Beetle House NYC is unassuming from the outside, but once you step inside this restaurant, you’ll be transported into the mind of Tim Burton. This restaurant on East 6th Street in the East Village was created by Zach Neil, opening as a pop-up in April 2016 before becoming a permanent fixture. It’s basically a year-round celebration of Halloween and the spooky mind of Tim Burton, the director of Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas, despite the fact that there is no official affiliation with the director. And the best part of all is that the creepy cast of characters serenade you and put on a show as you eat horror-inspired meals. And the food’s actually pretty good! We dive into all of the details you need to know before booking Beetle House NYC.
What Makes Beetle House Different
Most themed restaurants stop at decor. Beetle House doesn’t. You’re not just eating in a Tim Burton-themed room. You might have Beetlejuice sit down at your table mid-meal while he sings Creep by Radiohead to you.
It’s the same logic as our post on Gayle’s vs. Ellen’s, NYC’s premiere Broadway restaurants. It’s the performances and incredible vocal talent that make it worth a visit.
Beetle House NYC Reservations: What to Know Before Booking
Here are some important details to note before booking.
- Beetle House NYC is only open Thursday through Sunday. Check current hours before planning around it.
- It’s East Village, so pair it with a night out in the neighborhood rather than a quick pre-theater stop.
- Go in ready to lean into it. Costumes aren’t required, but nobody will look twice if you show up in one.
The Tim Burton-Themed Menu and Cocktails
The kitchen leans into the bit without losing the plot. Entrées and drinks are all themed to make the experience even more fun and immersive. While you shouldn’t come expecting the most refined tasting menu in the city, the food is actually pretty good. Come for a full sensory theme night that happens to also feed you well.
Best Seats for the Beetle House NYC Dinner Show
There isn’t really a wrong seat. The whole room is part of the set, and the actors/singers move throughout the room. But ask for a table near the main floor rather than tucked in a back corner. You want to be close enough to be part of the show, not watching from a distance.
Plenty of restaurants have better food, but not many hand you a cocktail named after Beetlejuice and then send Beetlejuice’s understudy to your table. A meal at Beetle House NYC is one you’ll remember forever.
