The History of the space we now call Empire Steakhouse

1920’s:       East Side Opera House

1950’s:       Versailles Night Club

1990’s:       Tatou Supper Club

2009:          Noir Restaurant

2007:          Nikki Beach Midtown

2011:          151 Restaurant

2015:          Ibis Restaurant

2017:          Empire Steakhouse

VERSAILLES NIGHT CLUB

Edith Piaf performed at the famous Versailles Night Club, (now Empire Steakhouse) making her American debut there in 1948 and performing regularly into the early 1950s. The Versailles was a chic cabaret where many stars could gain significant attention in an intimate, elegant setting. It offered a combination of fine dining and cabaret-style music – a perfect stage for Piaf’s emotive chanson repertoire and intense stage presence. This is where she captivated audiences, including on October 28, 1949, the evening she learned that her lover, boxer Marcel Cerdan, had died in a plane crash. This was said to be her most notable performance. She sang “Hymne à l’Amour” and collapsed before reaching the final line: “God reunites those who love each other.”

The club later transitioned and became known as the Tatou Club in 1990. Today it houses our Empire Steakhouse.

Edith Piaf on stage at Versailles Night Club

Edith Piaf performs at Versailles Night Club

Three celebrated visitors who came to watch her performance. L to R: James Michener, author of "South Pacific"; Japanese film beauty Shirley Yamaguchi; Edith Piaf and baseball great Joe DiMaggio.

CLUB TATOU

"Tatou" was a popular upscale supper club and nightlife venue that operated in New York City in the 1990s at the space now occupied by Empire Steakhouse.

Location and Ownership: 

Located at 151 East 50th Street in New York City, it was co-owned by Mark Fleischman, who was also involved with Studio 54.

Notable Events:

• • Mariah Carey held her first professional showcase there.
  • It hosted the "Shescape" parties for women.
  • Liza Minnelli’s 45th birthday party was held at the venue.

Mariah Carey performed at the Tatou Club in New York City in 1990 for her live debut. The performance included songs such as “Vision of Love”, “Love Takes Time” and a cover of Ben E. King's “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied),” according to Wikipedia and The New York Post.  

The set was a pivotal moment for the singer, marking her arrival before she was even old enough to drink at the venue, notes the New York Post. 

As a presidential candidate, Bill Clinton played the saxophone with a live band at the New York City jazz club, Club Tatou on May 21, 1992. The event was a campaign stop that included a performance of four songs accompanied by the Nat Jones Trio. Clinton played before a packed house of supporters, campaign contributors, and members of the media. That space is now home to our Empire Steakhouse.