Location: Broadway & 51st Street
Ellens Stardust Diner is a place like no other. People travel from all over the world to visit Ellens, and it is no wonder why. With West End talent, delicious American cuisine, and friendly staff all available at an arms reach, Ellens can put a smile on anyones face.
Whether you managed to land those tickets to a West End show, couldn't fit it in your schedule (or your budget), or you just wasnt ready to commit, Ellens is the perfect opportunitiy to have a taste of Broadway at your dinner table.
The wait:
It's worth noting that reservations into Ellens cannot be made in advance, so you will have to wait in a queue outside until you are called in by a member of staff. (HINT: Smaller groups of 2, are typically admitted quicker as you can be slot in to smaller tables and chairs. Bigger groups are more likely to wait longer for availability, so plan accordingly!) It does get crowded inside, but with every guest instantly put in a good mood the second they enter, it really is the happiest place you will be shoulder to shoulder with strangers in the whole of New York! The queue usually dies down around 10pm, and with the entertainment still going strong, don't be put off visiting at this time. However, i did overhear a member of staff telling a customer they are dessert only from around 11pm, so try not to leave it too late, if you're planning on having an american feast! Please dont be put off by the queues, they will get you in as quickly and efficiently as possible. Just remember to wrap up warm if you are visiting in the colder months, because New York gets COLD around Christmas!
The staff:
Every member of staff at Ellen has either been on Broadway prior, or is working their way to stardom, and showcasing their incredible talemt along the way. Its no secret that NYC is not a cheap place to live, but living in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, working a full time job showcasing their talent, whilst working towards becoming Broadway stars, sounds like a pretty good start to me. With performances from Wicked (YES im talking Defying Gravity!!!!), duets from Grease, and ballads from Phantom of the Opera, there is performances suitable for all ages and preferences.
From the second they open in the morning, to the second they close at night, not only do the staff work as your typical waitors/waitresses, they put on incredible performances all day long, from all of your favourite movies and musicals. No matter where abouts in the restaurant, you can be as interactive or hidden away from the staff as you wish. They parade around the whole room, singing and dancing their hearts out, and love to have their guests join in. They even have a mini stage in the middle of the room, designed on the back of your chairs, like a catwalk, so wherever you are sat, you are gauranteed a fab view of a fab night! Just make sure you cover your food and drink when the confetti canons go off (around once an hour) or you'll be eating bits of coloured paper with your waffle fries!!
The food:
Like i mentioned before, the food served at Ellens is your typical American diner food. With everything from Burgers, waffle fries, mac and cheese (all USA portion sizes of course!!), milkshakes, and rainbow cakes you are truly spoilt for choice. They also have a small amount of italian and spanish cuisine aswell such as pastas and tacos, so there's something on the menu for everyone. If you were considering heading out for a bite to eat one evening but were worried you would miss the broadway show, why not have the best of both worlds and eat and Ellens!
Tips/Gratuity
It's worth noting that the host of the evening will not be shy when asking for tips! However, dont be alarmed, it could not be done in a more pleasent way. Every hour, around the hour, the host will re-introduce themselves to the newer guests, and explain a bit about the background of the businesses and its employees. They explain that when it comes to being an aspiring actor/actress in the big apple, the price doesnt come cheap. With headshots setting them back a whopping $800, vocal lessons, acting lessons and audition expenses, this is even before they have paid their monthly rent and bills. All tips are evenly split between the singing servers of the night, and are donated in 'Phill- ip the bucket' (get it ;) ? ), by the host wandering around every hour. If you don't wish to leave a tip, or your hands are a little sticky from the chicken wings, dont worry, you can always donate at a later stage if you wish, or tip through your bill as usual in NYC.
Whilst on the topic of gratiuty, a tip is automatically added onto the total of your bill at the end of the night. It is completely optional, and just incase you miss it, your server will even double check with you that you are happy to pay it, before they take your card. Like most places in New York, I have found the suggested gratuity can be pretty pricey, expecially for the basic service you will find in most places. But if there is one place that i feel deserves it, it is Ellens. Not only can they put on one hell of a show, but they also dont forget your drinks order whilst doing it! (Sometimes they even continue to make your drinks in the interludes of their performances!).
Once you have had your musical feel, and paid your bill, make sure to head to the gift shop on your way out. I purchased a magnet (duh its tradition!), and the cutest bracelet! They do aything from t-shirts and hats to stickers and key rings.
Have you been to Ellens before? Or is it on your to-visit list? Let me know in the comments below!
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