I had to leave this review quick before I forget. First off the location is perfect. It’s near Times Square without being inside of all the chaos that is Times Square. Short train ride and not too far from the ACE lines which was perfect. If you’re going to see a show, the theaters for Chicago and The Book of Mormon are right there so see a show and then grab some bites. Now on to the food. I started with the Lobster Bisque which was creamy and filled with lobster bits for some really good flavor. For my main course I ordered the Emperor Steak for 2, lobster tail, and asparagus. I’m warning you now. The lobster tail is humongous! As the saying goes, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I did take at least a few bites of everything and it was all delicious. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to the right temperature. My stomach was not disappointed. For dessert, I initially wanted it to go but alas, the dessert I wanted did not travel well, so I opted to eat it in house after I had some time to digest and make room. The lavender crème brûlée is a MUST. Your standard crème brûlée but with sweet bites of lavender. Courses were well paced as well. Of course, the most important part—the service. I don’t care how good the food is, if the service sucks I will never go again (at least not if I have to pay for it). No worries here though. The service was on point from the time you enter until the time you leave. I was promptly greeted and escorted to my table. When I sat down I was greeted again and offered a variety of water and menus. As I waited for my water, I was brought some fluffy bread and butter. The service just flowed. As I dined, my server, Albin consistently checked on me to make sure I was okay and was enjoying my meal. Manager, Riddi, could be seen making rounds in the dining area as well. Offering suggestions and making sure guests were satisfied. He even took these lively pictures for me. Overall, I had an enjoyable experience and would definitely be back. Wonder if they are open for the holidays so I don’t have to cook (haha). Thank you again to the entire staff for this experience!
PS; They offer half bottles of wine as well. This is something that over never seen at a restaurant. I normally have to order a full bottle and either down it all or wast money. The half bottle is unopened but not the full 750ml of standard bottle. It was a much...
Read moreBased on numerous online reviews and articles, Empire Steak House in Times Square is a popular destination, particularly for tourists and those attending Broadway shows. Here's a summary of what people think about it: The Positives: Atmosphere and Ambiance: Many visitors praise the restaurant's elegant and sophisticated decor. The Times Square location, a former opera house, is frequently highlighted for its ornate interior, high ceilings, and plush seating, which create a special dining experience. It's often described as a great spot for a special occasion or a classic New York dining experience. High-Quality Steak: The steak is consistently lauded, with many reviews mentioning the high quality of the USDA Prime dry-aged cuts. People often compare it favorably to other renowned New York steakhouses like Peter Luger's and Wolfgang's, noting its exceptional tenderness and flavor. Recommended dishes include the porterhouse, bone-in ribeye, and the American Wagyu Tomahawk steak. Service: The staff is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and professional. Reviewers often mention that the service contributes significantly to a memorable dining experience. The Negatives/Points to Consider: Price: As expected for a high-end steakhouse in Times Square, the restaurant is on the expensive side. While many diners feel the quality justifies the price, some Reddit users and reviewers note that it is easily over $100 per person and that prices for items like wine can be quite high. A "Touristy" Vibe: Due to its location, some people feel the restaurant caters more to tourists than to a local clientele. This can be a negative for those looking for a more authentic or "local" New York dining experience. Inconsistency: While most reviews are positive, a few have noted that the food can be "average" or "disappointing" and that it might not live up to the hype for a seasoned steak connoisseur. In summary, Empire Steak House is generally well-regarded for its beautiful setting and high-quality food and service, making it a great option for a classic steakhouse experience in the heart of Times Square. However, be prepared for the high cost and the possibility of a more...
Read moreRecent dinning experience on this past memorial day. My guest and I were seated right next to another party, whereas; the restaurant was pretty much empty aside from (3) or (4) parties scattered throughout the restaurant. I understand its reservations only, but we were there for a little past (1) hour and no other parties showed up. It would have been nice to have a little more distance to enjoy our experience.
They don't have a drink menu online so that was a little misleading. When we got there, they informed us they didn't have an alcohol license so they only served wine and basic champagne. We ordered wagyu American steak, lobster tail , fried calamari, mac and cheese, cream spinachand and a couple glasses of champagne. Calamari was really good however, after that they brought out two plates with stains on them, I had to request new ones. Presentation for the wagyu steak was really good , steak was tender but it was not seasoned at all, I mean they offered black salt and pepper at the table, I asked for it on a side dish so I could taste but they never came bac to see if I wanted more or another kind of seasoning.The lobster tail came out room temperature, a little rubbery and chewy, not hot ,tender and garlic buttery the way I like. I informed them of my disappointment and they said they were sorry. Not sorry enough to bring me a new lobster tail that was to my standard so I was at a loss on the $100 I spent on the lobster tail. Cream spinach was ok, it came out hot, and the mac and cheese was ok, it came out hot, nothing particularly amazing about the taste or presentation, it was just ok. I'm guessing the front of the house manager came to apologize about my complaint regarding the not so edible lobster tail. He did compliment me and my guest with a slice of cheese cake and chocolate mouse cake, which to my surprise was really amazing 👏 but I didn't find out how amazing till I was home because I took them to go as I was disappointed with my dinning experience at empire steak house in time Square. There was no "wow" factor aside...
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