Empire Tea & Coffee — Restaurant in Bristol

Tucked away just off of Rt. 114 you will find the newest location of Empire coffee. A wonderful waterfront addition to Bristol.

You are greeted with a humble pastry case which has something for everyone (including a gluten free/vegan muffin). The menus are large and digital offering typical coffeehouse options, varying teas, and a local special latte (honey latte with honey from nearby Aquidneck Island... Home to the original Empire).

When we arrived, there was a couple in front of us who hadn't been waited on. Our group had five and we waited patiently chatting. Another group of 2 arrived several minutes after using the rear door and the questioned where the line began. We waited even longer. There was only one barista working hard on a Saturday morning. But since there was only one person working everything was slow. Finally another worker arrived carrying supplies and looked surprised by the long line. She quickly helped take everyone's orders.

While waiting for our drinks we admired the small table for two and bar seats along the water view window. There were ample outlets and shelves to hold your electronic devices and charge them while working. I could definitely see myself studying or working here.

We all got our drinks in a timely manner, except for one in our party. She did have to ask and they had forgotten to make it.

The product is fabulous, the café is beautiful. The 3 stars is for the service (just needs to be more staffed on the weekend). We waited at least ten minutes in line without anyone helping the couple in front of us. This will not deter me from coming back, and I look forward to updating my review once the grand opening kinks are worked out and service adjusted as needed. Highly recommend this location, it has potential...

I went in to Empire and paid $2.75 for a cup of hot green tea. I tipped an extra $1 just because. The 2 girls standing there talked amongst themselves for about 5 minutes, then I interrupted them asking, I’m kind of confused, am I making my own tea?. The girl hands me a cup of tea, I asked for honey and they told me the back counter. I couldn’t find any honey, I used raw sugar, there was one packet on the table. I sipped it to taste if it was sweet enough and I don’t know what she gave me but it wasn’t green tea. I went back to the front counter, handed over the cup, said this isn’t green tea and I don’t want it!!! I just walked out of the store because I didn’t want to cause a scene. Never ever going back there. Highly disappointed with my first experience. I’ve had brewed fresh green tea and...

Travel tip, don’t bother. Drive to newport empire instead. First off the lattes were terribly burnt, not to mention the first was served iced because it was entered into the computer wrong, she never asked hot or iced(keep in mind it was 10 degrees out). Should of just left right there. What we got looked like muddy water for $5.00 and change. While we waited a man walked out because one employee apparently decided that sweeping the floor was a better option than helping the two customers at the counter. It was also clear the two employees were not getting along. Thought maybe the breakfast sandwiches would make up for the poor experience... wrong. Poorly prepared but edible so I guess it wasn’t a total loss like the coffee was. Someone needs to train the staff a little better or replace it...