Empire Café
Hyde Park, Houston, TX, USA
Discover Empire Café at 1732 Westheimer Rd, Houston. Enjoy a menu of American eats, coffee, cocktails, and more. See hours, reviews & dining options.
1732 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Empire Café
Hyde Park, Houston, TX, USA
Overview
Empire Café is a vibrant café and restaurant nestled in Houston, TX, known for its classic American eats served in a uniquely renovated gas station setting. This spot offers generous breakfasts and indulgent desserts that celebrate local flavors and comfort food traditions.
With a relaxed, cozy atmosphere complemented by great coffee, an extensive beer and wine list, and attentive fast service, it's a favored destination for everyone from college students to tourists. The menu features everything from specialty coffees and teas to hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and popular signature dishes like Fried Chicken and Waffles Breakfast.
Gallery
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
This cozy and trendy café in Houston offers a delicious blend of classic American dishes and specialty drinks that keep visitors coming back for more.
Efficient and friendly staff serve up meals quickly, perfect for those on a tight schedule or grabbing a quick bite.
The café is known for expertly crafted coffee, great beer selection, cocktails, and an impressive wine list to complement any meal.
Popular among college students, groups, and tourists, the atmosphere suits solo diners and those working on laptops alike.
Situated in a renovated gas station on Westheimer Rd, the spot offers convenient parking options including free and paid spaces.
Dine in, takeout, delivery, outdoor seating, and even drive-through services provide flexible ways to enjoy the menu.
With 4.5 stars from over 3,000 reviews, favorites include fried chicken and waffles, carrot cake, and their signature Empire Café Benedict.
Wheelchair accessible throughout with seating and restrooms, plus amenities ideal for families including high chairs for kids.
Experience
Empire Café suits a variety of occasions, from energizing morning meals to laid-back dinners, offering diverse dining options in a warm and inviting environment.
The blend of hearty American classics with excellent coffee and drinks creates an ideal setting for both solo visitors seeking a quiet spot to work and groups looking to share a casual meal in Houston's vibrant Westheimer Road area. — FoodPlacee editorial note
Start the day right with expertly crafted coffees such as the Empire Java or Chai Latte, paired perfectly with favorites like the French Toast with a Side of Eggs or the Empire Café Benedict.
Enjoy a lively meal with friends or family, featuring large plates like Fried Chicken and Waffles or the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad Wrap, supported by quick and friendly service.
With extended hours on weekends and offerings like happy hour drinks and late-night food, Empire Café provides a cozy spot to unwind after dark, complete with a great beer and wine selection.
A quiet yet trendy atmosphere paired with free Wi-Fi makes this location ideal for solo diners who want a comfortable place to focus while enjoying quality coffee and healthy meal options.
Those in need of a quick bite can take advantage of convenient takeout, drive-through, and delivery services, perfect for busy days without compromising on taste or quality.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"Great place for large plates at very reasonable prices. I had the shakshuka and a mimosa with cranberry juice. My husband had the migas. Both dishes we very good and the mimosa was in a 16oz glass. The patio was nice and they had heaters for the colder weather. Recommended!"
"One of my all over fave places in Houston. Impeccable vibes, cool clientele, plenty of space to work or read or gossip, easy parking. And not to be cliche, but they really treat you like family! I went today for my annual pre new years bite and ordered the empire waffles when I meant to order the traditional chicken and waffles (which, by the way, come with an over easy egg and are delicious and a fantastic deal). When I went to go buy my actual desired meal, the gorgeous and lovely manager said it was on the house. God bless her Tl dr, this place is so cool, so queer, so easy and so yum. My go to place for a meal in Houston!"
"Empire Cafe is a solid spot for a relaxed bite and great coffee. The avocado toast was pretty good, fresh and nicely prepared, but could’ve used a little more seasoning to really make the flavors pop. Still, it’s a satisfying option and pairs well with their menu offerings. Where Empire Cafe really shines is the coffee, rich, smooth, and expertly made. It’s the kind of coffee that keeps you coming back, whether you’re stopping in for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. With a comfortable atmosphere, friendly service, and excellent coffee, Empire Cafe is a dependable go-to for casual dining and caffeine done right."
"The wheat grain sandwich with chicken and sweet potatoes is a solid 10/10 — flavorful, filling, and perfectly balanced. The chicken salad with avocado is also super fresh and really good. Everything tasted clean and well made. Highly recommend!"
"Love this place. Great customer service, very friendly! It wasnt that busu when we went there for a quick lunch. Food taste good - pizza was tasty and spaghetti was taste good. We will come back again."
"Amazing place to enjoy delicious food! Clean and beautiful outdoor area, we were really lucky to get a table at the backyard corner - so cozy and welcoming, with light breeze and birds beautifully singing Friendly service, great choice of meal, served nicely and exactly as good as it looks! Moreover, portions are big enough to fully enjoy it! Clean washrooms which is always much appreciated :) This is absolutely well deserved five stars Café"
"Food was great. I recommend their Avocado toast and sugar daddy drink. Cute art in the clean bathroom. Dog friendly patio and our pup loved it."
"Empire Cafe was a pleasant brunch spot for my girlfriend and I. We were looking to enjoy the beautiful weather and were appreciative of the control to pick a seat that best suited our needs. Good freedom other places should follow suit with. The food was great as well as the coffee. My gf got the French toast and enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend if you want a laid back spot with good energy"
Visit info
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| Monday | 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 07:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 07:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
Open daily from early morning until late evening, the café suits breakfast, brunch, and late-night cravings, with visits typically lasting 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.