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Yelp Elite Go Mad For The Empire Room
Category: Local Flavour Local Flavour [Edit]
350 5th Ave(between 33rd St & 34th St)
New York, NY 10001
Neighbourhoods: Midtown West, Koreatown, Midtown East
(212) 643-5400
- Nearest Transit:
-
34 St - Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R)
33 St (4, 6, 6X)
28 St (N, R)
- Good for Kids:
- No
47 reviews for Yelp Elite Go Mad For The Empire Room
47 reviews in English
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Review from Jade M.
New York, NY
6/15/2011
This might be my favorite Yelp event I've been to. The bar was huge and there were many bartenders so the booze kept flowing. There were trays and trays of hors d'oeuvres and the waiters were smart enough to tell the rabid crazy Yelpers waiting at the kitchen entrance to "back away because this food is for the people in the middle of the room who didn't get any yet." Nice.
P.S. Why the hell was my Elite status revoked? I was so pissed I stopped yelping for a few months. I WILL FIX THIS. -
Review from Matteo R.
2/9/2011
If the first Yelp event of the year sets the tone for things to come, then we're in for a vintage year!
The venue was great! Classy but welcoming, particularly thanks to the very friendly staff. Everybody was awesome, from the bartenders to the coat check girl.
I confess that, like Wing, I also have no idea what Mad Men is. What I know is that I enjoy the opportunity to dress up once in a while. There were some really beautiful people out there last night[1]! Let's have more "dress to impress" events this year!
The Empire State of Mind of the night was clearly an alcohol-altered one: the two drinks I tried (Old Fashioned and Manhattan) were some of the stiffest I've ever had. Woo hoo!!!
Thank you thank you thank you to Kira M. for allowing me to be her +1. Kira, you have been one of my oldest Yelp friends, I am glad we finally had the opportunity to meet in person (albeit briefly). And shout outs to my new Yelp friends Andrew and Maritza!
Thank you Jane, Leighann, and Peter for an awesome event!
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[1] Although the tranny version of Peter K. in a blond wig was traumatizing.Listed in: Yelp Elite Events -2011…
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Review from Wing L.
2/9/2011 34 photos
Wahooooo!!!!!!!!! The first Elite event of 2011. It's been too long since the last one. How I miss thee. I was all giddy with joy when I saw this event go up on the Yelp elite Calender. Then I read the description and realized it was one of the themed ones.
"Yelp's hosting a 1960s, Mad Men-styled soiree." The calender proclaimed. Mad Men? I know nothing about Mad Men.
"What?" You say. "How could you not know one of the most popular shows on cable?" I know. I suck. Off I went to google the show. Suits and ties? I could do that.
On the day of the event, I found myself dressed up far more fancier then I've ever been at any of the previous Elite events. "Hell, I could almost pass for Chun's twin" was my initial thought when I entered. This was quickly shot down when I walked in and saw Chun looking way more spiffy in his tailored made suit. Damn the guy.
All kidding aside, for us fellas it was easy to put on our business suits, shirts, and ties that pretty much all of us had lying around anyway. For the female Yelpers that dressed up, major props to them because looking like you belonged in the 60's Mad Men era was so much more difficult for the girls. I was so mesmerized by Jane K's outfit that I never realized that she became a redhead until Will C mentioned it on the event thread. D'oh. It must be the nice dark moody interior of the beautiful Empire Room. Either that or the bright flash of the cameras from NYC Party Booth blinded me. Yeah. That's it. I was blinded by all those free photo shoots.
It was great to see so many familiar faces again after such a long hiatus. I even saw a old work mate that I haven't seen for about nine years. Yelp. Showing you that the world is smaller then what you imagined one person at a time.
For the Yelpers that I met for the first time, it was nice meeting you all. Of special note is Ann and Dee Dee. If either one of you is reading this, I'm hoping that by giving you two a shout out with this review, I would have a record of your names and not forget it like I said I would by the next event we meet at. In case I did get your names wrong, I blame it on all those wines and Makers Mark's drinks that they practically piled on us throughout the night. What? I drank very little at this event? I won't let logic get in the way of a good excuse.
Thanks Jane K, Leighann F, and Peter D for setting up this amazing event. Thank you Empire room for hosting us. Thanks NYC Party Booth for the photo that hopefully no one will ever see. See you all at the next gathering. -
Review from Deanna W.
New York, NY
2/18/2011
Elites Go Mad for the Empire Room presents: Recipe for a successful night out
Take one art deco lounge. Fill completely with bubbly yelpers decked out in retro, sartorial splendor. Add strong drinks and cocktail bites. Muddle with glamorous shots provided by NJ Photo. Shake vigorously and pour.
Way to kickstart 2011 Yelp! It was nice to travel back in time-if only for a few hours.... -
Review from susan c.
Brooklyn, NY
2/9/2011
I love a themed party. Thanks, Yelp, for giving me a reason to break out my ole pillbox hat and heels, and transporting me to an era when people didn't dress like hobos.
The venue was fantastic. I had no idea there was such a lovely bar in the Empire State Building. The smaller crowd kept the evening intimate and civilized even though the Makers Mark cocktails had enough alcohol to disinfect a stripper pole.
Kudos to the Empire Room staff for pumping out the food and drinks. The hors d'oeuvres were hot, plentiful and substantial enough to soak up the alcohol before I passed out on a pile of winter jackets in the coat check room.
It was great to see old Yelp friends and meet some new ones (Joolie, Janeen, Rich, to name a few). Thanks to Deanna W. for bringing me as her +1.
Jane, you sure know how to throw a swell party.
P.S. Love the Joan Holloway red hair :)Listed in: Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Will C.
2/12/2011
"Give me the full Don Draper treatment...I wanted it and I got it and it was even better than they said." - One of the ladies.
It a monumental event--first Elite Event of 2011. There are many ways to time travel, most popular of which is the DeLorean DMC-12 which honestly travels about the same speed as the 4 train from GC to the UWS (88 mph). In NYC, parking the DeLorean would cost you a flux capacitor or two so more innovative ways must be involved. You can take a fun ride to the hidden train station below City Hall, but even more fun is a Yelp 1950's Mad Men-themed costume party at the Empire State Building.
Upon arriving, I skipped the coat line and made my way into the arms of Leighann (and Peter)--which held the keys to entry. Aj joined my team and we slowly made our ways around the room. I was approached by one of the beautiful waitresses and was offered the amazing whiskey mixed drinks. Gleaming from the dimly lit room, I immediately spotted ole faces and was surprised by Yelp's new hot autumn redhead--our CM Jane.
We mingled with new Elites, convo-ed with a few (advertising) sisters who staked an area where the food came from (smart), took pictures with a fully made-up Leslie, took pro photos with NJ Photo and a bottle with my big sis Jenn, tried to introduce Wing to more ppl only to have him slip away (shakes fist), run into a +1 which I met earlier in the month at a non-Yelp related outing that cheerfully inquired why I knew everyone, tried to guess what a last name beginning with an X, met more awesome Cali ppl, and snatched a snack every chance a tray presented itself.
Don Draper, mad man, mentor, casanova--he knew it all, "Advertising is based on one thing: Happiness." I was convinced to get as happy as I could in the Empire room (did they name the place after me?). The bartenders were some of the best I've seen recently, keeping me quenched with refreshments. Perhaps a few too many. The highlight of mayhem being caused by a knock-over into the sassy Sakura's lap and a downward trajectory off the stairs into the floor near Cassandra. Thank goodness there was no lawn mower sitting around and no one got hurt.
As the party winded down, some of us went off to Bonchon. Yelp--thank you. Jane--thank you. Pete and Leigha--thank you. Madison and NJ Photo--thank you. Mark girls--thank you. Rest of my awesome Yelpers and +1's--thank you.Listed in: Will's Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Sara M.
2/8/2011
Am I the first to review? Oh boy I think I am!
A great time was had by the guys and dolls of the Elite crew of 2011. Makers Mark made their mark with strong drinks and the food was sparse but yummy.
Everyone looked great, there were pillbox hats, pearls and pencil skirts everywhere. The only thing missing were typewriters and cigarettes. All of which were captured by NJ Photo|Photo Party!
Thank you Jane for the awesome event, you really know how to throw a party. Peter looked dashing in his pinstriped suit. And what's this about a Leighann? I have yet to meet her! -
Review from Cassandra M.
New York, NY
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Happy 2011 (a couple months late) fellow Elites! It was great seeing old faces and meeting some new ones while bonding over some fantastic cocktails. Despite what pictures Wing may have posted of me triple fisting, it was definitely a quality over quanity night. No need to gulp those bad boys down...even though I did. Bad habits die hard.
Thanks Jane, Peter and Leighann for another memorable night!Listed in: yelp schmelp
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Review from Jenn L.
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Walking into the Empire Room, I was immediately surrounded by some seriously dapper Don Drapers and seriously sexy Joan Holloways (now also known as Joan Harris).
Sipping the Makers Mark cocktails was divine, although they were each a tad strong for my preferences. The pro photographers had set up a white screen and were taking the cutest pictures of everyone!
It was an excellent event to kick off the new year. A spiffy thanks to the sponsors and organizers of this event - especially Jane, Peter, and Leighann!
And a note to my fellow Yelpers who cut out early because they had to stop drinking - as Don Draper would say, "They say as soon you have to cut down on your drinking, you have a drinking problem."Listed in: Yelp has the best parties
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Review from Natasha L.
Washington, DC
2/8/2011
What a great way to kick of Yelp's first Elite event of 2011. The Empire Room was a great venue and I loved the theme.
I didn't get to stay long, but I was there long enough to indulge in the yummy passed hors d'oeuvres. I liked how wherever I looked there was someone with a tray with food! This was a classic cocktail party with all the trimmings! I wish I could have participated in the Mad Men theme as I love love love that show, but I didn't have time to get my outfit together! However, I did love all the fantastic outfits I saw my fellow Yelpers wearing tonight.
Not too crowded, plenty of comfy lounge seats, nice photo sets and a great time all around. Great event! -
Review from Dan C.
2/13/2011
This was a really great event. I have never been to the Empire Room before and assumed it might be super touristy. No so, it was quite nice actually, with a bit of an art-deco twist. I think I will be adding this place to my list of places to go after work with colleagues.
The service from the bar was great. They did a great job taking care of us, and made excellent Makers Mark based drinks.
It was really great to see everyone and a special thanks to Peter, Jane, Leighann, and the rest of the Yelp crew for making it all happen! -
Review from ally w.
2/10/2011
HOLY COW!!!
Those Maker's Mark drinks were strong! I took one sip of the brown sugar traditional and thought my lungs were going to melt. I ended up giving the drink to someone else who can take the heat.
I'm so glad I got the chance to check out the space... cuz this might be a potential venue for my birthday since there are sectiosn that could easily be roped off. I love the decro and the location is centrally located.
Thanks Yelp for another fun event! -
Review from Ron C.
To start things off, this is my 500th Review!!!
I was reserving this for a very special review. What else should it be other than this event?
It was a cold night out and it was perfect to have some whiskey to warm us up. The Empire room was probably one of the nicest lounges I have ever been to. It was really spacious, great decor, lighting. The first thing you notice when you walk in is the long bar and the amazing chandelier. This place was perfect for a "Mad Men" themed event.
It was good seeing the familiar faces of Peter, Leighann and Jane (who just got her hair did.... Looking good!). It's been awhile since we last hung out at Snow Ball. I was one of the lucky ones to snag a pair of cool Yelp Shades (who else?) Just another thing to add to my Yelp collection. After checking in our coats it was on to the bar.
The bar is really long, so a lot of Yelpers were waiting on drinks. It took me about 5 minutes till one of the bartenders was ready for my order. It could've been better if there were a couple more guys behind the bar. Things would have been a bit faster. Aside from that they did an excellent job!
Now for the drinks. There were three choices that night. The good ol' Manhattan, Whiskey Sour and one based with Brown Sugar. I decided to try them all. The brown sugar one was a bit too strong for me. It was like taking a shot. The Manhattan was subtle, good flavor, not too strong, but definitely had a kick. The Whiskey sour was good. It actually refreshed me after the two...
Whiskey and I have a bad relationship. At first it's all good. We mingle, have a few laughs and then something stops and it starts hating me.... I was a bit tipsy leaving and it was a challenge going home. (i'll leave it to that)
It was an awesome night! Thanks to Peter D, Jane K & Leighann F for throwing an amazing party. All the new people I met, great laughs and candid moments.Listed in: Elite Events
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Review from Maritza S.
New York, NY
2/9/2011 1 photo
I have to say that my first YELP event as an Elite 2011 was wonderful!! I had a great time, meeting new faces and seeing some familiar ones.
What a lovely event and a great theme. Thanks to Ian McHugh for printing some cool funny photos.
My night was completely full with good looking Yelpers, in a classy venue, with friendly staff, and some good old Southern hospitality brought to you by Maker's Mark, Jane and Peter. Thanks guys for a great event! A girl can't ask for more... well maybe just a cigarette...
Looking forward to the next. -
Review from Sean S.
2/9/2011
Another winner thanks to Peter D, Jane K, and Leighann F. Everyone was looking so damn sassy and suited up! Wish I had the duds for all that.
Sure did enjoy those cocktails, and all those friendly faces. Thanks again as always for a fun night! -
Review from Josh W.
2/9/2011
The Empire Room was a great venue for a Mad Men themed party. Even though it looked like most of the guys dressed like they just got off work (probably because they did, myself included), it was a good theme. The event was a lot of fun and there were plenty of drinks to go around. The wine and Marker's Mark cocktails were solid. When I could find them, the appetizers were decent as well.
This was my first Elite event and it was great. I look forward to future yelp outings. -
Review from Sandy C.
2/22/2011
Having to arrive late with my plus 1, we've entered through the Empire State Building and found the doors locked. Nooo it can't be! But we exited and found ourselves at the side door of the place and was able to go in from there. Phew.
Upon entering, it was like we've entered a different era. Everyone was dressed up so nicely! It was great to see everyone and meet new faces. The crowd must be a hungry bunch because every time a platter of food comes out it's gone within seconds.
It was a pretty fun night and having many great laughs with new faces. This event was a pretty nifty way to start up 2011! Thanks Yelp, Jane, Peter, Leighann and Empire Room! -
Review from Jen W.
2/9/2011
uhhhhmazinggg. my 3rd elite event and the best by far... the Mad Men theme was all hotness. I loved seeing people totally going all out for this, plus I loved having the opportunity to wear bright red lipstick and my little veiled hat (granted thats 1920s but hey fashion transcends the decades I say...). Only Yelpers truly know how to execute and appreciate a good themed party!
Starting off with those delish Makers Mark cocktails was not the greatest idea on an empty stomach, so had to chase down the few trays of those Thai inspired hors d'œuvres getting passed around. I love the spicy curry flavored egg rolls and that macadamian crusted chicken skewers I definitely am gonna try to make myself sometime...
The space was perfectly classy and it wasn't overly crowded and we had SEATING which was very key and sorely missed from the snow ball. Service was efficient and friendly and the photo booth was a cute touch, even with the uber cheesy backgrounds... If I find myself in Herald Square again, I think Empire Room would be near the top of the list! -
Review from Sandy C.
2/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can I say but to welcome in a New Year with beautiful people and a great event. I enjoyed watching everyone pose for the pics with the theme of the night, Mad Men. Although I wasn't born in that era and I don't watch the show, the dresses and getup of the guys were spot on.
I stayed in the corner talking business with my friend. We were right by the entrance so we got to see who was arriving. The small bites were good and our Original sin was filled to the brim. -
Review from Ryan D.
2/10/2011
You know it's a Yelp Elite party when I still feel like I'm recovering two days later...
This also wins the award for being the-nearest-to-my-work event ever, beating even the Lucky Strike event a few months back. It was good this wasn't my first time at the rodeo 'cause... ::ahem:: you needed tolerance for this one, kids. I think if were to split my lip right now, there'd be just be pure Maker's Mark whiskey coming out of the wound. You could say it's my fault for drinking it, but... WHY ARE YOU TALKING!? NO ONE ASKED YOU!!
I'll admit to dressing up a little - I like that there was a 'Mad Men'-esque theme. While I did were a pink button down shirt, I embraced pinstripes and tried (unsuccessfully) to slick my hair back. You know, trying to get into the spirit and all that. I brought along Alex P. (are you surprised? He's coming to them ALL from now on with me) who was looking a little bit more modern, but he still looked good. At his suggestion, we parked our keisters on the bar. He is wise in all things - turned out to be the perfect spot, off to the side, slightly out of the way of all the action. I did almost whack a tray of wine glasses out of a poor waitresses' hand, but I didn't mean to. It's when we first got there. I wasn't drunk. I swear.
Thank gawd Yosh was there. It's not a party until I see that rascal.
The photo set up was, of course, one of my favorite parts of this whole shindig. So much so that I might actually keep around that business card that the photographer gave to me. I posed for two different photos and generally like how they came out. I think the photos of everyone at the event as a set ended up looking really spectacular. With the photobooth at the Snow Ball last year, I'm now going to selfishly expect photos every time there'a an Elite event.
Also, Jane K. channeling Joan's redheaded fierceness was amazing.
Great way to start off 2011! -
Review from Yosh H.
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic event! Hat's (well, Maker's Mark Old Fashioned toasts) off to Jane and the Yelp crew for making this event the fantastic event that it was. I thoroughly had a great time. I may have (and I apologize to all those who were affected) been a little "huggy". But only because I was having fun and was being brash. First, great venue and theme (I got a reason to wear a bow tie!) and the atmosphere was spot on. Second, I loved seeing good friends (eg. Mog, Joolz, Mabel, Chun, Rachel, Janeen, Ryan, Jim) and meeting new ones (eg. Lili, Robert, Andrew, Madhuri, Alex, Ron, Mark, etc.). And the photobooth was fantabulous! Although I didn't try the bites as much as I wished I could, for this event, it didn't matter because the atmosphere and drinks were the stars. Although I could go for some more of that spicy crab rolls....
Kudos to the Empire Room for hosting us and for dealing with my demands for a Old Fashioned. You rock! Even though I'm going to be cursing in the morning due to a slight headache. Grrr..... -
Review from Jordan W.
2/20/2011
iT was a pretty fun event, I know I am a week and a half late but I just saw someone else review an elite event from 2009 in 2011, now that is funny. I had a great time here at Empire Room. Loved the Mad Men theme, I didn't see any Christina Hendrick's looking girls though, that was a little disappointing. I don't know what else I can say that has not already been said. It was pretty cold that I was freezing my ass off waiting to enter the event. I was just a plus one for this one so I had to wait a little before entering to have all this fun. Got here a bit late but drank up quickly.
Wow, those were some strong drinks. I had 4 and a half drinks then I had to stop wanted to make it out of there ok. Makers Mark and I don't get along too well. I have hardly had it my entire life so it is more dangerous to me when drinking. Manhattan's were a great drink, also had the Whiskey Sour that hit the spot as well.
The place had a great vibe and it was a spot that I pass by so many times in an actual week that it was nice to finally see the inside of the place. Thanks Jane Yelp NYC team for a fun time on a Tuesday night. Like someone else said, those were not Tuesday night type drinks, more like for a friday. Good to see alot of old school yelpers and at least 15 other people that I see on a regular basis here at the events. Alot of new yelpers though for 2011 at the manhattan events. I also love the dedication of some of you guys to dress up for theme event, that was so cool. I am not that familiar with the Mad Men world actually and didn't have time to dress up anyway though. Great way to start things in 2011. Bring that Photobooth with the themes back for another event. please!!!!Listed in: Yelp Elite The 2011 Edition:…
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Review from Leslie D.
As a costume freak, I jumped at the chance of looking the part for this Mad Men soiree. Hours upon hours were spent researching the fashion, the hair and the makeup. You think I'm joking? Obviously you didn't see me last night. This is when I start to envy the men. All you really had to do was wear what you usually wear to work plus a jacket and a handkerchief in your breast pocket, and you were pretty much set. I, on the other hand, had to bring my dress to work, do my 60s makeup at the end of work along with my hairdo that took me a freaking hour and more than 2 hands to complete. Now I must admit, Mad Men has been on my list of "shows to watch" (along with The Wire, Southland and Oz) but I have seen ONE episode.... so I'm better off than most of the people who went who had no clue what this hit show on AMC was... *cough*
That being said, The Empire Room was the perfect place to hold this party. I've never seen a more retro 60's venue from the carpet to the leather chairs to the chandelier on the ceiling. I wouldn't be surprised if Mad Men had actually filmed a segment there. The drinks were top notch made with Maker's Mark and appropriately themed names. I actually took the menu home with me... along with the "It's COOL to tip your bartender" sign at the bar. I figured if it wasn't tacked down to the floor or heavy in weight, it was going in my purse. No I'm not a klepto; they go to meetings... But there was this one time....
The few h'orderves I was able to grab before the Yelp swarm ambushed the server were quite tasty. My favorite was hands down the portobello mushroom tarts! They were flaky, buttery, mushroomy and HOT. I burnt my mouth on the first one I ate because I didn't realize just how hot they were. Lesson learned next time. I also enjoyed the spicy shrimp spring rolls and the bruscetta. I missed out on the chicken and beef skewers. Sad. Oh well, I had four of the mushroom tarts so ha! I need to stop by a real happy hour of theirs though before I can totally trust them with my taste buds... so... stay tuned.
Surprisingly, the people running the show were very amicable and quite funny. I chatted up a Miss Julie and Mr. James from The Empire Room's PR group for a little while. I realized while with them my drinks became progressively stronger and stronger. Coincidence? I think not! At the end of the night, I grabbed a business card from the lovely lady for future reference. I also got invited to an after party for Fashion Week here.... sshhhhhh... I should dress up like this more often.... but then the world might start revolving backwards towards a time where sexism was rampant and jeans were unacceptable for the work place! Oh the horror! THE HORROR!
And I'm spent....Listed in: Yelp Elite Events!
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Review from Eugene K.
2/9/2011
My head hurts, my throat is dry dry dry, and I can't stop thinking about that bottle of unopened Makers Mark as a prop in the photo shoot.
Why didn't I take it home with me? Free shwag?
So I heard a lot last night, "Who's the Elite, who's the +1?" I proudly pulled on my shirt, NBA style, and grunted "Dat's me. Elite." That proud, pompous feeling lasted a good 5 seconds when I realized that before 6PM, my friend and I killed time not at a bar, but at the comic book store across the street. At least we're not Twihards.
I indulged in the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour, specifically in that order. I ended up sticking with the Old Fashioned for the remainder of the night because well, it was boozy at it's finest.
The Yelp photographer was cool with his 24358745983648756 flashes, I overheard Peter D. saying "This is why I don't like wearing suits, the name tag doesn't stick.", saw Jane K. donning her dope-red-Mary-Jane-hairdo, and loads and loads of appropriately dressed women (no girls here, sorry boys).
I also loved watching people chase the servers with the trays of food. I saw how mad it made the man.
Good job Yelp. -
Review from Samira S.
2/9/2011
I think I could have started a car with the strength of those whiskey sours.
Good times! -
Review from Tony L.
This is easily the best Yelp event I've been to yet.
What an incredibly classy lounge! It's worth dressing up for. I could easily see myself coming here with a small group of friends and staying for a very long time...
Special thanks to Jane K. and Peter D. for putting together such a classy affair!
Maker's Mark drinks? Yes, please. I had at least one of each and the special recipes for the evening were excellent.
I loved the venue, I loved the drinks, I loved the food and I love YELP! -
Review from Alyvia M.
2/9/2011
What a kick-ass theme to kick off 2011! It was classy from start to finish. The suits, hats, Makers Mark and speak-easy decor took me back to an era I wish I was a part of! My parents used to perform in that room back in the day :) Everything from the coat check to the bartenders to the friendly photographers and delicious nibbles was spot on! And, what a perfect entrance for Jane's gorgeous new red locks! As always, it was awesome to hang with Miss Mabel and Joolie and meet new friends Jayne and Janeen! My roommate had the best time and should be Yelping in no time.
Thanks for a great start to 2011! -
Review from Lorenzo T.
Hoboken, NJ
2/10/2011
A celebration at the empire room with yelp
Knocking back drinks and tried to help
Get the party started early
Don't fear the dude cause he's burly
Horderve snacking
Lips smacking
Remember to stop and smile
Everyone in their 50's style
Gentlemen slick back hair, no curls
Pretty ladies wearing pearls
Had way to much fun
See you at the next one -
Review from Richard D.
New York, NY
2/10/2011
Cool event.
Now this is what I'm talkin about when I say Yelp Elite events are better than stuff like the Beer Bourbon and BBQ festival.
Those bartenders sure mix up a mean drink. Each of drinks were strong! Love it. I normally drink my liquors neat, so this was impressive. The drinks were all pretty strong. They tasted like straight makers mark. The one standout drink I remembered as a kid (not because I was drinking then) was the Manhattan. In a Simpsons episode, Bart gets tied up working for the mob as a bartender because he mixes the perfect Manhattan. Now I know what a Manhattan tastes like.
There was some good food, but now I know why most people were crowding the walkways. They were the ones sniping the food before the servers could make their way toward the edges of the room.
I'm glad to know there are some cool spots in Midtown now, especially since I live so close! -
Review from Stephanie Q.
New York, NY
2/8/2011
5 stars duh! My very first yelp elite event ever and let me say I was impressed. Great venue, nice couches. It wasn't too crowded which was nice. Those Markers Mark drinks were great, I had their Manhattan (I saw Peter D drink it and decided I wanted one too), a bit of another drink that started with Sugar... and a glass of wine. I was sitting at a really good spot, right next to where the food came out from the kitchen! The risottos puffs were amazing, my favorite of the night. The beef teriyaki was good as well and the panko chicken was amazing. And yes, the bruschetta was yummy.
The photo booth was absolutely fun. Lots of wigs, hats, funky sunglasses and other props to make the photos look amazing!
What a great way to kick of 2011! -
Review from Rachel C.
2/22/2011
This place was BUMPING!
I showed up a few minutes late and the bar was already packed. It was a little hard to get a drink but after a little while at the bar I snagged an incredibly strong drink which was perfect for happy hour.
The crowd looked great in their Mad Men-esque get up. The drink selections were good and the photo booth added a extra touch of class. Top notch. -
Review from Alice C.
2/9/2011
Free drinks and hor d'oeurves at a party for one of my fave websites ever?? Yes please!
Thanks Yelp and the bartenders of The Empire Room for getting me so incredibly inappropriately inebriated by 8pm on a Tuesday night. Although I did not mingle as much as I should've (I stayed glued to the bar.. typical), I definitely had a great time at my first ever Yelp Elite Event.
The photo set up and props were also tons of fun. Thank you for your patience NJ Photo Party for having to consistently deal with me as I chose ridiculous props and hammed it up for the cam. The stack of photos I retrieved last night are definitely cherished.
Additionally, that pear cider drink was DELISH-- definitely downed about 5 of them during the night. Blame it on the pear cider (and those super stiff Manhattans) if you witnessed any obnoxiousness coming from me last night. -
Review from Lili K.
2/9/2011
I just want to start off by saying I left my camera there yet someone turned it in for me!! Was able to pick it up the next day. THANK YOU fellow yelpers! I feel the love...
Great times as with any event. All the drinks were mighty strong...food was pipin' hot and the venue was a great spot.
Taking pictures was a major plus, and we got copies for everyone in our group (unlike the HS days when you could only give out 4 wallet-sized pics).
Loved the outfits, ambiance and spirit. Here's to the new year! -
Review from Alison C.
3/24/2011
The Yelp Elite Go Mad For The Empire Room event was as enjoyable as it was creative. I happen to be a huge fan of "Mad Men" and delighted in the opportunity to dress up as a sassy 60's woman. Therefore, I obviously also appreciated the complimentary photos that were available to commemorate the event.
In regards to the venue, The Empire Room screamed Madison Avenue heyday with its masculine brown couches and abundance of wooden adornments. The space provided the perfect amount of seating and standing room for the number of attendees. The sponsored whiskey bar included classic cocktails, like the Manhattan, that meshed perfectly with the theme of the event.
My main complaint was the quality of the passed hors d'oeuvres. The Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Skewers were horrendously dry, and the Crab Spring Rolls tasted like Tortino pizza rolls, rather than anything seafood-related. I was unable to finish either of these small bites.
Aside from the food, which was appreciated in theory, the Yelp Elite Go Mad For The Empire Room event made for an enjoyable evening. The creative concept and effective execution were proof of why I enjoy being a part of this fun-filled community. -
Review from Lawrence C.
New York, NY
2/11/2011
Everything was awesome. My only regret is i didn't suit up.
The bartenders poured the alchohol very liberally. Photobooth was an awesome addition. There are a lot of Asian Elite members in NY. -
Review from Ashley L.
First few people there, got some sick Yelp shades.
Found a spot at the bar and stayed. Good drinks, good hor dourves. Props to the photo team and the almost-instant prints for free!
I loved the theme because I love Mad Men but since I came directly from work and it wasn't mandatory, I didn't dress up....but good idea.
Look forward to more events :) -
Review from Ro N.
New York, NY
2/17/2011
Peter D was the greeter...didn't see Jane anywhere, however met
Leighann.
All I have to say is....Brown Sugar Traditional - WTF!
We couldn't drink this stuff at all!
Strong as hell.
Left early....thanks for the YELPNESS Yelp! -
Review from Sarina H.
New York, NY
2/9/2011
I had a fantastic time at the event. I absolutely love dressing up! Who doesn't right? It's an excuse to celebrate Halloween any time of the year! I got to sport my retro form fitting box pleat red dress that I had sitting in my closet for years as well as a beehive. How fun!
Despite showing up rather late in the evening, I was still able to score drink after drink, app after app and settle into one of the cozy booths.
I've been to an event at Empire Room before, and was quite pleased with the choice of venue selection to go with the Mad Men theme. We had to dash at around 8 for a dinner res, but enjoyed chatting and getting to know other Yelp Elites.
Looking forward to the next one! -
Review from Cindy T.
New York, NY
3/8/2011
One word review for this event: boozy.
The Yelp event at The Empire Room was really great. Everyone seemed to be in such a good mood and cordial to one another. Was it the booze?? I appreciate that the event wasn't packed, and that I could order drinks without too much of a wait. I don't normally drink cocktails (I'm a beer gal), so it was a new experience for me. I discovered of the three cocktails that were offered (Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, and Old Fashioned), I like a Whiskey Sour best.
The setting of the event was special. The Empire Room has a nostalgic feel due to the art deco design. It's easy to imagine yourself partying in a past decade like you were Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire. The Empire Room is a great place for a private party. I'm not so sure what this place would be like when the general public is there.
My friend and I enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Thank you to Yelp for organizing a 5-star event and to the staff at The Empire Room for ensuring that everyone had drinks and snacks. -
Review from Jason G.
2/12/2011
Good props for taking pictures.
Yelp: keep it up with the free food and booze. I have no qualms with that.
