A huge Starbucks has opened in the Empire State Building: what they serve and how they entertain

There's a lot to talk about here when it comes to the new Starbucks Reserve in the Empire State Building. It officially opened on November 16 at 350 Fifth Avenue. What is most notable here is the presence of a full-service bar and restaurant that occupies the third floor. Time-out.

The restaurant, which serves dishes inspired by the Italian bakery Princi and created specifically for this place, will initially only serve dinner. And in the near future there will be breakfast, brunch and lunch.

For now, visitors can look forward to the types of baked goods already available at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chelsea. Including sliced ​​focaccia, avocado toast with smoked salmon and cornetti, but it's the "big plates" section of the menu that should be the star of the show. Braised chicken cacciatore served with lasagne bolognese, atuna nicoise salad and quinoa and black bean polpette.

On the subject: The most Instagrammable restaurants in New York

Each visit will include a free tasting of the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building microblend, which was created specifically for the new establishment.

It's official: Starbucks has entered the NYC restaurant game

Two floors below the restaurant, at the lobby level, is the experience zone (we live in an age of total immersion, after all). People will be able to sign up for many different workshops, which will then be held on this floor. For example, Starbucks Reserve Brewtender for the day, Whiskey Barrel-Aged 101, and the basics of making an espresso martini.

Those who wish can reserve a seat in the lounge for private events.

The main level of the store is most reminiscent of the average Starbucks. Part of the room is reserved for classic shopping. There, shoppers can purchase coffee-making supplies, as well as treats, signature blends, cups, and more. Princi's wide selection of dishes will be on display next to this location, where guests can order Starbucks takeaway drinks.

Given the importance of the store's address, the chain has found ways to pay homage to history with handmade murals created by the New York artist, as well as Art Deco details that evoke the building and Fifth Avenue.

Whether the new Starbucks will revolutionize the city's restaurant scene remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: the new direction is a pretty bright undertaking.