I'm taking my two teenage grandchildren to New York Thanksgiving week-end and need the name of an unusual and fun restaurant to take them. I was thinking of Jekyll and Hyde's or something on that order. I would appreciate any suggestions. It is their first visit.

Mars 2000 is a unique theme(space) restaurant located on Broadway in the West 50's. It's a lot of fun and begins with a space simulation ride. There is an elaborate video arcade you can use to kill time if your table isn't ready. Jekyll and Hyde is also fun and the food at both establishments is pretty good. Have fun.

Hi
The problem with Jekyll and Hyde is the line. You can wait up to an hour
outside, and then an additional 30-60 minutes inside. While you are waiting inside there is no comfortable place to wait, and it's hard even to get a drink.
If you're grandkids are older teenagers
16+, in my opinion J&H may not impress them. If you do decide to go, ask for a table on the first level, or on the upper floors near the railing where the kids can see the "floor show". When you ask for this, the management may frown and say it will make your wait longer, but not by much in reality, and it makes all the difference.

Maybe another New Yorker knows the full details on this, but unfortunately I am uncertain: isn't there a restaurant somewhere around Houston on the East Side (ie, in the Lower East Side or NoLiTa) that is like being in an airplane?

Serendipity 3 on E 60th is a sort of whimsical place that should appeal to young people-I think it might appeal to girls more than boys-but they would all enjoy the lavish desserts. The Boathouse Cafe in Central Park has a nice setting. They also might enjoy a room with a view..so you could spend a lot and go to Windows on the World at the World Trade Center or for something less expensive try the Top of the Tower at the Beekman Tower Hotel at 1st Ave and 49th St. it has an art deco setting and great city views(the food's okay). Another idea is one of the famous New York delis(Stage, Carnegie, Katz's etc). Or perhaps a visit to one the restaurants in Chinatown. For something slightly Asian but in trendy Soho(an area teens usually love) take them to Kelly and Ping. If you want something a bit unusual in the theatre district, Firebird is a lavish Russian restaurant.