Empire Tea & Coffee — Restaurant in Newport

We've been loyal customers to this location for 5 years since purchasing a home in Newport. We stayed with this location through Covid and supported them. Today, my 3 year old son needed to use the restroom and like a typical 3 year old didn't give me much notice. There are 2 single stall restrooms and the only one available had "employee restroom" written above the handle. Afraid that my son couldn't wait and would have an accident, we opened the door to use the sacred restroom and I heard "that is for employees only" in a nasty tone coming from the front window where an employee was sitting with another writing on the menu board. I said "I'm sorry he really has to go and he's only 3" and went inside. The whole time we were in the restroom the employees talked about how "we can't read" and other slander about us (my son and I) in regards to using their restroom. After finishing, I passed them again and said to her "I heard everything you said about me" and she said "good I don't care" and I said "I'm thinking when you have kids one day you'll think back to this moment and think differently about how you handled it." After this, I retrieved my coffee and asked for a manager. When I politely spoke to the manager about what happened to me and my son, she supported the employee and did not apologize. She said it's for sanitary reasons that we are allowed to use their restroom. I replied to her "are you saying that my 3 year old using your restroom could cause you harm?" And she said "you should have asked permission before allowing him in" and again did not apologize for our treatment by her employees. I left in shock and cannot believe this is how our relationship with Empire has now ended. I cannot support a business that treats their customers this way, especially an innocent child. I'm...

Empire Tea & Coffee on Bellevue Avenue is a Newport treasure trove that offers the perfect blend of cozy ambiance and delightful treats. Whether you prefer the charming indoor seating or the breezy outdoor patio, this cafe has you covered for any mood or weather.

Their espresso drinks are top-notch, delivering rich flavor that satisfies even the most discerning coffee connoisseurs. The lattes are particularly noteworthy, with silky smooth milk and beautifully crafted foam art. For those who appreciate a good old-fashioned drip coffee, Empire doesn't disappoint - their brew is robust and flavorful without much of a stale & bitter aftertaste.

Food-wise, the avocado toast is a standout. Perfectly ripe avocados are generously spread on artisanal bread, making for a satisfying and Instagram-worthy snack or light meal.

One of the unexpected pleasures of Empire is the people-watching. The cafe attracts an aspirational crowd, offering a glimpse into Newport's stylish and affluent scene. It's the perfect spot to sip your latte and pretend you're part of the yacht-owning elite or otherwise fake it til you make it.

Located just a stone's throw from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Empire is ideally situated for a pre- or post-tour caffeine fix. The staff adds to the charm with their sassy wit and friendly banter, making every visit feel like you're part of an inside joke.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, Empire Tea & Coffee - Bellevue is a must-visit spot that encapsulates the essence of Newport's laid-back...

Located up on Bellevue, near some of the art galleries and fancy stores, away from the seaside activity. Occupies the end of a block at Bellevue and Memorial (short block, but still a block). Lots of outdoor seating, which is great when the weather is nice (which it was)! A plentious amount of indoor seating as well. Caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks and some nibbles available as well. Quite the list of unusually named drinks, so ordering was a little odd because we weren't sure what we were ordering exactly - so obviously we weren't regulars - but nothing too inscrutable and the folks behind us were patient and helpful as was the staff. Ended up going back for some big-bore straws for a frozen drink, and got odd looks from everyone behind the counter except one fellow who fetched EXACTLY what we needed and wondered why we didn't get them when we got our drinks. Good question! So, service was a little sketchy, but very friendly and willing to discuss with others till they figured it out. Fun people watching, too. Definitely worth making a habit, except we live 860 miles from there. Oh well,...