Empire
Diner & Restaurant - Only
in New Jersey can you walk into a Jersey
diner and find a sign that says both
pictorially and in words that food from
outside the diner is not allowed inside.
I'm sure that there is quite a story
behind the Empire Diner in Parsippany
having to go to such lengths to protect
itself. Then again this is New
Jersey, and if something can be exploited
there is usually someone here ready to see
just how far they can push the envelope.
Parsippany is
not a poor community so the thought
of some disadvantaged youth missing out on
a good time with friends at the diner
doesn't pop into my mind. I was
young once and spent plenty of years
ordering the cheapest thing on the menu
and would never even think of such a
thing, in fact I've never heard of anyone
who did. Anyway, chances are if
you did bring food into the Empire you
would not be eating as well as you could
because the food is simply delicious
and first rate.
Judging by
the sign out front and pictured above,
this place looks like it has been around
for a while. The building appears to
have been redone at some point. The
Empire seems to want to be known as a both
a diner and a restaurant, and judging by
the food this day I'm sure many from the
area have this place on their short list
for frequent meals. Many older diners in
Jersey have liquor licenses, and so does
the Empire for those of you who like an
"adult beverage" with your meal.
For the most part, most
diners deliver a decent lunch day after day
but the
Empire delivers more than most. I
had a Buffalo Chicken Salad which was
outstanding and even served over baby
mixed field greens, chicken not greasy and
very fresh. My lunch was even served
on a nouveau plate. You know
the ones I'm talking about ... different
geometric shapes and curved up on the
ends? My guest had an overstuffed
egg salad sandwich which was said to be
delicious.
The service
was good, very warm and friendly.
There seemed to be many happy diners on
this day and at least one repeat
customer that was greeted by a waitress
who wasn't even waiting on him that day.
That alone is a pretty good indication
that my good dining experience today is
most likely available day after day.
I will be back for sure when I'm in the
area again. - Jersey Shadow -
Empire Diner
& Restaurant
1325 US
Highway 46
Parsippany,
NJ 07054
Phone:
973-335-2729