Empire Café image

Empire Café

Restaurant Cafe

American eats reign supreme (think huge breakfasts & rich desserts) inside a renovated gas station. People often mention good, seating, friendly, breakfast, delicious, staff, service, Empire, Cafe, patio,


Address

1732 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098, United States

Website

empirecafe.com

Contact

+1 713-528-5282

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (2.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 7:30 am to 11 pm, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 7:30 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: (Easter), 7:30 am to 10 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (17) seating (10) friendly (9) breakfast (9) delicious (9) staff (8) service (8) Empire (8) Cafe (7) patio (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 A R. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Relii C. 1 year ago on Google
    Finally got the chance to come and try this place out for breakfast and I was happy with it. My breakfast croissant could have used a little something, not sure what but it was missing a bit and the potatoes were dry. Other than that the drinks came out fast and so did the food. The drinks were delicious, the place has ample seating inside and outside with fans and coolers.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adlai A. 1 year ago on Google
    Food came out quick and staff were friendly. Lots of seating indoor and more in a huge covered outdoor patio. I had the Roma with scrambled eggs and orange juice for $17. Although it was good, it was expensive given the serving size. Comparing it to other popular places like Barnaby cafe or Black Walnut cafe, hard to justify price for the food.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jessica K. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gustavo G. 1 year ago on Google
    Why didn’t I come here sooner. The garden wall has always sparked my interest, but then the menu online never convinced me to come. My food was delicious, the counter staff was helpful, and it is such a comfortable time in their patio. Food is reasonably price, portions are good size! They are also dog friendly, overall very happy with my visit. Will be coming back soon.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carolina B. 8 months ago on Google
    Everything from the service to the food was wonderful at Empire Cafe! We had the French Toast, chicken and waffles, and the breakfast tacos. Everything was so full of flavor and tasty. Our favorite dish was definitely the chicken and waffles. The chicken is so flavorful and the waffles has a unique taste to it that even my kids loved them. I’m definitely coming back soon!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paulina T. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is always super busy! They surprisingly have decent parking. It is counter service while seating is first come. The wait to order is fairly long but not the wait to get your food/coffee. They have a great variety for brunch. I enjoyed my avocado toast and ice latte. My sister said her waffle could be crispier, but it was good.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paulina313 2 years ago on Google
    Went there around 8am, easy to find parking. It's a good place to start your day, have a cup of coffee and some breakfast. The cookies that come with the coffee and tea taste like homemade. Not really a fan with the food l ordered, looks better than the taste. Place is clean, vibe is good, staffs are friendly, overall it's a good place for a coffee or tea.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony F. 1 year ago on Google
    Empire has always been a pretty straightforward option in terms of quality, consistency, and options. Today though, I was surprised out of my mind with this out of this world alchemical coffee concoction by Anita. It looked so good that I didn't even want to touch it! It only took one sip for that thought to vanish and a minute or two for the drink to do the same. Delicious, smooth, not to sweet and just right. Thanks, Anita...you're the best. But you already know that.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Taylor N. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff. It’s a very chill vibe. The size of portions are definitely supported by their prices. My kids loved it. I enjoyed it. Would definitely go again when back in Houston again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jainif M. 7 months ago on Google
    Fine spot for breakfast. We had the huevos rancheros, a half order of the Italian bread French toast, the not chicken and waffles, and a slice of toffee crunch cake. The cake was the best part but a little crumbly and the huevos were good too. The baking of the waffle for the chicken and waffles and the toast for the French toast dish was poor - the waffle fell apart and was soggy and the Italian bread wasn’t meant to be used for French toast - it didn’t absorb syrup well and there was no eggyness it in
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alayna D. 10 months ago on Google
    I’ve wanted to try this place for some time. Counter service with food that was brought out very quickly. Went for brunch and was pleased with the menu options and overall vibe. Lots of patio seating with indoor seating options as well. Dog friendly. Cute spot and affordable options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sehmus O. 1 year ago on Google
    Outdoor patio is lovely with a relaxing and cool atmosphere. The size of portions were small, but the food tasted good. It’s not very crowded during weekdays. Staff were friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Claire B. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cari G. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place. It's a favorite weekend spot for the hubby and I. Service is always great. You can never go wrong with a Carrot cake or tiramisu and latte the Italian toast are fab 👌.

  • 4/5 Blessed A. 2 years ago on Google
    The chicken wasn't what I thought it was going to be BUT it was good. I enjoyed the crispness. The waffle was super unique and I enjoyed the healthy aspect of it! I LOVED that the whole breakfast wasn't so heavy where I felt stuffed and heavy afterwards.

  • 5/5 Samantha M. 8 months ago on Google
    Food is always so good here. Got the largest size pizza with goat cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni, and mushrooms for $18. So worth it! I love that the slices are cut small and thin. It’s a very delicious pizza overall. My only complaint would be how packed and crowded it is - tables are very close together indoors. Goes to show how popular this place is! Plenty of outdoor seating though.

  • 5/5 Kori S. 8 months ago on Google
    My recent visit to Empire Cafe for brunch left me thoroughly delighted, and I must say, it was an experience worth cherishing. From the moment I stepped into this charming cafe, I was greeted with an ambiance that exuded warmth and coziness. With its tasteful decor, soft lighting, and inviting atmosphere, Empire Cafe offered the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend brunch. The pancakes at Empire Cafe were nothing short of heavenly. The Brisket Eggs Benedict was a divine creation. Apart from the exceptional food, the cafe itself exudes a captivating charm. With its vintage-inspired decor and cute accents, I couldn't help but feel like I had stepped into a charming European cafe. The attentive staff further elevated the experience, providing friendly and efficient service throughout. Whether you're seeking a romantic date spot or a cozy catch-up with friends, Empire Cafe caters to all occasions. It's the kind of place where you can unwind and savor every bite in a relaxing and inviting environment.

  • 5/5 Mary M. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous food. Had to get Migas. Cant find them in AZ. Healthy, fresh and delicious. I adore the cookies that come with coffee. Friendly and cheerful staff. And don't forget the cake.

  • 3/5 Zainab K. 7 months ago on Google
    This has always been my comfort place. Amazing atmosphere. Amazing food and service. But recently I went after a couple of years and it was so horrible. The order kept messing up. The outside back patio had literally cockroaches and mice running around. I tried to take some pictures. It was so heartbreaking. This has always been my fav place, but the cleanliness and hygiene have gone through the roof. The service has been so bad. Hope they fix these issues soon.

  • 5/5 Erlin S. 8 months ago on Google
    Great location to access from anywhere in town. The food is always amazingly flavorful and the service is fast. It does get hot in the dinning area after 1pm during the summer. Maybe turn AC down a bit. Service is quick but the food is just so delicious! Great jobs cook and manager! Keep it up.

  • 5/5 Alexis P. 2 years ago on Google
    Empire is awesome! came here with a party of about 7 and the staff was quick to take out order and the food came rather quickly as well. The flavor is on another level I really loved everything we ordered. Staff is super friendly. Must visit if you're in the area! :)

  • 5/5 Monica Foster, B. 2 years ago on Google
    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 it before our food came out! Lol! I had no issues getting a parking space, which was good!

  • 4/5 T.S.H 6 months ago on Google
    Got the breakfast tacos which has chorizo if you like that it would be a good option. Also got the breakfast sandwich with croissant which was great. They serve cocktails which was good. No waiters waiting on you. You have to catch them walking by. Cookies were blank and cinnamon roll was large and dry minimal glaze

  • 5/5 d g. 6 months ago on Google
    Enjoyed my Birthday Breakfast with my best buddy since kindergarten. 50+ years of awesome friendship and brotherhood. Love you much Carl. Couldn't have picked a better place to start off the day. Thank you Empire Cafe...your Roma Dish was incredible

  • 5/5 Sunny B. 5 months ago on Google
    We came during a lunch rush and had to wait for 15 minutes. There are laminated menus to look at while waiting. We ordered at the register and recieve a number which we then bring to any table. The food comes to the table and they take the number. If ordering a drink, you'll have to come back to the counter to pick it up. I had the 'Sugar Daddy' and it came with two shortbread(?) cookies. It was good and dipping the cookies enhanced the experience. The food came out fairly quickly. I had the Chicken and Waffle along with the French Toast, these aren't the menu names but they're at the top of the menu. The Chicken and Waffle came w some lime and syrup. It was very delicious. The waffles were on the softer side. The French Toast was very soft and moist which is more like a 4/5 for me. I prefer them to have a little more chewy structure. These felt very gooey. It came with strawberries and blueberries. There was complimentary water in the room next to the registers. Other notable stuff was the pastries on display. They have beautiful looking cakes on display and the slices that they give are fairly large and could be split between at least 3 people comfortably. I left feeling stuffed and satisfied.

  • 5/5 Soumya M. 5 months ago on Google
    I loved their cake and hot chocolate!! They gave a really big piece of the Nutella chocolate cake which was delicious. The hot chocolate was also great. The patio had beautiful lights and seating. They also have their own free parking. I’m definitely coming back.


Call +1 713-528-5282 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
    • ✓️ Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Drive-through
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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