Ellen's Stardust Dinerby Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger 23 Dec 2007 05:42 AM Manhattan boasts some of the best eateries in New York but generally speaking, I find the really good eats are to be found in mom and pop stores strung in little known places. However, those little known places may boast great food but they also have tiny little spaces hardly suitable for a party of 8, that includes 5 wiggly children. Finding both good food AND a place that has atmosphere entertaining enough for everyone--that's the real challenge. So it was with a little trepidation that we decided to try out Ellen's Stardust Diner last night. Ellen's Stardust Diner sits at the end of Times Square, (the ideal place for aspiring actors and actresses) and plastered in big letters outside what do you suppose it might boast? A singing wait staff. That's right, Ellen's themed 50's style diner, is fully staffed with highly entertaining waiters and waitresses who sing their way through dinner. I was impressed with Ellen's for several reasons. First of all, despite being seriously crowded, we, the party of 8 including 5 children were seated in less than 15 minutes. It was close quarters, but it was also the Friday before Christmas Eve. Secondly, I think it speaks highly of waiters when they arrive at our table and are happy to see us. I figure we have to be a waiter's worst night mare. . .lots of children doing lots of children like things. . .distracted parents, etc. But our waiter was smiling and friendly, patient with the kids and even commiserated with Meghan for a brief moment when he told her that they ran out of Macaroni and Cheese. Then of course like all of these famous Manhattan restaurants, there's the atmosphere and that's the real reason that people go there. The food takes a little longer to arrive at your table because one right after another, the wait staff sings their hearts out. They come around to different tables, the sing on top of the platform that separates booths, the roam around the restaurant. . .well you get the idea. This was really fun because first of all, these people are actors and actresses. They have phenomenally beautiful voices. Secondly, they play with the customers. One waitress came over and giggled her way through a song at our table as she gestured with her hands and the twins mimicked her. I have to say too, that unlike other restaurants that I've visited to experience the famous 'atmosphere', this one was really family friendly. They sing popular rock songs, and 50's songs and some of their own music, but there wasn't once in our whole three hour meal a song that was inappropriate or had me explaining uncomfortable words or ideas at the dinner table. Here's the best part. . .the food was fantastic. I rate Ellen's burger as one of the best I've had in New York City. So often at these restaurants you go and essentially pay for the atmosphere. The burger was $15 which by Times Square standards is pretty reasonable and it was delicious. Every one at our table agreed. Ellen's Stardust Diner is a must if you're visiting Times Square. New York Goes Golden for the Holidays Shopping in the Big Apple--Food and Shoes Shopping in New York City--Off the Beaten Path New York's Most Popular Seasonal Activities Learn more about Valorie Delp  Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line. Relevantfood tags holidays | Kids | Coupons | ideas | christmas | baby | children | Scrapbooking | weight loss | Food User Comments  Michele Cheplic |
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