In New York City, known for its esteemed and difficult-to-book eateries, STATE Grill & Bar remains one of Manhattan’s best-kept dining secrets. Situated on the ground level of the Empire State Building, this sophisticated restaurant complements the 1930s Art Deco style of its iconic host. The dining area pays homage to the building’s storied past, delivering a refined and elegant dining experience for guests.
STATE Grill & Bar is a favorite among locals, who flock to the lengthy bar during happy hour in search of the perfect espresso martini, served in a distinctive, custom Empire State Building martini glass. It’s also an ideal spot for tourists looking to enjoy a complete experience at one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. The bar offers meticulously crafted specialty cocktails with a vintage, nostalgic ambience, including the not-to-be-missed Banana Daiquiri, rumored to be King Kong’s favorite.
Inside the dining room, guests can savor traditional American favorites with a twist. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner, and currently, until the end of the year, visitors purchasing tickets to visit the Empire State Building Observatory Decks can choose from a two-course lunch for $40 or a three-course dinner for $60, inclusive of tax and tip. It’s a fantastic deal (Note: some items may require an additional charge).
Before or after taking in an iconic city view, savor an iconic meal with dishes prepared by Executive Chef Morgan Jarrett, who recently revamped the restaurant’s offerings. Jarrett is recognized for her contemporary cooking style with an emphasis on plant-based ingredients and local sourcing. Her hyper-seasonal menus feature items sourced from New York City’s farmers markets. Favorites on the menu include beetroot bucatini, red corn polenta fritters with tomato chutney, and berbere chicken with stewed chickpeas, greens, and cauliflower. Meat enthusiasts can indulge in a classic burger, steak tartare with grilled naan, or porcini-crusted filet mignon with pommes purée. Dessert options include a decadent dark chocolate blackout cake with salted caramel ice cream.
“We are thrilled to share our piece of New York with travelers and our local community,” said 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 available 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
