By Hannah Wickford
Among the thousands of restaurants in New York City, several unique gems offer a fun dining experience.
Among the thousands of
New York City restaurants, there are some unique gems that dare to be different. From horror-themed venues to vaudeville-style entertainment, they offer a unique and fun dining experience for their patrons.
Jekyll & Hyde Club
The Jekyll & Hyde Club is an adventure in horror complete with interactive characters at every turn. Dine in the Grand Salon where characters make the rounds of the tables and live entertainment takes place, or take part in a séance in The Library. The Laboratory will spook even the bravest of heart, or head on up to The Attic where The Funny Bones serenade you with music. A full menu offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, entrees and sides.
Jekyll & Hyde Club
1409 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
(212) 541-9505
jekyllandhydeclub.com
Lucky Cheng's
For fans of comedy, burlesque, karaoke and drag queens, Lucky Cheng's fits the bill for the fun evening out. The New York Times calls the waitresses dressed in drag as the "campy highlight" of the venue. Lucky Cheng's is a favorite of locals and tourists with even celebrities like Britney Spears and the Olsen twins showing up to join the fun. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe meal while watching the show or head to the downstairs lounge for some live music and gentler entertainment. Choose from entrees like Chinese spiced duck confit salad, kafir-lime coconut grilled ahi tuna or wok-seared lemongrass beef and Asian vegetables. Reservations are recommended. This is not an appropriate venue for children.
Lucky Cheng's
24 1st Ave.
New York, NY 10009
(212) 995-5500
planetluckychengs.com
Ellen's Stardust Diner
The Stardust Diner brings its guests back to the 1950s. The venue is outfitted in retro décor with plenty of neon lighting and vinyl records adorning the walls. The waitstaff is made up of wannabe actors and singers who occasionally can be seen hopping onto a table to serenade diners with tunes from the golden oldies. In true diner style, the menu is extensive and offers a host of American comfort foods as well as some modern dishes. Kids prefer the grilled cheese sandwiches and peanut butter and jelly with bananas while the adults head for the meatloaf, fish and chips and chicken pot pie.
Ellen's Stardust Diner
1650 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 956-5151
ellensstardustdiner.com
ESPN Zone
ESPN Zone is a multi-story restaurant that offers something for everyone. The Studio Grill and Baseball Bar are located on the ground level and are well-suited for dining with family and friends. The second floor are home to the Bristol Suite and the Screening Room for hard-core sports fans to have a drink and a bite to eat while watching sports on one of the many televisions throughout the space. The third floor holds the Sports Arena which has an open bar space and large game room and video arcade. The menu offers appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrees and features pub grub along dishes such as shrimp scampi over penne pasta, Angus New York strip steak and baby back ribs.
ESPN Zone
1472 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 921-3776
espnzone.com
Resources
About the Author:
After attending Fairfield University, Hannah Wickford spent more than 15 years in market research and marketing in the consumer packaged goods industry. In 2003 she decided to shift careers and now maintains three successful food-related blogs and writes online articles, website copy and newsletters for multiple clients.
Photo Credits:
nyc skyline40 image by John R. Amelia from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
