13 New York Restaurants Tourists Love (But Locals Would Never Suggest)
Times Square glows like a massive marquee promising endless flavor, but not every bright neon sign actually leads to a memorable or culturally authentic meal.
You will encounter enormous menus, singing servers, and portions specifically sized for postcards, yet the city’s truly legendary bites usually live a few quiet blocks away.
Still, these iconic destinations pull in massive crowds every day and create the kind of vibrant stories that you will likely tell everyone back home after your trip.
Read on with a healthy sense of curiosity and a grain of salt, so you can fully enjoy the spectacle while knowing exactly where the real culinary magic begins and ends.
By understanding the appeal of these high-traffic landmarks, you can better navigate the tension between convenient tourist spectacle and the hidden gems locals cherish.
Every oversized cocktail and theatrical performance serves a specific purpose in the New York experience, even if it doesn’t represent the pinnacle of the city’s gastronomic craft.
Arming yourself with this insider knowledge allows you to balance the necessary sightseeing with the refined flavors that define the actual modern New York palate.
1. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
The very first thing you will likely notice is the soundtrack suddenly turning into a high-energy live musical as your server begins to belt out a Broadway show tune.
While balancing a tray of thick milkshakes, these talented performers provide a unique vibe at 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, that feels like a professional boot camp.
The interior is filled with chrome sparkle and guests taking endless selfies, while the tall burgers and crunchy fries arrive in portions that lean toward skyscraper proportions.
A rich history defines this space because many of the singing waitstaff eventually land prestigious roles in real Broadway productions, making your table feel like a front-row rehearsal seat.
The food is generally considered secondary to the entertainment, offering reliable American diner staples that are priced specifically to match the bright lights of the surrounding theater district.
I highly recommend arriving particularly early on weekdays to avoid the notoriously long sidewalk queues that can often stretch around the corner for several city blocks.
If you are explicitly looking for a dinner combined with a live performance you will leave with a grin, but if you want culinary nuance, you should look much farther west.
2. Carmine’s Times Square
You should definitely bring a large crew or simply resign yourself to having leftovers for several days because the portions here are unapologetically family-sized and highly theatrical.
The expansive room at 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, feels much like an old-school Italian American banquet hall, constantly buzzing with birthday celebrations and red sauce perfume.
Massive platters of penne alla vodka, chicken scarpariello, and the legendary Titanic sundaes serve as the heavy anchors for nearly every crowded table in the bustling restaurant.
Since opening in the early 1990s, this establishment helped cement the specific formula of the tourist family feast located conveniently near the most popular Broadway theaters.
The food remains remarkably consistent rather than subtle, leaning heavily into a sweet and garlicky flavor profile that is designed to satisfy a wide range of visiting palates.
I suggest making a reservation well in advance to ensure your timing aligns with a pre-curtain schedule, and remember to coordinate your ordering to share the dishes strategically.
While you will certainly leave feeling full and well-photographed, those seeking more nuanced regional Italian cuisine will find deeper character in the smaller neighborhoods located downtown.
3. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Extensive movie memorabilia frames every single table while shrimp trivia cards appear before you like flashcards you probably did not plan to study during your vacation dinner.
Located at 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, this establishment trades heavily on Forrest Gump nostalgia and a wide array of ocean-themed kitsch that fills every corner.
The menu runs the gamut from fried and grilled to coconut-crusted and garlic-buttered shrimp, all typically served with a side of hot fries and traditional creamy coleslaw.
Born entirely from a popular film concept rather than a local fisherman’s tradition, the global chain thrives on offering predictable comfort and impressive views over the glowing square.
The kitchen technique almost always favors a heavy, crispy batter over the delicate and subtle nuances typically associated with high-quality, fresh Atlantic seafood.
I suggest trying to secure a window seat if you feel you must visit, as the view provides a great backdrop for splitting one of the massive appetizer platters.
You will certainly get a memorable story to take home with your basket, but for fresher shellfish, you should seek out city raw bars where the brine truly sings.
4. Hard Rock Cafe
Historic guitars and iconic stage jackets stare down at you from glass cases like museum pieces while a continuous playlist hums the greatest hits of the last fifty years.
This massive space at 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, offers a familiar lineup of classic American plates, including burgers, stacked nachos, pulled pork, and brownie sundaes.
The restaurant sprawls across a significant landmark building, which makes the initial entrance feel quite momentous as you descend into the heart of the rock and roll experience.
Founded originally to celebrate and preserve rock memorabilia, the New York flagship location leans much more into visual spectacle than into the refinement of culinary craft.
Most of the preparation techniques here revolve around the griddle and the deep fryer to ensure that the food is served quickly to the high volume of international guests.
Music fans might find it beneficial to time their visits around the quieter mid-afternoon hours when it is much easier to examine the famous artifacts without the crowds.
While you will likely recognize every flavor and lyric encountered here, those seeking a burger with a real edge should find neighborhood bars that flip patties with more attitude.
5. Planet Hollywood
Authentic movie props and elaborate costumes hang directly overhead like a suspended ceiling of blockbusters, while the dramatic lighting behaves much like a high-budget movie trailer.
Situated at 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, this venue serves a variety of crowd-pleasing appetizers, massive salads, chicken sandwiches, and very indulgent, sugar-heavy desserts.
You should expect to see long lines of tourists photographing every single angle of the memorabilia, from action hero outfits to famous vehicles used in classic films.
Born during the height of the 1990s celebrity dining boom, the restaurant persists today by merchandising cinematic nostalgia more than by refining its specific culinary recipes.
Heavy frying and rich, bold sauces are the dominant techniques used in the kitchen to create dishes that are designed for immediate and broad appeal.
If you are a collector of souvenir glassware, this is certainly your moment, but otherwise, I recommend keeping your food orders as simple and straightforward as possible.
You will undoubtedly leave with photos that look exactly like what you imagined, but for film-worthy dining, indie theaters and late-night slices tell more authentic New York stories.
6. Olive Garden Times Square
Perched high above the frantic rush of the street, this particular location offers a panoramic and surprisingly calm vantage point at 2 Times Square, New York, NY 10036.
The interior décor follows a very specific corporate Tuscan aesthetic, and the servers ferry unlimited bowls of salad and warm breadsticks to the tables like well-oiled clockwork.
The pasta dishes tend to be creamy and comforting, with the rich fettuccine Alfredo consistently reigning as the king of the menu for most visiting families.
The history here is one of successful chain expansion meeting a massive tourist demand rather than a reflection of the city’s long-standing neighborhood Italian traditions.
The cooking technique leans heavily toward a reheatable consistency and standardized seasoning that ensures a familiar experience regardless of which city you are visiting.
I suggest requesting a window table specifically for the views if the wait is unavoidable, as watching the lights of Times Square can enhance the simple meal.
You will receive exactly the experience you expect, but for handmade pasta and sharper flavors, you should hop over to the independent trattorias located in Hell’s Kitchen.
7. Margaritaville Times Square
Casual flip-flops meet towering skyscrapers in a tropical daydream at 560 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018, where this resort plants a permanent beach party in Midtown.
The overall vibe is heavily rum-forward and neon-bright, featuring a menu of “Cheeseburgers in Paradise,” massive nachos, and a wide variety of frozen, colorful cocktails.
Inspired by the Jimmy Buffett empire, the brand clearly privileges total escapism and a carefree atmosphere over taking any significant culinary risks with the food.
Grilling and high-speed blending take center stage in the kitchen and behind the bar, producing consistent flavors that remind guests of a sunny Caribbean vacation.
The rooftop seats tend to vanish very quickly as sunset approaches, so you should time your arrival carefully if you want to see the city lights transition.
You will definitely sip on something sugary and likely forget the cold wind coming off 7th Avenue for a minute while the steel drums play on the speakers.
For those seeking serious, high-end cocktails, I recommend walking a few blocks to the craft bars that treat fresh citrus and clear ice with mathematical precision.
8. Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery
The legendary cheesecake display glows like a high-end jewelry case, pulling in hungry passersby from the overwhelming neon lights of the Broadway sidewalk outside.
Located at 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, this spot serves classic deli staples including matzo ball soup, pastrami Reubens, and thick grilled cheese sandwiches.
The portions are consistently generous and the red booths are quite comfortable, making it a reliable place to sit down for a heavy and satisfying meal.
Founded originally in Brooklyn in 1950, the brand built a massive reputation for its baking long before this specific Times Square outpost was ever established.
The baking techniques keep the cheesecake incredibly dense yet remarkably creamy, featuring a gentle tang that has made it a favorite for several generations of New Yorkers.
I recommend splitting a dessert and perhaps skipping a full savory entree if you are theater-bound, as the cheesecake alone is enough to sustain most diners.
While you will likely enjoy the dessert more than the savory spread, those seeking pastrami with deeper smoke should look for classic delis located further uptown.
9. Serendipity 3 Times Square
Those with an active sweet tooth often steer themselves here for the visual spectacle, especially the towering ice cream sundaes and highly photogenic, colorful drinks.
This location at 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036, trades extensively in maximalist desserts and playful, eclectic décor that appeals to children and adults alike.
The savory portion of the menu covers standard burgers, wings, and salads with a distinct diner tilt, though most guests are there specifically for the sugar.
The original uptown location became famous for its Frrrozen Hot Chocolate decades ago, and this branch successfully scales that exact formula for the massive tourist crowds.
The preparation techniques rely heavily on ice cream engineering and a lot of candy crunch to create treats that are as much a sculpture as a snack.
I highly suggest making a reservation during peak evening hours or you should be prepared to expect an exceptionally long wait on the sidewalk.
You will certainly score the exact social media picture you wanted, but for true pastry finesse, small patisseries in Midtown offer much more layered and subtle textures.
10. Applebee’s Times Square
Brightly colored menus and flashing television screens make this entire space feel a bit like a comfortable airport layover that happens to serve hot mozzarella sticks.
Situated at 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, this venue follows its national corporate playbook by offering riblets, quesadillas, large salads, and various sugary cocktails.
The service is notably efficient and geared toward those with strict pre-show timelines, ensuring that you can eat and get to your theater seat before the curtain.
The history of this location is one of corporate consistency and logistical volume rather than an example of unique New York City culinary lore or tradition.
Most of the dishes on the menu rely heavily on high-volume fryers and standardized equipment to meet the incredible daily demand of the Times Square area.
If you find yourself in a significant rush, the bar seats usually move the fastest and offer a full menu without the wait for a traditional table.
You will get exactly what you expect in terms of predictability, but even a quick slice joint on 9th Avenue will carry significantly more authentic city flavor.
11. Dallas BBQ Times Square
The massive neon rooster promises a messy and abundant meal long before you even see the colossal frozen drinks that are often crowned with colorful lollipops.
This large-scale operation at 241 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, serves up saucy ribs, sticky wings, and rotisserie chicken accompanied by sweet squares of corn bread.
The portions are unabashedly huge and designed for sharing, making it a popular choice for large groups of travelers who are looking for a high-calorie feast.
Born right here in New York rather than in Texas, the brand leans heavily toward sweetness in its sauces and a sticky, thick glaze technique on its meats.
The smoke notes in the barbecue are much gentler than what you would find at a serious southern pit, making it accessible for a wide variety of diners.
I suggest bringing plenty of napkins and planning to share your meal, as the massive pitchers of frozen drinks can sneak up on you quite quickly.
While you will certainly satisfy a craving for heavy indulgence, those seeking a deeper bark and true pit perfume should head to the dedicated smokehouses in Brooklyn.
12. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Crisp-coated tenders and thick, toasted Texas toast make for a very neat and fast dining ritual at this high-energy location at 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
The menu is famously focused on just a few items: chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, the signature Cane’s Sauce, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The line generally moves with an impressive stadium-like energy and efficiency, getting hot food into the hands of thousands of hungry tourists every single day.
Founded originally in Louisiana, the brand has essentially perfected a single cooking technique that involves marinating chicken before frying it to a shattering, golden shell.
Consistency is the primary draw here rather than culinary novelty, as fans of the brand know exactly what they are going to get regardless of the location.
I recommend ordering at least one extra cup of the signature sauce and asking for your Texas toast to be prepared “well done” if you prefer more browning.
You will receive hot and crunchy satisfaction in just a matter of minutes, but for a broader fried chicken experience, seek out spots that brine and double-fry with swagger.
13. Sugar Factory Times Square
Thick clouds of white smoke billow from massive cocktail goblets like a magic trick while candy bracelets clink loudly against the oversized glassware.
Located at 694 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036, this establishment exists primarily for maximalist sweet theater, featuring rainbow sliders and towering, colorful milkshakes.
The vivid lighting in the dining room is specifically designed to favor glossy, high-quality photos for guests who want to document every moment of their indulgent meal.
The brand grew rapidly through high-profile celebrity collaborations and global Instagram fame, clearly prioritizing the visual presentation over complex culinary techniques.
Industrial griddles, high-speed blenders, and elaborate candy garnishes do all of the heavy lifting in the kitchen to create these highly recognizable and sweet treats.
I suggest sharing a single large goblet among several people in your group and saving some room in your stomach for a more savory meal elsewhere in the neighborhood.
You will certainly capture a candy-colored and memorable snapshot of the city, but for desserts with true balance, try the local bakeries found in Hell’s Kitchen.