Ellen's Stardust Diner- Page 3

[Pippin]

Posted: 9/22/15 at 6:23pm

What I'm saying is that I, the staff, and management, knows what the place is, and what it isn't. It's not fine dining. You will never hear anybody utter the sentence "let's go out to dinner to a nice place..... You know, like Ellen's stardust diner".... It'll never happen. But it's a fun place to take your kids, or enjoy some fantastic singers. It's also a theme park, which comes complete with the blessings and curses you'll find in any other theme park.

people need to think of this place as an entertainment destination, not a food destination. That's what the place is really selling..... A place where you can hear great singing that happens to serve food. We make a lot of people happy. We also make a lot of people miserable. You have to decide for yourself whether or not you want to have a fun time and play with us. If you do, that's awesome, we'll have a real fun time together. If not..... That's fine too. I know it's not for everyone. You can eat your food and leave, and neither of us will speak of it. 

 

I tell my customers all the time that they shouldn't order certain items on the menu because they are gross, in my honest opinion, and you know what? They appreciate my kandor every time. I try my hardest for people to have good time while they are there, but it is an extremely high volume restaraunt, and not everyone will leave completely satisfied. 

 

The waiters and singers are of differing skill level, and I can't help that, but when I see a little 7 year old girl's eyes open up when someone sings "let it go", or a middle aged woman start crying because we sing "one day more" from les mis, it's a nice feeling to know that somebody enjoyed their time there, and I did my job. 

[Jane2]

Posted: 9/22/15 at 6:45pm

My one and only point here was to be careful about badmouthing your place of employment in a public forum.

 

Do as you wish.

[mmFan]

Posted: 9/22/15 at 6:46pm

Pippin, I agree with your last comment, and how sweet with how you feel with the reactions from others.

Ellen's is just a fun place.  As posted above, we walked out the last time as the menu didn't suit out kids and it was crazy busy (early lunch time on a Sat), but we have really enjoyed it in the past for breakfast and our kids did too.  We've always seen good talent, and it must be hard both serving and singing.  We were always impressed and enjoyed.

[followspot]

Posted: 8/27/16 at 7:13pm

Trouble at Ellen's (NYTimes):

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/08/27/nyregion/a-manhattan-diners-new-management-has-servers-singing-a-defiant-tune.html?emc=eta1&referer&_r=0

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/28/16 at 8:19am

"Trouble at Ellen's (NYTimes)"

 

Ineteresting article. I have been there a couple of times and have had fun but will not go back again, it is just too crowded.

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 8/28/16 at 11:22am

I've never visited Ellen's Stardust Diner, but a thought just occurred to me. An inconvenient thought. 

As a front row fan, I've witnessed extreme wetness on stage many times. (Jonathan Groff is notorious, as was the Cerveris/LuPone Sweeney.)

Onstage, I've always figured that's a side effect of the physical power of the actor's projection and of what's necessary to keep things healthy for eight performances a week. However, "server spittle" is one thing that would send a customer (and health inspector) screaming from a dining establishment.

Do you have to be extra careful that nothing but notes come out of your throat while at work - and do you take special measures? 

Updated On: 8/28/16 at 11:22 AM

[BarbraFan]

Posted: 8/28/16 at 2:46pm

I just went yesterday after a matinee and loved it.  The service was definitely not too slow.  It was actually the fastest service I've ever had and I got the impression that they were trying to move people out quickly in order to let more in.  I loved the performances and wanted to stay longer just to hear the singing.  The food was good, just your typical diner fare.  The icing on the cake was that the actress who plays Little Alison from Fun Home was there with her family a couple tables down while I was there.  I really loved the place and would like to return.  My only complaint is that I felt like I was being rushed.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/28/16 at 3:45pm

"My only complaint is that I felt like I was being rushed."

 

I was in NYC last weekend, usually make 1-2 trips a year. Anyway, we walked passed it one night and the line to get in was really long. Due to that, I am sure they rush people quite a bit.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 8/29/16 at 9:40am

I found that Times article pretty one sided. I'm interested to know what's really going on...

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/12/17 at 12:30pm

http://gothamist.com/2017/06/12/stardust_diner_nyc.php#photo-1

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/12/17 at 12:51pm

I walked in, a girl led me to a table, and I turned around and walked back out. It was far too boisterous for breakfast.

[newintown]

Posted: 6/12/17 at 12:59pm

Why anyone would stand in line for any food in this town is beyond me (the Shake Shack phenomenon is ridiculous); even more mystifying is why anyone would stand in line for bad food and entertainment.

But if they didn't, I suppose all theme parks across the world would shutter overnight.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/12/17 at 2:37pm

Ugh.....I can't stand Ellen's OR Shake Shack.   Now Ellen's is making a pretty penny off groups and they shove you into the space like cattle.  (I don't even understad SS's food....I think it's terrible, but do like their shakes.)

[nealb1]

Posted: 6/12/17 at 5:30pm

First time I went to NYC in 1988, Ellen's was a Sizzler - I ate there the night I saw "Starlight Express."

To me, if you are going to go to NYC to see theatre.........go see theatre -  rather than a restaurant that has singing waiters.  Go see a musical instead, as it's a much more enjoyable and memorable experience.  It's very noisy in there, and you are rushed in order to get the next batch of customers in the door.  Just not my cup of tea.

[teresa2]

Posted: 6/12/17 at 5:38pm

I avoid Ellens Stardust diner like the plague. It is much too noisy and crowded and the food and service leave alot to be desired also. It is a tourist trap so let the folks coming from the rest of the country enjoy it, if that's possible, and the locals can go to places that are quiet and have better food and service.

Updated On: 6/12/17 at 05:38 PM

[slumdogdelaware]

Posted: 10/6/17 at 12:42pm

http://www.playbill.com/article/owners-of-ellens-stardust-diner-reach-agreement-with-union