The 25 Most Fun Restaurants in NYC in 2025

No matter where you happen to be in the Big Apple, you can find fun restaurants in NYC that serve up as much entertainment as fabulous food. With so many eclectic eateries lining the streets, fun restaurants in NYC are easy to locate if you know where to look. 

Whether you're dashing out for a quick bite or settling in for a date night in NYC with your special someone, fun restaurants in NYC can provide excitement beyond what you'll find on the menu. 

In fact, New York is uniquely positioned to offer this kind of variety. According to the National Restaurant Association, using 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau, New York has the nation’s most diverse restaurant industry. This cultural richness sets the stage for fun dining in New York City that blends entertainment, creativity and unforgettable food.

So what qualities make a particular eatery stand out as a fun restaurant in NYC? A sense of playfulness in both the food and atmosphere is a great place to start! 

If you're looking for things to do in NYC  in spaces where spirits are light and food is spot-on, this list of fun restaurants in NYC is a must-read, providing a selection of special spaces that are ready to show you a fantastic time. 

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• How We Choose These Fun Restaurants in NYC
• Top 25 Fun Restaurants in NYC
• Find the Best Restaurants in NYC

How We Choose These Fun Restaurants in NYC

New York City offers one of the most exciting and diverse food scenes in the world, filled with restaurants that cater to every palate, mood and occasion. But finding unique restaurants in NYC that go beyond just good food to offer a truly memorable experience can take some digging. 

That’s where Cozymeal’s expertise comes in. With years of experience curating culinary experiences in over 200 cities, our team has a deep understanding of what transforms a meal into something more meaningful and engaging.

To create this guide to the most fun dining spots in NYC, we undertook in-depth research while also consulting local team members and real customer feedback. This approach results in a guide that perfectly highlights the most interesting restaurants in NYC that stand out for having a unique energy, lots of creativity and one-of-a-kind atmospheres. While each place brings something different to the table, we looked for venues that capture the spirit of fun through a variety of qualities.

What We Considered

While not every restaurant checks every box, we looked for places that feature one or more of the following:

• A creative or immersive theme that makes the space feel like an experience in itself.
• Interactive or entertaining elements such as live performances, open kitchens or tableside presentations.
• A vibrant or unusual atmosphere, whether through décor, music or layout.
• Inventive menu options that offer a playful twist on familiar dishes or highlight bold, memorable flavors.
• Consistent guest feedback that points to high energy, great service and a memorable visit.

Top 25 Fun Restaurants in NYC 

1. The Elgin

If you’re in the mood for a fun restaurant in NYC that keeps its sense of sophistication, The Elgin is a top pick, offering a classic sensibility with a warm, historic glow. Here, modern comfort food makes the menu sing with delicious possibilities.

The Vibe

The Elgin is the perfect place to take a trip back in time. You can enjoy the salon days of early 20th-century New York while dining at this luxurious, fun restaurant in NYC.

What to Order

The most inventive item, by far, is the cheeseburger egg roll, a crisp wrapper filled with custom-blended beef, pickles, cheese and a tempting schmear of savory burger sauce. If you’re into seafood, we recommend trying the tuna poke nachos paired with a delicious cocktail.

The Elgin | 64 W. 48th St., New York, NY 10036 | $$ 

2. Action Burger

Superheroes and burgers unite in a powerful blend at Action Burger, a fun NYC restaurant we love because comic books and video games rule. A quick trip to Brooklyn will get you to this technicolor diner, where you can eat like a hero with healthier fare or walk on the dark side with more indulgent options.

The Vibe

If you’re a fan of sci-fi and fantasy, the vibrant primary colors and comic book pages will make you feel excited. Dare we say, Action Burger makes a great low-key spot for a date night in NYC if you're both comic book or game nerds.

What to Order

Ever had a Nutella burger? Well, you can try it at this fun restaurant in NYC. This powerhouse includes a burger, bacon and American cheese, tucked between two deep-fried waffles with Nutella. Talk about fun dining in New York City!

Action Burger | 292 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211 | $$ 

3. The Dead Rabbit

The charm and cheer of an authentic Irish pub transform The Dead Rabbit into a shining slice of the Emerald Isle. This fun NYC restaurant is one of our top choices when you want to experience traditional coziness with a modern sheen.

The Vibe

If you’d like a snug setting rich with personality, this fun restaurant in NYC is the place for you, combining close quarters with classic fixtures.

What to Order

We recommend diving into deli delights with a corned beef on rye with melted Gruyère, or go for a chicken pot pie to complete the comfort food experience.

The Dead Rabbit | 30 Water St., New York, NY 10004 | $$ 

4. Don Antonio

A brick-and-mortar pizza parlor like Don Antonio is a must-have on any list of fun places to eat in NYC. This is definitely one of our favorite spots to enjoy some of the best pizza in Manhattan. And would a fun restaurant in NYC serve anything less than great food?

The Vibe

This restaurant in Hell's Kitchen is a cool, contemporary throwback to neighborhood diners of old. It’s a fun restaurant in NYC that works for all occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to laid-back date nights or birthday celebrations. 

What to Order

Take this opportunity to try one of the city's most authentic NYC foods, pizza fritte. This dish serves up slices of your favorite pizza deep-fried, filled with fresh ricotta and broccoli rabe and topped with ricotta and grape tomatoes for extra flavor.

Don Antonio | 309 W. 50th St., New York, NY 10019 | $$ 

5. Beetle House

What else would you find in a fun NYC restaurant called Beetle House but Tim Burton's wacky, imaginative characters? This spot stands out because both the food and décor are a tribute to the genius filmmaker's visionary works.

The Vibe

Think spooky fun! The magical and marvelous décor pays homage to everything from Edward Scissorhands to Beetlejuice himself. 

What to Order

The Sweeney Beef is without a doubt our favorite dish at this unique restaurant in NYC. It features a tender filet topped with garlic mashed potatoes, drizzled with ‘blood spatter’ and finished with a straight razor. 

If you have room, don't leave before trying Death by Chocolate, a chocolate fondant cake soaked in rich fudge sauce sweet enough to send you to the other side.

Beetle House | 308 E. Sixth St., New York, NY 10003 | $$ 

6. La Caverna

Styled like a stone cavern, La Caverna takes the notion of fun restaurants in NYC to new depths, so to speak. If you visit this spot, you’ll be able to party in the underground without leaving the surface.

The Vibe

The convincing design of this fun restaurant in NYC gives it the feel of a Mexican cave. The dance floor and DJ make it one of our favorites, adding a slick and vibrant atmosphere.

What to Order

The veggie tacos are one of the most popular choices for a reason. Enjoy corn tortillas stuffed with mushrooms, corn, zucchini and fiery jalapeño aioli. In a meaty mood? Grab the beef tacos stuffed with fried beans, chipotle aioli and pico de gallo.

La Caverna | 122-124 Rivington St., Manhattan, NY 10002 | $$

7. Trailer Park Lounge

If you’re in the mood for a low-key dining experience, Trailer Park Lounge is a casual and fun restaurant in NYC to try. Vintage diner tables and wall-to-wall kitsch set the tone for enjoying a special evening.

The Vibe

Retro travel memorabilia and a tropical bar create a joyful feast for the eyes. It may be casual, but it can be a great place to enjoy a birthday dinner in NYC or any other special occasion.

What to Order

We recommend trying any of the burgers when dining at this fun restaurant in NYC. If you're going for an authentic side, the order of chili bacon cheese tots is sure to hit the spot. Grab a Moon Pie for dessert before you hit the road.

Trailer Park Lounge | 271 W. 23rd St., New York, NY 10011 | $$ 

8. Rolf's German Restaurant

German cuisine served in a space that keeps its halls decked for the holidays all year long makes Rolf's one of the brightest locales in town. Fun restaurants in NYC that celebrate eternal Christmas are a gift that everyone deserves!

The Vibe

What could be more fun than Christmas décor? Prepare to be dazzled by countless twinkling lights as you dine on European classics at this upscale yet fun restaurant in NYC.

What to Order

Fill your plate at this fun restaurant in NYC with a schnitzel robed in paprika cream sauce, served with vegetables and spätzle, a German take on cheesy pasta.

Rolf's German Restaurant | 281 Third Ave., New York, NY 10010 | $$$ 

9. The Cabin

If you’re looking for comfort food for happy hour, brunch and dinner, we’ve got you covered with this next fun eatery in NYC. The Cabin serves up some of the most hearty and warming food in the city, all while adding a touch of outdoor excitement, thanks to its rustic décor and woodland corners. 

The Vibe

We recommend booking a table at this fun place to eat in NYC because of its cozy, rustic atmosphere. Here, lumberjack chic conjures woodsy magic just in time for dinner and drinks.

What to Order

Order up the hearty glazed bacon at this fun restaurant in NYC for a maple, sweet-and-smoky dish accented with warm chives and the crunch of roasted corn nuts.

The Cabin | 205 E. Fourth St., New York, NY 10009 | $$ 

10. Mao Mao

Tucked into a busy stretch of Broadway in Bushwick, Mao Mao feels like stepping into a Bangkok movie house. With vintage Thai film posters on the walls and a projector playing old-school movies, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the most fun restaurants in NYC.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is relaxed and a little nostalgic, with dim lighting, mismatched tables and a cool, lived-in charm. It’s a fun restaurant in NYC to visit when you need a casual night out or a low-key dinner with friends.

What to Order

Try the sai krok isan, a fermented pork sausage with a tangy kick. The khao mun gai (poached chicken with rice) is also a comforting classic at this fun restaurant in NYC.

Mao Mao | 1000 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221 | $$

11. Serendipity3

An icon among fun restaurants in NYC, Serendipity3 has served as a recognizable location in several Hollywood films and is well-known for its over-the-top dishes. This brilliantly hued diner is a staple on the scene of fun places to eat in NYC.

The Vibe

The vibrant pop culture sweetens the space as much as the ice cream flavors in the freezer. The colorful decoration and eye-catching dishes make this spot one of the most interesting restaurants in NYC.

What to Order

Sink your teeth into The Serendipitous Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, topped with blue cheese dressing and crumbles. This is one of the best restaurants in Times Square to enjoy decadent desserts, so make sure to save space for a whopper of a sundae.

Serendipity3 | Multiple Locations | $$ 

12. Cowgirl

Western grub may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering the most fun restaurants in NYC, but hear us out. Cowgirl brings a hearty helping of country character to the city folk daring enough to saddle up.

The Vibe

This West Village restaurant is barbecue chic, right down to the checkered table cloths and antler chandeliers. This fun restaurant in NYC prides itself on uniting the true Wild West spirit with the independent, creative energy of the Big Apple.

What to Order

The most authentic dish on the menu might be the catfish dinner, offering a fried or grilled fillet served with jalapeño tartar sauce for a fiery Southwestern kick.

Cowgirl | 519 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014 | $$ 

13. Highkey Rainforest Rooftop

A rooftop rainforest? Yes indeed! Highkey Rainforest Rooftop helps dining and entertainment reach lofty heights, both figuratively and literally. It's a fun restaurant NYC keeps hidden high atop the city.

The Vibe

This rooftop bar in NYC bursts with hip and high-energy. It’s a fun restaurant in NYC that stands out with a luxe lushness that makes the city feel extra-cool.

What to Order

The popular skewers at this fun restaurant in NYC are loved for a reason. This menu item features a juicy kebab with your choice of meat, served with pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce. Pair it with a lychee martini with cotton candy clouds and you’ll have the ultimate fun experience!

Highkey Rainforest Rooftop | 6 Platt St., New York, NY 10038 | $$

14. Lillie's Victorian Establishment

Perfectly capturing the spirit of the era referenced in its name, Lillie's Victorian Establishment leaves out not a single detail. If the pretty teatime furnishings are vintage at this fun NYC restaurant, the modern menu brings you back to the future.

The Vibe

If you're searching for fancy restaurants in NYC, this should be one of your first choices. Elaborate Victorian décor sets the period, with magical leanings and references to the wee folk that will make your evening feel spectacular.

What to Order

Do yourself a favor and savor the lobster ravioli or the truffle gnocchi. Two elegant pasta selections that will make you come back to this fun restaurant in NYC time and time again.

Lillie's Victorian Establishment | Multiple Locations | $$$ 

15. The Folly

Calling all seafood lovers. Ahoy! The Folly bills itself as a gastropub with a distinctly nautical feel. The impact turns a fun restaurant in NYC into a winsome hideaway with swashbuckling aspirations.

The Vibe

Who would have thought that a place in SoHo could make us feel as if we were at sea? Wooden rib beams and portholes lining the walls create the sensation of dining in the belly of a pirate ship, minus the seasickness.

What to Order

The lobster mac and cheese is one of our favorite choices. The Folly makes it extra flavorful by adding a mix of Parmesan, cheddar and Gruyère, all blended in a delightful soubise sauce.

The Folly | 92 W. Houston St., New York, NY 10012 | $$

16. Barcade

For the vid-heads looking for fun restaurants in NYC, there's Barcade. This combo bar and arcade provides non-stop gaming entertainment, along with its bites and beverages.

The Vibe

Retro and nostalgia-inducing décor are the name of the game at this fun restaurant in NYC. Wall-to-wall pinball machines and video games keep this space chiming.

What to Order

Treat your crew to a falafel platter, featuring freshly made falafel served with warm pitas and a flavor fest of fresh vegetables.

Barcade | Multiple Locations | $$

17. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

A decadent sweet shop like Max Brenner Chocolate Bar that doubles as a fun restaurant in NYC should be on every diner's agenda. Inside, you'll find gooey gourmet creations, fine food offerings and top-notch beverages.

The Vibe

It’s impossible not to engage with chocolate at this fun restaurant in NYC. That’s the whole purpose. This boutique beauty makes dropping in for a bite a sweet prospect.

What to Order

A showstopper at this fun restaurant in NYC is the chocolate chunks pizza. The combination of melted milk and white chocolate chunks, paired with your choice of toppings, is a luxury you must indulge in.

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar | Multiple Locations | $$ 

18. Guantanamera

Care for dancing and rhythm? Guantanamera is a fun restaurant in NYC where every bite comes with a side of Cuban food and music. This Midtown staple will keep your energy high with mojitos and live salsa.

The Vibe

At this fun restaurant in NYC, the party starts the moment you walk in. From cigar rollers to live Latin music, it’s Havana nights all week long.

What to Order

Start with classic empanadas or tostones rellenos. Then dive into the ropa vieja, a favorite at this fun restaurant in NYC that features a traditional shredded beef dish in Creole sauce that pairs perfectly with a fresh mojito.

Guantanamera | 939 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10019 | $$

19. Oscar Wilde

The lit-wit who was Oscar Wilde gets a buzzy tribute at the fun NYC restaurant named and decorated in his honor. This spot is an excellent choice for a bottomless brunch in NYC.

The Vibe

When you enter this fun restaurant in NYC, you’ll feel like you’re entering a postcard from the past, from the furniture to the knick-knacks to the drink menu. This dazzler of a spot boasts NYC's longest bar, at 118 ½ feet! It’s also a great option if you need something more intimate for an event, as it is one of the best restaurants with private rooms in NYC.

What to Order

We recommend feasting on buttermilk chicken served on a brioche bun and seasoned with dijonnaise and something the menu calls "hot sauce powder." It's bound to be an adventure.

Oscar Wilde | 45 W. 27th St., New York, NY 10001 | $$$ 

20. Surf Bar

Looking for a place that feels like a beach day in the middle of Brooklyn? Surf Bar is a fun restaurant in NYC that delivers just that. With a tropical vibe, sand-covered floors and frozen cocktails, every visit feels like a mini getaway.

The Vibe

Surf Bar is one of the most fun restaurants in NYC for warm-weather hangs or anytime you need a break from the city. Think surfboards, string lights and a backyard patio that’s perfect for groups.

What to Order

Try the coconut shrimp with mango salsa or the grilled mahi mahi burger. We also love the frozen piña colada at this fun restaurant in NYC for cooling off.

Surf Bar | 139 N. Sixth St., Brooklyn, NY 11249 | $$

21. Ellen’s Stardust Diner

When it comes to fun restaurants in NYC, Ellen’s Stardust Diner takes center stage. This retro 1950s-themed diner serves up classic American fare with a side of show-stopping performances from its world-famous singing waitstaff, the Stardusters.

The Vibe

Step into one of the best diners in NYC, where nostalgia is filled with vintage memorabilia. This includes photos of past Miss Subways, a 1956 Predicta television and a drive-in theater screen showcasing 1950s performances. 

What to Order

Indulge in diner favorites of this fun restaurant in NYC, like juicy burgers and creamy milkshakes that keep guests coming back for more. One of our personal favorites is the Cookie Monster, with cookie dough ice cream and chocolate chips.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner | 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 | $$

22. Grand Central Oyster Bar

Hidden beneath the iconic arches of Grand Central, the Grand Central Oyster Bar has been serving seafood since 1913. It’s one of the most fun restaurants in NYC for anyone who loves oysters, old-school charm and a little bit of NYC history with their meal.

The Vibe

The vaulted Guastavino-tiled ceilings and bustling counters create an atmosphere that's both grand and welcoming at this fun restaurant in NYC. The energy is always lively, making it a perfect spot for a pre-show meal or a casual dinner

What to Order

Start with a selection from the extensive oyster list, featuring varieties from both coasts. The Oyster Pan-Roast, a creamy stew made to order, is a house specialty that's not to be missed. 

Grand Central Oyster Bar | 89 E. 42nd St., New York, NY 10017 | $$

23. 886

If you're seeking a fun restaurant in NYC that brings a modern twist to Taiwanese cuisine, look no further than 886. Named after Taiwan's international calling code, this East Village hotspot serves up bold flavors and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the energy high.

The Vibe

Punchy lighting and quirky décor stand out at this fun restaurant in NYC. There’s also a playlist that keeps the good times rolling. It’s like stepping into a Taipei night market with a New York edge.

What to Order

Don’t miss the beef noodle soup, a rich, soul-warming bowl of roasted grass-fed beef broth and Wing Heung noodles that hits all the right notes. 

886 | 26 St. Marks Place, New York, NY 10003 | $$

24. Tatiana Restaurant

For a dining experience that combines Eastern European cuisine with vibrant entertainment, Tatiana Restaurant stands out among fun restaurants in NYC. This spot offers a unique blend of Russian dishes, with Vegas-style floor shows.

The Vibe

Expect a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a classic nightclub. With live music, dazzling performances and outdoor seating that offers ocean views, it's a fun restaurant in NYC where dining and entertainment go hand in hand.

What to Order

The Chicken Cutlet Kiev is a traditional must-try dish featuring tender chicken filled with herb butter. Don't miss the Vareniki Monuments, dumplings filled with flavors like cherry and sweet cheese.

Tatiana Restaurant | 3152 Brighton Sixth St., Brooklyn, NY 11235 | $$

25. The Turk’s Inn

When it comes to fun restaurants in NYC, The Turk’s Inn is a feast for the senses. This vibrant Bushwick spot blends vintage supper club vibes with bold Middle Eastern flavors.

The Vibe

You’ll find true theatrical flair at this fun restaurant in NYC. From velvet booths to rooftop cocktails at Kismet Garden, it’s part restaurant, part time machine and all fun.

What to Order

Start with the Wisconsin cheese curds, crispy, golden bites drizzled with hot honey that hit the perfect sweet-salty note. Then go for the baklava lamb ribs glazed in pistachio honey and topped with crispy kataifi. 

The Turk’s Inn | 234 Starr St., Brooklyn, NY 11237 | $$

Find the Best Culinary Experiences in NYC

No need to set out on your own to find the fun NYC restaurants when you have food tours in NYC to make quick work of your quest. Walk with an expert guide who's mapped out an easy route to the most fun restaurants in NYC, and see exciting sites along the way. These excursions are the perfect solution for shortening your search so you can get the good times rolling!

If you and your group prefer something a little more creative, taking a cooking class in NYC can be the perfect complement to dining at the most fun restaurants in the Big Apple. No matter what dishes you enjoy eating, there's sure to be a cooking class to teach you how to prepare them yourself!

The array of fun restaurants NYC offers leaves no doubt that this city is one of the world's most joyous dining destinations. Where else can you travel to the rooftops for drinks in a makeshift rainforest, descend to a faux cavern for dancing and drop in on a pirate ship for a late-night bite? 

With a variety of fun restaurants in NYC to flavor up your dining experience, you may be tempted to sample them all!

For even more ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.