Empire Steak House is a hit. Started by two brothers who had a lifelong passion for all things butchery and who formally learned the trade at the inimitable Peter Luger, Empire Steak House is unassuming and delivers well above expectations. There are two Manhattan locations, one in Midtown East and the other in Midtown West, both with warm vibes that are atypical of the traditional midtown spots that cater successfully to the workweek business crowds.
The Midtown East location is particularly stunning – a bit of a show stopper. It’s the type of place you might expect to go for a formal gala or a New Year’s Eve ball. It’s spacious and rich with a grandiose winding staircase, spectacularly high ceilings and a beautiful chandelier centerpiece, yet the space still exudes coziness. It’s the type of place you can duck into for quiet, leisurely time with a person or two while enjoying a relaxing, luxurious dining experience in a private booth. Alternatively, you can reserve an elegant private space for a larger party – either for business or personal affairs.
The history of the Midtown East building is storied. It was originally designed as an opera house and then was later operated as a cabaret. At one time, the house band was led by Desi Arnaz and was frequented by the likes of Ginger Rogers and Judy Garland. Edith Piaf even once performed there in the late 1940s. In more recent years, the space was operated as a club and then later a string of restaurants, until it became the steak house that it is today.
Empire Steak House does not rely on its aesthetics or on the steady flow of business lunch traffic, but rather focuses very seriously on delivering the highest level of quality in all aspects of its operations. From the incredible hospitality of the staff, to the well-informed General Manager, and the pleasant servers, Empire Steak House offers a premium, comfortable, and most importantly delicious dining experience that will make you return over and over.
As the name implies, the restaurant is known for its meats – steaks of all varieties including their USDA Prime Dry Aged Porterhouses, for one, two, three, or four. For lighter fare, the filet mignon and the sirloin steak are great choices – beautifully seared with tender and succulent meat. For a uniquely decadent option, try one of their two Japanese Steaks, the imported A5 grade Wagyu Rib Eye or Tenderloin.
For alternative red meat, the restaurant also offers a rack of lamb and a rack of veal. And if you’re not feeling in the mood for a meat-heavy dish, you won’t be left stranded. The restaurant boasts a large seafood, poultry, and pasta selection broad enough to please every palate and will also accommodate necessary customizations, including providing vegetarian entrees upon request.
The starters are also not to be missed, many of which are seafood dishes serving as the perfect lead-in to a meat-centric meal. If you’re seeking a fresh option, do try one of their soups or salads, the burrata (imported from Italy) being a great choice.
All of this is complemented by a wine list with over 400 choices and a Single Malt Scotch list with over 100 options. The selection of desserts is perfectly appropriate for a steak house, with a variety of the classics including NY Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, and a lighter Tartufo. But do pay special attention to the Tiramisu, which is made in-house daily. A perfect end to the meal.
Empire Steak House exceeded all expectations and is a lovely choice for a variety of occasions. Though it’s young, it will likely one day become a New York City classic.
