Inside BeetleHouse NYC: The Spooky Burton-Inspired Restaurant You Have to Try

Written & Photos By Jaimz Dillman

There’s no better place to check out for dinner than BeetleHouse. The year-round Halloween-themed restaurant sprung up in 2016 celebrating many Burton films in décor, interactive characters, and inspired dishes. A few other horror staples are sprinkled in here and there, but this is largely an homage to Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland, and Dark Shadows.

Character actors mingle through the small space effectively and don’t interfere too much. I know sometimes this kind of entertainment can get cringey, but the Edward, Barnabas, and BJ we saw graced tables with their spirit rather effectively. They all took turns on the mic too, proving you can still have pipes even in the afterlife. QR codes are at each table to tip the performers, and they definitely earn it. Our server, Tim, was gracious and very helpful with his personal menu recommendations.

Your Poltergeist Fest is a prix fixe menu that includes a starter, entrée, and dessert “to die for,” all priced at $65 per person. Standouts were definitely Boogie’s Braised Bacon, Edward Burger Hands (complete with scissors through the sandwich), and the Sweeney Beef (a small $7 upcharge, but you get to keep the accompanying toy straight razor). Quick warning to spice-sensitive diners: the Frites and Frites may pack a little too much punch for light palates.

Death by Chocolate and Emily’s Wedding Cake were perfect endings to our meals, and Tim was more than happy to pack up our leftovers. Servings are plentiful, and I doubt anyone goes away hungry.

The bar menu was equally inventive. I sampled the Monster Mix-Up, vanilla vodka with pineapple juice that turns green with a pour of blue curaçao, and the Headless Horseman Old Fashioned, both $18. The teen had the BeetleJuice mocktail for $16.

Reservations are required, but we didn’t have a problem getting a table the day of. That may be a little more difficult as we get further into the fall season.

This was a fun, family-friendly time in the city that never sleeps. Even for the undead.

Reservations and info can be found at beetlehousenyc.com.