Empire Cafe

Reviews

• Kim B.

  star star star star star 6 June 2026

  While visiting Houston we meet some friends here for breakfast and I was quite impressed. I read some of the other reviews about the food and I honestly had a completely different experience.
  
  The menu is very diverse so there's something for everyone. I had the Roma, and when I tell you this was amazing...it was tasty with pesto - but not overwhelming pesto - and the eggs on top...I suck for not getting a picture of it! The presentation was great but the food was better...hence there's no picture. I dug right in.
  
  The tacos are a nice portion as well, but beware, the hot sauce that comes with it is HOT, which is why it is on the side! The pancakes are good, you get three plate sized pancakes...they may bit a TAD overpriced, I mean, they are pancakes but whatevs.
  
  We arrived around 10am, best time to go. By 11am the line was out the door. After eating my Roma, I see why people will wait for food here.
  
  I'd recommend this place to locals and visitors. Definitely a great eating experience.

• Brian A.

  star star star star star 5 June 2026

  I don't know why I hadn't posted how amazing empire is until now but wow, I can't stress this enough. I've been coming to empire for about 3 years now and it's good and consistent every single time. I used to come in for breakfast since they have pretty good options but I recently started having lunch here on the weekends. The chicken sandwich they have is soo good. I usually like getting the broccoli cheddar soup with it but this time I got the Italian. I frankly forgot what it was called but it had meatballs in it and wow, I definitely need to come back in for it.
  
  I've been wanting to try their cake but I always psych myself out because diet but next time I come in, I'm definitely grabbing a slice. Also... their lattes are soo good as well. Make sure to try one during a nightly study sesh.
  
  Overall, this place is super cute to come in and study and have a bite or to just enjoy lunch with friends during the weekend. The patio area is covered but it does get a bit hot.

• Joseph V.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Great option for lunch or dinner! We came and both tried one of their sandwiches. The great thing is that they bake all of their food, nothing is fried. So if you are looking to eat a bit healthier or just want to avoid fried foods, you'll definitely enjoy this restaurant.
  
  I have to give a shout out for the service during my visit, the cashier was amazing. Definitely a people person.
  
  I will certainly come back in the future.

• Sameen A.

  star star star star star_border 27 May 2026

  Let's talk brunch in Houston. I haven't been to Empire Cafe in years and after visiting last week, it is consistent and lovely as I remember.
  
  Take a seat outside on a nice day and it feels like you're not even at a restaurant. Beware however if you're visiting with a large party. Tables usually sit up to four people. If you're thinking of brunch with more people, seating may be hard to find.
  
  The menu has all of your favorite brunch/breakfast items including eggs, pancakes and coffee. Grab some avocado toast and some coffee to get a hearty meal.
  
  Houston has plenty of brunch options. This one is definitely one to keep on your list.

• Matt A.

  star star star star star 14 May 2026

  Great place for food or post dinner dessert (my personal fav). Really spacious with plenty of seating inside and out. The Tollhouse Crunch will be the best cake you have ever tasted (wow wow wow). The Hawaiian pizza is also great! Really great coffee shop to study at if you want to utilize it in that way as well. Overall, another wonderful local spot on Westheimer.