Empire II luncheonette — Restaurant in Waldwick

Never noticed this place before as it's in the middle of an old strip mall and unless you are looking for it, you just don't see it. I actually saw it on Google Maps and thought, what the heck is that place? I drove over for lunch. It's an old school diner ... a greasy spoon, and I say that in the most positive way. I loved it! It's very authentic and everyone in there has probably been there many times before, except me. Loved the waitress, although I didn't get her name. She was a hoot! We were talking about how it's good to try new places and she said, "So, where are you going to go?" I said, "here! I'm doing it now!" Haha. Anyway, the place is old but very clean and personally I loved the red covered stools and booth seats along with the vintage signs on the wall for Pepsi and Coke. Lots of Marilyn Monroe's and Elvis's, too. I had a simple cheeseburger and fries (with cheese) and a coffee. It was great, and the prices were extremely reasonable especially for this area! I usually spend $25-$30 on lunch and I spent $11. Cheaper than McDonalds, too ... so,...

It's tough to put how much I love this place into words, so I will let my buddy (and Chat GPT), ever so eloquently, do it for me.

"At the Empire Luncheonette, where dreams fry in grease, The aroma of burgers offers no release. A dive so lascivious, it pulls you inside, Where the coffee is bitter, and sins don’t hide.

The fryers hum songs of indulgence and lust, Hash browns in the air, as your soul collects dust. Pancakes stack high, syrup drips like a tease, Every corner whispers, “Stay, won’t you, please?”

A chorus of bacon and oil’s smoky haze Clings to your coat, your hair, all your days. You leave reeking of fries, a greasy bouquet, A badge of your weakness, a scent of delay.

To the massage you go, perfumed by regret, But the masseuse’s deep sighs won’t let you forget. For no lavender oil, no calming touch, Can undo the diner’s indulgent clutch.

So linger if you must, in Empire’s thrall, But know it will mark you, body and all. A kingdom of craving, it takes its due, And leaves you perfumed with...

I stopped here for brunch and was so completely surprised!!! From the outside it looks almost like a to-go sandwich shop with a lottery shop ... once you go in ... there's a full sit down area with a bar where you can watch your food be cooked!

I have to confess, I've tried multiple diners. I love breakfast and, when I go out, I'm always disappointed. Eggs are usually overdone, one or two pieces of cheese, bacon is burnt, hashbrowns are either too done or not enough, and you're usually waiting there FOREVER for your food.

This place? OMG... first, the waitress, Megan, is SO nice and personable, the food is made to YOUR specification and its SO Good! It was done quick and we could watch him make it. They have specials and they give so much food.

I also lost my phone as we were leaving, it was raining so hard, and they helped look for it. They even looked through the dishes and I finally found the stupid phone!

I can only say that I will definitely be back and...