EMP question…

[Corporate_40]

I’m looking to make a reservation at EMP for a 9:30pm reservation on a Saturday night. Knowing that their website says dinner is until 10pm, would they have any issues with me ordering the Gourmand menu that late in the evening. If even if they don’t, do you think we’ll get inferior service making the kitchen and staff stay later then maybe is normal?

I’ve been dying to finally get to EMP, but not sure if these are the best circumstances to go in.

[Corporate_40]

Thanks so much for the responses. Very much appreciated.

[picklesister]

They know exactly how long the menu takes, which is why they take reservations until 10pm, as opposed to 11:30pm which is standard for most NYC restaurants. I ordered the menu once starting at 11:30am (yes AM!) with friends who took a morning flight JUST to eat lunch at EMP. We were the first ones in the restaurant and the last ones to leave - at nearly 4pm! They will give you top-notch service start to finish. If they don't, call Danny Meyer.
Relax and enjoy!

[gutsofsteel]

It's standard for NYC restaurants to take 11:30pm reservations? I don't think so.

[ttoommyy]

I just did a quick survey on the Internet of some of the most popular restaurants in league with EMP and it looks like in general they take reservations until 10pm Sunday-Thursday and until 11pm Friday and Saturday.

[gutsofsteel]

There is a difference between how late they say they stay open until and when they will take a reservation....I have never heard of anyone making a reservation at Le B, J-G, Veritas, Per Se, etc for 11pm. For some of those restaurants that would mean a 3am finish.

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Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

Veritas
43 East 20th St., New York, NY 10003

[ttoommyy]

"For some of those restaurants that would mean a 3am finish."

Very true. But they know that going in. I've worked in restaurants (and my family has owned a few). If you say you take reservations until 11pm, then you expect to be there past midnight... at the very least. Remember, 11pm is not a closing time and does not reflect hours of operation; it is merely the time they take the last reservation. I just did a check on Open Table for an 11pm reservation at Le Bernadin, and sure enough, it was available.

[Miss Needle]

Not to worry. I once did the Gourmand menu for a late reservation and left the restaurant at around 2:30 or 3:00A!

[craig_g]

Yeah, they're used to it, and you won't feel at 1 like the staff just wants you the hell out.

[fooder]

I agree with GoS that calling to ask would be best.
However, even if they do serve the gourmand at 9:30, I find that part of the experience of the gourmand menu is sitting there for 4-5 hours, so I always reserve for 6pm or so. It's the whole concept of renting the table for the evening, which is a costly idea in NYC.

[gutsofsteel]

If they take a 9:30 res and they say that they do serve the gourmand menu, then they will expect them to sit for 4 hours.

[Nancy S.]

I have in fact asked this question, since I will be returning to EMP in two weeks. We will have the Gourmand menu as well. I love long dinners, and can go well into the night. Also, I prefer to start after 8. However, in our case, I was offered only 7 or 9, so I chose 9. I did ask about the timing, and the receptionist confirmed that the Gourmand menu is available at the last seating.

[Nancy S.]

It won't be a problem. They serve the Gourmand menu through the last seating. I would call the restaurant directly to make a reservation, though.

[gutsofsteel]

Best to call the restaurant and ask, to be sure.