The Empire State Building is not your average skyscraper, so it only makes sense that the new Starbucks that takes up three floors of this iconic tower is nothing like your neighborhood coffeeshop.
No, this 23,000-square-foot location is the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store, a one-of-a-kind experience that invites guests to foster moments of connection over coffee (and other drinks) through a wide range of immersive, multisensory experiences. Walk in and you’ll be greeted by a Starbucks barista inviting you through the first level, which includes an online order and pickup station featuring Italian Princi café fare, and exclusive merchandise and installations created by local artists. A multi-level painted mural by Dana Tanamachi celebrates the story of women in coffee along a stairway that connects to the Restaurant and Bar on the upper level, and to the Experience Lounge, Innovation Bar and Coffee Workshop on the lower level.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new after-work cocktail bar or a visitor planning activities around a trip to the Empire State Building, you’ll find an experience that suits you.
Courtesy, Starbucks
Be the First to Try Starbucks Oleato
One of the most exciting things about visiting a Starbucks Reserve store is the opportunity to experience the latest in coffee innovation. The company just launched Oleato, a line of beverages and experiences that feature Starbucks Reserve coffee infused with Partanna cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil. You can experience Starbucks Oleato in the form of various morning pick-me-ups like the Oleato Iced Cortado, Caffè Latte and Golden Foam Cold Brew or in an after-work Oleato Golden Foam Espresso Martini.To get more hands on, book The Oleato Tasting Experience at the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store. This barista-led, multisensory workshop is the best way to get the full Oleato experience, from its aroma and flavor to the uniquely smooth texture.
Photo: Sarah Flotard
Book a Hands-On Coffee Workshop
Have some time before a show? Planning a cute date night? Are you just really into coffee? Head down to the Experience Lounge for an intimate shared coffee experience of your choice, from tasting flights to workshops. Sip on a Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew while expert baristas explain the brewing process or join a mixologist to concoct some refreshing spritzes (spirit free, perfect for younger kids). Ditch the paint-and-sip night and instead craft a full tasting flight of espresso martinis, including Starbucks Reserve’s signature Empire State Espresso Martini and additional flavors of Orange Cacao, Mole Spice and Cherry Limone.
You can even take a crash course in coffee making with the Brewtender for a Day workshop. If you want to leave the beverage making to the experts at the Innovation Bar, book a Cold Pressed Espresso Tasting Experience and sip on a treat like the much-loved Iced Apple Americano. And remember, this particular Starbucks Reserve store is the only one in the world making the cold-pressed espresso, which takes cold water and pressure to create a mellow and smooth concentrate reminiscent of cold brew.
Photo: Matt Glac
Dine at Starbucks’ Only Restaurant & Bar
The full Restaurant & Bar on level 2 is a showstopper in terms of design, menu and service. The posh space pays homage to the Empire State Building itself, with its interior design exposing the original riveted steel beams of the skyscraper and a heavy art deco influence in its use of simple lines and geometric patterns.
Guests will be treated to a complimentary tasting of the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend, exclusive to this location and designed to symbolize Starbucks’ commitment to connection and community over coffee. The menu itself is created in collaboration with Italian bakery Princi, founded by Rocco Princi, and features shareable plates, boards and entrees plus seasonally rotating favorites.
Split a pizza board or keep it classic with charcuterie, opt for brunch fare like mushroom frittatas or sourdough waffles, break bread over labneh with blistered tomatoes—a popular small plate—or fuel yourself for walking around the City with large plates like chicken cacciatore or a kale Caesar salad.
Photo: Sarah Flotard
Raise a Glass
If you’re not a fan of sharing plates, maybe group cocktails are more your speed. Along with the bespoke coffee and tea-inspired cocktails, the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Restaurant & Bar offers shareable cocktails—a perfect end to a long day of touring the city or a fun start to a memorable evening.
Guests are partial to the Starbucks Reserve Royale Experience (prosecco and a fruit puree), served table side, though the Empire Negroni (featuring 15-year El Dorado rum infused with the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend coffee, vermouth, Campari and orange garnish) comes a close second. The shareable cocktails range in terms of how much each one serves, but you can find options for up to eight people.
While the entire Restaurant and Bar space is available for private event buyouts, a smaller area is also available for intimate gatherings or team meetings.
Photo: Sarah Flotard
Shop for Exclusive Merch and Coffee
No fan of coffee should leave empty handed when there are exclusive blends and merch at this Starbucks Reserve store. Yes, while you can find your branded Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building mugs to add to your collection, you can also browse the capsule collection of local artist Jade Purple Brown, whose work is known for its optimism and vibrancy. Her line includes a limited-edition collection of goods like water bottles, silk scarves, hoodies and mugs, all in her signature style colorful style.
Fill your new mugs with the custom Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend created exclusively for this specific Starbucks Reserve store—the only place you can find it! The beans were roasted locally at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Meatpacking District and include notes of vanilla and spice interspersed with hints of red and black fruit for a smooth, chocolatey mouthfeel.
Once you’ve chosen your wares, Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store baristas will package them for you; a digital board helps you keep track of your pickup time so you can browse while you wait.
Photo: Matt Glac
Check Out the Custom Artwork
Even if you only have time for a mobile pickup order and a quick walk-through of the space, make sure to see the art on the three levels.
Jim Gaylord’s paper sculpture greets you inside the Fifth Avenue entrance. In the distance, Brooklyn artist Dana Tanamachi’s three-level mural, showcasing women in the coffee industry—from fair-trade farm workers to NYC baristas—is visible. And finally, on the Concourse level, a 25-foot art-deco-inspired siren (the ubiquitous Starbucks logo art) by Marcos Chin, floats across the wall facing the Innovation Bar. It makes for an inspiring view if you’ve reserved one of the coworking spaces below to get some tasks done.
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