Empire

I won't lie, I didn't have high expectations for the food, but both my wife and I were pleasantly…read moresurprised. We rolled the dice on the lobster tacos, since the description sounded too good to pass up, and came out aces. The lobster seemed fresh to me, was cooked properly, and went well with the spicy chilies and acidic aioli. We also ordered the al pastor nachos, which were honestly better than most bar nachos around. The service was a little slow, but thats because there only seemed to be two staff members, including the one guy mixing drinks. Aka - mgmt fault, not the pleasant servers.

Summer's here so it's time to hit up the rooftop bars and enjoy the beautiful weather! Sky Lounge…read moreis located on the top floor of the Yotel Hotel. Once you get in, there's a small lounge area on the left and then a larger lounge area straight ahead where the bar is. They have small tables with couches and local artwork ond display. For their drinks, their mixed drinks are average, but they only had 3 beers on draft which was a disappointment. They do serve some bar food and snacks, but like the drinks they're overpriced. I've been here twice and there's usually a wait for the rooftop. Once on a Saturday I was quoted up to a 3 hour wait that was actually 45 minutes and on a Sunday it was a 15 minute wait. I put my name down and got a friendly text when my turn was up. The view is pretty good, but not the best since it's not by the water so it's mostly looking at the city and large apartment complexes. The rooftop is small with 4-5 tables, a TV, and some seats. It seems like they allow around 40 people in at a time. Overall, this a cool place to hang out with friends this summer!

Sky Lounge Terrace

Sky Lounge Lounge Area

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Sky Lounge Terrace

Flight Club Boston

4.1(142 reviews)

Full bar

Kitchen open late

Reserved 2 lanes for a large group (22 people) event and the service provided was amazing! The food…read moreand beverage package came with unlimited refills and dart gaming experience. Food was delicious and the venue is great for both small or large groups. Kelly and Carlos was amazing in providing our team of 22 people with a wonderful time. While food and drinks were great, the service they provided was top notch! Hopefully they can assist us again at our next visit.

Flight Club Boston is such a blast!!! My girlfriend and I went on a date here to play darts and…read morehave drinks and we had such a fun time! It is super well-priced at $15/person for 1.5 hours of gameplay which is more than enough for 2 people. They have a bunch of interactive dart games, including classic, and we were able to play all of them multiple times. Additionally, they have Rookie/Normal/Pro lines on the ground so you can choose where to stand and you don't have to be a professional dart player by any means to play these games. The staff is also super friendly. The only concern I had was that the staff wasn't super attentive to our dart table, so despite us clicking the request service button a few times, my girlfriend had to head to the bar to get our drinks and start a tab. My girlfriend's drink was not good either... it was a vodka mixed drink with a salt rim and it was just too salty. It would've been much better with a sugar rim I think. Other than that though, it was an amazing time and I'd highly recommend Flight Club for a date night, outing with friends, or corporate event!

Try one of our signature botanical cocktails, created by award winning mixologist Peter Vestinos!

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The Grand Boston

2.1(268 reviews)

While in town we got tickets to catch DJ Pauly D here since why not for a house club night out…read more Quick security check in, coat check was easy & then on our way. Nice set up as u make your way up, once inside it opens up to a pretty large space. They have a few bars around which made it relatively easy to get drinks. Tito's & seltzer & Gin & Ginger ale were our drinks for the night, decent for the night. Once DJ Pauly D hit the stage the place had a crazy fun vibe, if u watched the Jersey Shore show u can appreciate it but even if u never watched I must say it was a fun, energetic show & the music was good overall. Good sound system, lights & depending where u were standing decent amount of space to Dance the night away, we had a good night!

@thegrandboston Its disappointing, we came all the way since you guys said Karol G would be but we…read morelistened to Some unknown Dj , cash a waste of time , Questions , did @karolg knew she was supposed to be there ??? #. You guys call people in , charge money , and lie ????

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DJ Pauly D April 2026

Lucky's Lounge

3.6(741 reviews)

The Lucky Lounge absolutely nailed the speakeasy vibe. You walk down a set of stairs and the moment…read morethose doors open, you're greeted by this dark, moody space that already feels alive and buzzing with energy. The atmosphere was on point, and the music selection only made the experience better. Every song fit the vibe perfectly and added to that cool, hidden-gem feel. It happened to be trivia night, so people were already lining up near the screen getting ready to compete. We had only flown into the city a few hours earlier, so we opted to sit in the other room for a quieter evening. Not a complaint at all. The energy was fun to watch, but we were definitely in relaxation mode after traveling. There was also a conference happening at a nearby hotel, so the place filled up quickly. Even with the crowd, the bartender taking care of us remained incredibly attentive, checking in often and never making us feel forgotten. Excellent service in a busy room always stands out. We ordered three cocktails and every one was delicious. The Coconut Confidential was creamy and refreshing, basically a liquid piña colada. The Velvet Elvis packed a punch with the Jack Daniel's and Chambord. My favorite of the night was the Sassy Cactus Sip. The prickly pear flavor was fantastic and had me wishing I ordered a second. For food we shared the garlic broccoli, pretzel bites with cheese, and the artichoke dip with chips. Unexpectedly, the real MVP was dipping the broccoli into the artichoke dip. It absolutely hit the spot.

Didn't have food but did have drinks at the bar. Two pumpkin beers and a rhubarb margarita…read more Margarita was amazing. Nice to sit and talk to the bartenders. Nice to listen to live music. Would definitely go back.

Me working

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Front door

Grace By Nia

3.6(268 reviews)

Such a cute little spot with great vibes! I came here on a Friday night with my sisters and…read morefriends, and we had a really fun time. The atmosphere was moody and intimate, with live music that made the experience even better. The band even got me involved in their karaoke session, which was such a fun touch! We had already eaten before arriving, so we only came for drinks. My French 75 was delicious! I've heard mixed reviews about the food, so while I'd be open to trying it on my next visit, I wouldn't necessarily make this my first choice for dinner. For me, the real appeal is the live entertainment, cocktails, and overall ambiance. Definitely a cute spot for a night out!

Our group of 12 came to end our Martha's Vineyard weekend trip. For beverages a lot of the ladies…read moregot the peach tea lemonade they all enjoyed and said it was refreshing. I had the tropic like it's got its was so good!! 9/10 the other ladies had the queen b and they loved it. Three of us ordered the French toast. I ordered mine without the peach marmalade and specifically asked if it would actually come out as an appetizer because we hadn't eaten all day and I don't like when places bring your app and meal together. the first one they brought out as an app was given to my friends at the other end of the table. They brought out half the tables food about 3 mins before the rest. I got my entree first. When they finally brought my French toast it was covered in hot peaches etc. they took it back no problem. Shrimp and grits and burger got thumbs ups. Everything else was okay.some of the reviews make me think dinner may be worth a try. Overall the place is beautiful and aesthetically pleasing but the food didn't match for me.

0.0 mi•Waterfront, South Boston

Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Mile High Red Velvet Cake.

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Steak Frites*

Committee

3.9(987 reviews)

I came here last night with my friend after an event in the Seaport area. We went around 8:30 pm…read morewhich meant street parking was free and thankfully we found one around the corner a few feet away. They do offer outdoor seating but given that it was slightly drizzling and extremely windy, we stayed inside. We sat at the bar and I ordered Nick's world famous cocktail ($18) while she ordered the afterglow ($20). Nick's was a little thick and almost had the consistency of a puree. It was not too strong or sweet but still fruity tasting. Instead of a garnish, there was a picture of a Nick clothe pinned to the side. We weren't too hungry, so we ordered a couple of small plates: the tuna tartare and the feta 2.0. This place is actually perfect for snacking / light meals since their menu is a modern take on "Meze," or small shareable plates (think tapas). The tuna tartare was incredible. The fish, cucumbers and tomatoes tasted very fresh, but the star of the show was definitely the sauce which I think was a mixture of ponzu, togarashi, and cilantro tzatziki. It was spicy, but slightly creamy, but very herby and light. I loved that the pita chips were crispy; they paired well with the dish and they brought out a good ratio of chips to tartare. The feta cheese was also good. It was wrapped in crispy phyllo and topped with honey and sesame seeds. The honey provided a slight sweetness but not enough to overpower the salty and sharp taste of the fresh feta. This plate does not come with anything which was kind of odd so we asked for pita on the side. I wish we had asked for warm pita, or baked pita because it was a little dry. I was impressed with the flavors and quality of each dish as well as the attention of the servers and staff. There's a relaxed vibe as the lights are dim and interior design is classy.

The food was great. Bigger portions than we initially thought! The server told us to order 2-3 per…read moreperson... either we misunderstood her or other people have larger appetites. Not a vegan friendly restaurant. One of us is vegan so I called ahead and asked if they had any vegan options. They said yes, and that the server would help us pick out items. The server did not help at all and was not willing to make substitutions, etc. Ambiance was cool. If you're going in the summertime around the evening, it's fun to sit outside!

Bar Area

Zucchini Crisps

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Aprodite era, death of an unpopular poet, committee mule, door number three, patio daddy o

The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection

3.6(229 reviews)

The coolest hotel ever. I felt so bougie and chic. Great…read morelocation. Can walk to the pier and rent the paddle boats for cheep money. Walk to bars and restaurants. And they have THE MOST AMAZING rooftop bar and restaurant!!!! If you wanna sit or eat. Reservations are HIGHLY Recommended! A must. And The Best Deal In Town $78 huge a$$ pitcher of Rita's that last you a life time and you only need that. Amazing. Was 500 drinks in it! Maybe even more. And if you're staying at hotel. You can bring it to room!!! Wtf. I'm amazed at this place. Staff was so nice and welcoming. I'm going back. Soon!!! Before the summer is gone and done

Lovely rooftop bar at the envoy which is also part of the marriot group.. Great view of the…read morewaterfront and the downtown skyline. The beers in tap are great and awesome music playing... friendly staff as well

The view from the front door

Room decorations

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Fried fish sandwich at Lookout rooftop bar and restaurant

Lookout Rooftop

3.1(364 reviews)

4 stars for the fantastic views of Boston harbor and the Boston skyline, but that's about it…read more.. I came here on a Sunday morning right when they opened so luckily there were no crowds at the bar or obstructing the views. I didn't see a food menu but drinks were small and expensive. I know everything in the city is expensive but this was straight-up robbery; over $20 per tiny drink and absolutely not worth the price. I'd recommend coming here to get some pictures, but definitely eat/drink elsewhere unless you have boatloads of money to burn! :(

This rooftop has amazing views of the harbor but that's about it. The food, drinks, and service…read morewere just ok. We visited on a Friday night and the place was PACKED. I made a reservation for a table and was told to check in at the hostess stand. We were standing there for a while before someone finally came to seat us. There were also multiple groups that had been waiting. The food reminded me of frozen food. It came out room temperature and was not very good. The drinks were decent. Overall, everything was pricey for what it was.

Truffle fries

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View

Marcelino’s Seaport

3.7(111 reviews)

food was delicious, but drinks were watery and service felt like I was at a much more casual place…read more call me old fashioned, but at somewhere posturing this level of niceness, the food runners should not be asking us what we ordered, and the waiter never stopped by unless we flagged them down. Just another small plates seaport restaurant with the location and view being the main redeeming factor.

My husband was so excited to find a restaurant with his name in Boston…read more We planned to visit our daughter and fiancée! Marcelino's Seaport was our first reservation we made! Party of 4! Stunning views of the Boston Harbor! Marcelino's Seaport has upscale feel! Dress code specified. Our Server Manuela R was great! Tapas style menu! Food was very tasty. Wasn't too impressed with the salad. Loved my cocktail and the cheesecake! Pricey dinner! Noticed on the receipt We were automatically charged a "Kitchen Appreciation Fee" There was a public parking lot walking distance to restaurant. Had to pay for the parking. Enjoyed a stroll on the Boston Harbor walkway after dinner!

0.5 mi•Financial District

Main Bar Room

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Oriental Room- Private

Chemist Cocktail Bar

3.9(35 reviews)

Chemistry Bar: Creative Cocktails, Cozy Vibes & Mixologists Who Know Their Stuff!…read more While in Boston for our team offsite, we decided Chemistry Bar would be the perfect spot to host our welcome happy hour. We rented out the entire space, which was such a fun way to kick off our time together! Atmosphere & Vibe First things first, I LOVED the aesthetic! Chemistry Bar has a dark, moody, almost sultry atmosphere that blends the coziness of a lounge with the casual energy of a neighborhood bar. Think dim lighting, stylish decor, comfortable couches, and intimate seating areas. And can we talk about the seating?! SO comfortable! There's nothing worse than going to a bar where the furniture looks cute but feels like punishment. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here! The space is also surprisingly large, making it ideal for private events and group gatherings. We had plenty of room to mingle without feeling cramped, yet the layout still felt intimate and inviting. From what I understand, the vibe shifts later in the evening with DJs spinning house, techno, funk, and vinyl sets. They also host listening sessions, football screenings, and private celebrations. So whether you're looking for a laid-back cocktail or a livelier night out, there's something for everyone. Location & Layout The bar's layout features several comfortable seating pockets that make it easy to socialize and have actual conversations rather than shouting across a crowded room. It's a great balance of spacious and cozy, which isn't always easy to pull off! Cocktails & Mixology Now, let's get to the important stuff: THE DRINKS! Naturally, I ordered my usual French 75, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover they had Empress Indigo Gin, which happens to be my FAVORITE! Then I remembered...this is Chemistry Bar, a place known for creative mixology. Of course they'd have specialty spirits! The curated cocktail menu is incredibly unique, featuring inventive combinations, smoke-infused spirits, espresso martinis, and other thoughtfully crafted creations. These aren't your typical run-of-the-mill cocktails! And the bartenders? Fantastic! They were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly skilled mixologists who know how to make a drink that's as beautiful as it is delicious. The presentation alone deserves some recognition! Everyone on our team enjoyed their cocktails, which says a lot considering we all have different tastes. It's always impressive when a bar can deliver both creativity AND quality across the board. Food & Bites Since this was a team happy hour, we ordered a nice assortment of shareable bites: Gluten-free flatbreads -- pepperoni, pesto, and cheese Hummus with pita and cucumber slices Chicken fingers Grilled chicken skewers Grilled steak skewers I especially appreciated having gluten-free flatbread options available! It's always nice when dietary restrictions don't mean you're stuck watching everyone else enjoy the good stuff. The assortment was also perfect for a group, with plenty of variety to accommodate different preferences. Overall Thoughts Chemistry Bar was an excellent choice for our welcome happy hour! Between the moody aesthetic, comfortable seating, spacious layout, friendly bartenders, and beautifully crafted cocktails, it's the kind of place that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. I can absolutely see the appeal for private events, after-work drinks, or a night out with friends. Would I return? Absolutely! Especially if there's an Empress Indigo French 75 with my name on it! After all, good chemistry isn't just for the laboratory. Sometimes it's a comfy couch, a perfectly crafted cocktail, and great company!

Came here to watch the Scotland fifa match and the vibe was insane! Bartenders were attentive and…read morespeedy. DJ dance party after 10pm. People watching was fun and friends made after the game. What a fantastic night. Do invest in a better AC system as everyone was sweating just idling. Bring your ID after 9pm as the bouncer do check and will deny entry

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The bar

Chemist BLT and seasoned fries.

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BITTER YOLANDA -- 16 Mezcal, Select Aperitif, Pineapple, China China Amaro, Tiki Bitters

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54 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Koo M.

14 years ago

First off, I have read the other reviews on here. I wonder why great reviews get filtered, yet fake reviews stay up. I came on Yelp because I wanted to comment on my great experience and these things deter me from wanting to review more restaurants that I love. I spoke at length to one of the employees when I was in the other night. This place was never called Shrine, but the folks who own it (Big Night) own Shrine in Foxwoods which is a night club. This is no nightclub. Second, how did the 6/27 reviewer review a restaurant that was NOT OPEN to the public on June 27th? Come on Yelp, that is just unfair. I too was wandering around and had heard many great things about this new place. I walked into one of the most visually stunning places I had ever seen. Truly I could have hung out for hours in the lounge, just to move into the dining room and feel like I was in a new place. I didn't find anyone to be pretentious. I was dressed in a sundress and sandals and my guest was in business casual attire. The ladies at the front were very welcoming. All of the food I got was outstanding. I had a hamachi tartare roll and the red dragon roll. I am craving them as I type this. The scallop soup was exactly what I would want it to be, delicious. I wanted more than my bowl. My friend go the barley chicken that smelled amazing as it hit the table. We also got tuna tartare and my only complaint is that I couldn't get more things to try because I was full on sushi. I thought this place was so freaking cool. The decor was beautiful and the staff very gracious. Although I can do without the revealing cocktail attire, the ladies were all beautiful and very sweet. Couldn't they be mean or something? I would love to come back here and sit and hang out for a few hours, and I will. There is a lot more to try on that menu. As for being pricey? Well, all I can say is WELCOME TO BOSTON. I am not surprised, but like some on here, it isn't my first night out. I know how to dress and I know what to expect in the city. Bravo Empire. I love having a new place to hand out on the Waterfront. read more

Michele S.

14 years ago

When you first step food into Empire, you are immediately taken to another level. You can't help but be enthralled by the endless things to gaze at (the people watching isn't half bad either!). There is a beautiful wrap around bar that has a large number of seats right next to the lounge that also holds many couches, chairs and unique small tables. My group and I decided to have a drink the in lounge before we moved to dinner in the main dining room. My recommendations: the Shanghai Doll and Thai Bengal Martini, both basil based and delicious! (Warning: I like drinks on the sweeter, so take that into consideration) When we sat at our table we decided to order multiple appetizers and several sushi rolls. I recommend the Lobster Scallion Pancakes, Beef Tartare was amazing (and I am a harsh beef tartare critic), Dumplings were great and the real star of the show was the Thai Scallop Soup...incredible! Next up for sushi we ordered the Red Dragon Roll with blue fin tuna, Hamachi Tartare Roll (AMAZING!) with perfect gold colored tobiko and lastly, the Tempura Rock Shrimp Roll which was an immediate hit. If you aren't a huge sushi/raw fan, I recommend the Rock Shrimp Roll...one that everyone will love! For my entree I had the Steak and Frites which was great, I'm a big skirt steak fan. Overall - I definitely recommend, I've been to their sister restaurant Red Lantern and while the two are similar in style of pan asian cuisine, the menu itself is completely different but just as amazing. Check it out! read more

Samuel J.

4 years ago

The bouncers at empire are absolute the worst, they are racist, discriminatory, and classist. Not now not ever will I set foot in Empire. I am born and raised in Boston and they treated me like like a 2nd class citizen. I walked over from the Burna Boy concert, with ball shorts, Jordan's and a tee shirt. They said I couldn't get in, two minutes, they let a guy in, of lighter complexion with two women and let him in immediately, they explanation was that he was in dress code. Even though he was in the same exact outfit as me. I call on my my people of color to boycott Empire. Boycott Empire, their parent company, and all their subsidiaries. Not now not ever will I support this corporation with my money. Boston so know to be a racist city, I accept that, but to be treated differently, when I am in the same way outfit is a whole different level Of disrespect. This guy don't realize I work for the commonwealth of Massachusetts. This management of Empire should I work for the commonwealth of Massachusetts and I will explore every legal option available to me to make sure that this company is known for it's racist tactics, and their business practices. The attorney general, FTC and the NCAAP Are a aware of this corporation. This ain't a lot of black people in Boston, but my people will never support company with our dollars. read more

Meghan K.

Elite 26

180

2 years ago

My recent visit to Empire Boston was mostly enjoyable, but there were a few aspects that could have been improved. We ordered a Sapporo, the Shanghai Sangria, the edamame, avocado rice bites, and beef lo mein. My boyfriend enjoyed his Sapporo and the sangria was average - pretty sweet. The edamame was fresh and lightly salted, making for a simple yet satisfying appetizer. However, the timing of the dishes was a bit off, as the beef lo mein arrived just a couple of minutes after the edamame, which didn't give us any time to enjoy the appetizer fully before the entrée hit the table. It felt a bit rushed and had us questioning the freshness of the lo mein. That being said, the beef lo mein is a big enough serving to share. The beef was tender and the noodles were well-cooked, but it lacked a wow factor to make it stand out for other similar dishes we've had. The Pad Thai is definitely better. The avocado rice bites were the highlight of this meal - crispy on the outside with fresh and flavorful avocado on top. Overall, Empire has a nice ambiance, great music and good service. However, the pacing and attention to detail could use a little refinement. It's a decent spot if you're in the Seaport area, especially if you're just stopping by for apps and drinks. read more

Maria S.

13 years ago

The worst customer service by a manager that I have ever experienced! I was planning my friend's 40th birthday party there. I went in to look at the space on a week day and the manager responsible for the events wasn't there. I left her a message through another manager in charge. I never got a call back. I called a few times and I was connected to Kerri. She wasn't really listening to what my vision was for my friends 40th. So, I decided to meet with her in person. Well, when we met all she wanted was to up-sell me for the most expensive option. I was so frustrated! I decided to have a drink at the bar. I told the bartender what was happening and he told me to contact Johnny. Apparently Johnny is in charge of all the parties. Who knew! After talking to Johnny and getting a much more reasonable package I decided to go ahead and book the party. Then, Kerri emailed me saying that Johnny was not in charge and that I had to go through her. I was so confused. Shortly after, I was in the middle of an email battle between both of them. I decided not to book the party there at all. So unprofessional! I do love the restaurant, the food and the service but the lack of professionalism coming from the higher ups is completely absurd! read more

Kenneth T.

3 years ago

Decided to give this place a shot during my visit to Boston, but it turned out to be a complete disappointment. I tried visiting on a Wednesday night, but they refused to let me in, claiming they were too busy. Interestingly, I noticed another bouncer allowing people inside. I tried to rationalize it by assuming it was due to my attire, as I was wearing a hoodie. Undeterred, I returned on Saturday afternoon and put my name on the waitlist for a table, being told it would take about 30 minutes. However, even after waiting for two hours, I received no notification. Determined, I returned on Saturday night with a group of friends, all of us dressed in blazers and sports coats. Shockingly, we were again turned away, with the excuse of the place being too busy, while the same bouncer allowed a group of white females to enter. It became painfully clear that this establishment harbors prejudice and racism against people of color, despite the bouncers themselves being black. Unfortunately, I should have expected this, considering the location in Boston Seaport. My advice: steer clear of this place if you're a person of color. read more

Ry T.

10 years ago

Horrible. This is a primary example of why Boston will never be known for its culinary scene. The place struggles with its own identity. Is it a strip club, nightclub or restaurant? It's loud given the music blasting every spot inside. That is if you get in. CAUTION- they have several young bouncers who resemble prison guards with the most rude obnoxious language I have ever witnessed. While entering the place, a small group in front of us was trying to understand why they had to pay a $25 dollar cover charge to have dinner. The head bouncer said everywhere in Boston did it, which is false. They then stated that if they didn't like it, then get out of the way and go somewhere else. I then witnessed the young bouncer laugh and yell horrible obscenities to this poor group of people. The food is overpriced, the decor is sleazy, and it's one more example of how a nightclub group is trying to be a culinary establishment. Stay away from this place and it's low life, disgusting group of people that work here. Also, management needs to address the bouncers aka the thugs who think they are managing the door to a fraternity. read more

Ethan R.

Elite 26

236

295

1976

11 months ago

Empire in Boston absolutely delivered an incredible dining experience from start to finish. The moment you walk in, you're hit with a stunning atmosphere -- upscale, modern, and energetic without feeling overwhelming. It's the perfect spot for a night out, a date, or celebrating something special. The food was outstanding. Every dish was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The sushi was top-tier, the entrees were perfectly cooked, and even the appetizers stood out. You can tell the kitchen takes real pride in what they serve. Drinks were equally impressive -- creative, balanced, and served with a bit of flair. Service was also a highlight. Everything came out promptly, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed throughout the night. Overall, Empire is one of those places that consistently gets it right: atmosphere, food, drinks, and service. If you're looking for a memorable night out in Boston, this place is an easy 5 stars. Highly recommend! read more

Demet A.

2 years ago

Empire Restaurant in Boston offers a fusion of Asian flavors in a sophisticated yet vibrant setting. Its menu showcases meticulously crafted dishes like crispy calamari and lobster pad thai, complemented by inventive cocktails. The restaurant's stylish ambiance and top-notch service make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of the city. In addition to its exceptional food and drinks, Empire also boasts top-notch service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a memorable dining experience. Overall, Empire Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in exquisite Asian cuisine in the heart of Boston. With its impeccable food, stylish ambiance, and exceptional service, it's no wonder why Empire has earned its reputation as one of the city's premier dining establishments. read more

Kerry L.

14 years ago

I know I am in love with a place when I can't stop thinking about the food. And that is very much how I feel about Empire. First off the place is simply beautiful. It is so incredibly impressive when you walk in that you don't even know where to look. The staff were all lovely and gracious to us. The sushi rolls were new and exciting and the menu also has some very identifiable classics like pad thai. I love anything with a little kick so the Red Dragon roll was right up my alley. I also love the scallop soup, delicious. The Cape Cod roll was truly unique and the Hamachi roll is my new favorite thing on the planet. I was surprised at how much I liked the lychee martini since I am not a big fan of cherry, but the thai bengal martini was the true sweet spot for me. I suggest you stop in for one, or three. The menu has many things that you will be craving later.. read more

Atakan A.

7 years ago

Hello everyone, I went to this place so many times but yesterday night I was very insulted by the employees of this place, which I dropped hundreds of dollars before like yesterday. I asked for a bottle and I was going to get a few more bottles during the night but they brought me check even though I didn't ask for it because I was going to get more of them. Anyways, just because I didn't sign the paper first server than manager started fighting me over the tip and they stopped serving me. The manager who has beard and short guy convinced the bartenders about not giving me and my co-workers anymore drinks. I WAS EMBARRASSED IN FRONT OF MY CO-WORKERS. I've money-hunting employees like this before. I will definitely call the place on Monday to talk to general manager even the owner if I can. Do not go this place, NOT RECOMMENDED. Thieves. read more

Anderson W.

8 years ago

Empire...honestly just the location of this place is convenient, other than that the service isn't that great. They have so many people coming to eat and sit at the bar that they don't even care about customer service much. We reserved a table, and when we got there, they had us wait 15min. We sat down and ordered appetizers and main meals, guess what? Everything came at the same time all at once! We didn't want anything to be cold, so we started to rush eating while it was still hot. Music was sooooo loud that you can't even have a nice conversation with your partner. But that's not a big of a deal, the issue is that the server never shows up, if we needed something, we had to keep looking where he was. We gave him the credit card to pay for the check and took forever to come back....this place deserves no more than 2-3 starts. read more

Stacey J.

3 years ago

WARNING!!!! THIS PLACE IS DANGEROUS !!! This Club/ Bar is a front for ILLEGAL ACTIVITY, you will be attacked, robbed, grouped and RAPED by the security guards that are actually PIMPs and work with prostitutes to steal from anyone who patrons this establishment. I was robbed in front of security guards and they defended the CRIMINALS and it was only after I spoke to other clients that I realized this is a SCAM they run and even the OWNER and BARTENDERS are in on it. Your CARD information is stored and USED later by these CRIMINALS and you can be ROBBED at point blank range because the security guards and PROSTITUTES that manage this place sell your belongings and split the profits!!! THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF PEOPLE BEING DRUGGED AND ROBBED AND WOMEN BEING KIDNAPPED!! DO NOT GO HERE, YOUR LIFE WILL BE IN DANGER!!!!! read more

Leon P.

12 years ago

I am from NY and been here last month Miraculously I saw some one review it- and said why not. Tell the Boston community my experience from here as well So this place is huge even in my standards. Its literrally unbeleivable and unexpected. I camehere visiting a friend, and it was his first time as well. Atmosphere is really un heard of. Food is good but fairly costly which is the only downside. But really, in terms of the menu, we each tried different things (Its almost a must when you walk into such an intericate designed place) and it was all of very high quality. I recommended it back home in my hometown, and whoever is in Boston shoud most def come up here and see what its all about. Good service, good food, good drinks- and you will pay for it! Once you are aware of that, you are in for a good time, read more

Gloria S.

13 years ago

I am a huge fan of Empire mostly because of the amazing ambiance. The colors and patterns are hard to forget and the place is huge! There are multiple couch/ lounge areas, dinning rooms and bar seating. I found out that Empire is owned my the same company as Red Lantern, another one of my favorite spots. I enjoyed a drink special that came in a pineapple with dry ice that made the drink have a layer of smoke on top. It was so cool! The sushi was delicious. I tried the Shrimp Tempura roll, the Gobo roll and the Rock roll. I crowd was trendy and upbeat as well at the attractive wait staff. It is a really cool place to experience and they are constantly updating they're drink specials and sushi promos, which is why I always come back for more. Really one of the coolest spots in Boston! read more

Olivia S.

Elite 26

195

331

2 years ago

Empire was a fantastic spot for a night out! The spring rolls were great, and we had fun trying the different dipping sauces with everything we ordered. The scallion pancakes were solid, and the TikTok Chicken came highly recommended by our server--it was definitely a great choice. The lo mein was also excellent, with great flavor and texture. The main entrees are large, so I'd definitely recommend ordering a bit of everything and sharing family style. The service was super attentive, and the staff was really helpful in recommending different dishes. Also, the restaurant is bigger inside than I expected, which made for a comfortable dining experience. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the food makes it worth it. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu! read more

Stephanie W.

8 years ago

Was out with a couple friends last night, we were hesitant but decided to check this place out anyways. So glad we did. We sat at the bar and was met by the bartender with the tattoos, Nancy was it? She was so cool, and attentive. My friends are easy but I'm very indecisive and picky with my drinks. Nancy was so confident, she was like "don't bother with the menu, I'll make something off the menu, if you don't like it, I'm buying you another one, but after that, you're paying" I'm like wow, ok, never met a bartender who can offer up such confidence. Yes folks, the drinks here did not disappoint. The special drink was very smooth and refreshing, the profile was very well balanced. Best of all, I didn't woke up this morning with a hang over like I expect. read more

Jamie K.

8 years ago

Joe M.

174

6 years ago

Went to Empire for a romantic night out with my wife and had the best experience. Was greeted by the host as I booked reservations as it was my wife's birthday and she acknowledged her right away. When we went to our table, was impressed with all COVID protocols in place and felt very safe. Started with the sushi cupcakes as an appetizer and they were mouthwatering. Then ordered a bunch of sushi and it all was amazingly fresh and delicious. We shared the Alaskan Black Cod as we were too full from all the sushi. Our waiter named Jorge was extremely courteous checking in with us during the meal. At the end of night manager, came to table and wished my wife a Happy Birthday, which I thought was such a nice touch. Thank you team at Empire read more

Samantha J.

14 years ago

I went back to Empire again this weekend and still love it. I don't understand all the negativity on here from people like Jake C. Both times I have gone to Empire, my friends and I loved the atmosphere, the food, the drinks and the service. We like going somewhere trendy and new with good food and fun drinks. No, it's not gourmet, but it's really good. They had an awesome eggplant special we tried and loved. The sushi was all fabulous and I still love the Thai Scallop Soup. And by the way, some people LIKE places with dress code, because it keeps goofy guys out. Everyone I met at the bar at Empire was well-dressed and polite. If you want to wear flip flops and a baseball cap, go to Remy's! read more

Empire - lounges - Updated October 2026

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Mr. H

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Shōjō-Boston

3.9

(1.1k reviews)

Absolutely the best popcorn chicken I've ever had in Boston this is by far a must eat if you…read morealready live here or are visiting and your in the downtown area, short walk from Boston South Station Terminal

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Fuji at Ink Block

4.5

(777 reviews)

The udon was absolutely delicious... I gave it five out of five without hesitation after just one…read morebite. XO Seafood Udon: The restaurant specifically labeled it "wok-tossed," and it truly had a wonderful wok-hei鑊氣 (wok aroma), with an irresistible fragrance as soon as it arrived at the table. The XO sauce was extremely rich, sweet and umami, and the udon noodles were soft on the outside and bouncy on the inside; the sauce was glossy, smooth, but not greasy, allowing it to coat the noodles evenly and infuse them with flavor. The shrimp, squid, and scallops were all fresh and large, making for a very satisfying meal. The shrimp, in particular, were coated with a thin layer of starch before being pan-fried, adding layers of texture and locking in the juices. This plate removed the scallions and onions to suit my taste, and if you like spicy food, adding a little chili oil would greatly enhance the flavor. The restaurant had an elegant and refined ambiance, and the service was attentive, making it a very relaxing place.

Sushi rolls are fresh, tasty and high quality. I had the vegetarian gyoza and it was very good.read more

Hojoko

3.5

(572 reviews)

A friend recommended this place so we decided to check it out around 9pm on a Monday night. (I…read morebelieve their website says they are open until midnight, but google says they are open until 10pm during the week. Google is correct.) They have a late night food menu that is a bit more limited. We had a vegan member of our party and one of the workers was kind enough to have the kitchen make one of the vegan dishes on the normal menu. We appreciated that! For my main, I ordered the bento bowl. The fish was perfectly smokey. Tap to pay is accepted for payment. Great service and great food all around!

I stopped in before the game and ordered the spicy miso. It was very good, but don't expect it to…read morebe spicy. The egg was fantastic, the pork was crispy and the broth had great flavor. When staying at the verb, you get 10% off. Great vibe!

LoLa 42

3.4

(279 reviews)

Went here on a Sunday during the tall ship event. What a beautiful view of the ocean!!!…read more Ambience was great and cozy, decor was on point and has a really nice uniqueness to it which was really nice. The sushi rolls here are on point! I came here with no high expectations on sushi and it was over the top! Every bite was a burst of freshness and flavor! It was truly worth the price. On the other hand, we did sushi nachos, chicken lettuce wrap, and Rangoon. These apps were extremely mediocre for the price. The cocktails here are wonderful and are worth the $20 My reason for 4/5 stars were for the mediocre apps that I didn't think were worth the price. And the service, we didn't receive bad service but I truly believe that when dining at places like this I like to think I'm paying the high cost for the ocean view and the good service. Our server really lacked personality, never asked us how our drinks or food was but only come to the table when we needed to order something. Idk if this is because we had younger kids at our table but there's many other places in Boston that my family truly enjoy service from. I will come back for drinks and sushi at the bar!! Again props to the sushi guys! Phenomenal sushi rolls!!!

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Fat Baby

3.6

(270 reviews)

Came for a quick bite, this place was pretty busy but we were able to get a table pretty quickly…read morefor 2 people. The host was cheerful and matched the welcoming vibes of the place. They had a nice bar area with dim lighting. The vibes were nice and seemed like a fun spot to just chill with friends in the booth seating area. They have a variety of rolls including specialties and regular rolls. They also had many other items on the menu including baos and noodles. We got the Spicy Tuna and that was amazing. It was the perfect amount of sauce ratio on it. The vibes were nice and the waitress was pretty attentive while and before we were eating but it did take a bit of time to get our check.

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Genki Ya - Boston

3.6

(606 reviews)

I was looking for a place to eat before going to a symphony at the Boch Center. Amazingly, there…read morewas a Japanese place right across the street! I went in and was seated pretty quickly at the Sushi Bar. The drink menu is limited if you don't like alcohol, but the free water was refilled throughout my meal without being asked. The prices were also steep, with my entree being around $28, and my total meal (with tip) being $50+. I went with the Chicken Katsu Curry, Salmon Onigiri, and Tuna Roll. All of it was excellent, and aside from the Tune Roll, the portions were larger than I expected. Well, the onigiri was LITERALLY larger than I expected. The food was delicious, and they were even kind enough to bring me a small dish of spicy mayo for my tuna upon my request. Though without the curry, the chicken could be a little bland...but then again, it's chicken, so that's not surprising. I'd recommend asking for what sauces they'd have to go with it. Checkout was smooth, and my only disappointment was being too full to try the red bean paste vanilla ice cream. I will definitely return to try that. TLDR: Great food, good service, but it's a bit pricey.

We stopped in on a late Tuesday night looking for a quiet, low-key dinner, and overall, it was a…read moresolid experience. The first thing we noticed was that the portions here were surprisingly generous--definitely much larger than what I'm typically used to at other sushi spots. We started with the Sashimi appetizer ($9.95), which was the absolute highlight of the night. The fish was incredibly fresh and literally melted in my mouth--I highly recommend it! We followed that up with the Alligator roll ($14.95) and the Salmon Torch roll ($14.95). Both rolls were packed with flavor and felt like a great value for the price. We also paired our meal with some Ozeki sake ($10.00), which hit the spot. The service was decent, though it felt a little disjointed at times. Our waiter actually forgot to bring out our soy sauce because he mistakenly assumed we already had some at our table, so we had to flag him down to get that sorted. My biggest takeaway for future guests, however, is about the climate control: the air conditioning was absolutely blasting. It was so cold inside that it actually became a bit uncomfortable to sit through the meal. While the food and portions are excellent and well worth the visit, I'd highly recommend bringing a heavy sweater or a jacket if you plan on dining in!

Mai

4.7

(106 reviews)

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Umami Crudo

4.8

(31 reviews)

What an experience here at the bar with Adrian and Jason. Let's not forget Chef Jimmy!…read more We came into town from Cali! And boy this is definitely a hidden gem that needs to be seen! Let's start off with the customer service, they made you feel like family. We definitely experienced the sashimi and crudos of the menu. Beyond worth it, the quality of fish they use excels the type of restaurant they are. Mind you we didn't make any reservations but they definitely took care of us beyond expectations. Just put it this way we went on a Friday night and came back to say bye Saturday night! From someone that knows sushi, you want to stop by and try this hidden gem! Thank you Umami Crudo for an amazing experience! Until next time!

A cute spot in the north end. Not where you would expect to find a sushi place. The 12 piece…read moreomakase is a pretty good deal compared to other places in the city. The fish was fresh with unique flavor combos. The roll was fine but nothing spectacular. It was a bit difficult to get ahold of our server, it seemed like they were a bit understaffed.

Myers & Chang

3.9

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