Located at the juncture of Highway 17M and Schunemunk Road across from Airplane Park in northern Monroe, Empire Diner is a mix of classic and modern styles. They have a variety of delicious desserts, including four shelves of cheesecake.
Empire Diner serves breakfast all day and has an entire gluten-free menu. Aside from the usual diner fare, they have a nice selection of appetizers, lunches, and dinners, including fifteen different wraps to choose from.
On my visit, I ordered the Belgian Waffle Deluxe, which came with bacon, ham, and sausage for $10.99. The food was great. Although I don’t generally like ham, I ran nine miles that morning and needed the protein. The menu is a little on the pricey side. My whole meal including tip and a drink came to over $17.00.
Empire Diner has a 4.0/5 average out of 78 Google reviews. Many customers praise it as having significantly improved since a change in ownership. “I would never set foot in the former Monroe diner, after constant issues from food to service,” Google user Alexandra Completo wrote.
“The new Empire Diner is a go to place to eat, sometimes a couple nights a week. After work or early morning for breakfast, ‘The Diner’ is a family favorite, and lots of friends enjoy going too.”
Marcus Castaneda agreed, writing, “Love this diner. Has a huge selection of great breakfest and food, amazing customer service, good atmosphere, and everything comes out fast. One of the best breakfest places in Monroe!”
Negative reviews lacked specificity but critics generally disliked the food and high prices. “I try always to give this place another chance over and over again and each time it continues to disappoint,” Google user Bailey Overko wrote. One person had a problem with a local newspaper distributed at the location.
Empire Diner is located at 797 NY-17M in Monroe, New York. Phone: (845) 782-2244. They are open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
M.A. Kleen 