Are you on the hunt for the best themed restaurants in NYC? Embrace your quirky side with our top picks!
If you’ve been searching for the best themed restaurants in NYC, then you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve rounded up a selection of fun and kitsch spots in the city that will let you embrace your inner child (and geek!).
From restaurants that look like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to tiki-inspired spots, this list of themed restaurants in NYC will inspire you.
And to make things even sweeter, our list of themed restaurants in NYC has something for every budget!
Now let’s dive right in…
The Best Themed Restaurants in NYC
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
To start our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC, we have Ellen’s Stardust Diner!
This has been one of the most popular themed restaurants in NYC for years and it serves classic diner fare like burgers and shakes.
But what puts this place up there with the best themed restaurants in NYC is the retro feel and the singing staff!
Sure, the constant bombardment of showtunes might not be for everyone. But if you can’t make it to Broadway, then this is a decent consolation prize for theater lovers!
Whether you’re craving French toast or want to try your hand at karaoke, this is one of the themed restaurants in NYC you need to try.
Thai Diner
Next on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC, it’s the amazing Thai Diner.
This is a traditional NYC diner, that has been transformed into the most gorgeous thai-themed restaurant. It’s absolutely wonderful and we think you’ll love it.
The decor inside is just perfectly done, and the food is second to none. Many people claim this is the best thai restaurant in NYC!
We love the concept of crossing a traditional diner with a thai restaurant, it’s unique, fun and one of the best themed restaurants in NYC.
La Caverna
Next up on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC is La Caverna!
This Lower Manhattan hotspot serves delicious Mexican-American eats in a pre-historic setting.
It might sound weird, but you’re bound to be blown away by the stalactite rocks, mood lighting, and delicious dishes.
Oh, and did we mention that it’s one of the themed restaurants in NYC that transforms into a club when night falls?
So, grab some cheap and cheerful tacos and prepare to dance the night away!
Cowgirl
Next up on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC, it’s the charming and cute Cowgirl in the West Village.
This restaurant is adorable, and you guessed it, it’s western and cowgirl themed.
The decor is spot on for the theme (think checkered tablecloths and antlers hanging from the walls), and the food is perfectly matched to the decor too (BBQ of course!).
Everyone here is really friendly and the place gives off a really welcoming vibe.
Overall it’s a great choice for the best themed restaurants in NYC. It’s definitely one of our favorites.
Soho Diner
Next on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC, it’s Soho Diner.
If you’re searching for a classic retro-themed restaurant in NYC, then Soho diner ticks all the boxes.
The theme her is that charming, cutesy, retro American diner feel. It’s the kind of place you can share a milkshake, order apple pie, and listen to music from the 1950s.
The color scheme is adorable (dusty pink) and each little aspect of the decor has been thoughtfully put together.
Overall, it’s one of the best themed restaurants in NYC, without feeling ‘too themed’. If that makes sense. The theme is present and convincing, but it doesn’t overwhelm.
Burp Castle
Our next suggestion for the best themed restaurants in NYC is Burp Castle!
This isn’t the place to be if you love chatting loudly, as the theme is that you need to be as quiet as possible!
It’s strange, but there’s something hilarious about trying to order your drinks at a whisper.
But it’s not just a quiet place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of NYC.
This is one of the themed restaurants in NYC that calls itself “the temple of beer worship” with 12 draft beers and 40 bottled beers on offer!
Throw in the fact that it’s themed like an abbey and it’s easy to see why this place is super popular.
Meow Parlour
If you’re looking for themed restaurants in NYC that are very cute, then you’ll love Meow Parlour!
It’s no secret that cat cafes have become all the rage in recent years, and this quaint spot in Chinatown is no exception.
Not only are all the kitties here up for adoption (we love to see it!), but you can stay here for as long as you like if you book 30-minute slots of time.
This is one of the themed restaurants in NYC where the focus isn’t entirely on the food.
But you can still grab delicious drinks, sandwiches, and pastries while you cuddle the cats!
The Beach Cafe
Next on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC, it’s this little gem in the Upper East Side. The Beach Cafe is, you guessed it, beach themed.
If you’re craving some beach vibes, then this beach-themed restaurant is going to be a perfect pick for you.
Food-wise you’ll find the best of American comfort food, like you’d find at any cute little American beach town.
The American Girl Place
If you’re traveling to the Big Apple with little ones, then you’ll adore the next spot on our list of themed restaurants in NYC!
American Girl Place has been a NYC staple for years (it opened in 1998!) and it includes a doll-themed restaurant that serves fun desserts and light meals. You can see more photos in this review.
Adults can dine here, but parents will be pleased to know that this is among the themed restaurants in NYC that makes kids’ portions.
So, you’ll save cash and reduce food waste – hurrah!
Whether you’re craving an afternoon tea or a full brunch, this is one of the themed restaurants in NYC that you don’t want to miss.
Urban Hawker
Next up on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC, it’s a relatively new addition to the city!
Urban Hawker isn’t technically a restaurant, but more a food court – but it fits perfectly on this list.
Themed after a Singapore hawker food hall, this place has some amazing food on offer, in a communal dining hall / canteen kind of setting.
They’ve done a really great job of making this seem like a traditional Singapore hawker food court, and the vendors are serving up some seriously tasty grub!
We love it!
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is next on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC.
This popular location is found right in the heart of Times Square, and it’s a little bit of a tourist trap – but we wanted to mention it, because it is genuinely themed to perfection.
The theming for this place comes from the amazing movie Forrest Gump, and the restaurant is themed for the Shrimp restaurant his friend sets up in the film.
Whilst this is now a big chain, it has taken on a whole life of it’s own and it’s massively popular with visitors.
It’s a great choice for themed restaurants in NYC, especially if you don’t mind how busy this place can get.
Read more NYC recommendations: 60 free and cheap things to do in NYC!
Barcade
Not only is Barcade one of the best bars with games in NYC, but it also serves truly incredible food!
As you might have guessed from its name, this is one of the themed restaurants in NYC that’s all about old-school games.
You can spend your time between courses playing PacMan and SEGA classics or trying your luck at the pinball machine.
Although this is up there with the themed restaurants in NYC that you’ll want to avoid at the weekends (it’s TOO busy!), it’s glorious during weekdays.
And who doesn’t love embracing their inner child, right?
Beetle House NYC
The next spot on our list of amazing themed restaurants in NYC belongs to Beetle House!
It’s very niche and is dedicated to Tim Burton’s most popular flicks.
So, whether you can’t get enough of Beetlejuice or Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, you’ll love this place!
We’d say that it’s slightly closer to a cocktail bar than a restaurant. But the incredible snacks and meals like the Cheshire Mac and Cheese are worth stopping by for!
And as you might have guessed, this is one of the themed restaurants in NYC with kitsch names for every dish.
Score!
Alice’s Tea Cup
If you’re looking for charming themed restaurants in NYC that’ll help you live out your Disney dreams, check out Alice’s Tea Cup!
They serve brunch and afternoon tea in an adorable dining room that’s packed with color and nods to the classic Lewis Carroll novel.
It’s one of the most gorgeous themed restaurants in NYC if you’re around the Upper West Side, but you can also head to any of the three locations in the city!
Our favorite dish? It has to be the warm scones with decadent clotted cream.
Now, drink (and eat!) up!
And we promise you won’t shrink like Alice does – though you may need to loosen your belt.
The Cauldron
Are you on the lookout for fantasy-themed restaurants in NYC that go all out?
If so, you’re bound to enjoy a trip to The Cauldron!
We’d say that this was an amazing place to visit if you’re a fan of Harry Potter as you can do everything from potion-making to drink-brewing!
Oh, and did we mention that you get 3 drinks included with the potion-making experience? Talk about value for money.
But don’t worry – you can also book in for food and drinks if you’re in a hurry!
They serve a bunch of great serving platters, but their pan-seared salmon and pizzas are seriously good.
Whatever you order, you’re bound to agree that this is one of the themed restaurants in NYC that’s worth a second look!
Le Boudoir
Although Le Boudoir is more of a bar, we’d say that it still deserves a spot on our list of themed restaurants in NYC.
It’s designed to look like Marie Antoinette’s chambers.
So, it has a distinctly cozy feel that’s ideal if you want to chow down on snacks while you watch live jazz.
Everything from the plush couches to the incredible mood lighting is worth the price of the expensive cocktails.
It’s an amazing choice for the best themed restaurants in NYC if you’re looking for a romantic spot for date night.
Action Burger
If you’re looking for themed restaurants in NYC that serve incredible diner-style fare, head straight to Action Burger.
This burger joint is a complete slam-dunk for sci-fi fans and comic book lovers as it features tons of video games and retro décor.
And don’t come in expecting basic burgers and fries either.
You’ll find everything from loaded burgers to huge plates of nachos and specialty sandwiches!
So, whether you have a superhero fanatic in the family or simply want to embrace your nerdy side – this is one of the themed restaurants in NYC you’ll LOVE!
Margaritaville
Next on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC is Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville!
It’s completely weird and wonderful and has an enormous statue of The Statue of Liberty in the central dining area.
So, if you’re looking for themed restaurants in NYC that capture the essence of the Big Apple – you’ve come to the right place!
Margaritaville is technically a resort, but it boasts a restaurant that serves delicious cocktails and classic eats like burgers and fries.
It’s not the place to visit for an upscale bite, but the cool and trendy atmosphere makes this one of the best-themed restaurants in NYC!
Medieval Times
Our next suggestion for themed restaurants in NYC is Medieval Times!
It’s technically slightly outside NYC in New Jersey, but it’s well worth the trek from Manhattan.
As you might have guessed from its name, this is one of the themed restaurants in NYC that throws you back to the middle ages!
From the exciting horse dances to the knight fights and stunt performances, it epitomizes the phrase “dinner with a show”.
Although we’d say that the show is what makes this one of the best themed restaurants in NYC – don’t count out the food!
While the show rumbles on, you’ll be served a full meal and goblets of drinks.
Talk about themed restaurants in NYC that do it all!
Boobie Trap
If you’re on the hunt for tongue-in-cheek themed restaurants in NYC, you’ll want to stop by Boobie Trap.
This Brooklyn hotspot is R-rated, so it’s not exactly one of the themed restaurants in NYC we recommend for kids.
But the 90s-era memorabilia, movie posters, and sexualized food and drink make this place a hoot and a half!
Plus, it’s one of the themed restaurants in NYC that’s affordable enough for travelers on a budget. You’ll find vintage / retro board games, and loads of things you remember from your childhood!
It’s a great choice for the best themed restaurants in NYC!
Please Don’t Tell
Please Don’t Tell is our next suggestion for themed restaurants in NYC. It’s not necessarily a ‘restaurant’ (more of a bar) but we wanted to include it, because it’s great fun.
Themed after the old-fashioned speakeasy of the 1920s, this bar is hidden away behind a phone booth!
Quirky, very cool, and a great choice for themed restaurants in NYC!
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Our next suggestion for themed restaurants in NYC, it’s a great family-friendly option, that kids will love.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is (you guessed it) themed for Victorian times and history buffs.
The atmosphere here is great fun, and the decor is really thoughtful and entertaining. It’s inviting too, the kind of cozy place you’ll want to enjoy some food and good chatter.
This themed restaurant in NYC is especially great during Christmas time – when they push the boat out even further!
Bonus suggestion: Katz Deli
Finally, on our list of the best themed restaurants in NYC, it’s Katz Deli.
Now, the reason we’ve listed Katz Deli as a bonus suggestion, is because it’s not ‘technically’ themed.
But the place is so incredible iconic, and the decor is so unique and the atmosphere is so fun – that it might as well be.
There’s also the fact that this classic NYC diner, has been used as a movie set for several famous TV shows and films (including When Harry Met Sally).
It’s a great spot, and whilst it’s not technically a themed restaurant in NYC, it definitely deserves a spot on this list!
