Tired of eating at your regular chain restaurants that you can find just about… anywhere? While New York is no stranger to unique places to eat, there’s something about the restaurants that made our list today that go above and beyond the average dining establishments. So, if you’re looking to step outside of the box and dine somewhere that will truly keep you entertained, these 12 themed restaurants will absolutely transform your dining experience:
- Ninja, New York City
saibitko/Yelp
Mariko M./Yelp Possibly the most self-explanatory restaurant on our list, Ninja is everything you’re imagining it to be. As if the theme wasn’t already extraordinary, you’ll often find the dishes you order will be served to you glowing. Another cool thing you’ll experience during your meal? A magic show! With so much to see and enjoy at this one restaurant, we highly recommend checking it out. How to get here: 25 Hudson Street New York, NY 10013
- The Pandorica, Beacon
Dave B./Yelp
James R./Yelp Calling all Whovians AKA Dr.Who fans! Your perfect restaurant is waiting for you here on the East Coast. Pictured above you can see one of the coolest features of the restaurant, the “crack in time,” something all visitors can appreciate even if you don’t understand its reference to the show. Not only does this restaurant have quite the unique theme, it also has some savory dishes that will be hard to forget. How to get here: 165 Main Street Beacon, NY 12508
- Circus Cafe, Saratoga
Mallory L./Yelp
J-L L./Yelp One of our favorite spots on our list, the Circus Cafe is a wonderful circus–themed restaurant with a fun and vibrant style. While you’re normally use to being served bread before your meal comes out, here at Circus Cafe you’ll get to hold yourself over with a basket full of popcorn! The only problem you’ll run into here is trying not to devour all of the popcorn for yourself, unless you decide to dine alone. Serving all your favorite American-style dishes, topping off your meal with an enormous cone of cotton candy is an absolute must. Because, of course there’s cotton candy here! How to get here: 392 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
- Beetle House, New York City
Dani C./Yelp
Beetle House NYC/Yelp Recently new to New York, you may have already heard about this amazing Tim Burton-themed bar and restaurant. Here you’ll have the chance to run into Beetlejuice himself and enjoy a “Beetles Juice” drink. The atmosphere is everything you would expect it to be and more, with funky works of art surrounding you at all times. How to get here: 308 East 6th Street New York, NY 10003
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner, New York City
Ryan F./Yelp
Tammy H./Yelp A retro-themed restaurant that will literally keep you entertained while you dine, this New York City diner has acquired a staff with quite the set of vocals! The energy inside this restaurant is always alive and kicking, making for a truly fun experience. From the singing waiters to the perfect diner, Ellen’s has it all! How to get here: 1650 Broadway New York, NY 10019
- Big Daddy’s, Massapequa
Jonathan S./Yelp
Sean M./Yelp This New Orleans-themed restaurant on Long Island is home to some of New York’s most amazing Cajun dishes, you’ll have a difficult time choosing what to eat! A lively restaurant with a fantastic staff, this hidden gem is worth visiting. How to get here: 1 Park Lane Massapequa, NY 11758
- Jekyll & Hyde, New York City
Gee L./Yelp
Christine L./Yelp New York’s most popular haunted bar, this eerie restaurant will surely give you an unforgettable experience. Here, you’ll find Jekyll and Hyde decor and souvenirs all around the restaurant, with an equally unique staff that will surprise you. Like nothing you’ve ever seen, this restaurant is worth checking out if you’re brave enough to handle it! How to get here: 91 7th Avenue South - Between West 4th Street and Barrow Street, New York City, NY 10014
- Margaritaville, Syracuse
Margaritaville/Yelp
Mike K./Yelp Because sometimes after a long day’s work, we need an entire margarita-themed restaurant and not just the margarita. With several locations all around the United States, we’re more than glad that they decided to bring this slice of paradise to New York. How to get here: 1 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204
- Le Train Bleu, New York City
Loveacorona/TripAdvisor
Kate K./Yelp Another one of our favorites, this luxury train-themed restaurant is literally a hidden gem of New York. Hiding on the 6th floor inside of Bloomingdale’s flagship store in New York City, you’ll find this unbelievable restaurant that will instantly take you back in time. To read more about this themed restaurant, click here. How to get here: 1000 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10022
- Beginnings, Atlantic Beach
Heather K./Yelp
Mary S./Yelp A subtle theme that will give you a wonderful experience, Beginnings is a literary-themed restaurant that will make you feel right at home. Providing the perfect atmosphere to wine, dine and dive into a new book, this restaurant is every bookworm’s dream. Our suggestion? Try a new drink you’ve never tasted before! How to get here: 1986 Park Street Atlantic Beach, NY 11509
- Betty Boop’s Diner, Albany
Larry L/TripAdvisor
Suzanne H./Yelp Right in the Capital Region, this little diner tucked away on the corner is filled with Betty Boop decor that will catch your eye! Serving up all your favorite dishes, you’ll enjoy dining here while you’re surrounded by your favorite glamorous animated character. How to get here: 115 Philip Street Albany, NY 12202
- La Caverna, New York City
Taiyyab Z./Yelp
Alyssa C./Flickr While many come to this restaurant to take advantage of its unique bar and Happy Hour, the food at La Caverna will make you wish you could never stop eating. The bar and restaurant has an underground cave theme, with unique structures and decor that will make you forget you’re right in New York City. How to get here: 122-124 Rivington Street New York, NY 10002
Amazing! What restaurant looks the most interesting to you? For more New York restaurant inspiration, check out the 15 Best ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants within our state that will blow your taste buds away!
saibitko/Yelp
Mariko M./Yelp
Possibly the most self-explanatory restaurant on our list, Ninja is everything you’re imagining it to be. As if the theme wasn’t already extraordinary, you’ll often find the dishes you order will be served to you glowing. Another cool thing you’ll experience during your meal? A magic show! With so much to see and enjoy at this one restaurant, we highly recommend checking it out. How to get here: 25 Hudson Street New York, NY 10013
Dave B./Yelp
James R./Yelp
Calling all Whovians AKA Dr.Who fans! Your perfect restaurant is waiting for you here on the East Coast. Pictured above you can see one of the coolest features of the restaurant, the “crack in time,” something all visitors can appreciate even if you don’t understand its reference to the show. Not only does this restaurant have quite the unique theme, it also has some savory dishes that will be hard to forget. How to get here: 165 Main Street Beacon, NY 12508
Mallory L./Yelp
J-L L./Yelp
One of our favorite spots on our list, the Circus Cafe is a wonderful circus–themed restaurant with a fun and vibrant style. While you’re normally use to being served bread before your meal comes out, here at Circus Cafe you’ll get to hold yourself over with a basket full of popcorn! The only problem you’ll run into here is trying not to devour all of the popcorn for yourself, unless you decide to dine alone. Serving all your favorite American-style dishes, topping off your meal with an enormous cone of cotton candy is an absolute must. Because, of course there’s cotton candy here! How to get here: 392 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Dani C./Yelp
Beetle House NYC/Yelp
Recently new to New York, you may have already heard about this amazing Tim Burton-themed bar and restaurant. Here you’ll have the chance to run into Beetlejuice himself and enjoy a “Beetles Juice” drink. The atmosphere is everything you would expect it to be and more, with funky works of art surrounding you at all times. How to get here: 308 East 6th Street New York, NY 10003
Ryan F./Yelp
Tammy H./Yelp
A retro-themed restaurant that will literally keep you entertained while you dine, this New York City diner has acquired a staff with quite the set of vocals! The energy inside this restaurant is always alive and kicking, making for a truly fun experience. From the singing waiters to the perfect diner, Ellen’s has it all! How to get here: 1650 Broadway New York, NY 10019
Jonathan S./Yelp
Sean M./Yelp
This New Orleans-themed restaurant on Long Island is home to some of New York’s most amazing Cajun dishes, you’ll have a difficult time choosing what to eat! A lively restaurant with a fantastic staff, this hidden gem is worth visiting. How to get here: 1 Park Lane Massapequa, NY 11758
Gee L./Yelp
Christine L./Yelp
New York’s most popular haunted bar, this eerie restaurant will surely give you an unforgettable experience. Here, you’ll find Jekyll and Hyde decor and souvenirs all around the restaurant, with an equally unique staff that will surprise you. Like nothing you’ve ever seen, this restaurant is worth checking out if you’re brave enough to handle it! How to get here: 91 7th Avenue South - Between West 4th Street and Barrow Street, New York City, NY 10014
Margaritaville/Yelp
Mike K./Yelp
Because sometimes after a long day’s work, we need an entire margarita-themed restaurant and not just the margarita. With several locations all around the United States, we’re more than glad that they decided to bring this slice of paradise to New York. How to get here: 1 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204
Loveacorona/TripAdvisor
Kate K./Yelp
Another one of our favorites, this luxury train-themed restaurant is literally a hidden gem of New York. Hiding on the 6th floor inside of Bloomingdale’s flagship store in New York City, you’ll find this unbelievable restaurant that will instantly take you back in time. To read more about this themed restaurant, click here. How to get here: 1000 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10022
Heather K./Yelp
Mary S./Yelp
A subtle theme that will give you a wonderful experience, Beginnings is a literary-themed restaurant that will make you feel right at home. Providing the perfect atmosphere to wine, dine and dive into a new book, this restaurant is every bookworm’s dream. Our suggestion? Try a new drink you’ve never tasted before! How to get here: 1986 Park Street Atlantic Beach, NY 11509
Larry L/TripAdvisor
Suzanne H./Yelp
Right in the Capital Region, this little diner tucked away on the corner is filled with Betty Boop decor that will catch your eye! Serving up all your favorite dishes, you’ll enjoy dining here while you’re surrounded by your favorite glamorous animated character. How to get here: 115 Philip Street Albany, NY 12202
Taiyyab Z./Yelp
Alyssa C./Flickr
While many come to this restaurant to take advantage of its unique bar and Happy Hour, the food at La Caverna will make you wish you could never stop eating. The bar and restaurant has an underground cave theme, with unique structures and decor that will make you forget you’re right in New York City. How to get here: 122-124 Rivington Street New York, NY 10002
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