The Empire House Hotel & Restaurant
About the Business
Welcome to The Empire House Hotel & Restaurant
Located in the charming village of Gilbertsville, New York, The Empire House Hotel & Restaurant is a historic landmark that offers a unique blend of rich history, elegant dining, and comfortable lodging. Situated at 136 Marion Avenue, this iconic establishment is not only the oldest commercial building in the village but also a testament to the enduring spirit of the community.
A Rich Historical Legacy
Built in the early 1830s for Lewis Morris, grandson of Gen. Jacob Morris, The Empire House stands as one of the few surviving structures on the east end of Marion Avenue after the devastating fire of 1874. Originally a country inn known as the Empire Hotel, it served as a key stop along inter-county stagecoach and livery stable routes, providing hospitality to travelers from near and far.
Throughout its storied past, The Empire House has been a vibrant center of village life, hosting everything from political caucuses and Rotary Club meetings to elegant wedding receptions and formal dances. Notably, it gained a reputation as a hub for abolitionism, highlighted by the famous Emancipation Ball of 1872, which drew dignitaries from across the East Coast.
A Tradition of Fine Dining
Under the stewardship of various hotel keepers, including the renowned Frank Eckmair, The Empire House became celebrated for its fine dining. The dining room, adorned with a historical mural painted by Frank C. Eckmair, continues to offer a delightful culinary experience that pays homage to its illustrious past.
Modern Comforts with Historic Charm
After a period of closure and extensive renovations, The Empire House reopened its doors in the spring of 2008, welcoming guests to experience its blend of modern comforts and historic charm. The building has undergone two major expansions, ensuring ample guest rooms and dining facilities while preserving its historic character.
Earn Empire Dollars
Join us at The Empire House Hotel & Restaurant and enjoy the added benefit of earning up to 8% back in Empire Dollars! Discover how you can make the most of your stay with us.
Explore Gilbertsville
Nestled in a village recognized as a National Register Historic Site, The Empire House offers the perfect base for exploring the rich history and natural beauty of Gilbertsville, NY. Whether you're visiting for a peaceful retreat, a special event, or a culinary delight, we invite you to become part of our enduring legacy.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Empire House Hotel & Restaurant, where history and hospitality meet in perfect harmony.
Photos
Location & Phone number
136 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville, New York 13776, United States
Hours open
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
Closed
Thursday:
4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Friday:
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Saturday:
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Sunday:
4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Reviews
"This place is great! Amazing food, some of the best drinks (house mojito is amazing), and very excellent service. I just stayed in one of the guest rooms for a week. It's a historic building so no, there wasn't a pool or business center or fitness room... But the room was clean, nice, and very comfortable. I highly recommend dropping by for dinner and a drink or a nice weekend retreat. Ask Q about his coffee..."
"BED BUGS bites , on back of my legs , horrible. Stayed 2 nights recently, room is old and very small. The building is in disrepair."
"We were visiting from OH and got a recommendation to visit the Empire House Hotel. We got the Mediterranean Breeze (warm baba campus + feta, raisins, walnuts and the Gambas (shrimp) Al Oglio w crostini special appetizer and both were phenomenal. We then had the crispy chicken osso busco and the shrimp with a curried crab corn cream sauce and those too, were fantastic. Everything was so full of flavor and texture - what a hidden gem and made me wish we lived close so we could come back often."
"It was absolutely wonderful food was fresh hot, prepared very well the Wait staff was wonderful and Engaging it was just an all around amazing experience would definitely consider that my new favorite place...."
"An absolutely unique dining experience... The food is amazing!... The owner and the wait staff make you feel so welcome and are very entertaining... If you haven't tried The Empire House you definitely should! A hidden gem for sure!"
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