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Ellen's Stardust Diner

3.6 (3k reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Ellen's Stardust Diner Photos

ELLEN'S STARDUST DINER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Touristy
Loud
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Ellen's Stardust Diner

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Reviews With Photos

French toast
Shanel S.

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.

One of the servers singing a tune for diners
Edgar M.

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!

Justin S.

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.

Loaded baked potato soup
Clarissa A.

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!

Michelle I.

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.

Marilyn N.

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

Fried Chicken Sandwich
Fatu D.

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!

Brooklyn Pride
Michelle S.

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.

Rita L.

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.

Cruzita T.

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!

Grilled American Cheese Sandwich was fine. Waffle fries were good.
Craig W.

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.

Katlyn C.

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!

Menu - Pasta / Blue Plates / Sides / Beverages
Sarah K.

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.

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Ellen's Stardust Diner Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ellen's Stardust Diner

Wait time after Saturday morning Radio City Christmas show?

Depends on what time of day and what day you see the Christmas show. I think they do 5 shows a day there still...

Wait time after the theater on Sunday night? In February?

We went on a Saturday night right after Wicked got out and only waited 5 minutes. I think if you head straight there and don't linger at the theater, you have a good chance of not waiting too long.

Wait time on a Sunday @4:30pm?

In my experience traffic is light before 5 on Sunday. Perhaps 15 minutes, if that. Hope that helps!

How long would wait be at the beginning of the week at about 8am? I know it will be speculation.

The line moves VERY quickly--- so at most an hour! Or even less, like 30 min if you're lucky

How long is the typical wait on a Wednesday in the summer around 5pm?

The wait varies. During summer the lines are longer because of tourists, but the lines are usually always long at 5pm.

Do they take reservations?

No, they do not offer reservations. They are walk-in.

Is proof of vaccination still required (as of October 2022)?

No they don’t as of a week or two ago.

Can I make reservations?

No, they don't take reservations. I suggest going at an off time to avoid long lines. For example, I went a month ago at 3pm and only waited 10-15 minutes behind one other group. If you go at peak meal times the line will wrap around the side of the… Read more

Any vegan options?

If you are into Beyond meats they have beyond burger

Abre todos los dias?

Si desde las 7 de la mañana hasta 12 de la noche

How long is the wait on a Tuesday afternoon at 5:30/5:45?

I am not a New Yorker. I visited there in November. My dining experience included a 45ish minute wait. Later in the week we passed by and the line was only 10ish people compared to my 30ish line. So, I would plan accordingly for a long wait. If… Read more

How long is the wait on a Tuesday night around 7/7:30pm-ish?

About one hour

I saw that they do groups. I'm coming in for a Music Man matinee in March with a busload of Seniors. I left a message but haven't heard back. Do they not accommodate groups?

Honestly they could but it's a bit tight and the wait to get in is long.(depending on the day I'm guessing) they are extremely busy. We went on a Sunday at 1130 and waited 1 hr to get in for a party of 2. But for us it was worth it. The Servers sing… Read more

Is vaccine required for kids?

Proof of vaccination is required and now new york requires children 12 yrs old and above to show proof of vaccination this is as of 12/27/2021

Hello, how can i make a reservation for 8 on Saturday? When i call no one picks up :(

This establishment doesn't do reservations, it's first come first serve. If there's a line outside, feel free to join it.

If it is not possible to reserve a table, can i go there tomorrow night and have a chance to dine?

Nope, there is a queue.

Are you open on Monday Dec. 6th 2021, and is the waitstaff singing?

open everyday 7am-12am. the waitstaff sings all day!

Ate there any reservations?

This establishment doesn't do reservations, it's first come first serve. If there's a line outside, feel free to join it.

Are you taking booking ? I have emailed a couple of times and posted on here to

This establishment doesn't do reservations, it's first come first serve. If there's a line outside, feel free to join it.

Is this restaurant open , can I book heading to New York on 16th of December with my daughter and would love to book?

YES is Open.

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3.5(886 reviews)
0.5 miMidtown West, Hell's Kitchen, Theater District
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The Westway Diner is a pretty typical NYC diner. It has a broad menu, and most of the items on it,…read moreespecially for breakfast, are on point. Nothing amazeballs. You're not dining Michelin here, but it is a good spot that hits the spot with their food and coffee. They really move things well, and quickly so wait times are often minimal, staff is speedy, yet you don't feel rushed. The ambiance is, well, diner. It is diner booths and tables, typical heavy duty diner dishes and basic cutlery, but that's perfect for this establishment. Not our first time here, and won't be our last, as the pricing is also reasonable.

The Westway Diner is your typical NYC diner. They offer a wide array of breakfast, lunch and dinner…read moreitems. The menu is literally pages long and has something for everyone. I haven't been here in a very long time and thankfully it hasn't changed very much. I went with the Acropolis Omelette that had gyro meat. It was delicious. It came with a side of hash browns which were crispy and rye toast. I added a side of bacon "just because." Coffee refills are still free, which is great. The food is what it is, fast, tasty and filling. The prices are up but not outrageous. I realize that a lot of diners have closed in NYC due to costs and regulations but I'm glad this one is still here. Diners are one of the things I really miss since I left NYC.

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Red, White and Blue French Toast

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Biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and cheese grits

Ellen's Stardust Diner - diners - Updated May 2026

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