Times Square is basically a neon-soaked fever dream. If you’ve ever stood on the corner of 45th and Broadway, you know the feeling. It’s loud. It’s crowded. And for decades, Planet Hollywood NYC Times Square was the kitschy, movie-obsessed heart of that chaos. But here's the thing: most people still think of the old 57th Street location or get confused about where the memorabilia actually went after the massive 2021 shifts.
It isn't just a place to get an overpriced burger.
Honestly, it's a living museum of 90s blockbuster culture that somehow survived the rise and fall of "eatertainment." While other themed cafes folded under the weight of changing tastes, Planet Hollywood dug its heels into the Manhattan pavement. It’s weirdly nostalgic. You walk in and you're immediately hit with the sight of a costume from The Hunger Games or a prop from Die Hard. It’s a lot to take in.
The Reality of the Times Square Move
Let’s clear something up right away. The original New York City flagship wasn't always in the heart of the theater district. It opened back in 1991 on West 57th Street. That was the era of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis showing up to cut ribbons and pretend they were actually flipping burgers in the kitchen. It was peak celebrity worship.
The shift to 1540 Broadway—right in the thick of Planet Hollywood NYC Times Square—happened in the early 2000s. They moved because, frankly, that's where the tourists are. If you want to survive in New York real estate, you go where the foot traffic is heaviest.
The restaurant took over a massive footprint inside the same building that houses the Bertelsmann Building. It’s huge. We're talking about a space that feels like a multi-level labyrinth of cinematic history. But don't expect a quiet dinner. If you’re looking for a romantic, candlelit evening, you are in the wrong zip code. This place is about sensory overload. Screens everywhere. Loud music. The constant hum of thousands of people passing by outside the windows.
Why the Memorabilia Matters More Than the Menu
People love to dunk on the food at themed restaurants.
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"The chicken tenders are just chicken tenders," they say. Sure. Maybe. But you aren't paying $25 for a salad because of the lettuce. You're paying for the fact that you're sitting three feet away from the "Wilson" volleyball from Cast Away or a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe.
The curation here is actually legit. Robert Earl, the founder, didn't just buy replicas. These are screen-used artifacts. Planet Hollywood has one of the largest private collections of Hollywood memorabilia in the world. In the Times Square location, the displays rotate. You might see the hockey mask from Friday the 13th one month and superhero suits the next.
It's a strange vibe.
You’re eating "World Famous Chicken Crunch"—which, by the way, is coated in Cap’n Crunch cereal—while staring at a piece of the Death Star. It’s peak Americana. It’s ridiculous and wonderful all at once.
Navigating the Chaos: A Local's Perspective
If you’re actually going to visit Planet Hollywood NYC Times Square, you need a strategy. Don't just wander in at 7:00 PM on a Saturday. You’ll wait two hours. You’ll be miserable.
- Go for a late lunch. Around 3:00 PM is the sweet spot.
- Ask for a table near the windows. People-watching on Broadway is better than any movie.
- Check the "Star Shop" on your way out. It’s a tourist trap, obviously, but they occasionally have location-specific gear that isn't totally terrible.
The layout is a bit of a trip. You usually enter through a smaller street-level entrance and head up. The scale of the dining room is what usually catches people off guard. It’s cavernous. The ceilings are high, the lighting is dim but neon-accented, and the walls are literally covered in glass cases.
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One thing most people miss? The signatures. Look at the pillars and walls near the entrance and bar area. Dozens of A-list actors have scrawled their names directly onto the fixtures over the years. It’s a bit like a permanent yearbook for the movie industry.
The Survival of the Themed Experience
Why is this place still here?
Think about it. The Official All Star Cafe is gone. The Fashion Cafe is a distant, weird memory. Even some Hard Rock locations have struggled. But Planet Hollywood NYC Times Square persists. Part of it is the location, obviously. Being across from the Disney Store and the TKTS booth is basically a license to print money.
But there’s also a shift in how they operate. They’ve leaned heavily into the "group dining" market. If you’ve ever seen a busload of high school theater kids in matching hoodies, they were probably headed to Planet Hollywood. It’s one of the few places in Midtown that can seat 50 people at once without the staff having a collective nervous breakdown.
The menu has also tried to keep up, sort of. They brought in Guy Fieri to design some of the burgers. Whether you love or hate the Mayor of Flavortown, his "Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger" is a massive seller. It’s heavy. It’s messy. It’s exactly what you expect from a place that has a life-sized Terminator in the lobby.
What’s Actually Changing in 2026?
The landscape of Times Square is constantly shifting. There have been rumors for years about the restaurant moving again or downsizing as digital experiences take over. However, the physical presence of movie history still draws people in.
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There's something about seeing a physical object—a prop that was actually on a film set—that a digital screen can't replicate. In an era where everything is a CGI green screen, standing next to a hand-carved model or a hand-sewn costume feels... real.
The 1540 Broadway location has undergone several "refreshes" to keep the tech from looking like it’s stuck in 1998. The sound systems are better. The screens are 4K. But the core appeal remains the same as it was when it opened. It’s a temple to the movies.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to hit up Planet Hollywood NYC Times Square, keep these realities in mind.
- The Price Tag: You are in Times Square. Expect "Times Square Prices." A burger, a soda, and a tip will easily run you $40 or more per person. It’s a splurge for the atmosphere, not a budget meal.
- The Crowd: It is loud. If you have sensory sensitivities, this might be a challenge. There are constantly movie clips playing at high volume and a lot of excited shouting.
- The Photos: This is one of the few places where the staff doesn't mind if you wander around taking photos of the cases. In fact, they encourage it. Just don't be the person blocking the servers while you try to get a selfie with a lightsaber.
- Reservations: Use them. Don't rely on walk-ins, especially during the holiday season or summer months.
Ultimately, Planet Hollywood isn't trying to be a Michelin-star destination. It's a loud, proud, cinematic explosion in the middle of the world’s most famous intersection. It represents a specific era of New York history—the "Disneyfication" of Times Square that started in the 90s and never really stopped.
Whether you find it tacky or charming, it’s a staple. It’s part of the fabric of the neighborhood. If you want a slice of Hollywood in the middle of Manhattan, there really isn't anywhere else quite like it.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your visit to the Broadway area, you should check the official Planet Hollywood website for their current "Movie Memorabilia Map." They often update which major pieces are currently on display at the Times Square location so you don't miss the specific props from your favorite films. Additionally, if you're planning to see a Broadway show, aim to eat at least two and a half hours before your curtain time. The service is generally fast, but the security lines and elevator wait times in the 1540 Broadway building can add an unexpected 15 minutes to your transit. Stick to the signature items like the Chicken Crunch or the Fieri-designed burgers for the most "authentic" experience, and don't forget to look up—some of the best props are suspended from the ceiling.