Best Restaurants Near the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building sits at the southern edge of Koreatown, which is the fastest, most distinctive option for a meal nearby — Korean barbecue and tofu houses cluster on West 32nd Street a few minutes' walk away. A few minutes further in other directions add a classic diner and a well-known gastropub, for visitors who want something before or after a timed ticket slot.
- #1
BCD Tofu House
Korean tofu-soup specialist in Koreatown, a few minutes' walk south of the building.
Part of Manhattan's Koreatown strip on West 32nd Street, a short walk from the observatory entrance — a fast, casual option for a full meal before or after a ticket slot.
- #2
Barn Joo Nomad
Korean gastropub in the same Koreatown cluster, for a sit-down meal with drinks.
A short walk from the building in the Koreatown/NoMad area, suited to a fuller sit-down meal rather than a quick bite.
- #3
The Breslin
A well-known gastropub inside the Ace Hotel, a few blocks from the building.
A short walk toward the Flatiron District, for visitors who want a fuller restaurant meal rather than a fast option.
- #4
Tick Tock Diner
A classic New York diner near Penn Station, for a fast, casual, all-day option.
A short walk west toward Penn Station and Madison Square Garden — the option for a quick, casual meal at almost any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I eat near the Empire State Building?
For something fast, Koreatown on West 32nd Street is a few minutes' walk south. For a fuller sit-down meal, The Breslin or Barn Joo Nomad are both a short walk away.
Is there a casual, quick option near the building?
Yes — Koreatown's tofu houses and barbecue restaurants, and the Tick Tock Diner toward Penn Station, both suit a fast meal between tickets.
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