There’s a themed dining spot for everyone: dine with dolls, pig out and play video games, conjure potions in a Harry Potter-inspired pub—plus: where to get every flavor of Oreo
New York City is home to a wide variety of fun theme restaurants—a mix of indie spots and big biz, each offering a unique dining experience for the whole family. They’re kitschy, they’re clever and they’re fun, fun, fun. To get in on the action, check out our list of entertaining, interactive and yes, fun restaurants in NYC. And a parenting pro tip? Make a reservation as these spots are often busy and booked. If you need more ideas on where to eat with the kids, consider our favorite places to brunch with kids in NYC, the best places to eat in Times Square, and for a quick bite, NYC’s best pizza. Now, without further ado, the best themed restaurants worth your time and money in NYC and beyond.
The Best Theme Restaurants in New York
1. Serendipity3
Bigger and better than any version before, everything about Serendipity3 is EXTRA: the decor (stained-glass lamps, disco balls, puppet of Andy Warhol—a fan—suspended from the ceiling), the menu, giant both literally and figuratively, and the food. From foot-long hot dogs to towering sundaes and of course, home to the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, which draws fans from near and far. Make a reservation before heading over. Note: if you’re a fan of Christmas decorations, this is a place to hit during the holidays—they go all out! (Of course.)
225 E. 60th St.
Upper East Side
Online: serendipity3.com
2. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Times Square
Yes, you can “waste away” in the center of Times Square! Located in the Margaritaville Resort Times Square (a hotel with the only year-round heated outdoor pool in NYC, FYI) this spacious mashup of Key West culture and NYC kitsch features a huge menu (both literally and figuratively) of beach-inspired dishes, generous apps and even a Cheeseburger in Paradise. And of course, margaritas of all kinds, which you can sip beneath the almost life-size Lady Liberty—who of course is lifting her own glass aloft.
560 Seventh Ave. at 40th St.
Times Square
Online: margaritavilletimessquare.com
3. Action Burger
We can pretty much guarantee you’ve never been to a place like Action Burger. It’s an extreme burger joint (Mac and cheese burger, Nutella burger, etc.), a superhero, sci-fi and comic book haven, and a retro arcade where you can place more than 50,000 video games from the 80s and 90s for free.
292 Graham Ave.
Williamsburg
Online: actionburger.com
4. The Cauldron
The proprietors of The Cauldron (who also run similar spots in the UK, Ireland and Scotland) state up front that the “molecular cocktail bar and gastropub” are in no way affiliated with, or endorsed by, J.K. Rowling, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, etc. (The name, of course, is similar to a pub in the blockbuster book series.) They also name check Game of Thrones, Dune, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and more, saying, “We are but fans and geeks.” So, you can expect a general mix of fantasy, but the Rowling influence is definitely felt here. (The bar specializes in mixing potions that bubble and “smoke”, and you can even sign up for a class to learn how to do it yourself. You can also “check out” a magic wand that activates taps to get your brew of choice. Although no Butter Beer, apparently.) You can eat here, though. The menu is on-theme British comfort food with a “fantastical, interactive twist”, with burgers, fish and chips, meat and veggie pies, etc.
47 Stone St.
Financial District
Online: thecauldron.nyc
5. Beatstro
Beatstro is special for a few reasons. The first? It’s a restaurant dedicated to celebrating hip-hop in the birthplace of the artform itself, the Bronx. The second? Beatstro pays homage to the many artists that the genre spawned: breakdancers, graffiti artists, MCs, and DJs, with murals, music, and more. The brainchild of Bronx natives, Beatstro is a local effort through and through, with area businesses and artists the source of the work on the walls, the eclectic furniture, and even the selection of classic LPs from the likes of Tupac, Biggie, and other greats. The food stays true to the theme, blending dishes from Afro, Latin, and Caribbean cultures, and you can grab a seat at along the bar and see the action happen in the kitchen if you like. Offerings range from kid-friendly avocado toast, mac and cheese, and a “Boogie Down Burger”, to elevated fried chicken, low country shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes. Check out the popular “Brunch & Beats” which has a live DJ and unlimited mimosa and sangria (for 90 minutes, people; reservations are recommended for that.)
135 Alexander Blvd.
Mott Haven
Online: beatstro.com
6. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
There’s no shortage of atmosphere at Lillie’s, an inviting space that harkens back to Victorian times. We’re talking furnishings acquired from a Belfast mansion, stained glass from Milan and an antique marble bar. What’s on the ‘elevated American pub fare’ menu is equally appealing. Your kids will go nuts for the buttermilk pancakes (available without gluten, FYI) and you’ll love the eggs benny and guac toast. (It’s also one of our favorite NYC restaurants that gets decked out for the holidays!)
249 West 49th St.
Times Square
13 E. 17th St.
Union Square
Online: liliesnyc.com
7. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Your kids may not appreciate the nostalgic appeal of this old-fashioned soda shop but they’ll quickly learn how novel it is to perch on a stool, place an order with a friendly Farmacy “jerk” and slurp down an artisanal egg cream. Originally a pharmacy, the beloved neighborhood “Farm” has preserved its apothecary roots so this vintage vibe is unmistakable and authentic. The menu features many seasonal, locally sourced ingredients along with classic soda shop confections, like banana splits, milkshakes, root beer floats and even a cherry lime rickey. P.S. It’s also one of our favorite spots for hot chocolate in the city!
513 Henry St.
Carroll Gardens
Online: brooklynfarmacyandsodafountain.com
8. Beetle House NYC
Fearless kids and teens will love the sight of Beetle Juice walking around this dark and haunting restaurant. It’s Halloween, it’s horror, and it’s a Tim Burton extravaganza. The décor is pure movie memorabilia, think Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, Sweeney Todd and more. And it is every bit as spooky and eerie as each movie. If you like the idea of dining next to creepy characters, then Beetle House is for you. There is a super cool cocktail menu and a set prix fixe menu for dinner that changes seasonally. The menu always includes a meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Reservations are required.
306 East 6th St.
East Village
Online: beetlehousenyc.com
9. Barking Dog
Whether you have a pet dog or a love for cute little pups, the Barking Dog on the Upper East Side is your spot. It is a full-service restaurant with a dog-friendly atmosphere that caters to canines. Adorable dog photos cover the walls, there is a watering fountain outside for dogs to socialize with other dogs, and the vibe is relaxed and casual. If that doesn’t make you want to spend a lazy dog-filled Sunday afternoon there, perhaps the delicious breakfast menu and American classics like grilled cheese, meatloaf, mac ‘n’ cheese, ribs and burgers will.
Good to Know: Weekend brunch lines can be very long, try to get there as early as possible if you don’t have a reservation.
1678 Third Ave. at 94th St.
Upper East Side
Online: barkingdog94.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcNuqwoOOhx/?hidecaption=true
10. Boris & Horton
If you need dogs literally in the restaurant, Boris & Horton—named for two canines, of course—is the place to go. Department of Health-approved, this cafe has a separate space for food prep, keeping things to code. The menu at this cafe includes light fare like assorted avocado toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, and lots of libations from coffee and tea to wine and bubbly. You’ll also find a store stocked with toys and treats for four-legged friends, and events ranging from trivia night and bingo to adopt-a-thons. Read our full write-up of Boris & Horton here.
195 Ave. A
East Village
Online: borisandhorton.com
11. Meow Parlour
NYC’s original cat cafe, Meow Parlour, is back after the pandemic, forced its closure in early 2020. The kitty haven has grown from a cat cafe to its own fully-fledged non-profit animal rescue and advocacy organization. All of the cats who reside at Meow Parlor are up for adoption.
Visits are 50 minutes long and advance reservations are required. Meow Parlour plans to gradually bring back its popular special events, including cat yoga and Drag Queen Bingo. The cafe is also be available to host private events such as birthday parties.
46 Hester St.
Lower East Side
Online: meowparlour.com
12. Koneko
Calling all cat lovers, the Koneko is a newly opened cat café on the Lower East Side. Hailed as America’s first Japanese cat café, this bright and airy space serves delicious coffee, pastries and light bites alongside cute little kittens for adoption. The café and cats are separated by a soundproof glass wall to create quiet and calm for the cats. The “cattery” side is filled with scratch pads, cushions and of course, cats galore. You can choose to eat and observe the fun or you can bring your food into the cattery and play. Time in the cattery can be reserved online.
Good to Know: Koneko does not allow children younger than 8 years old in the cattery.
26 Clinton St.
Lower East Side
Online: konekonyc.com
13. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
For the little Broadway lover, Ellen’s Stardust is a must. Ellen Hart, a former Miss Subway, came up with the idea to pair a 1950s-themed diner with singing wait staff, after 30 years it’s still a huge hit. The wait staff are real Broadway hopefuls (“Stardusters”) that will stand atop the tables, in the balcony and more belting out your favorite show tunes. Before you know it, you and your little ones will be singing along with everything from the Lion King to Aladdin. Expect diner fare like burgers, American cheese sandwiches and meatloaf (they also do salads) as well as classic ice cream concoctions and even special cakes like the “Frozen” or the “Wicked.”
Good to Know: Located in prime, out-of-towner/Broadway territory: Times Square. There is often a very long line to get in and reservations are not accepted.
1650 Broadway
Theater District
Online: ellensstardustdiner.com
14. Max Brenner
Welcome to the ultimate dessert destination, complete with a café, gift shop and chocolate in syringes for true chocoholics. The restaurant’s menu includes savory options but it’s hard to fathom ordering a sandwich or salad when you are surrounded by so much chocolate. The kids’ menu has decadent bites like melting marshmallow crepes filled with gummy bears and a chocolate pizza topped with an ice cream snowball. But you may just want to share the fondue tower (complete with bananas, strawberries, chocolate chunk cookies, marshmallows, fluffy chocolate sponge cake and waffles) from the regular menu. Prepare to get messy and prepare for a major sugar rush.
841 Broadway
Union Square
Online: maxbrenner.com
15. American Girl Café
Here’s where the little ladies of New York lunch (with their dolls.) Tucked inside the newly-relocated American Girl toy store, this enchanting destination caters to little girls and their plastic BFF’s. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. The adult and kid menus are both great, but the real reason you dine here is to see your little one’s face light up as the restaurant staff provides a clip-on highchair and proper place setting for their doll. Forgot your doll? No worries. You can borrow a loaner during your meal.
75 Rockefeller Plaza
Midtown
Online: americangirl.com
16. Alice’s Tea Cup
Ready to graduate from imaginary tea party to the real deal? Bring your kids to Alice’s Tea Cup for an English high tea service with a quirky Mad Hatter twist. The small and cozy café is brightly painted and decorated with lines from the Lewis Carroll tale. The menu offers sandwiches, cakes, cookies and yummy scones with clotted cream, along with a wide selection of teas, which are charmingly served on mismatched china. Little guests can order grilled cheese, PB& J, homemade graham crackers with honey and even pureed baby food for the smallest of guests. It’s definitely worth a trip down the rabbit hole!
Good to Know: Alice’s Tea Cup has three locations: Chapter I, Chapter II, and Alice’s To Go in Brooklyn Heights. Reservations are recommended.
Chapter I
102 West 73rd St.
Upper West Side
Chapter II
156 East 64th St.
Lenox Hill
Alice’s Tea Cup To Go
43 Hicks St.
Brooklyn Heights
Online: alicesteacup.com
17. Krispy Kreme Times Square
We don’t know if you could really call this mega doughnut Mecca a restaurant, but if you’re looking for over-the-top eating experiences, this probably qualifies. Head to Times Square to visit a giant Krispy Kreme store, churning out soft and warm classic glazed doughnuts on a conveyor belt (there is, indeed, a “glaze” waterfall you can behold) as well as specialty varieties like “The Big Apple” (cream-filled with candy apple glaze). If you’re crazy for Krispy Kreme merch, there’s lots to choose from, including pajama pants, umbrellas, totes, coffee cups and more.
1601 Broadway
Times Square
Online: krispykreme.com
18. Oreo Cafe
While it’s not in New York City, if you love Oreos, you may want to make a trip to the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where you can visit the first-ever Oreo Cafe! In addition to serving decadent desserts featuring the iconic cookie, the store sells Oreo-branded apparel and accessories (Oreo-scented candle anyone?), as well as every kind of Oreo under the sun, including gluten-free Oreos and specialty flavors like mint, java chip, birthday cake and MEGA stuffed!
American Dream Mall
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ
Online: americandream.com
19. Medieval Times
You may be shocked at how much fun you and the kids have at this over-the-top experience. A tiny corner of Lyndhurst, New Jersey has been transformed into (an admittedly cleaned-up) 11th-century Spain. A real falcon swoops over your head, horses dance, and yes, knights (specially-trained performers/stuntmen) actually joust in a sand-filled arena.
Of course, each seating section has its own knight to root for, and the chivalrous guys take a break at one point to present ladies in the audience flowers. Kids will love eating with their hands like castle-dwellers of yore, as well as the actual sparks that magically fly when swords clash during combat in the ring. If you attend for a special occasion the guest of honor can be included in the king’s proclamations.
149 Polito Ave.
Lyndhurst, NJ
Online: medievaltimes.com
