Patchogue's Side Street Dive launches singing server dining inspired by NYC's Stardust

A taste of city show biz is coming to Long Island with the launch of a new immersive dining experience inspired by New York City’s famed Ellen's Stardust Diner.

The curtain rises during brunch at Patchogue's Side Street Dive Saturday for "Side Street Live," an immersive dining experience featuring interactive performances by singing servers not unlike Stardust. The city diner has been known for being a pre-Broadway launchpad for servers since 1987. 

The Patchogue experience, said owner Max Feinberg, is intended as a compliment to the iconic eatery for "being the best, in my opinion, in the world at theatrical service performances." But it's not a replica.

"We thought that it would be fun to showcase Broadway caliber, local talent here on Long Island and provide a unique experience inspired by Ellen’s but not Ellen’s," he said. "We’re taking inspiration from them and doing our own experience."

After auditioning almost 200 performers, Feinberg's team landed on 22 singing servers that will be on the floor for "Side Street Live." Their positions all range from servers, bartenders, food runners and bus people. "We were floored by the talent," Feinberg said. "It’s a really nice diversity in terms of strengths and vocal styles."

Patchogue's performance dining experiences will also feature confetti and bubble guns. It'll launch with brunch and expand to dinner.. The menu will include Side Street Live’s lunch and dinner specials as well as a brunch section which will include a bacon, egg and cheese, French toast sticks as well as an assortment of pancake stacks such as confetti pancakes, banana strawberry pancakes and chocolate chip delight pancakes.

An exclusive cocktail menu featuring eight drinks with nods to various Broadway shows and songs will be available only during the experience.

"That’s a really fun touch on the menu," said Feinberg. "We do have a couple of mocktails on there as well so our younger customers can get the same fun experience but in a drink that’s suitable."

Brunch service will be available every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy the experience every Thursday for dinner from 6 to 10 p.m., except for July 16, 30 and Aug. 13 due to the Alive After Five event, owner Max Feinberg said. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be booked on Open Table. There is no fee to reserve.

Side Street Dive opened in Patchogue this spring in the former Burgerology space which closed in 2024. Feinberg also owns Bull Smith’s Tavern and Borelli’s Tap Room in Long Beach.

Side Street Dive, 11 Railroad Ave., Patchogue, sidestreetdive.com. Open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Saturday, Noon to midnight Sunday.