Part of the fun of going to theme restaurants is looking at the memorabilia and "kitsch" that give them their atmosphere and support their theme. The other part is trying to decipher exactly what you're eating from the oddly-named dishes. If you're lucky, you'll be presented with a description of the dish; if not, go ahead and order it anyway, you may be surprised.
Theme restaurants are usually family-oriented, which makes them even more fun. There are several to choose from in New York City, so you should have no trouble finding one your whole family will enjoy.
Planet Hollywood, 1540 Broadway
The New York City location of Planet Hollywood opened on October 22, 1991, and still remains one of the most popular theme restaurants in the City. You'll enjoy looking at the memorabilia from TV shows and movies while dining on your favorite signature dishes. After you've enjoyed your meal, stroll through the Planet Hollywood store. There you'll find clothing and gifts that will help you remember your visit to the New York location of this theme restaurant.
Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway
The Hard Rock Café is to the music industry what Planet Hollywood is to the TV and movie industry. You'll find memorabilia from such stars as Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, and others. In addition, you'll see memorabilia that comes from artists with New York City ties, such as John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen. The New York City café has an outdoor space above the building's marquee. This space is available for private parties. You and your guests can enjoy your meal while looking out over Times Square.
BURP Castle, 7th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, Manhattan
When you visit BURP Castle, you may have trouble deciding if you're in a restaurant or a church or an opera house. That's because the music may be Gregorian chants, opera music and just about anything in between. Your menu is called a "hymnal", and there's even a "confessional" in the back of the café. So, the best thing to do is just enjoy the atmosphere and try not to figure out exactly where you are.
Mars 2112, 51st Street and Broadway
This is a space-themed restaurant (you've probably figured that out already) designed to transport you and your family to an entirely different world. With its 35,000 square feet, two levels, and different dimensional effects, you'll certainly feel like you've left the planet Earth. That's all right, though, just sit back and enjoy the "ride" while you enjoy family favorites. Afterward, when you walk back out into Times Square, you'll know you've arrived back on Earth.
