In New York City, renowned for its esteemed and hard-to-reserve diners, STATE Grill & Bar stands out as one of Manhattan’s top dining hidden gems. Located on the ground level of the Empire State Building, this elegant restaurant complements the 1930s Art Deco style of its celebrated host. The dining area pays homage to the building’s storied past, offering a sophisticated and refined dining experience for patrons.
STATE Grill & Bar is a preferred choice among locals, who gather at the extensive bar during happy hour in quest of the perfect espresso martini, served in a distinct, personalized Empire State Building martini glass. It’s also an ideal spot for visitors looking to relish a complete experience at one of New York’s most famous landmarks. The bar presents carefully crafted specialty cocktails with a vintage, nostalgic atmosphere, including the not-to-be-missed Banana Daiquiri, rumored to be King Kong’s preferred choice.
In the dining area, patrons can relish classic American favorites with a twist. The restaurant provides lunch and dinner, and at present, until the end of the year, guests purchasing tickets to visit the Empire State Building Observatory Decks can opt for a two-course lunch for $40 or a three-course dinner for $60, comprehensive of tax and gratuity. It’s an incredible offer (Note: some items may necessitate an additional charge).
Prior to or after soaking in a renowned city view, delight in a famous meal with dishes crafted by Executive Chef Morgan Jarrett, who recently overhauled the restaurant’s offerings. Jarrett is acknowledged for her modern cooking style with a focus on plant-based ingredients and local sourcing. Her extremely seasonal menus feature items procured from New York City’s farmers markets. Menu favorites encompass beetroot bucatini, red corn polenta fritters with tomato chutney, and berbere chicken with stewed chickpeas, greens, and cauliflower. Meat enthusiasts can revel in a traditional burger, steak tartare with grilled naan, or porcini-crusted filet mignon with pommes purée. Dessert choices embrace a sumptuous dark chocolate blackout cake with salted caramel ice cream.
“We are delighted to share our slice of New York with travelers and our local community,” expressed Jarrett. “Many New Yorkers have never visited the Empire State Building. We’ve observed how enjoyable it is for them when they finally make the trip. With these new dining and ticket packages, we make it easy for everyone to experience being a tourist in their own city.”
The dinner and lunch ticket packages are accessible at the Empire State Building Observatory and on its website: esbnyc.com. Menus are also available for viewing here.
STATE Grill & Bar: 21 West 33rd Street, New York, NY
Photos courtesy of STATE Grill & Bar except where noted