Behind the MASSIVE New Starbucks Reserve in the Empire State Building
The most famous building in NYC is about to become even more popular because Starbucks is giving its fans a little more to indulge in at the new, MASSIVE — 23,000 square feet, to be exact — Starbucks Reserve in the Empire State Building. It’s truly what coffee bean dreams are made of.
For local New Yorkers, you might want to adjust that commute to work on November 16th because the Starbucks Reserve doors opens to the public at 9am ET. For those of you out of state, you’re going to want to plan a visit to NYC soon because this Starbucks Reserve is packed with three floors and takes your coffee order to the next level with guided tasting flights and cocktails.
Level One
For the person who wants a taste of Starbucks Reserve beverages like the Hazelnut Bianco Latte or the Nitro Almondmilk Mocha, but also enjoys the classic Caramel Macchiato or Starbucks Refreshers, then this is the level for you. You can also order your seasonal favorites like the Peppermint Mocha here.
Similar to the other Starbucks Reserves in NYC, you can also order food from Princi — the artisanal boutique bakery — including freshly baked cornetti, focaccia and pizza, avocado toast, brioche, cakes and tarts.
And of course, you can’t leave Starbucks without a tumbler that you know you don’t need but you’ll buy anyway because it’s one of a kind.
The shop will feature local artists’ merchandise and an exclusive Empire State Building Microblend, a coffee that was inspired by and honors the iconic building and is roasted locally at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery located in the Meatpacking district.
Concourse Level (FYI, not level two)
This floor is all about bringing you through the process of how your beverages are crafted. Starbucks wants you to be a part of this experience, so they are offering tastings at the Innovation Bar.
Customers can also book ticketed coffee workshops. The workshops include Whiskey Barrel-Aged 101, Starbucks Reserve Brewtender for A Day, Espresso Martini Flight Fundamentals and Fun with Spirit-Free Spritzes. You know, to make sure you are checking the barista boxes at home.
Exclusive to the Empire State Building store, the tasting is one-of-a-kind, capturing the evolution of espresso and how Starbucks uses cold water and gentle, upward pressure to unlock a softer, sweeter espresso shot.
The Cold Pressed Espresso Tasting flight features several new beverages such as the Iced Apple Americano and Malted Milkshake with Black Lemon.
Level Two (food and cocktails, yes cocktails!)
Not many Starbucks have cocktails so when you come across one that does, you should definitely check it out.
Available only at this store, the coffee and tea cocktails include the Empire Negroni, Siren Tea Punch Fountain, Starbucks Reserve Royale Experience and the Big Apple Blossom.
A selection of signature Starbucks Reserve coffee cocktails, such as the Starbucks Reserve Boulevardier and Espresso Martini, and classic cocktails are also available. Sounds like a new date night spot.
And lastly, appreciation for the art.
Uniquely designed for the Empire State Building, Starbucks carefully crafted murals that feature geometric patterns, rich colors and heavy ornament details.
Starbucks also revitalized elements of the store including the historic revolving doors, like the one Buddy the Elf kept running around in. Now it feels like the holidays!
Whether you’re hopping on a plane right now to head to Starbucks Reserve Empire State or stopping in on your way to the office, this Reserve deserves hours of your exploration. You can basically get a new beverage on every floor. Can we love Starbucks even more?
