Empire Kitchen & Cocktails

Restaurant · Midtown

Empire Kitchen & Cocktails

Restaurant · Midtown

3148 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Highlights

Empire Kitchen & Cocktails is a vibrant bistro on Woodward serving American classics and creative cocktails, perfect for casual dining on their cozy sunny patio.

3148 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 Get directions

empirekitchendetroit.com

@empiredetroit

$$$

Reserve

@eater

"Empire Kitchen & Cocktails received a critical review from the Detroit Free Press, with the critic describing it as a 'paint-by-numbers restaurant concept' and criticizing both the style and the food. Despite the harsh review, the owner, Michael Abrams, stands by the quality of the food and the concept, emphasizing that the restaurant was designed to be an 'approachable' neighborhood spot. Empire Kitchen & Cocktails offers a small, diverse menu including burgers and pizzas, aimed at local residents, especially those in nearby luxury apartments. The restaurant has garnered relatively good reviews on platforms like Google Reviews and Yelp." - Brenna Houck

Empire Kitchen & Cocktails Owner Responds to Biting Detroit Free Press Review - Eater Detroit

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@eater

"The restaurant is starting happy hour service from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 18. The menu includes $3 draft and domestic bottled beers, $6 house wine pours and cocktails, as well as discounted food deals." - Brenna Houck

Gather Brings Back Brunch This Saturday in Eastern Market - Eater Detroit

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@eater

"Forthcoming “American-style bistro and bar” Empire Kitchen & Cocktails announced today that it will open on Monday, May 14. The Brush Park eatery is located at 3148 Woodward Ave. on the ground floor of luxury apartment building the Scott. Along with the official date, the restaurant also provided a peek inside the restaurant taking shape at the corner of Woodward and Erskine Street including the establishment’s long 30-foot bar and shady wraparound patio. The restaurant’s dining room is surrounded by garage doors and incorporates plenty of wood finishes and dark upholstered banquettes. Restaurant partners Michael Abrams, Brian Adelman, and David Pittaway confirmed in March that the restaurant would be headed up by Culinary Institute of America-trained chef Aaron Lowen. Details of the menu, with the exception of a fleeting mention of pizza, remain elusive. Empire’s “all American favorites” will be revealed at an upcoming media preview in May, according to a rep for the restaurant. Reservations aren’t quite open yet but will be available soon via Reserve. In the meantime, curious diners can feast their eyes on the interior in the photos below." - Brenna Houck

American Bistro Empire Kitchen & Cocktails Opens in Detroit on May 14 - Eater Detroit

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@eater

"Brush Park’s luxury apartment building the Scott is gaining a new restaurant tenant this spring with the arrival of Empire Kitchen & Cocktails. Billed as an “American-style bistro and bar,” the 3,150-square-foot restaurant is slated to open its doors in the northwest corner of the property at 3150 Woodward Ave. in May, according to a release." - Brenna Houck

Empire Kitchen & Cocktails Heads to Brush Park in May - Eater Detroit

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Brad Willett

Google

Nestled in the heart of downtown Detroit on Woodward Avenue, Empire Kitchen & Cocktails offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends culinary excellence with vibrant ambiance. During our recent visit, we were treated to an evening that exemplified the establishment’s commitment to quality and service. Cocktails: Our evening commenced with two standout cocktails: the Espresso Martini and the Rare Situation. The Espresso Martini was a harmonious blend of rich espresso and premium spirits, delivering a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. The Rare Situation, a unique concoction, offered a refreshing twist that was both innovative and delightful. Cuisine: For our main course, we indulged in the Cajun Chicken Alfredo and the Spicy Italian Pizza. The Cajun Chicken Alfredo featured tender pasta enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce, complemented by perfectly seasoned chicken—a dish that masterfully balanced heat and flavor. The Spicy Italian Pizza boasted a crispy crust topped with a medley of spicy meats and fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that was both robust and memorable. Service: Our experience was elevated by the exceptional service provided by bartenders JoJo and Miles. Their attentiveness, knowledge, and personable nature added a personal touch that enhanced our overall dining experience. Empire Kitchen & Cocktails has established itself as a cornerstone of Detroit’s dining scene, offering a menu that caters to diverse palates and a staff dedicated to ensuring a memorable visit. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this establishment promises a dining experience that is both exceptional and unforgettable.

Natalie Elliott

Google

I love The Empire Kitchen! I’ve been a fan both before and after they reopened, and it’s still such a great spot. The dark, chill ambiance paired with great music makes it a vibe for any night out. Last night, I tried the I-75 cocktail—it had a light, crisp flavor but still packed a punch! For dinner, I went with the steak and crispy potatoes, plus a side of Brussels sprouts. Everything was delicious. I’ve also had the chicken before, which was sweet and savory! I’m already looking forward to trying more of the menu. Heads up: there’s an automatic 20% gratuity charge, and I spent about $100 dining solo. For a second, I almost thought I was out of town with those prices lol 🙃. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot with great food, drinks, and vibes. Definitely worth a visit!

Luxury Chaos

Google

I’ve been here before but I didn’t eat, only had some drinks so I decided to come back and have some lunch. I got the salmon croquettes and grits. The flavor is in the salmon and gravy, so the lack of flavor from the grits is a good balance. Especially if you’re a person that doesn’t like salty food. If you get this, make sure you add cheese. It’s a really good touch. For the drink, I got the Raspberry Dragon and I did like it. My bartender, Lex was 10/10. I would love to have her again next time I go. I definitely wanna come back and try some more stuff on their menu.

Cory L

Google

Stopped at Empire for a quick drink and meal before a concert at little caesars. Very clean establishment. I was very happy with the service, and the pizza was a home run! I would certainly recommend coming here before or after a concert or game!

Thomas Ledesma

Google

Our experience began on a positive note with great food and drinks, but unfortunately took a turn when we discovered spiders crawling out of our meals. It was quite unsettling and significantly impacted our date night. As we were leaving, another person mentioned seeing one drop onto her friend's coat. We strongly recommend addressing this issue with an exterminator, as it was a disappointing experience ..

Blackgirl Jane

Google

Food is excellent! Ambiance is relaxed, cozy, sexy. Thursday night DJay was very good. Great place to take a first date. Self park at a meter or pull up for valet. Reservations are not required but suggested on weekends. Order whatever you want on the menu you cant go wrong.

Brody Donald

Google

We were excited about trying a new restaurant. Seated quickly and the atmosphere is nice. From there it wasn't so great The service was super slow, its 1pm on a game-day and have to order brunch/breakfast items, which is crazy. We wanted apps and lunch not eggs. Drinks were nice Food was alright the “crispy” potatoes looked good but were just mushy over-seasoned potatoes expected them to be crispy like described. The auto gratuity is not cool especially without mentioning it, figures why the servers are not attentive. We would not return or recommend

Allison Hester

Google

First Visit - Sunday, January 5, 2025 I visited Empire Kitchen and Cocktails on Woodward in Detroit for the first time and had a mixed experience. Upon arrival, we were seated immediately as the restaurant wasn't crowded at all, which was a good start. However, it took about 15 minutes before anyone approached us to take our order. Once ordered, the food arrived fairly quickly, within 10 minutes. I ordered a medium-well steak, which was cooked to the correct temperature, but unfortunately, it was overly salty and quite tough to chew. The eggs, cooked over medium, were done correctly but arrived cold. The potatoes were flavorful, though the portion was overwhelmingly large. The ambiance of the restaurant was pleasant and clean, but the temperature inside was uncomfortably cold, prompting me to put on my coat a few times during the meal. Overall, while the service and ambiance had their positives, the food quality and price did not meet my expectations. Given the high cost and the disappointing meal, I’m unlikely to return.

Kerry L.

Yelp

I just dined there last night , great friendly staff , super clean and the food , portions, quality and taste was excellent. I plan to return this summer with my entire team to try out the terrace dining experience. Josh McArthur is an amazing host! Kudos to the chef!

Kien H.

Yelp

So I thoroughly enjoy this place. The first time that I was there, it was because I was leaving Bakersfield. The area is street parking so find a place to park along the street. You will have to pay obviously. The bar is a huge bar setting, and it's actually pretty beautiful to boot. They put a lot of work into making it very aesthetically pleasing and it hits. I came in because I was next door and wanted to try something to drink but when I got there the kitchen was closed so I stuck with the bar. I only got one drink but the friends that I were awake got muscle drinks. We all had a good experience. The customer service was really really good. The presentation was super solid. Really good ambience. Everything was hitting on all cylinders. Irish espresso martini - I thought that this drink was really good and the presentation was sensational as well. You got ty coffee beans as a garnish, you got the cocoa powder on the side as a garnish, everything was solid about this drink. She really took care of me LOL and I appreciate it! I think that I will definitely come back to this spot and try some food next time. I am in town. But the drink experience that I had was great.

Ciara J.

Yelp

Drink 5/5 The espresso martini was absolutely delicious made with a vodka base. The glass and drink were garnished beautifully with a skewer with a charred marshmallow and sugar rim. Service 4/5 Bartenders were nice Ambiance 4/5 Nice crows during the holiday season

Sandra T.

Yelp

The people are warm and friendly, the restaurant has three seating areas but the beautiful dining room is our favorite, and the lighting is perfect. We stopped in for brunch, and were so glad we did. The food was great and just what we were looking for.

Michelle W.

Yelp

After being recommended by this place for my birthday, I decided to give it a try with my friends. The restaurant had a nice upscale vibes to it. The staff was very nice and accommodating to my friends and I. Our waitress was quick to take our drink orders and food. I decided to order the chicken and waffles, which was very very good. I'm actually definitely making plans to return just for that. *Just an FYI they do not split checks for large groups. That was a little inconvenience, but it wasn't too much of an issue for my friends and I. I will definitely return in the future.

Leroy R.

Yelp

This place was very nice! Super cute. Service was quick and everyone was friendly and attentive. The food was definitely a highlight. The brussels were nicely seasoned! I could've had two orders. The wings were equally as good. Fried to perfection! The lemon drop flight was very cute, but too sweet for my liking. Tasted like I was drinking pure sugar. Overall I enjoyed this place and would go back if ever in Detroit again.

Jordan B.

Yelp

Food was amazing, ambiance is perfect for any occasion. Dim lighting, romantic vibes. Service was impeccable, we went on a Saturday evening and they took amazing care of us! We tried the spicy shrimp, they were HUGE with a nice kick of spice. The Margherita pizza which was great, the crispy potatoes as a side were lovely and the Caesar salad was perfect! 10/10 can't wait to come back, I heard the Cajun chicken already is awesome!

Matthew V.

Yelp

Wasn't crowded at all, friendly staff, good vibes and plenty of space.. Service was good, came back to check on us a few times, real easy going.. I ordered the Salmon risotto with spinach and it was so good, big portion, a lot of flavor. Really good dish.. This was my first time here and loved the experience. Staff even let us turn the TV to the WNBA playoff game, just overall good customer service. I will be back!

Lauren D.

Yelp

I've been here before but I didn't eat, only had some drinks so I decided to come back and have some lunch. I got the salmon croquettes and grits. The flavor is in the salmon and gravy, so the lack of flavor from the grits is a good balance. Especially if you're a person that doesn't like salty food. If you get this, make sure you add cheese. It's a really good touch. For the drink, I got the Raspberry Dragon and I did like it. My bartender, Lex was 10/10. I would love to have her again next time I go. I definitely wanna come back and try some more stuff on their menu.

Kesha S.

Yelp

Stopped by for Sunday brunch but the mimosas that they offered weren't too budget friendly like our normal spot. We grabbed espresso martinis and hung at the bar for a while. The bartenders were nice and welcoming as were the others at the bar. We didn't order food but I saw food and it looked amazing we'll be back for brunch next time. The catfish, chicken and waffles and the eggs looked amazing only I hate grits. But let me circle back to that espresso martini, it was strong and good. I never do martinis but baby I'd do this one all the time.

Taylor H.

Yelp

Food 10/10 The food was worth the wait! Hot and flavorful! The Oysters stole the show but the pasta is definitely giving it a run for its money! Service 7/10 We sat for a long time before being able to order at the bar. Service was extremely slow for the amount of people in the restaurant. The Bartender made an amazing 75 South, their version of a French 75 with Cognac. Ambiance 10/10 Great attention paid to detail. I wish they had more than two bathrooms.

Tiffany J.

Yelp

Here for brunch and ordered strictly off the brunch menu. To start off, the drinks were well made. No complaints there. We waited quite a while for our food and when it came it wasn't anything impressive. We tried Captain crunch French toast Spicy shrimp Salmon Croquette and Grits/Onion Gravy --a very big dish just filled with grits. Could be enough for 3 people. The onion gravy is not your grandmas nor your uncles wife's. Short rib and grits --kind of oily and lacked flavor Fish and grits --their tartar sauce was not good Steak and eggs ordered medium well-- did have good flavor Frozen yogurt brûlée --a tasty treat Toasted vanilla bread with maple whip butter No vegetable sides or salads on the brunch menu --we thought should have been. Raspberry Dragon Rare situation --very good cocktail Bloody Mary --my mom complained wasn't hot enough. The other menu items did look promising so I would return to give those a try. Can only try the main menu in the evening.

Kai C.

Yelp

Party of 6 with reservations on a Saturday evening. It wasn't crowded. It took over 90 mins for our food to come out. Food was bland. Never has a restaurant asked me how I want my salmon cooked... they did. I regret saying "well". Either way it wasn't seasoned well. The risotto was good. I think that was the common consensus of my table; Food was bland. Drinks are good. I wouldn't go back.

Karen C.

Yelp

Went there on the Fathers Day holiday. Ours was a group of what ended up being 10 so some had to sit nearby but they tried their best to accommodate. We didn't have their signature "drink trees" but several of us had the fruit of Japan which really liked. . For meals we had the fritatta and shakshuka which i liked. Some of the other people in our group thought their grits dishes were under seasoned. We all did agree we'd come back and thought empire is a yes

Shawn S.

Yelp

Short ribs and grits were great! Perfect blend of flavor. $26 for entree. The rest of my guests spoke highly of other pictured entrees. Our waitress was very honest and insightful. Arrived around 130p on a Sunday, reservations encouraged, and only a brunch menu available.

Darrell K.

Yelp

They include the tip in your order automatically. Who knew. Friendly waitstaff. I may be back again for a drink.

Britane B.

Yelp

Empire was just not what we thought it would need. We were there for a surprise Dinner for My brother's birthday and It just wasn't good at all. If I had to rate my food it was a 5.5 outta 10. My mom had shrimp And Oysters, my sister had thee driest salmon Ever the birthday said his Alfredo was mid and unseasoned and his Gf didn't really like her egg plant. It Didn't end there tho. They took all of 1.5 to bring us our food after we Ordered! It was ridiculous. I don't think I'll ever visit this Place again.

Malisa R.

Yelp

We came here for cocktails before a hockey game. Empire is walking distance from Little Caesar's Arena so this was a great option. The bar is first come, first serve. We were able to snag seats at the end. The bartenders were so nice! The bar and restaurant was popping for a Saturday night. We ordered an espresso martini and the Teri-tini. For an espresso martini, not the greatest. They use cold brew instead of fresh brewed espresso. Not trying to sound like an espresso martini snob, but had an espresso martini or five. The Teri-tini was okay as well. Heavy alcohol pours... not that's a bad thing, but I didn't feel like sipping on tequila. I do want to come back and try the food. Two couples next to us were sharing a delicious looking pizza. The south food around the restaurant looked amazing! Looking around, this place looks like an amazing spot during Spring, Summer, and Fall when their patio is open. There are garage doors from the bar to the patio to make it even more open. Nice job!

Marc D.

Yelp

Ordered empire pizza; spicy crispy garlic shrimp(appetizer); steak w/fried potatoes; mango lemonade; and Honey bun cake ( dessert). Pizza was best in area; shrimp was excellent; succulent ; tasty; and fried to perfection with a cocktail sauce that induced the flavor even more. Steak was prepared as ordered; with a house seasoning that brought every bite to life on a different scale. The HONEY BUN CAKE!!!! Was rich ; delightful world wonder of pure perfection. It was covered in a homemade ice cream; drenched in a succulent house made caramel that contained small crunchy bits of caramel. The service was quick and attentive. The atmosphere was that of a neighborhood bar and grill. Conversations that were warm and inviting. Wonderful place to eat a nice evening dinner.

Sherri S.

Yelp

Empire is a great place for good food, nice drink, chill with friends and all around good time. Lunch, dinner, brunch WHATEVER!!!! John is a great bartender, all the servers and hostess are wonderful.

Yahsha M.

Yelp

My mom and I stopped by here before a concert downtown, and we were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is cute, I'd love to see how it is in the summer. The drink was a spin on a blueberry lemon drop, and it was delicious. The burger and fries were pretty good as well. Our server was pretty friendly and attentive, so that's always nice. The only thing that I didn't like is that there was an automatic gratuity added, and our server didn't mention it when the bill was dropped off. Maybe it was in the fine print? But you couldn't really tell on the bill, so that seems a bit deceptive.

Ambirr M.

Yelp

Worst place ever and the vegan options aren't vegan they literally tried to kill me be drowning my potatoes in butter . Then I said something they burned them and brought them back out and I had my non vegan friend confirm they were indeed still buttered . My friend ordered a drink the bartender suggested something else he didn't like and he left it on the bill and also left everything else on the bill and never came back with our change literally clocked out and left it was the wildest most horrific experience to date

Chelsea A.

Yelp

Visited on a Friday (maybe Sat) for a drink and a bite. DJ was playing gave a great set. Bartender initial service was great, disappeared for 15 mins after initial interaction. Ordered $18 wings that weren't fresh or seasoned. Woman next to me had the same experience. Decent experience but could be better. Worst interaction was a woman from management coming from the back to reprimand a staff member for talking to someone at the bar too long. The staff member was in formal dress so he was likely a manager too. Appeared to be trying to get the person to do a liquor tasting, that's what seem to prolong the convo. Staff manager was a man who seemed visibly upset by being reprimanded in front of a large crowd. Serve better food, be nicer to your staff.

Chris P.

Yelp

Came back again! Easy to make a reservation, parking is nearby, service was good and the food great! Empire has a really great vibe! I definitely will be back soon!

Jess L.

Yelp

Came here for brunch. We made a reservation for two but the place was pretty empty and it likely wasn't needed. I got a cocktail, I believe it was the Raspberry Dragon. It was delicious and not overly sweet. For brunch, I got the salmon patty with grits topped with onion gravy and banana foster waffle. I will start with the good- the waffle was delicious. Well cooked, crispy and light, with an amazing sauce and fruit. The salmon patty was another story. The patty lacked any discernible flavor and taste and just tasted "fried". The grits were ok but the gravy was too oniony, and it overpowered the whole dish. I was not a fan and the quality did not coincide with the price for a single salmon patty and grits. I'd probably come back for drinks, the cocktails seemed unique and well balanced.

Sean T.

Yelp

This was our second time at Empire - and definitely our last. The food is pretty good, and I'd probably rate our first experience 4 stars. This time, though, there was hardly an experience to rate. It wasn't super busy when we went, especially for a Sunday brunch. Once we were seated by the hostess, we briefly double checked the menu for what we wanted to order (we were pretty hungry, so we knew what we wanted). Then 15 minutes passed. 20 minutes. After 30 minutes, I was starting to wonder what was going on - not a single person had acknowledged us since we sat down (other than the busboy to refill our waters - he's a real one). Not a drink order, not a quick "someone will be with you shortly" - nothing but all you can drink water. Finally, after over 45 minutes of waiting, trying to get the attention of any waiters and growing more bewildered with each passing minute, we just decided to leave and cook ourselves a nice brunch at home. I've never walked out of a restaurant before, and I hope I never do again - but the food here isn't nearly good enough to allow them to ignore customers for 45 minutes. Super disappointing. Don't come here if you want to actually order within an hour - it's a coin toss.

Raven W.

Yelp

The food was amazing. I had a girls night here. I like that the inside patio seating. The tables for two were a little small. The food came out fast. The server was great as well. She did take a while bringing the bill after we were finished with our food.

Brittany W.

Yelp

Cool atmosphere, good pizza and cocktails. It was a busy late Saturday night and our server seemed a little flustered, but was still good!

Michelle H.

Yelp

Had a lovely dinner here with my daughter on a cold Sunday night. The service was excellent. The only reason it gets 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because my Alfredo was not piping hot as though it had maybe sat for a while before being brought out; it was delicious though and I didn't bother sending it back. Our waiter Shawn (I think) took good care of us.

Derek F.

Yelp

This place was amazing, it had a nice small cozy feel and the staff was great. The food was well worth every dollar spend.the white pizza was perfect and the brownie cookie dessert is a must . I can't say enough about how everything was great about this place.

Soleil K.

Yelp

Came here on a beautiful Saturday evening for a girls' night. We had reservations on the patio, and the weather was perfect. Our waitress was very nice. And might I add that black excellence was all in the building! Now of course we ordered the patron tree, which was delish. Halfway through the tree, we ordered our entrees and more drinks. I'm glad we did order those extra drinks because our entrees took quite some time to come out. It was well over 30 minutes. And it wasn't just us waiting. Looking around, tables were empty. And it wasn't crazy crowded. Maybe they were short staffed? I'm not sure. When our food finally did come, BABY LET ME TELL YOU! IT WAS WORTH ALL OF IT! The sea bass was PHENOMENAL and cooked to PERFECTION! Melted right in your mouth!!. The mashed potatos / spinach mixed was packed with mad flavor. I would absolutely order that again and again and again. Every person who ordered the seabass left nothing on their plates! I was told that the chicken entree was delicious as well! For dessert, I got the apple pudding cobbler with ice cream. Although I've had better, I thought it was decent. I think service and food timing could be improved upon, so hopefully that does with time. But I can see myself coming back here since everything else was exceptional

Mj J.

Yelp

We stopped in the new Empire Kitchen prior to a concert at LCA. I've been wanting to check this place out since it opened up with new owners. The menu has been streamlined and we opted for a few apps. I really liked the dry rubbed wings. I also enjoyed the I75 South cocktail but we waited forever to get our drinks. I had to go up and order from the bar because it was taking so long. I suggest they figure this out; losing a lot of money! Our waitress was great and very apologetic but it wasn't her fault. Overall, they have some kinks to work out, but I would come back. On a side note: they have a patron margarita flight....OMG!!!! I was in awe when it came out to the table next to us. It's $75 and you need to have more than one person with you to share! Lol I'll be back for sure!

tomico J.

Yelp

I like this place,however the parking is not my favorite. I noticed at a certain time they offer valet service. I visited for brunch! Nothing much to say but the chicken and waffles were delicious! My daughter said the French toast was great as well! Drinks were strong and service was wonderful!!! I've always enjoyed eating here and I see that nothing has changed.. I need to come back for dinner..

Holly G.

Yelp

The drinks were creative and delicious. The food was wonderful, with a good variety of choices.

Dawn H.

Yelp

Made a dinner reservation because I was going to a comedy show in the area. We were seated on the patio immediately and our waitress brought us water. She told us the cinco de mayo drink specials and we ordered the beer/shot combo for $7. Our waitress was great. She was personable and just over all friendly. Which is hard to find nowadays. I ordered the crispy dry rub wings and Brussel sprouts. The wings were good, but the dry rub got all over the table and my lap. The sauce was a vinegar base but it was a great contrast to the salt on the wings. The sprouts were good until I got to the bottom and it was full of oil. The inside of the restaurant is very cute with a few different seating areas. I only wish there was more than 1 stall in the restroom.

Maryann S.

Yelp

I came to Empire for brunch and was happy overall with our experience. Our server was personable and warm, gave off good vibes and was attentive / proactive. The cornbread and chicken gravy was super tasty. We also got the toasted vanilla bread and it was so good. The shrimp shakshuka was too spicy for my taste but my partner enjoyed it a lot. I'd advise against the espresso martini as it was straight vodka. Overall I am surprised by the reviews on here and I'd definitely come back!

Alicia S.

Yelp

I am so glad that I stopped with my family for Sunday brunch at Empire. Everything was delicious including the kids meals. We had the veggie omelettes (careful of the jalapeños) and a side of grits. The portions were filling and the cornbread biscuit was the best. Our server was also perfect!

DeMario M.

Yelp

The food was bland. There's only 2 waitresses and the restaurant is overflowing. I wanted to change my order after I got it but I knew it would take forever. It's a nice vibe and I see the potential but..... It's also hella noisy so be prepared

Ericka B.

Yelp

Sadly we did NOT enjoy our time here. We only ordered small items before a concert and it took an hour... An order of wings from the appetizers (great dry rub didn't come with the ranch i specifically asked for twice), a bread pudding that was hard and came without ice cream (no adjustment made on the price since their freezer was broken) and a burger. Every table around us had some sort of issue so i'm not shocked. Again we had a reservation prior to a concert so staying longer to speak with a manager not an option. Not to mention the mandatory 20% gratuity that's added to the bill that no one mentions. It makes substandard food much tougher to swallow when your forced 20%.

Aysha B.

Yelp

Came in on a Friday and had a great time. The service was great. S/O to Christina for her service, recommendations and hospitality. The DJ had the evening rocking too. I will be back next Friday.

Alla M.

Yelp

Had reservation for six people before the show. We had a brunch only menu available. I would say its quite limited, but ok no problem we all found something to eat. The restaurant was busy and it did take over 1:20 min for the food to arrive so expect a wait. I had a shakshuka with an unusual twist they add shrimp, not the best combo but had flavor and on the spicy side. My girlfriends had veg frittata and chicken and waffle. Chicken rubber dry with heavy breading, frittata was overcooked. Drinks were ok, service super slow, our waitress put no effort at all since they automatically add 20% tip. Will not be returning.

Katerina L.

Yelp

While the menu looked promising and the look and feel of the restaurant was modern - the experience was subpar. Waitress was not attentive, it took a long time to get her attention every time. With as little attention as she paid to us, restaurant automatically adds 20% tip! So basically with high tip guarantee - waitress doesn't need to bother with good service to actually earn this tip. The food came over cooked. Chicken on "waffle and fried chicken" dish - was extremely dry and very heavily breaded. Shrimp shakshuka is supposed to have a soft almost runny egg in it - the egg in my shakshuka was solid dry - as if it was sitting on the counter for an hour. Fritatta also didn't seem to be "fresh out of the oven" and on a dry side. Definitely won't be coming back.

Ash B.

Yelp

sprouts were very flavorful with some type of honey glaze on them. The honeybun cake was recommended by a waitress. We all thought it was too sweet for our tastebuds. The I-75 drink was good. I spent $70 on a drink and 2 appetizers. I would recommend bringing $70-$100. They charge 20% gratuity for one person on one drink. Next time I will just wait til I'm seated to order my drink. I want to definitely try their brunch. I heard that's amazing! Overall we had an amazing time and the food was delicious!

Phil M.

Yelp

Very nice looking restaurant inside. We did not eat any food but stopped by for drinks after eating at a nearby restaurant. It took a long time to get our drinks. I mean a looooong time. A friend had the banana pudding Martini. She stated it tasted like dirty water with a banana in it. My wife had a refresher, which she enjoyed. I had a sazerac, which was ok. Our last friend had a Manhattan, which came neat in a gimlit glass...really weird. 4 drink, $60. As far as a craft cocktail bar, I would have to pass. Not sure on the food but it isn't looking great based on the reviews. Our waitress was very personable, though.

Carolyn E.

Yelp

I'm so glad to have them back - I loved their pizza before, and I still love it! A nice large space with a heated patio area for private events, excellent bartenders and decent service. A lively atmosphere and they're open a bit later on Sundays. We had drinks, pizza, and salad - all good. I don't have much to report - it was a good experience - but we'll definitely return often, as their pricing is pretty decent for downtown. We also showed up on a busy Sunday and were able to be seated right away without a reservation.

Brittany E.

Yelp

I dined here for brunch on a Sunday afternoon. While the food and cocktails were super tasty, the service was absolutely horrible.

Linda N.

Yelp

I was really happy to see that this place had reopened but that happiness is now blurry. Came here on an early Saturday for a 5:30pm reservations and it was a moderate crowd but it began to fill up as it was a hockey game at the arena. So out waiter was very nice and was on point with the customer service. He immediately came to take our drink orders and then came back to take our food orders. As we were waiting on our food I began to notice other customers who had been waiting on their food and some who had received their food and was sending it back(there was some who appeared to be satisfied also). I ordered the fried shrimp and spicy crispy chixken sandwich that comes with fries, my husband ordered the italian pizza and we both had the 1738 Car drink. My husbands pizza was just pizza not bad but not great. My shrimp was nice in size but lacked flavor, they were just basic fried shrimp that only tasted like grease. My chicken sandwich was horrible, it looked like a flat dry piece of nothing. It had no spice, no flavor, nothing. My fries and drink were good once again not great. Please note that they have only been open for about a week so I'm hoping they are able to pull it together. I did share my review with our server and he shared it with the manager and they took the chicken sandwich off my bill to my surprise but the manager never came over to speak with me directly. I might go back after a few months to see what others have to say about it. I only gave three stars because our server was so nice.

Jessie M.

Yelp

Went here to celebrate a birthday everything we ordered taste and looked amazing drinks were strong definitely recommend my favorite was the Brussels sprouts they were scrumptious

Tiana T.

Yelp

I've been excited to return here after the reopening earlier this year. The restaurant was abuzz with patrons when we arrived. Made me grateful that I had made a reservation. I was pleased to see that the look of the restaurant's interior remained the same. There were two couples ahead of us approaching the hostess booth. She advised each after inquiring that those with reservations were priority. Once our reservation was confirmed, we were immediately seated. The wait staff was great. They have QC codes on the table to access the menu. At the server's recommendation, we each had the Teri-Tini, which was described as a strawberry lemon drop. My guy had the Empire Burger and I opted for the Caesar salad adding salmon to it. Aside from having to ask for additional salad dressing multiple times, the salad was AMAZING! The addition of the salmon was excellent. The fillet was perfectly cooked. The croutons had a very fresh, just made texture and taste to them. My guy unfortunately didn't have the experience I had with his selection. He did not like the preparation of the fries. We agreed to disagree on those as I personally liked how they were prepared and seasoned. His burger lacked flavor until he'd gotten to the last few bites of it. He said the cook on it was to his liking just lacked the flavor throughout which was disappointing to me because this is a spot I truly enjoy and wished for a shared experience. I ordered the Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie for dessert as a carry out. It was delivered to the table bagged up with utensils included.

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Brad Willett

Google

Natalie Elliott

Google

Luxury Chaos

Google

Cory L

Google

Thomas Ledesma

Google

Blackgirl Jane

Google

Brody Donald

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Allison Hester

Google

Kerry L.

Yelp

Kien H.

Yelp

Ciara J.

Yelp

Sandra T.

Yelp

Michelle W.

Yelp

Leroy R.

Yelp

Jordan B.

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Matthew V.

Yelp

Lauren D.

Yelp

Kesha S.

Yelp

Taylor H.

Yelp

Tiffany J.

Yelp

Kai C.

Yelp

Karen C.

Yelp

Shawn S.

Yelp

Darrell K.

Yelp

They include the tip in your order automatically. Who knew. Friendly waitstaff. I may be back again for a drink.

Britane B.

Yelp

Malisa R.

Yelp

Marc D.

Yelp

Sherri S.

Yelp

Yahsha M.

Yelp

Ambirr M.

Yelp

Chelsea A.

Yelp

Chris P.

Yelp

Came back again! Easy to make a reservation, parking is nearby, service was good and the food great! Empire has a really great vibe! I definitely will be back soon!

Jess L.

Yelp

Sean T.

Yelp

Raven W.

Yelp

Brittany W.

Yelp

Cool atmosphere, good pizza and cocktails. It was a busy late Saturday night and our server seemed a little flustered, but was still good!

Michelle H.

Yelp

Derek F.

Yelp

Soleil K.

Yelp

Mj J.

Yelp

tomico J.

Yelp

Holly G.

Yelp

The drinks were creative and delicious. The food was wonderful, with a good variety of choices.

Dawn H.

Yelp

Maryann S.

Yelp

Alicia S.

Yelp

DeMario M.

Yelp

Ericka B.

Yelp

Aysha B.

Yelp

Came in on a Friday and had a great time. The service was great. S/O to Christina for her service, recommendations and hospitality. The DJ had the evening rocking too. I will be back next Friday.

Alla M.

Yelp

Katerina L.

Yelp

Ash B.

Yelp

Phil M.

Yelp

Carolyn E.

Yelp

Brittany E.

Yelp

I dined here for brunch on a Sunday afternoon. While the food and cocktails were super tasty, the service was absolutely horrible.

Linda N.

Yelp

Jessie M.

Yelp

Went here to celebrate a birthday everything we ordered taste and looked amazing drinks were strong definitely recommend my favorite was the Brussels sprouts they were scrumptious

Tiana T.

Yelp

Empire Kitchen & Cocktails

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