everyone else, directly into the restaurant. On the other hand, if you can sit downstairs, that is where you want to be. Upstairs is better than nothing but downstairs is far better and where you get the best views and interactions with the singing servers. So now you know. This is an extremely touristy and probably an exclusively tourist spot but it is a fun experience. Just keep your food expectations very low; you are here for the experience. read more

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The line outside moved decently fast. If someone can hold your spot there's a souvenir shop close by. Expected horrible food, I mean you aren't coming here for good food, but I was pleasantly surprised. Burger was better than fast food for sure. Standard diner quality food. The noise gets overwhelming by the end of your meal, but the kids loved the entertainment. Got to hand it to those servers. They're belting out hits while literally taking orders and ringing out checks. Could definitely do without the confetti shower on my meal but it wasn't a deal breaker. "Phil-up-the-bucket" is cringe as hell though. They auto add a 20% tip and you have to ask to have it removed. I think they more than earn it, but to also pass around a donation bucket while you're eating is weird. Very off putting. read more

What a fun experience! So glad we took the chance and headed there for breakfast on a Sunday morning. It was 9 am. The restaurant was very busy, but we apparently timed it right because there was no wait. By the time we left, the line to enter was down the block. I wasn't expecting much from the food and was expecting a tourist trap, but my husband and I really enjoyed not only our meals, but also the talented waitstaff. Lots of menu options. Something for everyone. I opted for the Brooklyn Pride, which is a huge weigh sandwich on a rainbow bagel. I opted for over medium eggs instead of scrambled that was happily substituted and I added bacon. The side for the classic dishes is tater tots, rather than traditional home fries. Nothing fancy, just nicely fried tots, which my husband loved. He opted for chocolate chip pancakes and was very pleased. One note, pay attention to your bill as 20% gratuity was automatically added even though we were only a party of 2. We didn't add extra gratuity because we also contributed to the bucket they pass around that helps to purchase singing lessons for the wait staff. This was so fun and I'm so glad I finally got to experience it after so many visits to NYC throughout the years. read more

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This was my 3rd visit, which I guess should say something in itself? It is absolutely an experience, a loud experience, but fun! We had Elie tonight and glad we got to hear her sing a song! I got the Mac and cheese burger, it was eh. Not terrible, I've just had better! What I LOVE is the waffle fries. They are soooo delicious. 4 stars because it is fun, and food is good enough. They also do a good job trying to get people in quickly! read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

Absolutely yes. The food is decently good and the entertainment is one of a kind. Try to sit on the bar style seating facing inward if you can. Back to back to back Broadway hits that were hilarious or deserved a standing ovation. Will be back whenever I visit. read more

I read the reviews for this place so I knew what to expect coming here. It is definitely an entertaining tourist spot. The food was a lot better than I expected because all the reviews I read and the people who went there said that the food was meh. I really thought it wasn't going to be good at all, but it was not as bad as everyone said. The singing was very entertaining and they really try hard to allow you to see the performers on the first and second floors. There are TV screens in different spots so you could see the performer if you can't see them at the angle you're sitting at. And it's cool to see your server singing and performing. They do go around and ask for tips and if you don't have cash, they make sure that you could tip in other ways electronically. But it's hard to have a conversation with the loud singing, so don't expect any deep conversations here. The line to get in can be definitely long, so if you are going at a popular eating time, be ready to stand on a long line. But if you want to avoid waiting on a long line, you should go earlier. What's nice is that they will go down the line and find a group that matches an available table, so they try to fill the empty tables quickly that way. This place is definitely a place for the people who love Broadway musicals and singing performances. They sing all kind of music, not just Broadway musicals. read more

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Was in New York a couple weeks ago with my ladyfriend and we decided to have breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner.Food is very good and the waitresses/waiters singing was just a really cool experience. They are all very talented and i hope they all make it big one day! Very fun read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - So much fun - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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A fun spot to get dessert or food after a broadway show! I think the amount you enjoy this experience really depends on where you get sat. We were sat by the entrance in a corner so we weren't up close by the "action". The songs and singing were great, but we do wish we were more up close to get the full experience. Felt like we were on the outs. Based on other reviews, I was skeptical about the food, but it was actually pretty good. The chicken alfredo had a good sauce and the size was just right to share after a show. Love that our waiters/waitresses double as the performers. Keep in mind though that service will be slower. All in all, a unique and fun place to stop in if you're a fan of broadway. read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Pros: * The live performance is the highlight of the visit, with employees singing and providing lively entertainment throughout the meal. The confetti drop adds a fun, celebratory touch. * Services were good Cons * The food quality was disappointing. We ordered two different burgers, a breakfast dish, and an omelette. * Both burgers were dry, despite being ordered medium. * The breakfast dish was soggy. * The omelette lacked flavor and overall quality. * Staff members walked from table to table encouraging guests to donate money, which felt uncomfortable while eating. For better-tasting food, places like In‑N‑Out, IHOP, or Chili's offer more reliable options. Overall, visit for the unique live performance experience, but be prepared for to pay with your wallet and taste buds. read more

I'm really surprised the ratings for this place are not better. I first ate here a little over a year ago and had a great experience. I don't usually expect the food to please me with attraction places like Ellen's but their Mexican Quinoa Bowl was packed with flavor, I crave it. My recent visit I had the Chilaquiles and they were fantastic! The servers work so hard to entertain you while also performing for you, not easy, and they do it all day and night. It is loud, but it is lively and it's all the songs we want to hear more of. Ellen's simply is New York and Broadway served on plate full of deliciousness. I did try to go on a trip just before New Years at dinner and I couldn't guess how many building the line wrapped around. So we decided not to wait that time. But the first and last time I went we waited less than ten minutes. If my waiter can hand gesture to the lady at the table next to me if she needs a refill of her mimosa while simultaneously wowing me with his powerful voice singing One Day More from Les Miserables I think ESD deserves all the stars for being stars. read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Chilaquiles - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

We've been here many times throughout the years and although it's always a fun time and the entertainment is always enjoyable, the food seems to have gotten worse time after time. In our most recent visit we had matzoh ball soup and mashed potatoes that were both really just bland and not even warm when they came out. Chicken parm was ok but the spaghetti was just bland as well. For the prices you would hope for a better food experience. Despite this, we were seated on the first floor for the first time and really enjoyed this experience more than when we sat upstairs. read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Come for the performances. Service was awful. Luckily no long wait on a rainy Monday night. Food was fine. read more

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First off: You're hear for a NYC tourist experience. That means lines, prices higher than what you should be paying for food that is okay and not at all healthy, and a real spectacle. If you've waited in the oddly fast moving line to get in - you're here for the singing, not the food. And that really is what it's all about. Most of the staff is aspiring (or even former) Broadway singers. It shows with the majority of the "performers"/waitstaff being very skilled. Even the ones that maybe were pushing their range, or didn't look as comfortable were still fun to watch and put more talented staff in better context of what they were capable of doing. It's easy to forget that there isn't auto-tuning, a dress room, or really much in the way of breaks with them jumping from singing to serving for hours. Everyone (even a NYC long time resident who never would have come if my daughter hadn't REALLY wanted to do this) LOVED the singing. The wait: It's a serious thing. You need a large (25 I think) group to get reservations, so all you can do is get in line and wait. We were almost a whole block down, but were seated in less than an hour - so it's honestly not terrible. It does maintain some spontaneity to going, and make it more "of the people" instead of selling tickets. The food: Just remind yourself, you are NOT here for the food. Lots of straight diner food. My son claims to have loved the hamburger, but they honestly didn't look great. My daughter was so engrossed int he singing, I'm not sure she even registered eating the food. The waffle fries were pretty good. I went with my go-to diner order when food doesn't look good but the chef's look like they are having a good time: the Fried Chicken sandwich. Honestly ... it was good. If you liked fried chicken - just jump to this one. Thick breasted, fried to perfection. Rather oily and salty, but very very tasty. The biggest downside - and why I can't give it 5 stars despite being a destination type place - is that after waiting in line, you really don't have any say on where they seat you. Anything on the first floor looked great, but on the upper levels (where half the seating is) there are a number of booths that have zero view, so half your table is watching the show on a TV, the other half is watching the show through a mirror on a TV. We were seated their at first, but my Mother in Law complained, and we were moved to the balcony seating, which was great. But - if the large group wasn't delayed, that wouldn't have been available, and it just would have been a very noisy diner. As a note - while waiting in line, they are very efficient with filling up spaces based on your party size. That is the reason they may seat people behind you in line before you. Trust the process... or they might put you in the corner (I have no idea if my mother in law complaining resulted in our being seated in a terrible seat at first... but even if it did, she spoke up and got us out of the seating). So 5 star experience for me - but as long as they are seating people in the booths on the top floor, I can't rate it above 4 stars. read more

Have to leave a review because the service was excellent and the staff were attentive and proactive! I was debating between the chicken sandwich and the Philly cheesesteak and was recommended the fried chicken sandwich by our waiter. The presentation of the sandwich was great and the fries on the side were a hefty portion; however, the chicken itself tasted off and looked undercooked. When we brought this to the attention of the waiter, it was promptly removed from the table and the tab which I am very appreciative of. Management offered to replace my dish, but the fries were sufficient. My friends enjoyed the nachos and rainbow burger. The environment was cozy and friendly. Would simply go back for the show the upcoming stars put on. The live performances while dining just adds a sweet touch that you can only get in New York! read more

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Pretty fun and chill vibes, can't belive I've never been here before! got here before 6pm on a weekday night and waited in line for about 20 minutes, it's easier to get seats for 2 but fine with groups of 4 as well (party of 6 might have longer wait time), the waiters and waitresses will take turns singing which is cool, it's fun seeing the same person taking your orders all of a sudden singing on stage and they were all really good! Food was decent and pricing is average/normal and not overly priced (reasonable in times square), they'll bring a tip bucket around midway to collect tips, and then at the end you'll get 20% tip added to your bill. We spent around $50+ a person. Overall I'd recommend checking the place out if you haven't been there. read more

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Omg this place is amazing and fun! Amazing talented servers! Singing the whole time! My son's 8th grade class trip brought us here. Preplanned lunch menu. I had a chicken Caesar salad. I believe you need reservations. The lines are long outside so definitely reserve. Check it out! read more

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10/10 Experience! Stardust Diner was absolutely amazing! From the moment we walked in, the energy was incredible. The singing servers were unbelievably talented and made the whole experience so much fun. The food was delicious, the service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was unlike any other restaurant. Every performance brought smiles to everyone's faces, making the meal feel like a Broadway show. If you're visiting New York, this place is a must. An unforgettable experience--10/10, and I'd definitely come back! read more

Ughhh !!! It was very loud here. I understand it is a tourist spot but all the waiters and waitress sing in between serving their tables. Some people can sing and some can not I was not happy. They placed me next to this pole. And the food was ok. It was morning time so we had breakfast but they served tater tots for breakfast. That as horrendous. If you have kids they may like it but it's a double no for me read more

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We saw tiktoks and had to come here. We planned to come after our show at the Gershwin theatre which was right by there by they were closed for a private event so we ended up coming thread next day for breakfast. It's super packed but we were seated very fast. We did have to sit at a bar area upstairs overlooking the lower area, which was fine but it was pretty crammed together with people who were seated next to us. The staff was friendly and the singing staff was definitely fun to watch. The food was pretty good. Prices weren't too crazy for being in the city. read more

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Can't miss if you're in the theater district. We enjoyed the brunch food but loved the entertainment. read more

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Diners Near Me - New York, New York