Murray Hill gains a new two-in-one hotspot with The Consulate and At the Office, an upscale restaurant and a casual bar, offering food, drinks, and a lively social scene starting April 17.
On April 17, Murray Hill will welcome a new venue to its ranks: the show-stopping dual destinations of The Consulate and At the Office. Marking one of the most ambitious imaginings in years, the new twin restaurants will be replacing an old Tex Mex restaurant and beginning a new chapter for the venue that keeps the sense of community and hospitality that made the old restaurant a neighborhood staple and taking it to new heights. I had the wonderful opportunity to experience these venues in person at their opening celebration.
The words that immediately came to mind upon witnessing The Consulate were grand, lush, and ostentatious. With a fusion of modern charm, the decor itself was something to marvel at, with elegant adornments, classic chandeliers, a full elevated bar with stool seats, and posh tables for two arranged across the main space. I also loved one of the most compelling reasons to visit this summer: an expansive terrance that seats up to 200 guests, open to patrons of both The Consulate and At the Office. Here, guests can enjoy the upscale fare and drinks while basking in the glowing evening sun on a perfect summer day.
The Consulate’s decadent interior
Courtesy of The Consulte Group
The passed hors d’oeuvres were a great indication of the future full menu for the restaurant, as they were impeccable. They leaned French and New American, but had items from all over the world, and I greatly enjoyed the goat cheese bites, avocado sushi rolls, and traditional spinach and cheese spanakopita. Although bite-sized, each of these were a world of their own, and possessed a rich character that transported me elsewhere. The Consulate is founded by twin restauranteurs Kiril Mihajlov and Metodija Mihajlov, and for the full menu they have enlisted Executive Chef Alan Vargas and Chef de Cuisine Nestor Villafuerte to formulate esoteric but old-world recipes for seafood, a raw-food bar, and classics such as various steaks, pastas, and burgers.
A Ribeye for two, part of The Consulate’s extensive menu
Courtesy of The Consulate Group
The drinks were nothing to scoff at either. With a curated selection of wines, classic cocktails, and refined pairings, there was something for everyone. I personally chose a fine Cabernet Sauvignon, and sipped my night that much better. With a live band playing jazz classics, and sweet conversation and laughter in the air, I could imagine this a regular occurrence upon the restaurants’ opening; a timid yet classical Friday date night, accentuated in all aspects.
The Consulate’s outdoor terrace
Courtesy of The Consulate
Next door was the second half to this new project, the aptly named At the Office (to safely let the wife know where you are in case you aren’t ready to head home yet). While I was not able to see this venue in person, from what excited fans told me, this would be the more casual sister to The Consulate, offering a more laid-back approach and focusing more on a sports-bar feel with an emphasis on socializing and after-work drinks. Professing a whopping cocktail menu and food by the very same chefs as next door, centering on elevated bar food, this is the place to let loose this summer.
At the Office’s charming interior
Courtesy of The Consulate Group
I greatly enjoyed my time at the launch celebration of these sister venues, and am excited for what’s to come. If tonight was any sign of the future, Murray Hill is about to gain a monumental new force in after-hours hangouts, no matter whether you opt for classy or more laid back. Be sure to check out The Consulate and At the Office this summer, starting from April 17.
