The Empire Cafe combines a comfortable European atmosphere, fabulous food, and friendly service. From our wonderful breakfast and brunch menu to our exciting and original lunch and dinner entrees, we have something for everyone. We know great coffee. There's simply no better place to enjoy a perfect Cafe Latte and people watch on Houston's legendary "curve."
If coffee's not your thing enjoy our Mojito Limonada or Italian Soda. Situated right on Westheimer between Montrose and Shepard, Empire Cafe continues to be Houston's premiere place to meet friends before hitting the town, or simply enjoying the diversity of city life.
If coffee's not your thing enjoy our Mojito Limonada or Italian Soda. Situated right on Westheimer between Montrose and Shepard, Empire Cafe continues to be Houston's premiere place to meet friends before hitting the town, or simply enjoying the diversity of city life.
Services
The Empire Cafe combines a comfortable European atmosphere, fabulous food, and friendly service. From our wonderful breakfast and brunch menu to our exciting and original lunch and dinner entrees, we have something for everyone. We're about mornings of cappuccino, frittatas, and our signature Italian Toast; lunches of Paninis and Chicken Florentine, and dinners of Chicken Parmesan and Pan-Seared Salmon.
Reviews (25)
Jessica Kittle
Jan 30, 2022
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Loved the outdoor patio and the atmosphere, but unfortunately wasn’t a huge fan of the food. The croissant was so-so but would not recommend the chicken and waffles. My husband though that the toppings listed would come on top of the waffle, but instead they are cooked into the waffle which makes for a weird texture and consistency. Hot latte wasn’t very good and personally not a fan of a hot beverage being served in a pint glass. I will say the staff was very friendly and service was quick, however with so many other options I don’t think we will return.
Stephanie E.
Jan 26, 2022
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I usually like this place but this morning we ordered on Uber eats and they forgot to put our coffee in with the order. This was a brunch I ordered for my husbands birthday and I was up all night with our newborn so it seems crazy but I was really looking forward to my coffee and it's part of why I ordered here. I asked if they could have the drink delivered since it was their mistake and they said no. Their solution was to tell them that they said I can have a free coffee next time because they can't give a refund if you order via Uber. I was able to get a refund by reporting on Uber
Xoxi M.
Jan 25, 2022
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A great spot to study and to eat! Chocolate cake is amazing! Almond chicken salad was delicious. Almond chicken itself was rather dry because they used a crumb crust and all the moisture of the chicken was absorbed. Service was alright. It took them 20 minutes to get out a burger and fries. Also, brought out food separate times, not all at once. Chicken wrap was good. Spinach dip decent.
Lizette E.
Jan 23, 2022
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Been here for about 10 years straight on and off. I definitely think that there's a lot on the menu, I will go back for the coffee, the ambience is memorable. Although I do see that they change the menu almost every time I come back. I don't live in the city anymore so I can't visit as much as I would like to but I don't like the inconsistency. Maybe things changed since Covid and I wasn't aware
Taylor Newman
Jan 19, 2022
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David T.
Jan 17, 2022
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Steven W.
Jan 14, 2022
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I have been in Empire at least once a week - often more - for 25 years. It has reliable food, great cake, free self-service coffee refills and a couple of little cookies with your coffee; and most importantly it has just the right atmosphere, indoors or out, that you want in a bistro/coffeehouse. Not too quiet, not too noisy. The bathrooms are clean, the chairs are comfortable. The tables are the right size and the color scheme is calming. It never changes and it is just right. Best of all, it has its own parking lot, so no circling the block.
Nabeel A.
Jan 01, 2022
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Grabbed Empire Cafe's Friday special with a few friends. Ordered their fettuccini with shrimp and onions and chipotle cream sauce it comes with garlic bread on the side.
The oats itself was good--smooth, creamy texture . Not too many pieces of shrimp though. The garlic bread did not taste good at all. Felt like I was biting into fluffy cardboard.
The oats itself was good--smooth, creamy texture . Not too many pieces of shrimp though. The garlic bread did not taste good at all. Felt like I was biting into fluffy cardboard.
Alexis Pina
Dec 30, 2021
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Alicia D.
Dec 29, 2021
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I've come here for brunch many times but recently stopped in the dinner and the food is SO GOOOOOOOD. We shared the penne vodka pasta and a bbq pizza and both were just so yummy. We definitely will continue to come and explore their dinner options!
Brunch is also great here! Lots of delicious coffee drinks and great food.
Bottom line: no matter what time of day you come, the food will be great!
Brunch is also great here! Lots of delicious coffee drinks and great food.
Bottom line: no matter what time of day you come, the food will be great!
Daisy A.
Dec 13, 2021
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Love coming here!
Every time I come, there are plenty of seats (both inside and out) and has its own parking lot, but always booming with business.
They have specials of the day, which are always great to try out. I recently tried their Pizza Bianca special and I absolutely loved it! This place has a good variety of food selection and drinks. The staff is absolutely friendly as well.
Definitely a great place to catch up on some work or to catch up with friends.
Every time I come, there are plenty of seats (both inside and out) and has its own parking lot, but always booming with business.
They have specials of the day, which are always great to try out. I recently tried their Pizza Bianca special and I absolutely loved it! This place has a good variety of food selection and drinks. The staff is absolutely friendly as well.
Definitely a great place to catch up on some work or to catch up with friends.
Lianne Anderson
Dec 07, 2021
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A. R.
Nov 29, 2021
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Wow i love the atmosphere of this place. The indoor seating is super comfy and you get a really good Cafe vibe. The staff was so friendly and they were cracking jokes with us all night. The outdoor seating area is HUGE. There's tons of seating outdoors and in the back, it's hard to tell you're in a big city. The menu was large and they even had draft beer. Check this place out for brunch.
Blessed Abundantly
Nov 19, 2021
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Jordan B.
Nov 19, 2021
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Powerful S.
Nov 02, 2021
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I visited this place a few weeks ago & left a google review same day. Owner responded as if he would train staff better and do what he could to make this right. Recently I went back to the review and he changed his response saying I must be mistaken and I must of misinterpreted how I was treated that day which is why I am here on Yelp
Here is my review from Google
I have been searching for healthier options as far as restaurants. I came across this establishment and fell in love with their juice & smoothie. Today was my 3rd time coming here & I felt so much racial tension. I was treated
Here is my review from Google
I have been searching for healthier options as far as restaurants. I came across this establishment and fell in love with their juice & smoothie. Today was my 3rd time coming here & I felt so much racial tension. I was treated
Elizabeth G.
Oct 16, 2021
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Everything on the menu looks fabulous, and I had a tough time deciding! Ended up going with the Empire Chicken and Waffles and didn't regret it at all. Savory waffle pairs so well with crunchy chicken and sweet syrup! I didn't get coffee, but that looked great too. Plenty of tables, and even though the line to order was long there were plenty to choose from when we got our number. Extensive patio was great for a beautiful fall day in Houston. Will brunch again.
Monica F.
Sep 16, 2021
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Stopped in for lunch with my daughter and so glad we did!
I got the breakfast croissant, which has scrambled eggs, avocado and cheese, as well no as spicy tomatillo sauce and fruit. It was delish!
My daughter had an omelette, with avocado slices on top. The omelette was huge and looked amazing!
We also split a slice of hummingbird cake, which had bananas and pineapple. It was quite dense, so filling, but so moist and delicious. We honestly started eating g it before our food came out! Lol!
I had no issues getting a parking space, which was good!
I got the breakfast croissant, which has scrambled eggs, avocado and cheese, as well no as spicy tomatillo sauce and fruit. It was delish!
My daughter had an omelette, with avocado slices on top. The omelette was huge and looked amazing!
We also split a slice of hummingbird cake, which had bananas and pineapple. It was quite dense, so filling, but so moist and delicious. We honestly started eating g it before our food came out! Lol!
I had no issues getting a parking space, which was good!
Patrick B.
Sep 06, 2021
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Theresa Gentry
Sep 06, 2021
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We had a customized Chicken Alfredo Pizza, as well as, Shrimp Fettuccine and the Blackened Chicken Salad specials. Everything was made to order fresh and fortunately we got there ahead of the rush, as soon as we sat down to eat the line to order food was out the door and down the sidewalk, but they were serviced quickly.
Kaitlin F.
Sep 04, 2021
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Empire Cafe always makes everything fresh, have a very relaxed ambiance, comfortable chairs, cooling patio fans, greenery, ample parking and good prices. I love them for all this!
They aren't innovative and the food can sometimes be just ok, but not bad!
The portabella sandwich i got was light on portabella and the sourdough was too soft for the wet toppings and for my taste, but the French fries were perfectly breaded and seasoned. My partner's chicken sanwich was great and so were the sweet potato fries.
We both loved the virgin Mojito limonata made with fresh mint! Way cheaper
They aren't innovative and the food can sometimes be just ok, but not bad!
The portabella sandwich i got was light on portabella and the sourdough was too soft for the wet toppings and for my taste, but the French fries were perfectly breaded and seasoned. My partner's chicken sanwich was great and so were the sweet potato fries.
We both loved the virgin Mojito limonata made with fresh mint! Way cheaper
Claire L.
Sep 03, 2021
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Good food, cozy dining spot for some casual lunch. The food came out fast, nice visual and very delicious. I got the acai bowl and my friend got migas. Great place to sit down and catch up or just to-go food. The line was long even during lunch time however surprisingly the wait wasn't too bad. Reasonable prices. Easy parking.
Esther R.
Aug 25, 2021
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If you are comfortable eating at a DIRTY place you'll enjoy their food. Their coffee is AMAZING. The cappuccino with an extra espresso shot was all I needed to begin the day. The up to 4 ingredients omelettes were made to order and so were the french toast . However we ordered a Sticky bun to share amongst the table and had the WORST EXPERIENCE. It had an onion flavor to it! My thoughts were they used a dirty knife to spread the icing or dirty container to mix the icing. They exchanged the sticky bun without a problem but it made me question the cleaning standards. The food wasn't bad
Christopher Z.
Jun 15, 2021
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Wow this place was popping! I went on a Sunday around 11 and the line was out the building. I don't believe they take reservations so be prepared to wait like 20-30 minutes to order / get a table if you go during a prime time. Also the parking lot is decently big but was packed when I got there (I got lucky with a spot) so keep that in mind-you May have to wait for a spot or street park if the place is packed. When I went we sat indoors but they also had covered outdoor seating too, but with it being summer now I would be in awe of people sitting outside, you are braver than me haha!
I ordered
I ordered
Joo C.
Apr 26, 2021
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I am in love with the comfy vibe & variety of food and beverage options here - you can literally get anything!! This is a great place for happy hour, coffee, brunch, and even dessert (the Nestle Tollhouse Crunch Cake was oh so good). There's also plentiful seating, both indoors and outdoors.
There are different specials everyday, and they may change things up depending on what they have available, but I was able to snag some extra pizza with my drink during happy hour. The Texas Watermelon and Prickly Bear Margarita were solid drinks to order - very refreshing!
The main courses I did
There are different specials everyday, and they may change things up depending on what they have available, but I was able to snag some extra pizza with my drink during happy hour. The Texas Watermelon and Prickly Bear Margarita were solid drinks to order - very refreshing!
The main courses I did
