Empire Boston: Amazing Food, Frustrating Service & a Birthday Plot Twist!…read more
While visiting my sister in Boston, she treated me to a belated birthday dinner at Empire. I'd checked the Yelp reviews beforehand and wasn't impressed, but it was too late to cancel our reservation. Little did I know, the evening would turn into a whole production -- literally!
Let's start with the service because WHEW!
We changed our reservation from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. and received confirmation, only to arrive and be told we were late. Despite showing proof, the hostess said she couldn't see the change and offered us seats in the bar lounge, warning we'd need to eat quickly because the tables would be removed at 10 p.m. for their late-night party.
After waiting nearly 10 minutes without service, I spoke to the hostess, who suddenly found us a proper dining table. Great! Except we waited ANOTHER 10 minutes for our server. Thankfully, a barback brought us water. Small victories!
Now, the food? THAT was the saving grace!
My sister ordered a Lychee Martini, while I went with the Pink Lotus, which was STRONG and much appreciated after that seating debacle!
For appetizers, we enjoyed the Wagyu Truffle Gyoza and Blackened Tuna with crispy sushi rice. Both were delicious!
For entrées, we shared the Sriracha Buttermilk Chicken with truffled potatoes and Drunken Noodles loaded with shrimp, scallops, and calamari. We also added garlic bok choy because what's dinner without a green vegetable?
Everything was absolutely wonderful! The flavors, presentation, and execution were excellent. Honestly, the food earned Empire an additional Yelp star despite the rocky start.
Then came the birthday plot twist!
By 10 p.m., the restaurant was transitioning into its late-night party scene. The music was getting louder, the crowd was growing, and I was ready to GO!
We noticed staff singing and carrying birthday signs to other tables. When our server offered dessert, I quickly declined.
After a suspiciously short bathroom trip by my sister, the birthday singing started AGAIN. I told her, "Let's pay and GO!"
Except this time, the singing and flashing lights stopped RIGHT AT OUR TABLE!
I turned around to see a giant birthday sign with MY NAME and an elaborate dessert platter! My sister had arranged the entire surprise in advance, which explained why canceling wasn't an option.
The complimentary platter featured Triple Chocolate Cake, Fried Ice Cream Sundae, and Coconut Flaming Baked Alaska. Everything was delicious, and we took most of it home for my brother-in-law.
Despite the frustrating evening, the birthday presentation was beautiful and incredibly thoughtful.
Final verdict? Great food, beautiful surprise, but disappointing service.
Our server was pleasant and doing his best while juggling several large groups, but the overall experience was poorly managed. Between the reservation confusion, seating issues, long waits, and pressure to finish before the late-night party, it simply wasn't the upscale experience I'd expect at these prices.
Empire delivered on the food and birthday celebration, but the service and overall value fell short.
Would I return? No, thanks!
But shoutout to my sister for pulling off such a thoughtful surprise despite the chaos. She understood the assignment, even if Empire didn't quite deliver on theirs!