This is a delayed review from the days when it was still the Empire Diner. I'm sad to see many more recent reviews worthy of only a single star. As a former local who moved out of state, I counted on The Empire Diner to make my heart happy on so many fronts, but most of all scrapple. IYKYK. The last time I was there it was crispy on the outside and soft in the middle and just about enough to make a girl weep. read more

So I decided to try Royal Diner again. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut. The service was okay, the waitresses seemed to have trouble deciding which tables belong to them. Once again I ordered banana pancakes and beef bacon. Yet again my bacon was old, dry and flavorless. My son ordered the chicken and waffles. He was disappointed with only getting three chicken fingers as he's 16 yrs old and that's an appeteaser for a teen. He ate my eggs, tried the bacon and was just as disappointed. My son did enjoy the hot chocolate however I was not pleased with my watery cranberry juice. It was quiet and clean but the food quality is subpar. read more

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Screaming from the top of my lungs. EMPIRE DINER come back. Empire Diner Changed hands to Royal Diner. Royal WHAT. Nothing Royal about that place. I ordered the Crab cakes . I know the crab cakes not Maryland crab cakes, but they could have drained the oil off of the crab cakes. My plates was submerged with oil from the crab cakes along with too much Breading that fell off the crab cakes. I was so disappointed. My Mom seafood platter was drenched in oil. The best thing out of the whole 3 meals was the saltine cracker ,water with lemon and the Pepsi. DONT Do it . If you don't want to be disappointed. I know what the other family was talking about. They waited for over 40 minutes and was unhappy with food. read more

The breakfast did not disappoint!! Service was friendly and fast. This place is no longer under "Empire Diner and is now under new management with, "Royal Diner. read more

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Immediately greated and seated. I placed a order for coffee, scrapple and a short stack of hotcakes. The coffee was hot and decent the food not so much! I cut my hotcakes poured a little syrup open wide got coldcakes not hotcakes. This was explained to the server he returned 1 minute later with my original cut hotcakes with syrup on them fresh out microwave! WHAT???!! Does this review need more detail? Except I remember why I have very rarely eaten here! read more

Empire Diner - Diners Near Me - Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

The place is also called the Royal Diner. I'm a big fan of diners and have been to a zillion. This is the highest class one I've ever been to. The people are friendly, the service was great, and the food is out of this world. The BBQ ribs were falling off the bone tender and the sauce was perfect. Even the dinner roll was above average - large, soft, and warm. The broccoli was cooked to perfection. I wouldn't be surprised if the desserts were just as good, but I was stuffed and ended up taking a lot of my dinner home for a wonderful meal of leftovers. Well worth multiples visits. read more

This is a cute diner with a huge menu selection. It was a first time visit for myself so the menu was a little overwhelming. There was soo much to choose from. They also have a large selection of bakery items which I didn't get the chance to try this visit. I got the French Dip Sandwich which was good just a little dry. I'd definitely return if I'm ever in the area again in the future. read more

Empire Diner - Cheeseburger with Fries - Diners Near Me - Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

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3-19-2025 I was let down the waffles taste like some kind of cleaner they were horrible. read more

Empire Diner - The waffles taste like soap not good at all. BELGIAN WAFFLE WITH MEAT TWO EGGS - Diners Near Me - Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

It's always a pleasurable experience eating here any time of day. However my last experience was a bite of a letdown as I order food with a Greek salad. Drove 20 mins to get there and get the food. Drove back home. No greek salad. I called them and they apologized and offered me a free Greek salad. It took me a few days to get back there and when I did, the salad that I brought home was NOT a Greek salad. Better luck next time. All in all still a good place to eat. read more

Empire Diner - It's supposed to be a Greek salad. Where are the olives and the feta cheese? - Diners Near Me - Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

Today I wanted to eat breakfast at the under new management Royal Diner. I was visiting my family from out of town and have not been to the Philadelphia area for years. I waited 2-3 minutes standing in the entrance for someone to seat me. There were about 3-5 waitresses hovering several feet in front of me just talking. I know they saw me and I continued to stand. I guess the owner saw the situation because he tried to get their attention. He then got up and escorted me to a table. I then sat another 2-3 minutes until a waiter came to me and asked if I was okay. I said I was about to give this place a bad review because of what happened. Ron my waiter was very nice . When I return to Lansdowne I don't know if I want to eat there again. The breakfast food was good . Ron my waiter was pleasant read more

Was excited to try the New Royal Diner! But what a disappointment Walking in, there is a gross mildew smell, maybe wet carpeting? Nothing is changed from the previous owner, Empire diner. Menu, tables and chairs and fixtures. All are so outdated. Signage outside said "remodeling" shortly before it changed owners, but nothing I saw was remodeled. Now onto the food.....underwealming, nothing seemed fresh and just lukewarm. There were 5 or 6 servers just chatting, yet we had to wait for service. Unless I hear this place has done a complete turn around, needless to say, I'm done read more

Such delicious, tasty grub! I have very few complaints about this place. First off, you know the food is good when you see just how busy the parking lot is. Trying to get a spot to drop off your vehicle to get inside requires a little patience sometimes but a little perseverance never hurt anybody when wanting to take a big break from a big day (or week). The place is busy with hard workers inside quick to seat and help any diners in need. It's a huge diners but they manage tables and being courteous so well at the same time. This place is becoming a huge favorite of mine. Have a pal or two or even a huge group that needs time to munch and relax? The Folcroft Diner provides just about everything you need here. Go and grab some great diner grub soon! read more

I really like some of their soups, especially the collard green version. Minestrone is tasty too. Chicken parm is reliable. Breakfast omelettes rock! Stephanie is a great server. The house greek dressing is a winner. read more

Went back after boycotting for YEARS. Food was nothing special. Service was poor. No manager checking on tables. Cashier too busy playing with a baby to say "thank you" when you check out. And this was BREAKFAST. If a diner can't do that right, it can miss me for lunch or dinner! Boycott REset. read more

Great food, ambience. Mohammed, the co-owner, before moving to the States in 2017, owned a huge restaurant in Alexandria Egypt; and now also owns the Lincoln Diner in Coatesville PA read more

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Dining room full of mice and roaches walking around in the kitchen and nothing is done about it

Empire now Royal Diner. Im there maybe 3x out the month. Today ordered chicken tenders and waffles. Well received chicken tenders surprised only 2 and questioned it. No problem waitress sits them down. I eat my waffle and pick up my plate with tenders .Im like aww no..my family is like whats wrong Well the worst thing a long piece of hair. The waitress says it wasnt there when I bought it out. How would you know. Ok so are you insinuating its mine. My hair is jet black. You sat it down not me. She wanted to bring me two more..Nope I never let my food go back. I feel she wouldve just took the hair off and returned it. The manager never came over...just walked by and looked at the table. Even when she returned to let me know it was taken off bill she implied I spoke about 2 fingers. Of course I did..its supposed to be a meal but that didnt mean I didnt want to eat them. Just take accountability as a waitress that these things do happen. Im not placing blame but the food was in your care from the kitchen to the table. The waffle was good tho. I will still eat there but I will not be blamed because the waitress may or may not have done her job properly. My friend normally gives a hefty tip..not this time. Sometimes you have to just come to a common ground and not make accusations. A manager shouldve addressed the situation but so be it. Food for thought for everyone. read more

Great service and food. Casual atmosphere. I ordered catfish with fries and green beans. So delicious I couldn't finish it all. Highly recommend! read more

This review is for breakfast take-out only, so take it for what it is. My husband and I both got omelettes. Each came with basic home fries (the potatoes didn't come seasoned or with onions/peppers), and two slices of toast. The omelettes were fine (made with 3 eggs), the home fries sucked, and the price was just too expensive for what it was. Example - My veggie omelette from Empire was $15.12. At Stargate Diner (where I should have gone), this would cost me $9.45. My husband's ham, cheese, and spinach omelette was $12.74. At Stargate, it would cost $9.95. Empire - you are a diner. You need to have diner prices, otherwise people like me are going to be pissed off that they spent a premium for simple diner food. Unfortunately I won't be going back because I can get the same things at other diners for several dollars less per item. read more

This was a good spot!!!! They give you plenty for sure!!!! I was visiting Philly and went there after what I came up there for. Great service, really good food. You can't beat that! read more

Empire Diner - Me - Diners Near Me - Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

I stopped in for breakfast being as though I'm from Jersey and was working for HBO next door at the shopping center. Waitress was great. Great conversation and very pleasant. I ordered French toast and home fries. The French toast wasn't French at all, it was more like toast. The potatoes which wasn't home fries, was soggy and bland. I wouldn't recommend. read more

They changed hands apparently they have the same cook. It's called Royal diner now it's absolutely terrible. I got the pumpkin pancakes. It was like 90% purée and tasting so I sent them back. They gave me regular pancakes and those were even worse just me and fall apart shame prices were good but for dog shit how much can you charge? read more

Nice place clean and neat! The food is good check the menu prices compared to your check!, service is good and prompt!

Basic Diner food. They did make my requested mozzarella fries with beef gravy on the side, bomb just like NYC diners. Chicken tenders are more like chicken breasts. Great service Ms. Anita was beautiful! read more

Food and service top notch (thanks Anita!) but we were off to a Rocky when I presented the Yelp coupon of 10% off ANY CHECK ANYTIME, the manager told me that it was only available for the full entree with all the options as per "the boss's" interpretation of English that he wrote. However, the night manager decided to honor my 10% off coupon after I stated my case about the wording being clear, I applaud her for her decision but the owners of the Empire need to change the wording of the Yelp coupon or honor the discount towards any and all checks. Now on to the food and service; everyone working here is a fantastic employee, warm and friendly. I especially enjoyed the food and the service from my waitress Anita. I had a Cobb salad and it was perfect; overflowing with very fresh vegetables at 1am, chicken breast prepared with care and great seasoning, delicious blue cheese and a homemade bleu cheese dressing which I blended with balsamic vinaigrette (my weird fave). I will absolutely return, as I am often in the area and can't eat cheesesteaks every single time I'm in town it would kill me Kudos to the staff and a big heads up to the owner: honor coupons as you word them or upset your customers. read more

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Just finished our meal here. Food was ok. Prices were beyond ridiculous. Eat a dick, owners.

So this diner has always been one of my favorite especially for breakfast. While I can't comment on other items on the menu I can definitely sell the waffle deluxe..... It's a huge belgian waffle served with eggs and your choice of meat. So I get my eggs (2) scrambled with cheese and turkey bacon (3 slices).....and as a treat I add strawberries with whipped cream to my waffle....yummm! Can I tell you that I have been here numerous times, I get the same thing and has never been disappointed. My hubby gets the jumbo french toast combo with cinnamon and sugar with the same sides as I do and he enjoys it every time.... sold!!! Besides that, the servers and other staff are always pleasant and the place is really clean. The location is convenient since I live right around the corner. I'll definitely be back. Maybe next time I'll consider trying something different. read more

Empire Diner - Waffle deluxe and jumbo french toast with scrambled eggs and turkey bacon. - Diners Near Me - Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

Empire Dinner is a good 24 hour spot just outside of Philly in Delco. It's a clean, nice sized spot with lots of parking available. The wait staff is mostly the Mom type ladies and very efficient and your name automatically becomes"Hon" The portions are nice and you won't leave hungry here. I usually order breakfast no matter what time of day I'm there. Their coffee is better than most dinners, good and strong. The pancakes are good, nice and fluffy and they cook eggs just the way you order them. The breakfast meats aren't greasy, but the home fries are so-so. Like most dinners Empire has a huge selection of desserts and baked goods. Very colorful and delicious looking, but they don't have that buttery richness that I crave. All in all, a good blue collar place to eat. read more

Pretty self-explanatory neighborhood diner with good/friendly service, decent food, and reasonable prices. Breakfast is usually my go to here, no matter the time of the day. Their pancakes are TO DIE FOR! Trust me, I'm not someone who will really eats pancakes, but when I do, I definitely will order them at Empire! they're so fluffy, crispy, and their flavor is one I haven't been able to fully duplicate myself. Another thing that I don't usually think about is dessert, but Empire has allll the desserts. Right by the front door. On your way in and out you can NOT miss these desserts. Carrot cake, cookies, cheesecake...bruh. Don't get caught up! Remember to eat your food first! read more

Staff is iffy , very moody , food is even more suspect. Place has gone down hill , McDonald's is across the street . If a Diner is what you are looking for this isn't it...PS the place smells like bug spray read more

Carry out breakfast of waffle, scrambled eggs and scrapple. Waffle was terrible,eggs blah and scrapple ok

Not sure who's been baking but the cakes have been dry and changed drastically. Their cheesecake was extremely mediocre. All of their ingredients for the bakery taste cheap and not fresh. read more

Empire Diner on Baltimore Pike gets donkey of the day. They deserve no stars. I ordered a turkey sausage, egg and cheese sandwich TO GO. First they charged me $1.00 for cheese on a breakfast sandwich that was already $7.00, then they added 8% gratuity on my TO GO order, WHICH IS ILLEGAL! I always tip at least 20% when I eat in. But for take out, I tip what I want, when I want, and I only tip a waitress who gives me my food. I'm definitely not giving a tip the man (owner/manager) at the cash register because chances are the waitresses never see that money. Its not about the money, it's the principle. read more

this place is pretty nasty. the service is GREAT, but the food sucks. i think this is one of those places that regulars go to because it's consistent... but consistently not tasting. if you're looking for something new, skip this one. read more

Usually I have nothing but good things to say. I was a bit disappointed in my boiled corned beef. Never had something so boiled that it removed all the flavor, plus, no deli mustard. Positive is the price is always right here and service is always good. I'll still come back, just won't have that again. read more

Sorry but today was my last meal at this diner. Too bad as it had been a favorite. I ordered a tuna melt and it was just gross. Encrusted with globs of cheese. The tuna was an unusual color. I am now a bit nauseous. Not sick but ick.The ketchup tasted funny too. it's in Heinz containers but it either isn't Heinz or it's never been refrigerated and went bad. The waitress was good. On my way in I saw something that should have been a warning... a man was putting some kind of brown substance into a takeout box that had something like brown thick glue on top, I'm guessing, gravy. I don't know, maybe the regulars like this kind of thing but I find it disgusting and needing an update. read more

This diner was quite impressive. I'm not big on diners but my bf and I were pretty hungry and since a lot of the restaurants were not open yet we gave this restaurant a try. They have a good amount of parking space so parking is not an issue As soon as we came in, we're seated right away with a friendly service. I got the Napoleon French toast. When I got it I was in total shock. I didn't expect it to be such a massive plate. My French toast had a moundful of strawberries, walnuts, bananas , whip cream and dusted with powdered sugar. It was very very good! I could only eat a quarter of my food because it was so huge. Before we left the restaurant , their cakes and cheese cakes caught our attention. So of course we had to take some with us. We got the raspberry and caramel cheesecake to go. Our server was excellent and very nice I would definitely come back here for breakfast again. read more

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the chicken my son had with his chicken and waffles tasted like fish. they obviously cooked the chicken in fish grease. we were not offered a discount or a removal of the item. just 'if you don't want to eat it, you don't have to' ... or 'you can order something else' when my son came for chicken and waffles specifically. he drenched it in ketchup trying to get it down because he was hungry. this was disheartening. put a damper on the experience. read more

Took a ride out to the Empire with happy memories of its' days as the Blue Comet with Dearest Husband, Dearest Child, Faithful Dining Companion and Number One Nephew. The good: Chipped Beef about the best we've found since Chrissy Spaulding stopped cooking at Hanne's Breakfast Nook (we still have a sad about that). Pancakes were also yummy, if slightly sweeter than expected. The bad: Service and kitchen timing. It took 45 minutes for our food to arrive, and for most of the 45 minutes our coffee cups and water glasses were empty. It was not crowded. Kitchen does not know how to cook scrapple on the flat top so don't bother asking. Also, they deep fry their french toast to tastelessness. The ugly: "Mom, there's a hair in my food." We would have told the waitress about that had we been able to find her. We are not pristine diner people, most of the diners we love are old and well-loved, but that was just the straw that broke the table, yanno? Sad. They need better wait staff. Also hair nets. We *may* be back, but only if we can't find good chipped beef elsewhere and only if we've got a lot of time to burn. read more

This place really made up for the terrible lunch I had earlier! The mozzarella sticks were great! I would've preferred a different marinara sauce, bout overall the My were very tasty. So was the steak and cheese. The wings were good! It wasn't anything to write home about, but it wasn't terrible either. I was happy with my dinner this evening. read more