Dined here on the morning of 16 March 2013. The cashier shortchanged my wife $5, and then the manager, backed up by the cashier, insisted that we must have made a mistake, because they "don't make mistakes." Empire Cafe has permanently lost our business over their arrogance in dealing with what should have been a trivial matter, and I will make sure that their arrogance costs them the business of our friends as well.
Everything on the plate was good or very good - a rare occurrence for most restaurants today. The coffee was great. Empire Cafe is busy, a little noisy and often crowded - deal with it or don't go. The food is worth it.
Had the worst experience. A dump waiter hit me ask he speedy walked by causing me to spilt my coffee over me and my friends at the table. Did not get an apology for his clumsiness. I had to go up the the counter to get assistance. Yeah, the manager credited me back what I order but not until I asked for it. They need to train they people to be more cautious.
Great place for a late breakfast on the terrace, enjoying the crowd. The wait only seems long, as the line moves quite fast. The staff is very efficient and knows what needs to be done. Coffee is great and the mimosa we had was so big that we probably should have walked around for a few blocks before driving back home.
Great breakfast place when you can actually get in. Weekdays are best but weekends the line goes down Westheimer. Love the breakfast tacos and unlimited coffee bar.
Mar. 2013