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Empire Steak House
ZipPicks Awards
Best Steakhouse in Midtown East
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Empire Steak House
8.3
Run by the Sinanaj brothers, Empire leans into generously sized USDA Prime cuts, a deep Scotch list, and an upbeat dining room that’s friendlier to walk-ins than some older institutions. Multi-platform reviews highlight reliable cooking across porterhouse, Japanese Wagyu, and seafood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porterhouse for Two, Empire Crab Cake, Japanese Wagyu Ribeye
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-review-volume, independently run steakhouse balancing big cuts with polished service.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting serious steak without stuffy formality.
When to visit: Pre-theater early evenings or late post-theater reservations.
What to order: Porterhouse, Empire crab cake, Japanese Wagyu ribeye.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu or seasonal Wagyu and seafood specials at the host stand.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby paid garages along E 50th–52nd St. Street parking is scarce after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts and dressy jeans are fine; jackets not required.
Noise level: Moderate—energized room but still easy to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins; faster for small parties at off-peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak business-lunch windows (12–1pm).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and pasta dishes; no dedicated vegetarian mains.
Vegan options: Very limited—salads (modified) and vegetable sides; confirm butter use.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many seafood dishes are naturally GF; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, comfortable spacing, and polished service create a confident but not overly formal setting. Works best for dates who appreciate classic steakhouse energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes—this location is more walk-in-friendly than legacy steakhouses. Aim for early evening, late dinner slots, or smaller parties for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who enjoy steak will be fine; no children’s menu and the atmosphere leans adult. Best for families with teens rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Large-format steaks, a broad Scotch list, and more approachable walk-in flexibility than old-guard Midtown steakhouses.
Skip if: You want a modern, chef-driven steakhouse, ultra-quiet dining, or extensive vegetarian/vegan options.