Surprise! NYC’s new Planet Hollywood restaurant has shockingly good food

New York Post - May 7th, 2025

Planet Hollywood has unveiled its third NYC location at 136 W. 42nd St., offering unexpectedly high-quality food that defies its previous reputation for tacky, processed fare. The new venue, spread across three levels and costing nearly $20 million, has attracted celebrities like Alec Baldwin and 50 Cent since its opening. Despite the absence of the iconic memorabilia from past iterations, the eatery impresses with its menu that outshines nearby tourist hotspots like Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp. The dishes, crafted by unnamed local chefs, include standout items like the L.A. Lasagna and a deluxe Wagyu burger, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

The reopening of Planet Hollywood marks a significant shift from its past culinary failures, aiming to establish a new identity that appeals to New Yorkers and visitors alike. Founder Robert Earl's vision of a more complex and appealing dining experience appears to be paying off as the restaurant gains traction in a competitive market. With quality ingredients sourced from notable suppliers and a focus on indulgent yet well-executed 'fun' food, the new Planet Hollywood could redefine its place in the New York dining scene, shaking off its old reputation and setting a new standard for celebrity-themed eateries.

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Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging account of the reopening of Planet Hollywood in New York City, focusing on the improved food quality and updated ambiance. It effectively captures the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and a conversational tone. However, the article would benefit from a more balanced perspective, as it predominantly highlights positive aspects without delving into potential criticisms or alternative viewpoints. The lack of attributed sources and limited transparency in methodology also affect the article's credibility. While the story is timely and relevant to those interested in the NYC dining scene, its broader public interest and impact are limited. Overall, the article is a well-written piece that could be strengthened by incorporating more diverse perspectives and verifiable sources.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, such as the new location of Planet Hollywood at 136 W. 42nd St., its opening timeline, and the significant renovation costs. These claims align with available information, suggesting a reasonable level of accuracy. However, some details, like the exact cost of renovations, are presented as a range, indicating a lack of precision. The mention of unnamed local chefs and the sourcing of ingredients from Pat La Frieda are plausible but lack verifiable specifics. Additionally, the article's claim about the presence of celebrities at the opening is credible but would benefit from further confirmation.

Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the positive aspects of the new Planet Hollywood, particularly its improved food quality. While it acknowledges past criticisms of the restaurant's culinary offerings, the narrative is heavily skewed towards highlighting the restaurant's transformation and appeal. There is little exploration of potential downsides or criticisms beyond a brief mention of the chicken pot pie. This lack of balance could be addressed by including perspectives from a broader range of patrons or culinary experts.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from the restaurant's history to its current iteration. The language is engaging and descriptive, effectively conveying the author's experiences and impressions. However, some sections, such as the description of the decor and multimedia elements, could benefit from clearer explanations to enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The article does not clearly attribute its information to specific sources, relying instead on the author's observations and unnamed local chefs. While the mention of Robert Earl, the founder, adds some credibility, the lack of direct quotes or references to authoritative sources diminishes the overall reliability. The article would benefit from direct interviews or statements from involved parties to enhance its source quality.

Transparency

There is limited transparency in the article regarding the methodology behind the claims made, such as how the author assessed the food quality or the criteria used for comparison with other restaurants. The absence of explicit disclosure about potential conflicts of interest, such as any affiliations with Planet Hollywood, also affects transparency. Providing more context about the author's background and any potential biases would improve this dimension.