Empire Diner — Restaurant in Town of Monroe

A not so Family Diner Anymore...

It goes without saying that Monroe has become a town of sheer disrespect. After dining for several years at the Monroe Diner, it is a shame that such disrespect exists within doors.

We enter the dining room with eager stomachs. Yet, such a feeling quickly turns sour. The table beside our booth roars with a questionable conversation. Further, the server is too preoccupied with their conversation to greet us. However, the context of what they are discussing brings nothing but disgust and displeasure.

For one, how can a family diner employ someone who does not hold such values? The server basically jokes that her daughter is turning thirty and she is still 'waiting for her motherly instincts to kick in.' The customer talking with her agrees and says how hard girls are to raise. Then, the server laughs how her daughter is finally doing better on her own and hopes she gets the office in the city to provide for her. The issue stems from the fact that the server suggests a total lack of respect and regard for her child. Thus, that the main inclination for her to have a child is so that they can tend to them later. It's understandable that not every adult finds children tolerable. Yet, to bring a child into this world means to take responsibility and care for them- rather, than placing expectations on that child to repay a 'debt' that is falsely projected.

In short, the conversation insults every mother who breaks their backs just to love and give their child the best that they can. Ultimately, the conversation has ruined our interest in the Monroe Diner. Guests should not have to be subjected to such negative conversations and poor values. Perhaps, next time, people ought to understand what is appropriate for conversing in a public space geared to family dining. There is no respect for...

My honest review: 1st time here in prlly 15 years, I remembered loving the chicken tenders here, but that has since changed ... I can't speak on all the food here, but I ordered the sampler and it was all bad ... the mozzarella sticks were cold, so not melty like they should be, the chicken tenders were cut super thin, to were they should advertise them as thinly cut chicken fingers. Back in the day these things were plump and juicy, now they are flat, and boring. And the breading was soggy. The Buffalo sides were just ok, but hey atleast the chicken on them wasnt flat like the tenders. And the southwestern egg rolls, were lacking southwestern seasoning ... Overall Empire can definitely do better in the kitchen! I will say this tho, that they came through on the sauces I think my order came with like 6 different sauces, all of which tasted great. In fact whatever this green ranch sauce is, it really helped make the egg rolls bearable. The service was great, food was ready when I picked it up, and when I asked for honey mustard they didn't think twice to go in the back and grab me some. I did enjoy my meal, because I was super hungry and still hungover from previous night, but I doubt if I will be returning to this once a time ago favorite popular diner spot. Options are limited in this town so if you are looking for 'I'm so hungry I could eat anything right now' type food then this is the place you want come too. There is a large variety of food here, and hopefully your experience is better than mine, but just remember to steer clear of...

Always service with a smile here. They have all the traditional favorites diners are known for. Their cheesecakes are made in house by his staff. Outstanding. The gluten free cheesecake is a special treat my daughter loves. The owner takes pride in ordering top quality foods, like the bacon he has. I like my bacon crispy, and unlike most places, ordering it crispy or well done results in you actually getting crispy well done, flavorful bacon. The owner is involved in the community. His staff prepares meals several days each week for a non profit that delivers them to local people that need the support. He is involved in coaching kids athletic teams, his wife is involved with a local PTA. 14 years ago, my family survived a late night fire that destroyed our home. We had been customers at another diner in the area that he managed at the time. I lost my wallet , atm cards etc in the fire . He gave a neighbor a gift card for us. At the time he didn’t even know my name . When we got a ride to his diner that morning to get our breakfast , I apologized for not having cash, and told him I only had the gift card. He was stunned, saying “that was your house?” He fed my family for three weeks before he would even let me use the gift card. That is the testament to the character of the owner and his wife. I eat here several times a week, and enjoy every meal. Update: I still love eating here. Great food....