Empire Introduce
In the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of New York City, a classic neighborhood Chinese restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Empire, located on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem, is one such establishment. More than just a place to eat, it serves as a reliable source of comfort food, a go-to for a quick bite, and a staple for convenient and fast takeout. With a focus on traditional Chinese-American fare, Empire has become a familiar and trusted option for many residents. Its straightforward approach to dining—offering a wide variety of classic dishes and focusing on quick service—makes it an ideal choice for a satisfying and fuss-free meal. This article provides a comprehensive look at Empire, detailing its services, menu highlights, and what makes it a cherished part of the local community for both lunch and dinner.
The atmosphere at Empire is casual and approachable, reflecting its role as a no-frills, community-focused eatery. It's the kind of place you can walk into and feel right at home, perfect for a spontaneous meal or a regular part of your dining routine. The simplicity of the setting allows the food to take center stage, and its reputation as a place popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining speaks to its ability to cater to a diverse clientele. The focus is on providing a quick and efficient experience without compromising on the quality of the food. For many New Yorkers, a place like Empire is an essential part of the urban fabric—a reliable spot for a hot, satisfying meal after a long day of work or classes. The fact that it is also considered good for kids makes it a versatile choice for families in the neighborhood.
Empire’s menu is designed to offer a wide selection of well-known Chinese-American dishes, catering to a broad range of tastes. From the popular "Lunch Special" menu to a full array of "Combination Dishes," there is something for everyone. This extensive menu, paired with the restaurant's reputation for being a great option for a quick bite, has solidified its status as a local favorite. The restaurant’s commitment to providing classic comfort food is a key part of its appeal, offering familiar and dependable flavors that many people crave. Whether you're in the mood for a classic General Tso's Chicken or a healthier steamed dish, Empire provides a consistent and comforting meal. The restaurant has earned its place as a reliable and familiar presence, a place where people can count on getting a decent meal at a good price.
Located at 2419 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030, USA, Empire is situated in a vibrant part of Central Harlem. The address places it in a highly accessible and walkable neighborhood, which is a major advantage for city dwellers. It is conveniently close to several public transportation options, including subway stations and bus routes, making it easy to reach from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. This accessibility is a key factor for a business that specializes in delivery and takeout, as it allows for a broad service area. The restaurant also features a wheelchair accessible entrance, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the community. This feature is particularly important in a city with high pedestrian traffic, as it ensures that the restaurant is a welcoming and practical option for everyone. While parking can be challenging in this urban environment, the location's excellent public transit access makes it a simple choice for those without a car. The fact that a local resident mentioned its convenient location to their residence highlights its status as a genuine neighborhood spot.
The accessibility and convenience of Empire are major reasons for its popularity. The location on a main thoroughfare means it is easy to find, and its strong focus on delivery and takeout services fits perfectly with the fast-paced New York lifestyle. For many, the ability to call in an order and pick it up quickly, as noted in a customer review, is a key selling point. The restaurant’s place in the community is a testament to its reliability and convenience, serving as a dependable option for daily meals.
Empire offers a range of services that are tailored to the needs of its urban clientele, with a strong focus on convenience and speed.
- Delivery: A core part of its business, delivery service ensures that customers can enjoy their favorite Chinese food without having to leave their homes or offices. This is a crucial service for a delivery restaurant in a city like New York.
- Takeout: For those who live or work nearby, takeout is a popular and efficient option. You can place your order over the phone and simply walk over to pick it up, making it a quick and convenient choice for a meal.
- Dine-in: While known for its takeout and delivery, the restaurant also provides a casual dine-in option for those who wish to eat on-site. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for a solo meal or a quick sit-down with a friend.
The highlights and features of Empire are rooted in its commitment to providing classic, comforting food at a reasonable price, which is a key priority for many New Yorkers.
- Extensive Menu: The restaurant offers a vast selection of classic Chinese-American dishes, including a wide array of lunch specials and combination platters. This variety ensures that every customer can find a dish that appeals to their taste.
- Lunch Specials: The "Lunch Special" menu is a key feature, providing a value-driven option that is perfect for students and professionals looking for an affordable and filling meal during the day.
- Comfort Food & Quick Bites: The menu is centered around comforting and familiar dishes that are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Options like General Tso's Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, and Lo Mein are all part of this focus on classic, craveable food.
- Cash-Only Policy: While some might see this as a limitation, for many, it signals a commitment to simplicity and efficiency. It’s a common feature of many neighborhood spots and is part of the local charm for those who appreciate it.
- Good for Kids: The restaurant’s family-friendly nature and appealing menu options make it a great choice for parents looking for an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
For more information or to place an order, you can contact Empire directly. The staff is always ready to provide a quick and friendly service.
Address: 2419 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030, USA
Phone: (212) 862-5660
What is worth choosing about Empire is its authenticity as a neighborhood Chinese restaurant that consistently delivers on its promise of providing classic, comforting food. While some may have had mixed experiences, as is common with any high-volume eatery, many locals praise it for its convenience, speed, and solid quality. The extensive menu is a major draw, offering a wide variety of dishes that appeal to different tastes and dietary needs, including steamed "Special Diet Dishes" for those seeking a lighter meal. The restaurant's focus on classic combinations and lunch specials makes it a great value proposition, which is highly appreciated by budget-conscious New Yorkers. The fact that it is a cash-only establishment reinforces its image as an authentic, no-frills neighborhood spot. Its strong reputation for quick delivery and takeout service makes it a practical choice for busy urban life. In a city where dining options are endless, Empire stands out as a reliable, familiar, and convenient place to get a good, satisfying Chinese meal. It is a true local gem, a place that has earned its loyalty by consistently providing a taste of comfort and convenience to its community.
Empire Vibe
Lunch Special
- Chow Mein
- Pepper Steak W. Onion
- Roast Pork Egg Foo Young
- Pepper Steak W. Onion
- Roast Pork Egg Foo Young
- Moo Goo Gai Pan
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Beef Or Chicken W. Broccoli
- Shrimp W. Lobster Sauce
- Hot & Spicy Shrimp
- Chicken W. Garlic Sauce
- Broccoli W. Garlic Sauce
- Boneless Spare Ribs
- Curry Chicken Or Beef W. Onion
- Hot & Spicy Beef
- Chicken Or Roast Pork W. String Bean
- Mixed Vegetable
- Chicken Or Beef Hunan Style
- General Tso's Chicken
- Sesame Chicken
- Beef W. Scallions
Combination Dishes
- Chicken Chow Mein
- Shrimp Chow Mein
- Roast Pork Egg Foo Young
- Pepper Steak
- Beef Or Chicken W. Broccoli
- Beef W. Chinese Vegetables
- Chicken W. Cashew Nuts
- Shrimp W. Lobster Sauce
- Bar-B-Q Spare Ribs
- Shrimp W. Broccoli
- Beef Or Shirmp Egg Foo Young
- Shrimp W. Pepper Onion & Tomato
- Roast Pork W. Chinese Vegetables
- Shrimp W. Garlic Sauce
- Roast Pork W. Broccoli
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Chicken Or Roast Pork Lo Mein
- General Tso's Chicken
- Moo Goo Gai Pan
- Sesame Chicken
- Hot & Spicy Shrimp
- Beef Hunan Style
- Boneless Spare Ribs
- Beef W. Broccoli
Steamed Special Diet Dishes
- Mixed Vegetables
- Shrimp W. Broccoli
- Chicken W. Broccoli
- Bean Curd W. Broccoli
- Shrimp W. Mixed Vegetables
- Chicken W. Mixed Vegetables
- Plain Broccoli
- Plain String Beans
- Broccoli & String Beans
- Triple Mixed Vegetable Delight
Family Specialties
- Beef Hunan Style
- Boneless Spare Ribs
Empire Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Empire Photos










Empire Location
Empire
2419 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030, USA
Empire Reviews
pricesdeliverylo meinwings
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The location is convenient to my residence. The food is decent. And I get good service. I normally call in my order and walk over and pick it up.
March 02 · Keston DukeI ordered chicken lo mein and I got a soupy bowl of very bland chicken and no lo mein. I haven’t tried anything else here, but it wasn’t very appetizing, I threw it away :/
March 16 · Gabriela SantiI keep it simple when I eat out and I order in person to see how my food is prepared, when ordering Chinese food.
August 19 · Joselin RamirezThe Best Chinese food place in all of Harlem. Reminds me of the old Cooks in the early 1980's in China town Lower Manhattan Around Housing court and Elizabeth Street. Even though I am a Black person the Owner treats me like I am family. FANTASTIC FOOD FOR A GREAT PRICE!!!!!
July 12 · Art Of Kwame HaugesSmall takeout restaurant short time on waiting delicious food worth the price staff is incredible those love the conversations.
September 20 · Luis Alberto Velez
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