The restaurant industry and the theatre industry work hand-in-hand. Often, when audiences leave a show, they will make the most of a special night by enjoying a satisfying, fulfilling meal. I believe that to truly experience the full magic of seeing a show, the night should be a full experience, complete with food AND entertainment! For this reason, I am presenting two of the most prestigious theatre-inspired restaurants.
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner (New York City)
This summer, I was lucky enough to take a seat at one of the most unique restaurants in New York City, Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
The 50s inspired restaurant has some of my favorite food in the city, including burgers, fries, and stellar milkshakes.
Not only is the food and decor enough to boost your spirits, but the small diner (next to the Winter Garden Theatre) is home to some of the most talented people in New York City. All of the waiters and waitresses (lovingly nicknamed “Stardusters”) at the diner are trained in music and have amazing voices- and each has a dream to be on Broadway. I think that working at this diner is definitely the next best thing.
While serving food and drinks, the waiters make their way to the front of the diner one-by-one to pick a song, and sing it karaoke-style for the “audience”.
The restaurant provides the perfect balance of food and entertainment, and while the waiters dance on tables and sing their hearts out, you can provide them with a tip to help pay for their musical training.
If you’d like to see the Stardusters perform, you can check out their Youtube channel here.
2) Sarastro (London, England)
Set in Drury Lane, London, Sarastro is an opera-inspired restaurant and is very popular with London’s West End audience members. This restaurant is described as “the show after the show”, and is decorated like an elaborate set. The dining room, which is set on the second “mezzanine” level of the restaurant, is covered in velvet tablecloths and comfortable booths.
The food is described as “elegant” as the restaurant mainly focuses on fine dining. On Sundays and Mondays, Sarastro features live opera, while on Thursdays there is a swing and Motown show. The restaurant is a beautiful recreation of several of the theatres on the West End.
Throughout several large cities, there are multiple themed restaurants… but theatre-themed restaurants are definitely my favorite. Have you ever been to a themed restaurant? Maybe you’ve even been to Ellen’s or Sarastro! Be sure to comment below about your experience!