Featured Choices
Taste what’s trending on the menu
Huevos Rancheros
Ginger Peach (Decaf)
Spring Water Panna
Lemonade
About the Place
Empire Café
If you're searching for a culinary gem in the heart of Houston, look no further than Empire Café. Nestled at 1732 Westheimer Rd in vibrant Montrose, this beloved café has become a cherished haunt for locals and visitors alike over the years.
Empire Café prides itself on delivering consistently fresh and flavorful dishes, earning accolades from patrons who have been returning for over 15 years. The atmosphere captures the essence of relaxation and warmth, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch, or a quiet afternoon coffee. Whether you prefer to unwind inside or soak up the sun on their dog-friendly patio, the café invites you to linger and savor every moment.
Speaking of the menu, the offerings are diverse and thoughtfully crafted. Regulars rave about the breakfast selection, with standout items like the Italian toast, huevos rancheros, and the intriguing shakshuka. The creativity continues with their pastries; customers delight in savoring the morning glory muffin, banana scone, and jalapeño bacon scone—each baked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The café's dedication to quality is evident, as noted by both longtime supporters and first-time visitors.
Moreover, don’t miss out on their famous coffee. While I personally have yet to indulge in this local favorite, the raving reviews highlight it as a must-try, perfectly complementing any dish. Perhaps it’s the secret that keeps patrons, like 'Vic Flowers', coming back for more—there’s something undeniably comforting about a cup of expertly brewed coffee to pair with a delicious meal.
Empire Café’s charm lies not only in its food but also in its ambiance. Many staff members have been part of the café’s journey for years, contributing to the sense of community that envelops guests. The café captures the spirit of Houston’s culinary scene through its vibrant energy and dedication to quality. Patrons cite both the friendly service and consistency in their dining experience as key factors that make Empire Café an unforgettable destination.
So, if you find yourself wandering the neighborhoods of Houston, take the time to visit Empire Café. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a delightful pastry, or a quick coffee break, this café promises to deliver a memorable experience that celebrates the joy of good food and community.
Words from Visitors
Guestbook
“ I’ve been coming to this Montrose gem for over 15 years, even while living all over the greater Houston area. Me and my wife have been visiting since we first started dating, and it’s still one of our favorite spots. The food is always fresh and consistent, which is rare to find these days. While I’ve never actually tried their coffee, I constantly hear great things about it from friends and other customers. The star for us, without question, is the Tollhouse cake. You can buy it by the slice, and every bite truly feels like a slice of heaven. It’s rich, decadent, and worth coming here just for that alone. The café has its own parking lot, which is a huge plus in Montrose, although it can get busy depending on the time of day. They also have bike parking on the side, which I love because on weekend mornings I enjoy biking over, grabbing a table on the patio, and soaking in the good vibes. The patio is also handicap accessible through its side entrance, though the inside can be a little cramped if you’re moving around with mobility devices. After so many years, I can confidently say there’s a reason this place is still open and loved by so many — they’re just really good at what they do. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, dessert, or just a quick snack, you’re going to leave happy. ”
“ Empire Café on Westheimer is one of the best spots in Houston for coffee and breakfast, especially on a chill Sunday morning. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, the coffee is excellent, and the breakfast menu has plenty of delicious options. Whether sitting inside or out on the dog friendly patio, it’s always a great way to start the day. ”
“ We went today for breakfast and loved it! My favorite is the pastry. I got a morning glory muffin, a banana scone and a jalapeño bacon scone, love them all! I’ve been looking for savory scones and carrot cake that’s not too sweet. I just found them!! ”
“ Great food and atmosphere, went on a weekday 10am and it was relatively empty with quick service. Had their italian toast, huevos rancheros and shakshuka and it was great! Shakshuka was a little too pastey and less runny but still tasted solid. Loved it, would absolutely return! There is also (limited) empire cafe free parking available on the backside from westheimer ”
“ Empire Cafe is my “go to” spot for anything from a great breakfast, a quick cup of coffee, a delicious dessert, or one of their daily specials. The kitchen is consistent, food is flavorful and well-presented, and the atmosphere is always great any time of the day. They have great breakfast, sandwiches, pastas, pizza, etc. Many of the employees have worked here for years, which tells you a lot! ”