
Empellón
Mexican (Upscale)
Alex Stupak's inventive take on Mexican cuisine transforms your group gathering into something extraordinary, with complex moles, house-made tortillas, and creative presentations that spark conversation at every course. The private dining options at this Madison Avenue gem let your party dive deep into an impressive agave spirits collection while savoring dishes that brilliantly bridge traditional techniques with modern sophistication. Your group will leave talking about both the unexpected flavor combinations and the seamless service that makes large party dining feel effortless.
Group Dining Details
Private event options; inventive Mexican cuisine and agave spirits
From guest reviews: Groups book the private dining rooms or reserved sections for birthdays, engagements and work dinners, often on prix fixe menus. Read what groups say
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Location
What groups say
Groups book the private dining rooms or reserved sections for birthdays, engagements and work dinners, often on prix fixe menus.
- Private room booking coordinated smoothly with staff
- Unhurried, attentive service across large tables
- Prix fixe group menus with shareable guacamole and 7 salsas
- Staff accommodate allergies, vegans and late arrivals
- Dining room can get noisy during events
- One work group's reserved space was smaller than expected
- High prices; some group tasting menu portions short of headcount
- Reviewers mention private dining rooms plus a more secluded upstairs balcony or mezzanine area above the main room.
- Reported group sizes range from 8 to 14, with one party of 12 on a seasonal prix fixe menu.
- Prix fixe and tasting menus are offered for groups, including cake service; a 3 course lunch menu is also mentioned.
- Several reviewers describe coordinating the event in advance with managers, including fixing a booking system error before the date.
Drawn from 43 Google reviews of Empellón that mention a group, a private room or a celebration, read September 2026. The reviews below describe a group visit, private rooms and larger events first, with the critical ones kept in.
- milestone birthday dinner
Because of the lovely crew at Empellon Midtown, I recently was able to celebrate my 75th birthday with a small group of friends/family in a most fabulous way! Reserving one of the private dining rooms was coordinated seamlessly, and every consideration was given to me in planning this small but special event. Our dinner was scheduled for 5:00 pm on an evening that fell during a FIFA World Cup game nearby, and although I was extremely concerned about how the traffic would impact our arrival, the staff was very accommodating and relieved my worries. As it turned out, several of us actually arrived early, and because we chose to wait for the rest of our party, we were graciously invited to sit at the bar. Beginning with the cocktails there, my guests felt welcome, and that feeling continued throughout the evening. The flawless, unhurried service, and attention to every detail, accompanied an amazing dinner that included several of the highlights of their menu. Needless to say every single dish from appetizers to dessert was delicious! It was a beautiful event, and I am so grateful to Chef Alex Stupak and his crew. They know how to do it right.
- private event
Hosted an event here and was very impressed by the variety of the food, very different from a traditional Mexican, yet everything was delicious! Good drinks as well. A bit noisy, but good overall atmosphere.
- prix fixe group dinner, party of 12
Outstanding creative Mexican food and drinks. Great service from planning through the dinner, too. Party of 12 with a prix fixe seasonal menu: GUACAMOLE with Seven Salsas STICKY RICE TAMAL with Red Chile Duck CHOPPED CABBAGE SALAD with Toasted Fava Bean Dressing CHICKEN TACOS with Goat’s Milk Yogurt FISH TEMPURA TACOS with Lime Mayonnaise SKIRT STEAK with Persian Onion Salad BLISTERED SHISHITO PEPPERS with Lime Vinaigrette CORN ICE CREAM TACOS We also had a cake, Milk Soaked Sponge Cake with Coffee Parfait & Cajeta Custard which was superb.
- work group dinner
The wait staff were very friendly and accommodating. Came here with a group from work but their original reserved space was smaller than we anticipated but they helped expand our area when they got the chance. Cocktails were pretty good. Atmosphere and decorations were also pretty nice as well. Would love to sit on the second floor next time
Good to know
Contemporary Mexican hot spot turning out innovative tacos & creative cocktails.
- Typical spend
- $50 to $100 per person
- Serves
- Lunch and dinner
- Reservations
- Takes reservations
- Groups
- Good for groups
- Outdoors
- Outdoor seating
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 4:30 to 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours, spend and amenities from Google. Private event hours and minimums are set by the restaurant.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Empellón have a private dining room?
- Yes. Empellón offers a private dining room for groups in Midtown East. Private event options; inventive Mexican cuisine and agave spirits.
- How much does it cost to book a private event at Empellón?
- Guests at Empellón typically spend $50 to $100 per person on a regular visit, according to Google, before drinks and tip. A private room or group booking is usually priced on a food and beverage minimum that scales from that per-head figure rather than a flat room fee. Minimums run higher on Friday and Saturday nights and through December. Contact Empellón for the current minimum and deposit terms.
- When is Empellón open?
- Empellón is open Monday to Thursday 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday 4:30 to 10:00 PM, and closed Sunday, serving lunch and dinner. The restaurant takes reservations for regular tables. Private rooms can often be booked outside these hours, including daytime events, so ask when you inquire.
- What kind of restaurant is Empellón?
- Empellón is a $$$ Mexican (Upscale) restaurant in Midtown East, New York City, rated 4.4 stars across 1,176 Google reviews. Google describes it as: Contemporary Mexican hot spot turning out innovative tacos & creative cocktails. It has outdoor seating and a wheelchair accessible entrance.
- What do guests say about group dining at Empellón?
- Groups book the private dining rooms or reserved sections for birthdays, engagements and work dinners, often on prix fixe menus. Reviewers mention private dining rooms plus a more secluded upstairs balcony or mezzanine area above the main room. Reported group sizes range from 8 to 14, with one party of 12 on a seasonal prix fixe menu. Prix fixe and tasting menus are offered for groups, including cake service; a 3 course lunch menu is also mentioned. Several reviewers describe coordinating the event in advance with managers, including fixing a booking system error before the date. Reviewers praise: private room booking coordinated smoothly with staff; unhurried, attentive service across large tables; prix fixe group menus with shareable guacamole and 7 salsas; staff accommodate allergies, vegans and late arrivals. Watch for: dining room can get noisy during events; one work group's reserved space was smaller than expected; high prices; some group tasting menu portions short of headcount. Based on 43 Google reviews of Empellón that mention a group, a private room or a celebration.
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