You remember the jackets. Those heavy, leather-sleeved varsity jackets with the giant embroidered globe on the back that every kid in the 90s begged for. For a long time, that was the legacy of Planet Hollywood in New York. It was this chaotic, neon-drenched temple of movie props where you’d eat a burger next to a Terminator arm or a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe. Then, the pandemic hit, the doors at the old 1540 Broadway spot stayed shut, and most people figured the "Planet" had finally stopped spinning in Manhattan.
Well, surprise. It’s back.
But honestly, if you walk into the new location at 136 West 42nd Street expecting a dusty museum of 80s action movie junk, you’re going to be pretty confused. The 2026 version of Planet Hollywood is a total pivot. They spent something like $20 million to turn a 20,000-square-foot space into what basically feels like a giant digital art installation that happens to serve Kobe cheesesteak empanadas. It’s smaller than the old multi-level behemoth, but it’s way more intense.
The "New" Planet Hollywood in New York Experience
The first thing you notice is the glowing staircase. It’s this Art Deco-style sculptural piece that leads you up into a three-story space that feels less like a restaurant and more like a high-end lounge in a sci-fi movie. Instead of glass cases filled with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s old boots, the walls are covered in over 690 video tiles. These aren't just TVs; they're an immersive "canopy" that wraps around the ceiling and floors.
One minute you’re eating under a simulated starry night, and the next, the entire room shifts into an underwater scene or a montage of classic cinema. It’s loud. It’s bright. It’s definitely Times Square.
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Robert Earl, the guy who founded the whole thing back in ’91 with Stallone and Bruce Willis, seems to have realized that 2026 tourists don't want to look at a static prop from The Fifth Element anymore. They want a background for their TikToks. The new space is basically built for that. There are multiple DJ booths, and once the dinner rush slows down, the vibe shifts into something much more "electric" (their word, not mine).
What’s on the Menu (and What to Skip)
Let's talk about the food, because that was always the weak point of the old-school theme restaurants. They’ve tried to level up. You can still get the "World Famous Chicken Crunch"—which, let's be real, is just sweet, cereal-crusted chicken tenders—but they’ve added some "elevated" stuff that’s actually surprisingly decent.
- The Kobe Cheesesteak Empanadas: These are the breakout stars. They’re served with a spicy pink mayo and chimichurri. They’re $25, which is typical NYC pricing, but they’re rich and actually taste like real food.
- The 1993 Icons: If you’re a purist, look for the section of the menu called "1993 Icons." It’s got the L.A. Lasagna (which is deep-fried, because of course it is) and the Nachos Grande.
- Guy Fieri’s Influence: They’ve kept some of the "Big Bite Burgers" from the Guy Fieri partnership. The Bacon Mac-N-Cheese burger is still there, and it’s still a heart attack on a bun.
- The Steaks: They’re sourcing meat from Pat LaFrieda now. If you’re going to drop $56 on a NY Strip Steak in Times Square, it might as well be from a legit local purveyor.
One weird thing? The memorabilia is mostly gone. There are a few bits and pieces, but the focus is 100% on the tech. If you’re a hardcore movie buff looking to see the actual axe from The Shining (which sold at auction recently for a staggering $125,000), you won't find it here. That stuff has been moved to the "Planet Hollywood Vault" or sold off to private collectors.
Why People Still Go to Times Square for This
You might wonder why anyone would choose a chain restaurant when New York has, you know, some of the best food on Earth just a few blocks away in Hell's Kitchen.
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Kinda comes down to the spectacle.
Times Square is a sensory overload, and Planet Hollywood in New York leans into that. It’s a reliable spot for families who have picky kids but still want to feel like they’re doing something "big." Plus, it’s one of the few places in that part of town where you can get a table for a group of ten without a three-month lead time, though reservations on OpenTable are highly recommended these days.
The service is surprisingly "on." Reviews from late 2025 and early 2026 consistently mention staff members who seem to actually enjoy the chaos. Maybe it’s the $20 million renovation energy, or maybe they just hire people who can handle the 42nd Street vibe.
Navigating the Space
It’s spread across three floors, and each has a slightly different feel:
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- Ground Floor: Mainly the entrance and that glowing staircase.
- Second Floor: The main dining hub. This is where the massive video canopy is. If you want the full "immersive" experience, this is where you want to be seated.
- Third Floor: More bars and DJ booths. This area gets a bit more "loungey" at night.
The Reality Check
Is it a five-star dining experience? No. It’s a theme restaurant. You’re paying for the lights, the location, and the fact that you can get a decent cocktail in a clean restroom environment right off 4th Avenue.
The drinks are actually a highlight. They have these "Super Nova Shakes" that are essentially sugar bombs topped with entire slices of cake. They're about $20, but one is enough for three people. If you're an adult looking for something stronger, the "Bold Fashioned" is their take on an Old Fashioned—it's a bit sweet, but it gets the job done.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to hit up Planet Hollywood in New York, don't just wing it.
- Book a Table: Use their website or OpenTable. Even though it’s big, it fills up fast, especially before Broadway shows let out.
- Timing is Everything: If you want to actually hear your companion speak, go for lunch or an early dinner (around 4:00 PM). If you want the "party" vibe, go after 8:00 PM when the DJs start.
- The Menu Hack: If you aren't starving, just get the "Walk of Fame High Roller." It’s a sampler platter that lets you try the chicken crunch, sliders, and empanadas without committing to a $50 entree.
- Check the Event Calendar: They’ve started hosting brand launches and art exhibits because of those massive screens. You might accidentally walk into a fashion show if you don't check their site first.
At the end of the day, the new Planet Hollywood is a bet on the future of "eatertainment." It’s less about the past of cinema and more about the future of digital immersion. It's a weird, bright, loud, and uniquely New York experience that somehow feels more at home in 2026 than the original ever did. Just don't forget to try those empanadas.