Ellen's Stardust Diner

About Us

At 1650 Broadway, one block from Times Square, your server might belt out a showstopper between taking your order and refilling your coffee. That's the deal at Ellen's Stardust Diner, home of the Original World-Famous Singing Waitstaff, The Stardusters, a rotating cast of Broadway-bound performers who turn every meal into a live audition you didn't know you had front-row seats to.

Founded by Ellen Hart Sturm, a former Miss Subways winner from 1959, the diner has been a New York institution for decades. The concept is simple and completely singular: classic American diner food, big booths, retro 1950s atmosphere, and servers who can hold a note as well as a full tray. With over 24,000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the crowd verdict is in. The potato tots are crispy. The talent is real. The energy is electric.

This isn't a dinner-theater gimmick. The Stardusters are working artists, and the room knows it. Families come for the pancakes and leave talking about the soprano who refilled their orange juice. Tourists discover it. New Yorkers bring their out-of-town guests. Broadway insiders drop in. Open every day from 7 AM to midnight, it's the kind of place that fits into any itinerary and stands apart from every other meal you'll have in the city.

What We Offer

Diner dining runs the full day, seven days a week from 7 AM to midnight. The menu is classic American comfort: breakfast plates, burgers, hearty mains, and the kind of sides that earn their own mentions in reviews. Every dish arrives with a side of live entertainment courtesy of The Stardusters, who perform throughout service without missing a beat or a refill.

Beyond the daily dining experience, Ellen's Stardust Theater hosts private and group events that bring the full spectacle to your occasion, whether that's a birthday, a corporate outing, a school trip, or a bachelorette party that wants something genuinely memorable. The team handles the details so your group gets the full show.

Rounding out the experience: gift cards make a perfect present for any New York visitor, the merchandise shop lets you take a piece of the diner home, and an email newsletter keeps fans in the loop on special events and announcements. Sign up and you'll be the first to know when something big is happening on Broadway's most entertaining block.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

a month ago

"My friend knew in her heartsoul that I would absolutely love this place, and she was so right. It was an incredible experience, so much talent to enjoy and fun to be had! The food was AMaZINg, fresh n hot coffee, and adorable memorabilia. The rainbow bagel was so beautiful, I almost didn’t eat it. Our waiter, Sean, was on top of everything and I literally cried when he totally nailed Waving Through a Window from Dear Evan Hansen! The staff sang hits from Rent, Wicked, Lady Gaga, Benson Boone, Wicked and more, all while providing exceptional service to a full house. It was utterly fabulous and magical and I will always make a point to go there when I visit NYC. It is a must-go experience and the food is great with lots of options. A Theatre District Gem thespians and fans will no doubt enjoy and love. I got the Salmon and Lox bagel and it was creamy and fresh and perfect. Make sure to tip your waitress/waiter, not just because they deserve it but because they earn it! They pass around a bucket to help with acting/singing classes too so show some support for local artist and stars in the making. 🌟👏Thank you, Ellen’s Stardust Diner, I love you! 💗 I’m seriously tearing up just thinking about how much fun we had. 🥲🥹🤩✨"

— Katy Lamers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

a week ago

"What a fun experience! It an OG dinner with waiting stuff walk around serving and singing. The food was decent, most dishes were high in carb and fat😆 the potato totts were so yummy crispy and a bite size. The portion was quite generous. The atmosphere was unique and lively. It s good fun, the overall experience was excellent I love it."

— Tiaranad Gerjarusak

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

a month ago

"Great food, exciting entertainment by your own servers! I would highly recommend this 50 style restaurant if you’re looking for something unique in a very unique city! We stopped in for breakfast. Catching the restaurant just a few minutes after it’s opening. There were plenty of seats for our larger group of seven, but our host quickly pointed out that the place can fill up very quickly during the rush-hour, especially over lunch and dinner in between Broadway shows playing nearby. Everyone stopping by and leaving a post has certainly already mentioned the fact that this place is known for its servers who are trying to make it on Broadway. Enjoying the variety of songs, which can be requested is more than enough reason to check this place out. I would like to talk about the food… I thought the food was excellent. My family got a little bit of everything. My daughter’s bagel sandwich, which included a rainbow swirl in the dough of the bagel tasted amazing, they made our eggs to perfection. The poached eggs that my wife and I enjoyed (Eggs Benedict) were perfectly cooked outer white egg layer surrounding a perfectly runny egg yolk on the inside-just like they should be. The baked goods like waffles and bagels were very tasty, freshly made, and we enjoyed by those who ordered them. My family enjoyed the coffee, despite the busy environment, my hat is off to both the servers and the chefs who prepared everything quickly and made it to perfection. Thank you."

— Cory Miller

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

a month ago

"I was on my first trip to New York City and my cousin wanted to go to this place. We walked from our hotel as it wasn't too far. There was a line but it moved along pretty quickly. We didn't wait much longer than 20 to 25 minutes... but we also went on a weekday, earlier in the evening for dinner, which helped with our shorter wait time. We were seated on the upper level, which was like a diner, counter type seating... which we actually liked better as it gave us a great view of the performances by the staff! A lot of the staff if not all are Broadway performers working until they get offered gigs on Broadway... which was fun about this place! The entertainment was worth the trip alone... and I would say the food was actually pretty decent... I got chicken and waffles and besides not being able to finish it all, it tasted great to me. The others in my party liked their meals as well... which was a club sandwich, and chicken tenders... they also got shakes which were very good! The guy I sat next to was nice too... everyone at the restaurant was just there to have a good time, so I had fun conversations with the people next to me. The staff and performers were awesome and fun and nice! They also told us they had recently lost 8 servers to Broadway musicals, which is their goal... and it also felt great to support the performers there too and to see them along in their theatrical journeys! I highly recommend trying this place... my only caution is to pay attention to your bill as they automatically add gratuity to your bill... but unless you read it, most people would just add gratuity not realizing (I think it was 18% or 20%) was already added... so I didn't leave an additional tip on top of that as we also gave the staff their own tip when they brought Phillip the Bucket around, which any money donated to that goes to helping them fulfill their Broadway dreams by getting headshots or other things they need... that money is dispersed to them, strictly for that purpose... so that's my only caution is that you are already tipping on your bill, so pay attention to that! Otherwise, I don't have any complaints and the staff was great and I wish them the best!"

— Samuel Petersen

⭐⭐⭐⭐

4 months ago

"Pretty fun and chill vibes, can't belive I've never been here before! got here before 6pm on a weekday night and waited in line for about 20 minutes, it's easier to get seats for 2 but fine with groups of 4 as well (party of 6 might have longer wait time), the waiters and waitresses will take turns singing which is cool, it's fun seeing the same person taking your orders all of a sudden singing on stage and they were all really good! Food was decent and pricing is average/normal and not overly priced (reasonable in times square), they'll bring a tip bucket around midway to collect tips, and then at the end you'll get 20% tip added to your bill. We spent around $50+ a person. Overall I'd recommend checking the place out if you haven't been there."

— Rita L

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the singing waitstaff experience?

The Stardusters are Ellen's Stardust Diner's team of performing servers. They take your order, bring your food, and periodically perform live musical numbers throughout the dining room, typically Broadway songs and pop hits. The performances happen throughout your meal, so you're getting a live show alongside your food without any extra ticket cost.

Do I need a reservation to eat at Ellen's Stardust Diner?

Walk-ins are welcome. The diner seats a large number of guests, though wait times can occur during peak hours given the popularity of the location. For private events and group bookings through Ellen's Stardust Theater, advance reservations are required.

What are the hours?

Ellen's Stardust Diner is open every day of the week from 7:00 AM to midnight, including weekends and holidays. Whether you want breakfast before a show or a late dinner after one, the kitchen has you covered.

Can I host a private event or group outing here?

Yes. Ellen's Stardust Theater handles private and group events of various sizes. Birthday parties, corporate events, school groups, and special celebrations are all accommodated. Contact the diner directly through the website to inquire about availability and event packages.

Where is Ellen's Stardust Diner located?

The diner is at 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, at the corner of 51st Street, one block north of Times Square. It's easily accessible by subway and is a short walk from the Theater District, making it a natural stop before or after a Broadway show.

Is this a good spot for kids and families?

Absolutely. The retro 1950s atmosphere, the live singing performances, and the approachable American comfort food menu make it a hit with all ages. Many families specifically seek it out as a fun, interactive alternative to a standard restaurant meal in the city.

Do you offer gift cards or merchandise?

Yes. Gift cards are available and make a great gift for anyone visiting New York City. The merchandise shop also carries Ellen's Stardust Diner branded items so you can bring a piece of the experience home. Both are available through the website.

Hours of Operation

Monday 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Tuesday 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Wednesday 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Thursday Today 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Friday 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Saturday 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Sunday 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Where Broadway Stars Serve Your Breakfast

About Us

What We Offer

Gallery

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours of Operation

Get In Touch

More from the neighborhood

The Theater Center

Ambassador Theatre

Broadway Theatre

Neil Simon Theatre

Studio 54

More places nearby

Contact Ellen's Stardust Diner

Message sent

Report an issue

Sign in to Doozer

Where Broadway Stars Serve Your Breakfast

About Us

What We Offer

Gallery

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours of Operation

Get In Touch

More from the neighborhood

The Theater Center

Ambassador Theatre

Broadway Theatre

Neil Simon Theatre

Studio 54

More places nearby