Empire Cafe
Sunday Brunch · Cafe · Houston, TX
About
It's a relaxed mix of regulars and newcomers, always a line at the counter. Empire Cafe occupies a renovated gas station in Montrose, with a bright outdoor patio that's the prime spot when weather allows. The restaurant is casual, with a menu of American diner classics and big brunch offerings. Portions are famously large, and the food is consistently well-prepared, even if the menu hasn't changed much over the years.
You order at the counter and find a seat; staff bring the food out. The vibe is funky and comfortable, with a mix of indoor and covered outdoor seating. It's popular with both the LGBTQ+ crowd and the wider neighborhood. For a change of pace, nearby Snooze, an A.M. Eatery offers another brunch option. Empire Cafe is open daily from 7:30am, closing at 10pm most nights (11pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
Features
- ✓Order at the counter, food brought to you
- ✓Covered outdoor patio seating
- ✓Funky decor in renovated gas station
Cuisine
Good for
What people say
Rated from 1,973 reviews. 10 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Fun Funky”
Suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu hasn't changed much over the past decade, but the dishes are always well made. They do a great variety of egg-based breakfast items and have a solid dinner menu that's a step above typical diner fare. Portions lean towards being overly large. You order at a counter and the food is brought out, so it doesn't really qualify as a proper restaurant or cafe. More salad options at lunch would be nice. The desserts are unappealing, like huge sponge cakes that might have pleased a grandmother. The decor is funky and fun. The covered outdoor area is nice. The display plates of food at the ordering line become unappetizing once they've dried out.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Brunch delight”
Excellent spot for brunch, but it gets very crowded. Most of the seating is outdoors, but the food is excellent. It's a nice dining experience when the weather cooperates. The staff is very friendly. Give it a try and you'll probably enjoy it.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Too good for its own good”
A great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It has a lot of character, which is hard to come by in this city. The outdoor seating is nice as long as it's not summer. Good food at reasonable prices with a chic yet comfortable atmosphere, which explains why straight folks have started coming to this neighborhood and filling the place up.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Straight hell!”
Way too many babies and kids. Don't bother coming on a weekend because straight people have taken over.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Empire Cafe accept reservations? +
No, it's a counter-service setup: you order in line and then find a seat.
Does Empire Cafe have vegetarian options? +
The menu includes salads and egg dishes, so there are some vegetarian-friendly choices.
What type of cuisine does Empire Cafe serve? +
It serves American diner food, with a focus on breakfast, brunch, and pizza (based on Yelp categories).
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