Empire Grille in Santa Cruz is a really nice and cozy place to eat. It has a friendly feeling, and the food is super yummy. They have lots of different things on the menu, so there is something for everyone. The people who work there are really nice and make sure you feel happy and comfortable. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, and it's a perfect place to relax and enjoy your meal. You can sit inside if you like, or if it's nice outside, you can sit on the patio. I personally love the Western Cheeseburger with juicy and flavorful patty with fresh pickles and onion, and a crispy onion ring in the middle of all the layers. They serve the burger with a side of crispy fires that you take home and air fry it. If you're ever in Santa Cruz and looking for a place to eat, Empire Grille is a great choice. They have fresh ingredients and alternatives for vegan, dairy-free, or lactose intolerant. The food is tasty, the people are kind, and it's just a fun place to spend time with family and friends.

The service (Gabby) and food was wonderful. Full meal for 2 was what I'd pay for 2 Deli sandwiches. Great menu selection.

This little diner is great and seems like a staple in the community. I ordered the salmon special and my partner ordered the crab burger (or krabby patty!) and we were very satisfied. The meals were fresh and there were lots of comfort food options. Would come again.

My husband and I visited Empire Grille (Felton, CA) after hiking in Henry Cowell State Park. (07.25.2024). The restaurant is unpretentious, and it seemed that there were mostly locals at the tables and at the bar area, with a few obvious tourists or visitors from Henry Cowell. The restaurant advertises that they serve hearty comfort foods and offer a full bar. The restaurant was moderately busy, but we were greeted and seated quickly. We chose to dine indoors although outdoor seating was available. As we usually do, we split our entrees. My husband ordered the American Cheeseburger ($10.95, rating: 4/5), which is made from 100% ground chuck, with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and mayonnaise on a toasted sesame bun. The burger was served with crispy French fries. (5/5). The burger was cooked perfectly, and was tasty. A slight reduction in the rating because the burger was overwhelmed by the much larger bun. My entree was the Asian Chicken Salad ($15.95. Rating: 4/5). The salad was advertised as having "crispy greens, mandarin oranges, roasted cashews, ginger sesame dressing, Thai chicken, and crispy chow mein noodles." The salad was also very good, as was the serving size. It would've been better with more greens. Additionally, it was light on cashews and the chow mein noodles, but I did enjoy the addition of cucumbers and sesame seeds that weren't advertised on the description. Service was good. We especially appreciated that the waitress regularly replenished our waters. We were very thirsty after having been hiking in the sun. Thumbs down. There was an undisclosed, automatic add-on "credit card processing fee" on our bill. (Rating: 0/5). While minimal in amount, this is a deceptive and disturbing business practice.

This is a towny spot and I am a proud towny! I often go here with a book for a late lunch or early dinner because I work in Felton. Not a lot of tourists here, just nice down home food and folks you likely know. I sit on the deck with my dog and read. The servers are the absolute best and the food is consistently good. My favorites include the Chinese salad with grilled chicken and the beef and blue salad. They make house fresh daily sweet pickled veggies and put generous helpings on each plate. They have a bar if that is your thing, full of lots of colorful regulars ready to chat you up. They love dogs and will spoil yours with scratches and a bowl of cold water. If I go by myself and just order an entree and a beer, I am out of there during lunch or sunset dinner specials for less than $25.00 including tip. Oh, the French fries are insanely good, too.

Excellent food . We have crabs and bay shrimp Louie salad, deep fried calamari steak and beer . The crab meat and shrimp are so fresh , lots of different types of vegetables. The salad is good size and very fresh ingredients. Good price too . The calamari steak was fried for too long . It tasted like rubber and we gave up after one piece . I think the coconut prawn would be better choice . They have special price for happy hour starting at 2 pm .

Great food and amazing service! So well priced with big portions 10/10 recommend Also got the honey glazed chicken after and was blown away. It was a special but go soon and hopefully you can try too!

Friendly and prompt service. There is a nice outdoor seating area. There is ample parking and good quality food.