Empire Restaurant: Soul Food & Salad Bar

- 547 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037

In a city as diverse as New York, few cuisines hold the comforting, home-cooked appeal of soul food. In the heart of Harlem, **Empire Restaurant: Soul Food & Salad Bar** has become a destination for those seeking a meal that feels like a warm embrace. This is more than just a place to eat; it's a spot where flavor, tradition, and community come together. Operating as a buffet-style eatery, Empire Restaurant offers a wide array of classic soul food dishes, giving customers the freedom to create a meal that perfectly suits their cravings.

The atmosphere is a key part of the experience. As one customer review perfectly captured, "From the moment me and my family walked in, we felt like we’re being welcomed home." The inviting and warm environment, coupled with the comforting aromas of slow-cooked goodness, creates a sense of genuine hospitality. The staff, including the owner, are frequently praised for their kindness and welcoming nature, making every visit a pleasant one. It’s a casual and clean space where you can connect with great food and great people, truly a place to "nourish the body and soul."

Empire Restaurant offers a unique dining experience by combining hearty soul food classics with a fresh and healthy salad bar. This dual offering caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. While some reviews mention that the food can be "a hit or miss" and that flavors can be "kind of like bland but not bland," they also highlight the standout dishes that keep customers coming back. The **mac and cheese** is consistently hailed as the best thing they sell, and other favorites include the **fried chicken**, **salmon**, and **yellow rice**. The fresh fruits, salad bar, and inexpensive, homemade-style juices also receive high marks. This blend of traditional comfort food and fresh options, all served at an affordable price per pound, makes it a valuable and reliable choice for a wholesome meal in the neighborhood.

Empire Restaurant is located at **547 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037, USA**. Its position on Malcolm X Boulevard (also known as Lenox Avenue) places it in a prime location within Harlem, a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood. The restaurant is situated in a bustling area, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike.

The restaurant’s location offers good accessibility for those traveling by public transit. It is just two blocks from Harlem Hospital and across the street from the Salvation Army, making it a well-known spot. The 2 and 3 subway lines run along Malcolm X Boulevard and have stops at 135th Street, which is just a short walk from the restaurant. Multiple bus routes also serve the area, providing a convenient way to get to the restaurant from various parts of Manhattan. For those who live in the neighborhood, it’s a quick and easy walk to pick up a meal.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: The restaurant offers seating for customers who wish to enjoy their meal on-site in a casual and inviting atmosphere.
• Takeout: As a buffet-style establishment, takeout is a primary service. Customers can fill their containers with their desired dishes and pay by the pound.

Features / Highlights

• Buffet-Style Dining: The buffet format allows customers to see all the available dishes and choose exactly what they want, providing a personalized dining experience.
• Authentic Soul Food: The restaurant is celebrated for its classic soul food offerings, including popular dishes like **fried chicken**, **mac and cheese**, and candied yams.
• Fresh Salad Bar: In addition to the hearty soul food, a well-stocked salad bar with fresh vegetables and fruits is a key feature, providing a lighter, healthier option.
• Exceptional Value: The food is priced by the pound, which makes it an affordable choice for a filling meal. The juices are also noted for being very inexpensive compared to other similar restaurants in the area.
• Warm and Welcoming Staff: Reviews consistently praise the friendly staff and the owner, who contribute significantly to the restaurant's hospitable and "welcoming home" atmosphere.
• Homemade Juices: Customers rave about the fresh, cheap juices available, including iced tea, lemonade, and fruit punch, which are a perfect complement to the rich food.

Contact Information

Address: **547 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037, USA**

Phone: **(917) 243-5004**

Mobile Phone: **+1 917-243-5004**

What is worth choosing

When you choose Empire Restaurant, you are choosing an authentic and comforting soul food experience that is truly a part of the Harlem community. What is worth choosing here is the opportunity to build your own plate of classic, home-style food. While some might be concerned by the "hit or miss" nature of some dishes, the consistent quality of the standout items—especially the beloved **mac and cheese** and the flavorful fried chicken—makes it a must-try.

The buffet-style service is not just about convenience; it’s about choice. You can load up on your favorites, like the tender collard greens and the perfectly seasoned fish, while also adding lighter options from the salad bar. This versatility is a major selling point. The affordability, particularly with the per-pound pricing model and the cheap juices, makes it an excellent value for a hearty and satisfying meal in an expensive city.

Ultimately, what sets Empire Restaurant apart is its heart. The genuine warmth and hospitality from the staff and the owner create an environment that feels more like a family kitchen than a commercial eatery. It's a place where you can taste the tradition and love in the food, and feel a part of the community. For anyone in New York looking for authentic soul food that nourishes both the body and soul, Empire Restaurant is a must-visit destination.

Empire Restaurant: Soul Food & Salad Bar

547 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037, USA