rolfene

My husband and I will be in NYC next month seeing a Broadway show. We would like to go out afterwards to a casual restaurant for a bite to eat with dessert. We heard about both Serenditpity3 and Ellen's Stardust Diner. Both sound pretty cool. If you've eaten at these restaurants, which would you recommend? Thanks!

vincenzo32951

Just be aware that Ellen's is fun, but not the place for a cozy dinner. The staff sings show tunes, and the place is a bit noisy. Food is OK, not great -- people go for the atmosphere. Pretty good desserts. I'm not trying to talk you off the place; it is fun. Just want to let you know what to expect.

Never been to Serendipity.

IMDonehere

For dessert, you can go to Junior's for cheesecake. Other things on the menu are just acceptable however.

doug_stallings

Neither would be my first or even third choice for food. Junior's is open fairly late and has good cheesecake (and deli-style food with portions big enough to be shared).

EstherIris

Serendipity 3 is on East 60th Street, a hike from your show. Agree about Ellen's being noisy and not very cozy.

I like the Glass House Tavern on West 47th, in the theater district. Joe Allen's, on West 46th, good too.

I like Junior's. It has a huge menu but it's also crowded and noisy.

ekscrunchy

I would not go to either of the places you mentioned in your original post.

Take a look at Maison Kayser on Broadway and 58th Street; it is a bakery with tables, ligiht sandwiches and plates, and luscious desserts.. Much closer than Serendipity.

http://maison-kayser-usa.com/our-pastries/

Or try Aldo Sohm Wine bar:

http://www.aldosohmwinebar.com/conte....28.17-clr.pdf

Or the Lounge at Le Bernardin if you are feeling spendy.

CoreyA1354

Ellen's star Dust Cafe is alright but is always busy and like everyone said it’s loud. I personally don’t like the food and the service is just airtight. The staff sings but that’s the only thing that really makes the place different. I would go somewhere else.

NeoPatrick

Doesn't Maison Kayser close at 10? Not sure it would be open after a Broadway show in the evening.

I'd also consider a cozy table in the bar at Thalia, 50th Street and 8th Ave. Nice desserts, light foods, and a nice atmosphere. Pretty good champagne by the glass.

ekscrunchy

Eric Kaiser said in a recent tv interview that they are open til 11pm. I have not investigated at the bakeries but will try to do so soon. In any case his places are good to keep in mind as they are open for all day long.
I think his baguettes are the best in the city. I buy the "Monge."

ekscrunchy

Sorry. I have no preview function so spelling errors are rife in my posts! Kayser not Kaiser.