Planning a trip to the newly reopened Planet Hollywood New York after an incredible $20 million renovation? Here’s my honest review — read this before you go!
Perhaps it’s the expected, yet never properly anticipated, late spring bump in temperature. Perhaps it’s the subsequent increase in classic city smells that perfume the air — trash, dirty water, and old shoes. Perhaps it’s simply the feeling of being unmoored in today’s world. Whichever way one wants to spin it, I am exhausted.
Our reservation is at 5:00PM, and I called ahead and asked if it would be alright to arrive early. No problem, we’re told. That’s perfect and we head right over. The facade is bedazzled with blinking lights and flashing signs, along with the most exuberant restaurant associate I’ve ever met. His attitude perfectly matches the archetypal vibe of midtown Manhattan, specifically that of Times Square (136 W. 42nd Street).
Indoors is a bit more subdued, with steep booths and dark leather seats. There are huge panels on the walls, displaying music videos or underwater animations. The manager on duty, Andy, warmly greets us and we are seated immediately. Our server Tara follows with an impressive enthusiasm and obvious knowledge regarding the menu.
Drinks at Planet Hollywood NY
My photographer orders the Bold Fashioned, and it arrives with a single ice cube and is standard, perhaps skewing a bit sweet. He notes its “smooth and clean with a zesty orange tone” impression. My own blood orange margarita arrives without a salt rim but remains refreshingly tart thanks to the pomegranate arils, vibrant and ruby red.
The Appetizers
Planet Hollywood New York might be a bit gimmicky, but one can never say it doesn’t know what today’s generation of customers wants. Namely, that they can’t decide and want to sample a bit of everything. The Walk of Fame High Roller is a giant metal Ferris wheel (that doesn’t actually spin, much to my disappointment) that houses small plates of their most popular shareables.
Blackened shrimp, guacamole, their famous “chicken crunch” made with the corresponding Cap’n Crunch cereal, twice-cooked buffalo wings, and prime rib sliders arrive, with sides of blue corn tortilla chips, jus for the sliders, and house-made sauces (ranch and garlic aioli).
The chicken crunch is a true surprise: excellently fried chicken tenders, perfectly crisp on the outside but not overly greasy, and juicy and flavorful on the inside. There’s a slight sweetness from the cereal, emerging stronger than the natural glucose that would come from pure carbohydrate breakdown alone, and is quite tasty when paired with the sauces. We both commend its success in achieving a nostalgic touch to an otherwise contemporary selection.
The blackened shrimp is also a hit, with a heavily seasoned exterior and a satisfying bite to the shrimp itself (noted as “quite plump” by my partner in crime). He also enjoys the prime rib sliders despite their abundance of arugula (my least favorite vegetable) and compliments their “juicy and rich” aroma. Overall, the appetizers are more hits than misses, and I appreciate the ability to try many options at a lower price point than ordering them all separately.
The Mains at Planet Hollywood New York
I order the prime rib, sourced from local meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda, and it arrives with jus and horseradish sauce, along with a bed of mashed potatoes and a veritable mountain of broccolini. I can’t find too many good things about the prime rib other than the respectable size, which would feed a fairly hungry, fairly tall person to satiety.
It’s a shame, then, that the beef itself is overcooked and the inside is bland while the outer coating is inconsistently seasoned. The potatoes are standard if a bit dry, improved with the jus, and the broccolini is downright delicious. It’s fresh, crisp without being undercooked, and crunchy, and garlicky. S,o cheers to that, although I really cannot in good conscience recommend the prime rib itself.
My partner fares much better, ordering a wagyu beef burger. Cooked to an accurate medium rare, the patty is well seasoned and comes adorned with goodies: cheese, bacon, a fried runny egg, and is so hefty that he has to cut the entire thing down to a more manageable size.
My photographer’s notes confirm that this is a “fork and knife” kind of burger and that he appreciates its “elevated take” on the all-American classic. The seasoned fries are good too, perfectly crisp and in an unusual yet pleasing curl with the textural combination of a potato wedge and a steak fry.
Dessert
Many desserts abound here, from a variety of cakes to milkshakes and shareable sundaes. By now, we are feeling quite full (that Ferris wheel of appetizers is not messing around) and opt for simple scoops of vanilla ice cream. Although it melted quickly and could have felt a bit more substantial on the tongue, I can see and taste real vanilla, and in the end, it is perfectly respectable.
Final Thoughts
There are places one goes to eat where the food is the destination, and there are places one goes to eat where the food is a stepping stone to the next part of the adventure. Planet Hollywood New York falls somewhere in the middle — if you know what to order, you’ll actually have a nice time and can enjoy the luxury of heat/air conditioning and clean restrooms while in the heart of Times Square, before returning to the infamous jungle outside.
I recommend sticking with the classics, since the appetizers, burgers, and fried food all turned out well. Maybe skip the fancier dishes. Nonetheless, credit is due to the incredible hospitality shown by the entire team during our visit. Tourists will likely be as impressed by the square footage and decent (along with decently priced) drinks as they are by the friendliness of each encounter.
Three Best Bites
- Blood orange margarita — definitely elevated by the presence of fresh pomegranate.
2. “Chicken Crunch” — the surprise hit of the evening, and the item that made me realize whoever is working the fryers knows what they’re doing.
- The…broccolini? — Yes, it was that good, and no, I don’t know why.
Bathroom Corner
Two bathrooms on the second floor, each gender neutral, each equipped with all the necessities, all of which become scarcer the closer one gets to the heart of the city. The thick doors aren’t quite thick enough to block out the loud music from the main dining area but you can’t win ‘em all.
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