Empire Burger House: A Midtown Destination for Burgers and Brews

Empire Burger House Introduce

Located in the heart of Midtown East, Empire Burger House offers a distinctive and memorable dining experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike. More than just a simple hamburger joint, this establishment presents itself as a full-service American restaurant and bar, promising a blend of comfort food favorites and a lively atmosphere. The unique journey to the restaurant, up an intriguing red staircase, sets a quirky tone that hints at an experience beyond the ordinary. It’s a place that aims to satisfy your cravings for a classic burger while also providing a space to relax, enjoy a drink, and catch a game. The vibe is a curious mix of fine dining aesthetics and a casual, laid-back menu, a combination that makes for a one-of-a-kind story to tell. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite during lunch, settling in for a satisfying dinner, or looking for a spot for solo dining, Empire Burger House is an intriguing destination.

The restaurant's focus on classic American fare, particularly its extensive burger menu, is a significant part of its appeal. It’s a place where you can find everything from the "Empire Classic Burger" to more adventurous options like "The Beast Burger" and the "Wild Spicy Burger." Beyond burgers, the menu extends to chicken sandwiches, salads, and an array of sides, ensuring there’s something for every palate. The bar offers a wide selection of beverages, from draft beers to signature cocktails, making it a great spot for happy hour or late-night food. With its casual yet trendy atmosphere, Empire Burger House attracts a diverse crowd, from families and groups to tourists seeking an authentic New York dining experience.

Empire Burger House is situated at 147 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022. Its location in Midtown East places it in a prime spot for business professionals, local residents, and tourists. The area is exceptionally well-connected by public transportation, with numerous subway lines and bus routes stopping nearby, making it easy to access from various parts of the city. The restaurant's position on E 50th St puts it in the bustling heart of a commercial and residential hub, with landmarks like Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal just a short walk away.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, which ensures a comfortable experience for all patrons. While the journey to the second-floor dining area might be an interesting quirk, the amenities provided once inside are thoughtfully designed. The restaurant also has an on-site bar and offers Wi-Fi, providing additional convenience and comfort for diners.

Empire Burger House provides a range of services that cater to the modern diner's needs.

No-contact delivery, Delivery, and Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or in the office, the restaurant offers multiple off-site dining options, including no-contact delivery for added safety and convenience.
Dine-in: The restaurant provides a full dine-in experience with seating and table service, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ambiance.
Catering: For larger events or corporate gatherings, the restaurant offers catering services, bringing its comfort food to your location.
Reservations: Empire Burger House accepts and requires reservations, which is a key feature for planning a visit and avoiding potential wait times, particularly for groups or during peak hours.
Happy Hour: The restaurant offers both happy hour food and drinks, making it a great option for a post-work get-together.

Empire Burger House boasts several features and highlights that make it a unique destination.

Diverse Menu: The menu is a highlight, offering a wide selection of burgers, including vegetarian and vegan options like the Impossible Classic Burger. It also features a full range of comfort food, small plates, and delicious desserts.
Full Bar: With a bar on-site, the restaurant offers a comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, making it a great spot for a night out. The cocktail menu is particularly notable, with unique drinks like the "Empire Martini" and "Brazilian Cosmopolitan."
Unique Atmosphere: The combination of a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere is a major draw. The setting, with its fine-dining-style decor and a casual burger-focused menu, creates a quirky and memorable vibe.
Amenities: The restaurant provides essential amenities like a bar, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, enhancing the overall dining experience. It is also good for kids and has high chairs available, making it a family-friendly spot.
Sports: For sports fans, the "sports" highlight suggests it’s a good place to watch a game while enjoying a burger and a beer.

For direct inquiries or to make a reservation, you can contact Empire Burger House using the following information:

Address: 147 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022

Phone: (212) 753-1144 or +1 212-753-1144

What is worth choosing about Empire Burger House is its unique approach to the classic American restaurant model. While some reviews point to inconsistent experiences, particularly with service and pricing, the restaurant’s core offerings and unique ambiance hold significant appeal. The extensive menu, which includes options for vegetarians and vegans, makes it a versatile choice for groups with varying dietary needs. The on-site bar and the focus on happy hour and late-night food provide great incentives for a fun night out. The fact that the restaurant requires reservations is a notable feature, indicating that it is a planned destination rather than just a walk-in spot, which helps manage crowds and provides a more structured experience for diners. The atmosphere is a key selling point; it's a place that provides a story and a backdrop for a memorable meal, even if it's a bit unconventional. Ultimately, for those who appreciate a place with a distinct personality and a menu full of classic comfort food and great drinks, Empire Burger House offers a quirky and engaging experience that stands out in the Midtown dining scene.

Empire Burger House Vibe

Burgers
Empire Classic Burger $10.95
Beef patty, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Empire Cheeseburger $12.95
Beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Blue Burger $12.95
Beef patty, melted blue cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Double Bull $15.95
Double beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
The Beast Burger $19.95
triple beef patty, American cheese, Empire Zesty sauce, Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
Wild Spicy Burger $13.95
Beef patty, jalapeno, pepper jack cheese, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Emperor Burger $14.95
Beef patty, egg, bacon, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Bull & Bacon $12.95
Beef patty, bacon, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Impossible Classic Burger $10.49
Impossible patty, vegan American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles

Chicken Sandwiches & More
Empire Crispy Chicken $9.95
Crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Empire Grilled Chicken $10.95
Grilled chicken, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, provolone cheese
Empire Spicy Chicken $11.95
Crispy chicken, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, spicy mayo
Empire Chicken Tenders $16.95
Crispy chicken tenders with fries served with empire zesty sauce
Empire Chicken Wings $14.95
Buffalo or barbecue style served with blue cheese on the side

Salads
Caesar Salad $10.95
Crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing, topped with shaved parmesan cheese
Mixed Green Salad $9.95
Mesclun leaves, cucumber, tomatoes, shaved carrots, house vinaigrette dressing

Sides
Fries $6.95
Seasoned with salt, served with ketchup
Truffle Fries $10.95
Our secret recipe is served with ketchup
Fried Zucchini $6.95
Seasoned with salt, served with Empire Zesty sauce
Onion Rings $7.95
Fried breaded onion rings served with Empire Zesty sauce
Cauliflower Bites $8.95
Lightly breaded fried cauliflower served with Empire Zesty sauce
Mac & Cheese $12.95

Burgers
Empire Classic Burger $9.95
Beef patty, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Empire Crispy Chicken $8.95
Crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Double Bull $15.95
Double beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Emperor Burger $12.95
Beef patty, egg, bacon, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Empire Grilled Chicken $8.95
Grilled chicken, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, provolone cheese
Impossible Classic Burger $10.49
Impossible patty, vegan American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles

FIRST COURSE
Mixed Green Salad
Mesclun leaves, cucumber, tomatoes, shaved carrots, house vinaigrette dressing
Caesar Salad
Crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing, topped with shaved parmesan cheese

SECOND COURSE
(Choice of One)
Empire Cheeseburger
Beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Blue Burger
Beef patty, melted blue cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Double Bull
Double beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Wild Spicy Burger
Beef patty, jalapeno, pepper jack cheese, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Bull & Bacon
Beef patty, bacon, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Empire Crispy Chicken
Crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Empire Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders with fries served with empire zesty sauce

SIDES
(Choice of One)
Fries
Seasoned with salt, served with ketchup
Onion Rings
Fried breaded onion rings served with Empire Zesty sauce

DESSERT
(Choice of one)
Cheesecake
Chocolate Mousse Cake

FIRST COURSE
Mixed Green Salad
Mesclun leaves, cucumber, tomatoes, shaved carrots, house vinaigrette dressing
Caesar Salad
Crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing, topped with shaved parmesan cheese

SECOND COURSE
(Choice of One)
Empire Cheeseburger
Beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Blue Burger
Beef patty, melted blue cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Double Bull
Double beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Wild Spicy Burger
Beef patty, jalapeno, pepper jack cheese, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Bull & Bacon
Beef patty, bacon, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Empire Crispy Chicken
Crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Empire Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders with fries served with empire zesty sauce

SIDES
(Choice of One)
Fries
Seasoned with salt, served with ketchup
Onion Rings
Fried breaded onion rings served with Empire Zesty sauce

DESSERT
(Choice of one)
Cheesecake
Chocolate Mousse Cake

Starters
(choice of one)
Mixed Green Salad
Mesclun leaves, cucumber, tomatoes, shaved carrots, house vinaigrette dressing
Caesar Salad
Crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing, topped with shaved parmesan cheese

Main Course
(choice of one)
Double Bull $15.95
Double beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Lobster Ravioli
In a light pink sauce
Empire Cheeseburger $12.95
Beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Pappardelle Bolognese
Homemade Pappardelle Pasta in a Homemade Meat Sauce
Wild Spicy Burger
Beef patty, jalapeno, pepper jack cheese, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Chicken Francese
Chicken breast dipped in eggs sauteed in a white wine lemon sauce
The Beast Burger
triple beef patty, American cheese, Empire Zesty sauce, Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
Empire Crispy Chicken
Crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Gnocchi Pesto
Potato Dumplings in a pesto sauce topped with shaved parmesan
Blue Burger
Beef patty, melted blue cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles

Dessert
$7 additional per person
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Cheesecake
Tiramisu
Ice Cream

Drinks
$10 additional per person
House wine by the glass
Standard Mixed Drinks

First Course
(Choice of one)
Mixed Green Salad $8.95
Mesclun leaves, cucumber, tomatoes, shaved carrots, house vinaigrette dressing
Caesar Salad $8.95
Crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing, topped with shaved parmesan cheese

Second Course
(Choice of one)
Empire Cheeseburger $12.95
Beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Blue Burger $12.95
Beef patty, melted blue cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Double Bull $15.95
Double beef patty, American cheese, empire classic sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Wild Spicy Burger $12.95
Beef patty, jalapeno, pepper jack cheese, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Bull & Bacon $12.95
Beef patty, bacon, empire zesty sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Empire Crispy Chicken $8.95
Crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Empire Chicken Tenders $16.95
Crispy chicken tenders with fries served with empire zesty sauce

Sides
(Choice of one)
Fries $6.95
Seasoned with salt, served with ketchup
Onion Rings $7.95
Fried breaded onion rings served with Empire Zesty sauce

Dessert
(Choice of one)
Cheesecake $8.95
Chocolate Mousse Cake $7.95

Desserts
Tiramisu $8.95
Cheesecake $8.95
Chocolate Mousse Cake $7.95

Drinks
Soft Drinks $4.50

Alcoholic Beverages
Cocktails
Empire Martini $14.95
Tito's handmade vodka, Malibu rum, pineapple juice, a splash of cranberry juice
Your Favorite Margarita $14.95
Casamigos Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec
The Cucumber Martini $14.95
Crop cucumber vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, cucumber
Beefeater Collins $14.95
Beefeater gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, a splash of club soda
Brazilian Cosmopolitan $14.95
Mango vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange juice

Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon $13.95
Napa valley
Pinot Noir $13.95
Napa valley
Merlot $13.95
Napa valley
chianti $13.95

White Wine
Chardonnay $13.95
Napa valley
Sauvignon Blanc $13.95
Napa valley
Pinot Grigio $13.95
Italy

Beer
Bud Light $8.95
Budweiser $8.95
Amstel Light $8.95
Heineken $8.95
Heineken Light $8.95
Samuel Adams Boston Lager $8.95
DRAFT BEERS $8.95
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Classic Cocktails
Empire Martini $15.50
Tito's handmade vodka, malibu rum, pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry juice
The CP $15.50
Absolut pears vodka, peach schnapps, sour mix, cranberry juice and lime juice
Brazilian Cosmopolitan $10.95
Mango vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange juice
Sicilian Martini $15.50
Chazz palminteri vodka, orange liquor, amaretto, and a splash of orange juice
Strawberry 54 $15.50
Chazz palminteri vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and strawberries
Wild Blueberry $15.50
Stolichnaya blueberry vodka, mint leaves, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, a splash of club soda and blueberries
Tropical Martini $15.50
Chazz palminteri vodka, malibu coconut rum, blue curacao, creme de cacao, and orange juice
Pomegranate Martini $16.95
Chazz palminteri vodka, pama pomegranate liqueur, triple sec, and fresh lime juice
The French Martini $16.95
Tito's vodka, chambord raspberry liquor, and pineapple juice
Tiramisu Martini $16.95
Absolut vanilla vodka, frangelico, chilled espresso and Bailey's Irish cream
The Cucumber Martini $15.50
Crop cucumber vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and cucumber
Beefeater Collins $10.95
Beefeater gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, a splash of club soda
Avion Premium Margarita $15.95
Avion silver tequila, cointreau, and fresh squeezed lime juice
The Classic Manhattan $15.95
Michter's straight rye, Italian sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, with a maraschino cherry
The Old Fashioned $15.50
Michter's bourbon, super fine bar sugar, dash of bitters, with an orange slice and a cherry
Blood and Sand $16.95
Johnny walker black label, heering cherry liquor, sweet vermouth and orange juice

Empire Burger House Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Reservations required
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Empire Burger House Photos

Empire Burger House Location

Empire Burger House

New York New York County New York East 50th Street

147 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Empire Burger House Reviews

An average rating of ★3.4 from 73 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We had a very bad experience at Empire Burger.First of all, the options displayed on the menu outside did not match the menu inside. This gave a misleading impression right from the start.Next, we ordered a cucumber cocktail, but it was extremely disappointing: unbalanced, lacking in flavor, and way too strong (though this might come down to personal preference).For the main course, the burger was priced at $17 but was served without fries. We had to add fries for an additional $8, which is excessive. Additionally, I ordered a mac and cheese for $16, which, unfortunately, caused me to be sick after.The service was equally disappointing: while we were still eating, we were pressured to pay the bill. The waitress claimed she needed to leave, even though the restaurant was still full, and there were plenty of other servers available.In summary, between the poor quality of the food, the overpriced menu, and the unprofessional service, our experience was extremely unsatisfactory. We absolutely do not recommend this restaurant.
January 12 · Tares Huty
What a strange experience! To get to empire burger house, you have to go up to the second floor of the building using an entirely red staircase that honestly feels a bit spooky. Once you arrive, the dining room looks like it’s set up for fine dining but then the menu is actually that of a fast casual restaurant (think Shake Shack). It’s really cheap but the quality reflects that price and the burgers feel like they come from frozen patties. The only reason I’d recommend it is because the experience was truly just such a weird mix of ambiance and it’s a story to tell your friends afterwards!
September 25 · Tay Jacobe
Food was delicious. Classic sauce on burgers was outstanding. French fries and onion rings Yummy. Building converted from a nightclub to a restaurant. Very attractive. Highly recommend
May 12 · Steve Makoski
Ordered truffle fries and classic cheeseburger to go. Truffle fries didn’t have any truffles in them. Burger was red and was also soggy. Called the restaurant to get a refund and they wanted me to walk all the way back WITH the gross burger to get a refund. Save yourself, don’t go here.
July 03 · Alyssa Garza
Horrible. Go somewhere else. The 5 star reviews have got to be fake.The place is right above a steakhouse and I believe they’re associated so I thought they’d have amazing burgers. This was the worst burger I ever had. It was a frozen patty that was possibly microwaved. I had asked for well-done but they managed to undercook the thin meat patty. The waitress was horrible. She looked cute but useless as a wait She was only there to seat us and take our order. We were left alone in the restaurant for a long time. No other diners (that should have been a clue!). No staff. Almost just walked out after eating because we were ready to leave but there wasn’t anyone there to get out bill. Poor food and poor service. The ambiance is nice but that’s it. Overpriced fast food except fast food tastes much better. Stay away.
October 19 · Adriana Sanchez