Best Restaurants Near Empire State Building

Don't know where to go for a good meal near the Empire State Building? If the heights have made you hungry, take note of the best restaurants around this mythical skyscraper!

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

8 min read

Best Restaurants Near Empire State Building

Typical American hamburger | ©Armando Ascorve Morales

Have you already prepared your tickets to visit the Empire State Building but you're afraid you'll get hungry in the middle of your visit? Don't worry, in this article you will find 10 restaurants where to eat near the Empire State so you don't have to go far to eat like a king.

The best tacos, in Tacombi

Mexican tacos| ©Unsplash
Mexican tacos| ©Unsplash

Located in the Empire State Building, Tacombi is a restaurant that brings you the taste of the best tacos, tortas and aguas frescas from the beaches of Yucatan to New York.

It is a good place to get into the culture of the authentic Mexican taco that is served in the traditional taquerias of the neighboring country. The place is full of color and good vibes, making it a great place to get to know Mexican culture a little better through food.

  • Address: 23 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10118
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 4 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: tacos al pastor and homemade pineapple water.
  • Ideal for: families and friends, Mexican food lovers.

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The best burger near the Empire State Building, at State Grill & Bar

American burgers| ©Unsplash
American burgers| ©Unsplash

You'll also find this restaurant inside the Empire State Building, so you can stop by after your visit to the observation deck of the skyscraper.

State Grill & Bar is a fantastic place to enjoy a meal in the purest New York style. Decorated with a clear Art Deco inspiration in line with the Empire State Building, it is a place with a cozy atmosphere that invites you to return on more than one occasion. In fact, it is common to see some of the skyscraper's office workers here, and that is a good sign.

  • Address: 21 West 33rd Street, New York, 10118
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 4 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: the beef burger, the soup of the day and the fried calamari.
  • Ideal for: couples.

The best quesadillas, at Chipotle

Delicious quesadillas| ©Unsplash
Delicious quesadillas| ©Unsplash

For an informal snack before or after enjoying the view from the Empire State Building, I recommend going to Chipotle on the first floor of the skyscraper.

The atmosphere is pleasant, the service is good and the food is delicious. It is characterized by using fresh and healthy ingredients with which they prepare popular recipes of Mexican cuisine such as burritos, tacos, salads, quesadillas, fajitas, guacamole ... In addition, they have special menus for children and vegetarian options, which is a positive point to take into account.

  • Address: 350 5th Ave Lobby 6, New York, NY 10118
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 2 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: burritos and quesadillas.
  • Ideal for: families and friends.

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Looking for Japanese food near the Empire State Building? Some sushi at Sushi-teria

Varied sushi| ©Unsplash
Varied sushi| ©Unsplash

If you are a sushi lover, after your visit to the Empire State Building, you won't have to go far to enjoy this delicious Japanese dish: on the first floor of the building there is a restaurant!

It is Sushi-teria, a place with a fast service well known for its sushi (it's in the name!), for its delicious rice bowls and sushi burritos.

Among the dishes on the menu you can also find Hawaiian pokes and other typical Asian recipes such as soups or teriyaki chicken. Don't forget to accompany it with some homemade Yuzu lemonade, it's delicious!

  • Address: 15 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10118
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 4 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: sushi or teriyaki chicken.
  • Ideal for: friends and couples.

The most complete salads for a healthy day, at Chopt

Complete salad| ©Unsplash
Complete salad| ©Unsplash

We do not leave the Empire State to go to Chopt, a restaurant located on the first floor where if hunger is pressing you can kill the craving quickly with their healthy salads.

But don't let the word salad fool you because you won't go hungry here. In this place they are not a mere side dish, but the main course where the ration is abundant and quite complete.

A perfect option to eat if you do not have much time but do not want to fall into the typical fast food or give up eating healthy.

  • Address: 17 West 33rd Street New York, NY 10118
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 4 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: The Orchad salad or the kebab cobb salad.
  • Ideal for: Solo travelers.

Jazz and fried chicken in the heart of Manhattan: at Turntable Chicken Jazz

The best fried chicken| ©Unsplash
The best fried chicken| ©Unsplash

Let's change the subject and head to Koreatown, Manhattan's little Korea. In this neighborhood you will find the restaurant Turntable Chicken Jazz, a Korean gastripoub with a modern and informal air that offers a varied menu based on traditional Korean dishes but with a new twist.

The star dish of this restaurant is fried chicken in its many versions (thighs, wings or breasts) seasoned with soy sauce and garlic or spicy sauce that you can accompany with a rich plate of fried rice or other dishes such as mozzarella sticks, fried squid or dumplings, among many others.

The place is big but cozy and the waiters are very professional. If you like chicken and jazz (the music will liven up your meal!), there is no doubt that Turntable Chicken Jazz is the place for you.

  • Address: 20 West 33rd Street New York, New York 10001
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 4 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: the half soy/half spicy chicken breasts and the kimchi fried rice.
  • Ideal for: friends and couples.

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The home of tofu at BCD Tofu House

Typical tofu dish| ©Unsplash
Typical tofu dish| ©Unsplash

Another highly recommended Korean restaurant to visit near the Empire State Building and in the heart of Koreatown is BCD Tofu House. At first you may not be a fan of tofu but I'm sure this place will change your mind.

Don't let the name fool you, because although the specialty is tofu there are also other recipes on the menu.

The dishes may seem simple but they are hearty. It also includes vegetarian and vegan options, a plus.

  • Address: 5 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001-3801
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 5 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: Spicy pork Bulgogi, the spicy crab or the tofu combo salad.
  • Ideal for: friends and couples.

Grab a bite of everything at Urbanspace Vanderbilt

Varied Dishes| ©Unsplash
Varied Dishes| ©Unsplash

Another cool option to eat near the Empire State Building is Urbanspace Vanderbilt, a food hall made up of several food stands where you can try a little bit of everything: from pizzas and salads to tacos and sandwiches. This place makes it easy for you so you don't have to choose just one dish, you can order several at once.

You'll love the Urbanspace Vanderbilt experience. In addition, the advantage of food halls is that if you are traveling with a group of friends who can't agree on where to go to eat, going to one of these spaces makes things much easier since everyone can order what they want and then eat it together at the dining room tables. It's that easy!

  • Address: 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 17 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: Roberta's pizzas.
  • Ideal for: Friends and families.

Eat healthy near the Empire State Building, at Market Crates

The healthiest sandwiches| ©Unsplash
The healthiest sandwiches| ©Unsplash

If you are going to spend several days in New York, it is likely that at some point you will want to leave aside the hamburgers and hot dogs to eat healthy. A good option downtown and near the Empire State Building is Market Crates.

Pasta, salads, bagels, sandwiches, quinoa, eggs... you will find a diverse variety of dishes for all tastes on their menu. The service is quite good and the kitchen is open, so you can see how cleanly everything is prepared. The views at Market Crates are also another reason to drop by, so don't hesitate.

  • Address: 26 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 5 minutes walk according to Google Maps.

Recommended dish: the roast beef sandwich or the goat cheese quiche.Ideal for: friends and families.

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The best pizzas at Famous Amadeus Pizza

A tasty pizza| ©Unsplash
A tasty pizza| ©Unsplash

A classic like pizza can not miss in this list of restaurants to go to eat near the Empire State. The pizzas at Famous Amadeus Pizza are delicious and at a very affordable price.

The service is fast and they have plenty of options to choose from. The portions are plentiful so you won't leave hungry. In addition, the dough is just the right thickness (ideal for those who don't like their pizza too thin or too thick) and they are always just right for eating. Many speak of it as the best pizza in New York!

However, in the menu of Famous Amadeus Pizza you will find other delicious dishes such as pasta, salad, chicken, wraps and much more.

  • Where: 408 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001,
  • Distance from the Empire State Building: 13 minutes walk according to Google Maps.
  • Recommended dish: The pepperoni pizza.
  • Ideal for: friends, families and couples.

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Where to eat in New York?

Manhattan Restaurant| ©Unsplash
Manhattan Restaurant| ©Unsplash

The above are some restaurants where you can go to eat if hunger strikes you near the Empire State, but in a city like New York there are options for all tastes and budgets.

Eating well in the Big Apple and not going broke in the attempt is not mission impossible, although I recommend you to always be careful not to fall into a tourist trap.

If you want to know other restaurants where to enjoy eating in the city, do not miss the post The 10 best places to eat in New York.

Remember that prices do not include tip!

Unlike what may happen in other countries, in the United States tipping in restaurants is not an optional decision but rather something mandatory, because not doing so is considered rude. Waiters' salaries are supplemented by tips.

Doing this is common in all restaurants where a waiter serves you at the table. However, in fast food restaurants the most common thing is to have a jar where you can give change as a tip if you wish, although it is not obligatory.

The tip is calculated on the amount of the bill and it is normal to leave a minimum of 15% for a correct service onwards, the more satisfied and happy you are.