11 Dec Fine Dining Steakhouse: Empire Steak House
Concept: Located in the heart of New York City, Empire Steak House is a premier dining destination known for its exquisite cuisine and luxurious ambiance. With its iconic red awning and elegant interior design, this legendary steakhouse has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike for over 10 years. The restaurant is committed to delivering exceptional quality, which is evident from the meticulously sourced prime cuts of beef to the attentive and professional service provided by the knowledgeable staff. The menu offers an array of mouthwatering options, including perfectly grilled steaks, succulent seafood dishes and an impressive selection of fine wines and craft cocktails. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a memorable dining experience, Empire Steak House guarantees an unforgettable journey for the senses, where classic elegance meets culinary excellence.
Owners: Empire Steak House’s foundation was built on the nearly 40-year journey of the Sinanaj brothers. Russ, Jack and Jeff Sinanaj came to New York City from Montenegro in the 1980’s with the determination to succeed due to an extremely strong work ethic they credit to their father. After learning the trade at Peter Luger Steak House, Jack with his brothers by his side, sought to bring warmth and hospitality to each restaurant they opened. Above all, the Sinanaj brothers want to make their Empire Steak House feel like you’re at home. The brothers not only own Empire Steak House, with locations in NYC on E. 50th and W. 54th Street, a new establishment soon to open on W. 49th and Broadway, as well as a location in Tokyo, but they also own Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant, which can be found in NYC and Westchester. Prior to the pandemic, The Sinanajs were on a fast track in establishing multiple international locations and although their progress was hindered, they have now resumed their efforts wholeheartedly and are focused on opening various new venues. They have prioritized Empire in Times Square, a second location in Tokyo, and new establishments in Singapore and Hawaii.
Chef: Jack Sinanaj is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Empire Steak House. Jack’s culinary journey began years ago, rooted in a deep appreciation for fine cuisine and a desire to bring exceptional flavors to discerning palates. Through his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, Jack refined his skills under the tutelage of renowned establishments, including the iconic Peter Luger Steak House. This invaluable experience provided him with the knowledge and expertise to elevate Empire Steak House’s offerings to new levels of perfection.
Food: At Empire Steak House in Midtown East, the menu is a true delight for discerning palates. Starting with appetizers, patrons can choose from delectable options such as Sesame Seared Tuna, Empire Crab Cakes, and Lobster Cocktail. Moving onto the main course, the truly impressive selection of steaks includes prime cuts like the juicy and flavorful Prime New York Strip Steak, the buttery and tender Empire Filet for Two, and a Bone-In Ribeye with rich marbling as well as a Golden 24 Karat American Wagyu Tomahawk Steak for Two in addition to the American Wagyu Tomahawk Steak for Two. For seafood enthusiasts, there are enticing choices like Broiled Chilean Sea Bass, Grilled Branzino and Shrimp Scampi, all expertly prepared to perfection. Complementing these exquisite dishes are a variety of classic sides including creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and asparagus. To round off the dining experience, Empire Steak House offers an assortment of decadent desserts, such as New York-style cheesecake, warm chocolate lava cake and refreshing sorbets.
Drinks: Empire Steak House boasts an impressive selection of spirits, wine and cocktails. The cocktail menu is a true testament to the art of mixology, featuring an array of expertly crafted drinks, from classic favorites like the perfectly balanced Old Fashioned and the refreshing Mojito, to unique creations such as the Empire Martini, a sophisticated blend of premium vodka or gin with a touch of dry vermouth, as well as the Sicilian Martini and Tiramisu Martini. Empire Steak House has a wine list with over 400 wines by the bottle and an outstanding Single Malt Scotch list, with over 100 to choose from.
Design: Empire Steak House has a stunning design that blends elegance, sophistication and historic charm. The restaurant’s main dining room features an opulent oversized chandelier with oversized banquette booths throughout the space. With a seamless fusion of classic and contemporary elements, the luxurious furnishings and attention to detail contribute to a sense of luxury and refinement. Preserving its original architectural details, Empire Steak House evokes a nostalgic atmosphere. The layout was carefully designed to balance spaciousness and intimacy. The space was initially designed to be an Opera House, and when the Great Depression hit, it reopened in the late 1930’s as a cabaret called Versailles. It then reopened as a vibrant jazz club, then a nightclub called Tatou in the 90’s and now Empire Steak House since 2016.
Days and Hours of Operation: Monday – Wednesday: 11:45 am – 10:00 pm, Thursday – Friday: 11:45 am – 11:00 pm, Saturday: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Sunday: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Square Footage & Capacity: 10,000 Sq Ft and can accommodate over 500 guests.
Social Media: Instagram: @EmpireSteakHouseNYC TikTok: @EmpireSteakHouse
Empire Steak House
151 E. 50th Street
New York, NY 10022
212-582-6900