A great spot for cocktails and light bites, whether as a couple or hosting an event (we've been here for both). We think they have the best Old Fashioned in the city. The small plates range from delicious fresh pretzel bread to house made charcuterie and pickles (which adorn the walls) to seared duck breast and potato tapas. Pretty much everything we've had had been a hit. I'm going to assume the main courses are of similar caliber but we'll have to try them and report back with an update.
The professionalism and genuine friendliness of the staff is also noteworthy. We've had drinks comped because they took too long to come out, and have gotten history lessons about the area on other occasions. The lighting is low and many of the seats plush, giving One18 Empire a relaxed lounge atmosphere even when it's busy such as during happy hour.