The Empire at 138

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1. TS

   TSarka

   Cleveland

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Date Night. Everything was perfect. Food was hot and fantastic. Nice crowd. Can’t wait to go back. Love this place every time we go.

   Report
2. MP

   MikeP

   Columbus

   10 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on June 25, 2022

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   Empire has been a favorite for years. After being closed for more than a month, I was excited to visit again. While still a beautiful space, its different. The moody lighting seems less so. Menu, Cocktail choices, Wine selections, Food quality, all ok. Nothing bad. I left, not dissappointed, more disheartened. Where did the soul go? NOTE, the menu posted here was not the menu on offer.

   Report
3. LM

   LisaM

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 3, 2022

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   When we arrived at our reservation, the restaurant was closed. I emailed them and they claim they’ve disbanded from Open Table. However, I feel it is their responsibility to make sure they announce closures on their website. Very disappointed in the way they are handling it. We traveled 40 minutes to dine there.

   Report
4. JF

   JimF

   Toledo

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 3, 2022

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   The Empire was closed and has been closed - until further notice. OpenTable should not be taking reservations for The Empire. OpenTable is at fault - not The Empire.

   Report
5. DN

   DonaldN

   Toledo

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 8, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We always enjoy The Empire, but the buffet for Mother's Day was spectacular.

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6. JH

   JodyH

   Toledo

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 6, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Really great food, great service. Went on a Friday and there was a pianist for ambiance. Very enjoyable evening.

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7. BA

   BradA

   Columbus

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on April 24, 2022

   overall4food5service3ambience5

   Everything was great - server could have been better - never came back to ask if we needed more drinks or if we needed anything else. Just dropped off the bill and collected the money.

   Report
8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Cleveland

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on April 23, 2022

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   The restaurant is lovely, and the service was excellent. My friend and I were disappointed with the chicken picatta, but our husbands enjoyed their steak and pork medallions.

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9. c

   clevelander55

   Jackson Hole

   23 reviews

   5.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on April 20, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Dinner with Family. This was my third visit to Empire over the past 5 years or so. It is consistently good food with reasonable prices (especially compared to Cleveland restaurants) and a decent bar! Dinner comes with a salad (the $2 upcharge for the Caesar was well worth it... amazing!). Food was fresh, well prepared and service was excellent. Well worth the stop if in Tiffin!

   Report
10. BA

    BradA

    Columbus

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Easter- Amy H. Was our server and she did an excellent job. Food was delicious.

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11. LK

    LaurenceK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our experience couldn't have been better. Cory's service was spot on. The food / presentation was excellent. The pianist and atmosphere were perfect and more than met our expectations for the evening.

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12. BC

    BobbyC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    The venue was beautiful and the live piano music was wonderful. However, it was ~45 degrees outside and they were running the A/C. We, and the table next to us, almost left because it was so cold. The food was hit or miss. The cauliflower dip was amazing, but my seafood bisque was less than room temperature and tasted like canned tuna. My wife's meal (chicken piccata) was good but my steak was underdone and was missing the grilled portebella cap that made it a "double stack" meal (which is why I bought it). The sides were good, but they must have received a discount on garlic that night because they were VERY generous with it. It was quite difficult to carry on a conversation because the room was very loud. The service was very attentive but quite slow. The all-around experience was mediocre. I do not always like to judge a restaurant on our first visit because they may have had an "off" night. But, seeing that we drove an hour to get there, we will probably not be back.

    Report
13. MD

    MalindaD

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Interesting old building downtown, service was fantastic. Entrees were both really good and the cheesecake was amazing.

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14. PH

    PatrickH

    Toledo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Chef came to our table to discuss gluten free options! Service was outstanding.

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15. TD

    TevinD

    Toledo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The desert took a long time to come out. Food was great and was overall a great service.

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16. RS

    RobinS

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall4food5service2ambience5

    The sea scallops were awesome. But we had to wait an hour for our food. Maybe not enough staff?

    Report
17. HH

    HeatherH

    Toledo

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    We had a great time and the food was great as always. We only saw our server once during our meal, but she was very busy so we completely understood why. We will always recommend the Empire to anyone looking for a Great Meal!

    Report
18. AM

    AndreaM

    Toledo

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    Food, drinks and ambiance were fabulous. Service could have been better. No one greeted us for at least 15 min. Our waitress misinformed us about the buffet plates. We requested bread and didn't get it for about 1/2 an hour. Drink refills was more ice than drink. We will definitely dine there again.

    Report
19. CM

    CherylM

    Cleveland

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service here is always great. Had an early dinner on a Wednesday, and it was very quiet, with few patrons at that time. One of my favorite places in eat in northwest Ohio!

    Report
20. ES

    ElaineS

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience5

    Place was great, food was not so great. Need to put more on the menu.

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21. BM

    BethM

    Toledo

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a fabulous time and can't wait to go back. Our server, Amy was fantastic. The food was wonderful and the ambiance was an unexpected bonus. The gentleman playing the grand piano was such a treat! It was a very special evening and we will definitely be back.

    Report
22. CC

    CarolynC

    Toledo

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Love the menu!

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23. SH

    SusanH

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    We selected a busy night to meet friends for 5:45 dinner. There was a large family group with little kids seated next to us so the noise level was a LOT higher than norm. Our table of 4 arrived by 5:20 was seated by 5:30, ordered dinner well before 6 but never got served until 6:50. We had to scramble to make our 7:30 show at The Ritz! Beverages, soups, salads & entrees were delish & prices very reasonable. Our table side server was great & very attentive.

    Report
24. ML

    MLBJO

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    We enjoy going to the Empire. Great ambience. My food was great but my wifes wasn't as good. Was a little disappointed since we always enjoy making the trip to Tiffin for a great meal. We're hoping it was just the night. We did feel rushed but possibly we had a fairly new waitress that was trying to hard. I hope that next time we won't feel as rushed and let us enjoy and eat each course we order before getting the next. I really don't enjoy getting another course before I finish the previous. Anyway, I'm hoping for the best the next time since we really enjoy ambience of the place and most times good food and drink. They had piano music for the first time we were there and that was great, really enjoyed that.

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25. M

    Matt

    Toledo

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience3

    Ok food. Not worth the money. Atmosphere was really nice. Had a steak it was nothing special. First time probably will go back to give them another try.

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26. JW

    JessicaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I had dinner with a friend and we both enjoyed our food and the overall experience. We will definitely be going back.

    Report
27. DR

    DonnaReleve

    Detroit

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Valentine’s dinner. The piano player was just ok Our server was great!!! Food was delicious.

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28. SH

    SHAWSMACK

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience1

    To start off we were in the back room which has to be 10 degrees colder than the front room. We were seated almost immediately, so that is a positive. It took quite some time for the server to come to our table. We ordered the drinks and the Roasted Cauliflower Dip. The dip was above average and came in a timely manner. My grilled caesar salad was great as usual. Our dinners took a while before we received them. We watched several tables get their food before us even though we watched them be seated. This was due to the server not coming back to our table for a while to get our order. We both ordered the specials for Valentines Day. I had the Tarragon Pappardelle Pasta & Grilled Lobster Tail. There was very little lobster and the whole dish was completely bland. I had to keep adding salt for flavor. My wife had the Beef Wellington. She was never asked how it should be prepared so we assumed medium-rare. When she cut into it the beef was completely well done. She ate about 1/3 of it. I attempted a piece and I had to chew it for a while to get it down. It was not good to say the least. The bread was alright and the butter for the bread had good flavor. We each had a dessert. I had the creme brulee, excellent but small. She had the lava cake with ice cream. The cake was good but the ice cream was clearly not quality. All in all the experience was not a pleasant one. We left a near 20% tip even though we feel the server did not deserve it as getting drink refills was a chore as well. So for the night we spent $150 and definitely felt we got a raw deal.

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29. HH

    HeatherH

    Toledo

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was absolutely delicious and the service was top notch! We go to the Empire often and never have a bad experience. Some how the Chef at the restaruant makes everything you eat taste like the best meal you have ever had every single time we go! Can't say enough good things about the food....and the Chocolate Raspberry Martini's are amazing too! Lol!

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30. WI

    WINELOVER

    Cleveland

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    Very disappointing meal. Our waiter was very slow and unattentive, the place was not busy either. We ordered drinks and the duck flatbread which was good. We did not know we could have soup or salad with our entree, the menu only indicated salad. We ordered 1 "cup" French onion soup and 1 cup seafood bisque. It was more like a quarter cup of soup. The French onion "cup" could only hold 2 croutons. Way overpriced. When our dinner finally came I ordered the stacked strip steak for $32 and my son the filet mignon at market price. The only difference between his dinner and min was I had a goat cheese portabella mushroom under my steak and he was charged $41 for his. The scallops my husband ordered were cooked well but only had 3 for $30+ charge. The salmon for our other guest was cooked nicely. Mine came with garlic mashed potatoes and there was so much garlic in them I was unable to eat them. The carrots were slivers and over cooked. Our meals looked the size of a children's meal. The best thing on the table was the bread, which I am sure they didn't make. The cut 2 slices of Italian bread in half for the 4 of us. We had to ask for more. Our water was never refilled unless we asked and then there was still a wait for this to be done. We decided to take an order of creme brulee home. When we went to eat it later there were no fresh berries as described on the menu, just a sad little vanilla pudding in the corner of the box. We spent with tip $250.00 for a special night out and were thoroughly disappointed.

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31. J

    Jack

    Jacksonville

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Here I thought Tuesday experience might change from weekend dining. It was spectacular! We brought 2 friends and they were equally in awe. The food, service, and atmosphere were top notch as always. Will always come back!

    Report
32. TS

    TSarka

    Cleveland

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Another great meal and night out at The Empire just like every time before. My favorite restaurant

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33. TJ

    TiffinJ

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    The food was mediocre and overpriced considering the portion sizes. I have been disappointed with my dining experience the last few times I have been there. Our server was very good, but the service was very slow-expect dinner to take a couple of hours.

    Report
34. J

    Jones

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 9, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience5

    Long wait for food. Staff nice but you could tell they were very busy running around trying to get everybody their items to their tables And my food was OK. We have been there a few other times and it was much better but still probably one of the nicest places in Tiffin,OH

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35. BH

    BethH

    Toledo

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and delicious meal. Enjoyed the pianist who played during the evening!

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36. S

    Steph

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Food was good, service was great. Sharon was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Tried new things and everything we tried was great.

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37. DJ

    DuaneJ

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    Unfortunately out of too many items on the menu and the bar.

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38. b

    beth

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food cooked perfectly. Everything came out in a timely manner. Staff was very friendly

    Report
39. PA

    PaigeA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2021

    overall3food2service3ambience5

    Our server was great and nice, but felt like she was gone most of the night. We had a wait time of an hour for our food. I ordered a burger and fries. The burger was cold and the bun was so hard that I couldn’t eat it. The fries were so salty and I wasn’t able to eat them. My husband ordered clams, which had sand in them and clearly weren’t washed. This was the worst experience we’ve had at the Empire, which is disappointing! It was not worth the $80 that we spent.

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40. BC

    BobC

    Toledo

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2021

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Everything was good except for the length of time to get our meals.

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