A Reel Review: Beetle House

No other medium has a presence in our culture like film. Great films with memorable characters and iconic visuals can make their way into our everyday lives, and be seen in conventions, businesses, and everyday talk. This week, special guest writer Jessica Petro (this Blogger’s girlfriend), takes a big adventure to Beetle House; a Tim Burton themed restaurant in New York City. 

As a late 80’s, early 90’s kid, one of the most memorable and iconic filmmakers for a young mind is the one and only Tim Burton. From EDWARD SCISSORHANDS to BEETLEJUICE and BATMAN to SWEENEY TODD, each film transported us to different worlds of “pure imagination.” One would expect a restaurant themed after his works to do the same. 

This past weekend I, with three fellow Burton lovers, had the privilege of visiting the Tim Burton themed restaurant in New York City, which has been featured on websites Mashable and Delish for more than a few good reasons. 

As you’re walking down 6th Street, in the NoHo area, the Beetle House sign is clearly visible, with black brick and purple velvet ropes notifying us that we’re in the right place; even though the exterior doesn’t look very different from surrounding buildings. But as soon as we cracked the door open, we were greeted with a surprise sand worm (hate ‘em, right?) and transported into the afterlife.

The interior is a typical Manhattan-sized restaurant: tiny, long and skinny building with only about 10 tables and a 10-seat bar, making this a very exclusive restaurant requiring early reservations. Every aspect of the decor is thought out with precision right down to the dark, mysterious lighting and purple, black and white brick walls. The decor screams BETELGEUSE (just don’t say his name 3 times), with black and white striped accent walls, but take a closer look around to find nods to many Burton films while music from all of his films play while dining. Pictures on the walls range from ALICE IN WONDERLAND to PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE and everywhere in between. An EDWARD SCISSORHANDS sign points the way to the bathroom while Sally from THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and Willy Wonka entertains patrons at their seats. 

The only thing that compares to the insanely perfect decor is the menu. The most delicious and refreshing drinks are themed with names like Coco Skellington, Fleet Street Martini, and Alice’s Cup of Tea (all taste-tested by yours truly purely in the name of research.) Appetizer and main course dishes have regular and vegan options like the Deetz Cocktail (although this one didn’t jump out and pull your face into the bowl,) Brains and Chips, Vegan Cheshire Mac, Shrimpy Hollow, and Edward BurgerHands. ALL delicious options!

There is not one aspect of this tiny New York City treasure that wasn’t precisely and perfectly thought out. This is the restaurant for a Burton fan! If you get the chance (and make sure to make a reservation) get to Beetle House as fast as Edward styles hair!

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Written by Jessica Petro. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.  

Make your reservation, view the menu, and find out more HERE