NYC - Ellen's Stardust Diner

By ALAN GELL (4/08)

My friend and I walked out of our hotel, turned onto Broadway towards Times Square. We were in New York City for the annual Auto Show and it was suppertime. We were hungry. We wanted something good and typical of "the city." We spotted an old red subway car, labeled "Diner". We drew closer and saw the caption, "Singing Wait Staff." Sure? Why not? It promised to be fun.

Not only was the experience fun, but the food was terrific. If you are ever in New York City and near Times Square on Broadway, check out Ellen's Stardust Diner, located on the corner at 1650 Broadway. The entire diner is a Retro 50's theme. Well, maybe a little of the late 40's thrown in to make it interesting.

We each ordered a regular cheeseburger, fries, and a malted milkshake. The shake came like it was suppossed to -- a large aluminum mixing container and an overflowing glass with a big straw. We filled up on the malt almost before the burger and fries arrived. It was all we could do to get it all consumed. There was so much. The burger was so big. Perfectly cooked the way you wanted it to be. Fries were not too big nor too little. They weren't greasy. Just right to add a little bit of ketchup on the side.

The tables were little and crammed close together. But remember, this was a "diner." We visited with our neighbors on both sides. In between the songs, of course. The tables and chairs were early 1950's crome and plastic covered, varous designs and colors.

The wait staff were young adults, varying in age. Girls were dressed in a semblance of a poodle skirt. Guys had slacks and shirts. A wireless mike was passed from one worker to the other with very little dead time in between. They took their turns singing to various tape recordings of those oldies but goodies from the 40's and 50's. They walked around between the tables and booths, even continuing to serve their customers while they belted out their songs. Occasionally, they duo'ed. Sometimes, they jumped up on the narrow walk between booths in the middle of the room. There were great and highly entertaining.

Ellen's Stardust Diner has apparently been featured on severl local New York City television programs and in numerous New York publications. The "Where NY Magazine" voted it the best family restaurant in New York City -- twice.

I'm sure they have great home-made pie, delicious egg cream desserts, sirloin steaks, and pasta. But if their other food items are anything like my burger, fries, and malt, I would strongly urge you to split an order between two of you.

If you visit New York City and make it to the Times Square area, don't pass up the opportunity to eat at Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway. Visit them on-line at www.EllensStardustDiner.com