Tourists stepped off the streets of Times Square and into an international space station, where they were issued Mars Federation visas before being herded into one of the two 30-seater simulation rides. Mars 2112 was founded by Irish businessman and former meat mogul Paschal Phelan, who had visions of the restaurant being more of an event than an experience: “the fusion of fun and good food and fantasy,” he told the New York Times for a story that ran in 1998.

The 33,000-square-foot space was the largest themed restaurant of its kind when it opened in 1998. I’m opening my mouth like a foghorn and emitting a high-pitched woot- hell yes-and also I’ll take the Nebula Chili Nachos. When the waiter asks me if I would like to try the “Sub Space Sampler,” the answer is not simply yes. I want to play in the futuristic Cyber Street arcade. I want to chug sugary outer space cocktails at the Star Bar. And I’m fantasizing about partying with martians. I’ve been trapped in my house with my wife and children. It was basically a space-themed version of Applebee’s. Having been there just once, when I was 18 years old, I can say it was tacky. Martians with names and backstories mingled among the tables for photo ops and conversation. Patrons dined in the three-story high Crystal Crater, decorated with neon lights and bubbling lava pools. It was like a Rainforest Cafe, except with aliens, craters, and a spaceflight simulation ride that dropped space travelers off at the hostess stand.

Few mourned it when it closed in 2012, one hundred years ahead of its time. Mars 2112 was a science-fiction themed restaurant and tourist trap in New York City.

Another space in time cafe