Empire State South

4.9

310 Reviews

$50 and over

American

Top Tags:

James Beard winning Chef Hugh Acheson's long-running spot, Empire State South currently offers a seasonal and locally focused tasting menu with equally impressive wine pairings by sommelier, Steven Grubbs.

Empire State South also offers a warming and casual atmosphere for great cocktails and all night snacks.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Bar Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(404) 541-1105
Website
http://www.empirestatesouth.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Daniel Porubianksy

Location
999 Peachtree St, Ste 140, Atlanta, GA 30309
Neighborhood
Midtown
Cross street
Tenth Street
Parking details
Parking is located in the 999 Parking Deck, with entrances at the Hyatt Midtown, off of 10th St and Peachtree Place. We validate parking for 3 hours—please bring your ticket in with you. Look for our main entrance in the courtyard between the Hyatt Centric Midtown and the 999 Peachtree building. If you have questions call us at 404-541-1105.
Public transit
We are located just two blocks from the Midtown MARTA Station.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Belgian Endive Salad
Pickled muscadines, apple, pistachios, blue cheese. Wine Pairing: Pouilly-Fumé, Francis Blanchet, 'Kriotine', Loire Valley, France, 2021
Hamachi & Shrimp Tartare
Marigold, benne, butternut squash, aji amarillo aguachile. Wine Pairing: Cremant de Bourgogne, Parigot & Richard, 'Quartier Libre', Extra Brut, Burgundy, France, NV
Cauliflower Soup
Garlicky breadcrumbs, capers, parsley, chili oil. Wine Pairing: Melon de Bourgogne, I. Brand & Family, 'Graff Family Vineyard', Chalone, Montery Co. CA, 2020

2nd Course

Choice of

Foie Gras Torchon
Persimmon butter, salt & pepper peanut brittle, frisée, brioche. Wine Pairing: Riesling, Dönnhoff, Oberhäuser Brücke Spätlese, Nahe, Germany, 2011
Farm Egg
Butternut squash puree, andouille, dirty fried rice, scallion, cayenne. Wine Pairing: Vouvray, Mathieu Cosme, 'Le Facteur Su'L Velo,' Loire Valley, France, 2021
Gnocchi
Mushroom ragu, pecorino romano, basil. Wine Pairing: Langhe Nebbiolo, Giacomo Borgogno, Piedmont, Italy, 2016

3rd Course

Choice of

Scallops with Leeks
Vermouth butter, celery root puree, trout roe, fried leeks. Wine Pairing: Clisson, Domaine Michel Bregeon, Muscadet Sevre & Maine, Loire, France, 2014
North GA Trout
Stewed red peas with hakurei turnips, vidalia soubise, vadouvan oil. Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Massican, Napa Valley, CA, 2021
Roasted Magret Duck Breast
Cabbage, smoked sauerkraut butter, fingerling potato, julienned collards, dill. Wine Pairing: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Bois de Boursan, Southern Rhone, France, 2018
Beef Tenderloin
Carrot vichy, potato croquette, horseradish cream, aleppo. Wine Pairing: Canon-Fronsac, Chateau Gaby, Bordeaux, France, 2006

4th Course

Choice of

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Poached dates, cardamom ice cream. Wine Pairing: Fondillon, Bodegas Monovar, Alicante, Spain, 1975; Fondillon, Bodegas Monovar, Alicante, Spain, 1996
Apple Crisp
Streusel, cinnamon ice cream. Wine Pairing: Samos Muscat, United Cooperative of Samos, Greece, 2008
Meadow Creek Dairy 'Appalachian' Cow's Milk Cheese
Blood orange curd, streusel. Wine Pairing: Brut Cider, Le Pere Jules, Normandy, France
Bourbon Crème Brûlée
Pecan sandie. Wine Pairing: Sauternes, Chateau Saint-Vincent, Bordeaux, France, 2015

What 310 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

311 Reviews

DK
DanK
Detroit
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unbeatable! The food is as good as the cocktails… and the service off the chart
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LV
LaurenViviani
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The team at Empire State South was incredible! Everything we had on the tasting menu was so delicious and the service was above and beyond!
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A
Anonymous
Atlanta Metro
35 reviews
vip
3.0
35 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience1
Food was pretty good except for the cold, hard, tasteless cheese course. I know that you are trying to copy California hip and chic. However, after 4-5 visits, I still have a hard time getting used to, in a rather expensive restaurant, waiters who dress like homeless people and a decor which apparently is supposed to look like a seedy barn, and which succeeds. The $19 glass of ordinary Beaujolais (not even Beaujolais Village) which I had, was inferior to the 4.50 Euros glass of Chiroubles which I had in Lyon last year.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
It’s such a quaint place hidden in the middle of midtown. I definitely recommend trying everything in their menu especially if you’re with a big group of people, it’s the best time to do it. Everything was very nice. They even had a rhum from Haiti that they were using in one of their drinks that was delicious. I definitely recommend, it’s a must try!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was excellent, thank you!
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p
pthcc
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food - creative and very well done! I loved the attentive service as well!
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p
pauls
Atlanta Metro
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Music was a bit loud, food great
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F
Funfunfunfun
San Diego
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic however a little loud! Thank you
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RP
RichardP
Mexico City
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
I've had the opportunity to eat several times at Empire State South. Every time I'm in Atlanta I make sure to eat here. I was a little disappointed that the menu had changed exclusively to a tasting menu. But the food was still very good, as was the service.
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JM
JohnMcbHowe
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had heard from friends how great this place is and had wanted to try it for years. Finally got the chance to try and it did not disappoint! Outstanding meal.
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j
janeh
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a delightful experience. Next year we will ask for a space that is a bit more quiet. There were quite a few of us in one room while I noticed tables free in other areas that had fewer people. Jane
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A
Amanda
Des Moines
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the four-course New Year’s Eve dinner, with wine pairings, for our 10th anniversary. The food was delicious, of course, but the sommelier really made the experience. Highly recommend the farm egg!
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DE
DanE
Salt Lake City
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious prix fixe menu (not sure if this is now their standard dinner service?) - but the selections were varied and we all enjoyed them immensely. Expert sommelier and impressive wines. Friendly yet casual staff with a cool vibe - great bar too. Recommend as a foodie destination and different feel when in Midtown!
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AG
AirGrand
Columbus
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The menu is imaginative and amplified by the wine pairings. Stephen’s wine knowledge runs deep with experience and adds a great level of entertainment. Really enjoyed our in town.
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l
lisac
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
All the food and wine pairings we had were outstanding. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Just a wonderful evening!
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AK
AndrewK
Düsseldorf
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time! Sommelier was very knowledgeable and even had great first hand experience with many of the wineries offered.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was OUTSTANDING.
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JS
JeffreyS
Atlanta Metro
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an amazing dinner! We did the 4 course tasting menu with wine pairings. The sommelier was top notch with describing every pairing and the food was so good it was hard to pick a favorite! What an awesome place!
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DH
DianaH
New Orleans
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was the best dinner experience we have had. Fun interesting delicious creative. Learned a lot. Pricey but worth it.
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PS
PamS
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent staff! Shawn a delight; helpful, attentive and versed in food he served. Careful with allergies and personable. Jeremy informational and insightful!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Hadn’t been in a few years and ESS didn’t disappoint. The food was amazing with friendly efficient service. A gem.
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D
Danielle
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We haven't been to Empire State South since before the pandemic and we're delighted by how great it still is! The tasting menu was amazing and they were accommodating to allergies/food restrictions. They were incredibly knowledgeable and the wine pairing was one of the best we have had. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to treat themselves to a fun dinner!
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AD
AlexDelPozzo
Atlanta Metro
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
ESS is always one of the best meals we have all year. The tasting menu was perfect and the wine pairings were all excellent. Can't rave about this place enough, just go there! Can't wait to go back soon.
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MC
MonicaC
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every course was creative and delicious. The server was knowledgeable and fun. Definitely recommend!
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AA
AmandaA
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow, just wow. Wonderful food & inspired wine pairings in a casual yet elevated environment. Staff were friendly and helpful. Great overall experience, I can't wait to come back to Atlanta just to eat here!
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H
Henesy
Atlanta Metro
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fantastic experience! Can't wait to return.
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MB
MichaelB
Atlanta Metro
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
ESS is a favorite. The four course meal is outstanding but the option for a la crate items is equally as good. Service is top shelf. This may be often overlooked but should definitely be on more “local favorites”. Highly recommend. We will return (again)!
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EV
EthanV
Memphis/West TN
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall4food5service2ambience5
Server was not overly attentive nor created engaging experience. Food was amazing but server simply took order, brought out food, but did not check on us, ensure quality of food, or offer additional services/extras and had to be asked to provide drink list and such.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was incredible. Our waiter went above and beyond, plus he was so accommodating given our late RSVP. We skipped the courses and dined alacsrte. The food was wonderfully inventive, playful and delicious. It was quiet, love tucked away places like this. We'll be back. The drinks, also, were excellent.
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MG
MGupta
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
super awesome, love the atmosphere and the food! simply amazing
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j
jessiet
Nashville
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience4
The food was okay but way too expensive for what we got. The waiter barely came by. We were there for almost two hours and it seemed like we were only eating for about 8 minutes of that because each course took so long.
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WH
WhiteH
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding cooking. We had two delicious squash-based dishes. The North Georgia Trout was outstanding. I also loved my apple crisp. The food is slightly overpriced.
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TB
TimB
Cleveland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a treat to experience Hugh's menu. He was actually there, so that was even cooler!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience4
The experience was slow. Our order got mixed up with another table. Some dishes were cold. The restaurant responded with an apology and appropriate discount but would not return.
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t
tkthebaker
Atlanta Metro
31 reviews
vip
3.0
31 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Empire State South is good not great. They have a four course tasting menu where you choose between three options for each course with an optional wine pairing. The food was good but nothing they served was amazing. The service is good, the sommelier was better than the server. You have to make all of your choices at the beginning of the meal on each course rather than as you worth through the courses. I wouldn't rush back here. There are much better places in Atlanta.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Western NC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time eating here. Outstanding food. We did the 4 course meal. Delicious. My only comment, the food was lukewarm.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The 4 course meal we a delicious treat with unexpected flavors and outstanding service.
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i
islandskris
Charlotte
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've never been disappointed at one of Hugh Acheson's restaurant, and this meal at ESS was no different. The farm egg is just an amazing dish in every way. The cauliflower soup was light for a cream soup, and the cauliflower flavor wasn't overpowering; it was just right. The carrots and especially the sauce from the carrots vichy were great with the beef. I stole most of my husband's dessert because the cardamom ice cream was beyond amazing. Service was attentive, but not annoyingly so. Every dish was explained, and the meal was well-timed. We ate outside on the patio, and I highly recommend it if the weather is nice. It's a beautiful place to enjoy a creative, refined meal.
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R
Ramon
Los Angeles
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience3
Parking is easy, convenient, and validated for 3 hours. Ambience is pleasant. The restaurant is welcoming and has rich, warm colors. Seating is too tight. I could touch all the tables around me we were so close:. I suggest providing more space between tables for the guests. Servers were pleasant. Restaurant's tasting menu looked great online. Once we got there it was smaller with less selections and they were out of 2 dishes we wanted to order. Out of scallops and hamachi. I suggest you monitor your online menu to match the actual menu. Food was average. The foie gras lacked depth and flavor. The shrimp were not good. The duck was under seasoned. The crème brûlée was not enjoyable. I would not order any of these dishes again. The wine pairing was not enjoyable. Far too sweet for the dishes. 1 out of 5 was good. The sparkling and white were served warm. I would not recommend the tasting menu or the wine pairing based on my experience. $600 for 4 people and a 3 star experience is not good on my list. Please focus on whether you want to be a bar or a fine dining establishment.
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JN
JeannieN
Miami
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful place to celebrate my wife and I's first wedding anniversary! The staff is incredible! They were all so attentive and warm. The food was outstanding. I had one of the best steaks I've ever had. Overall, an unbelievable experience! Thank you too the entire staff for a beautiful evening.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Empire State South offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (404) 541-1105.

Empire State South is rated 4.9 stars by 310 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

999 Peachtree St, Ste 140, Atlanta, GA 30309

Additional information

Cross street
Tenth Street
Neighborhood
Midtown
Hours of operation
Bar Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking is located in the 999 Parking Deck, with entrances at the Hyatt Midtown, off of 10th St and Peachtree Place. We validate parking for 3 hours—please bring your ticket in with you. Look for our main entrance in the courtyard between the Hyatt Centric Midtown and the 999 Peachtree building. If you have questions call us at 404-541-1105.
Public transit
We are located just two blocks from the Midtown MARTA Station.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Daniel Porubianksy
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.empirestatesouth.com/
Phone number
(404) 541-1105

Empire State South

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

4 Course Tasting

1st Course

Belgian Endive Salad

Hamachi & Shrimp Tartare

Cauliflower Soup

2nd Course

Foie Gras Torchon

Farm Egg

Gnocchi

3rd Course

Scallops with Leeks

North GA Trout

Roasted Magret Duck Breast

Beef Tenderloin

4th Course

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Apple Crisp

Meadow Creek Dairy 'Appalachian' Cow's Milk Cheese

Bourbon Crème Brûlée

What 310 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Empire State South offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Empire State South restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information