Jekyll and Hyde Restaurant and Bar
91 7th Avenue South New York, NY 10014

            “Quickly! Come in! Come in! Don’t let the cold air in…” An old maid greeted us. She stuffed the hungry clientele in a small room, and stood silently as if waiting for someone. Suddenly, the ceiling started lowering on all of the patrons, including myself. When the ceiling was about eight feet from the floor, it stopped. “You have all passed the test, you may now enter,” the maid said as she allowed us to enter this house of horrors. That’s how I was introduced to the Jekyll and Hyde restaurant. Jekyll and Hyde’s is a horror themed restaurant located in New York City. Instead of waiters and hosts, there are actors and actresses serving you. Everyone is dressed as butlers, maids, monsters, mummies, mad scientists, and ghouls. It is hard to choose a mere three qualities that make this restaurant so great.  However, if I had to choose, the most engaging aspects of Jekyll and Hyde would be the appearance, the atmosphere, and the food.

        As I initially approached the restaurant, I knew it was going to be quite an experience. On the outside of the structure there are skeletons climbing the walls and a plane that seemingly crashed into the top of the building.  When my friends and I arrived, we were told to wait for ten minutes before we were allowed to enter. At first I wasn’t sure what the wait was for, but I think it had something to do with my near-death experience as I entered the restaurant. After the extravagant opening, we were allowed to enter this haunted bistro. Three different levels made up this ghostly edifice. On the library level, books and lanterns covered in cobwebs decorated the walls. On level three, the laboratory, beakers and strange tools ornamented the room. There were roaming eyes on the pictures that seemed to follow me everywhere I went. The last level is the dungeon, which is where I ate my meal. Skulls, and chains covered in cobwebs adorned this area. The bar, which was right next to my table, had very absurd bar stool, they were giant dinosaur legs. I hadn’t even ordered my meal, and I was in love with this place.

Four televisions were overhead. All of them were playing black and white horror movies. The sound was off on the televisions, however, corny horror music such as the “monster mash” was blaring. There was very dim lighting that made it hard to see other tables very well. I didn’t mind though. I would rather not see the undead waitresses serving meals. Skits occur every ten minutes at this restaurant. There was a giant stage in the center of the restaurant that is three levels high. Fear not if the skit isn’t on your level, it will be on the television as well. The first skit we saw was a mad scientist bringing Frankenstein to life. There were thunderously loud explosions, and I’m sure the electric currents can be heard out side. I also heard children crying, but that wasn’t part of the skit. The children there were scared half to death of the hideous monsters and the earsplitting noises. I really enjoyed these skits; consequently I had forgotten to order my meal.

While the waiter patiently leaned on the bar, I decided on an appetizer, boneless Buffalo wings. Eight delicious and spicy wings came on the plate. The finger-sized entrée was an excellent start to my meal. They were extremely juicy; it was as if I was biting into an orange. Although they were a little sloppy, I enjoyed the boneless aspect of the wings. I had never had boneless Buffalo wings before, and I was very happy I had tried them. The dinner I decided on was Jambalaya Pasta. Choosing a meal was the hardest part of my evening. This Italian American restaurant had everything from pizza to hamburgers to salmon. Shortly after the second skit, my meal arrived. Fortunately no newt’s eyes or pig snouts were contained in it. My Jambalaya Pasta was delicious. It was served beautifully covered with grated parmesan cheese. This snow-capped mountain was served on a Frisbee sized plate. The meal consisted of noodles, which melted in my mouth, topped with sausage, ham and shrimp. The smells coming from the plate reminded me of my grandmother’s spaghetti. With each bite I seemed to grow more and more hungry. I was extremely satisfied with the delicious meal and the entertaining restaurant.

Happen to be in New York? Jekyll and Hyde’s restaurant and bar is definitely the place to be. Great atmosphere and appearance both make you want to go back. If not for the skits, I would have to return to order something else off of their diverse menu. These are just a few of the reasons I adored my dinner.  I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants an engaging dining experience as well as a great meal.