New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A restaurant · Chelsea · on three New York Dearest lists

Empire Diner

Worth it. Dating back to 1976, Empire Diner is on constant rotation in Chelsea's brunch scene.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizFrom my list Best brunch in Chelsea
Address
210 10th Ave Directions
Subway
C, E to 23 St, 7 min
Website
empire-diner.com

Everything I’ve written about Empire Diner. It’s on three of my lists, Best brunch in Chelsea, Best things to do in Chelsea and Best restaurants in Chelsea. First, what to order and what to know.

  1. Best brunch in ChelseaWorth it
  2. Best things to do in ChelseaWorth it
  3. Best restaurants in ChelseaWorth it

Before you go

What I order

From airy omelettes and hearty breakfast sandwiches to grilled steak and eggs or shrimp and grits, the only non-negotiable is an order of the truffle Parmesan fries and warm homemade biscuits.

From Best brunch in Chelsea
Good to know

Since having a meal at Empire Diner is one of the best things to do in Chelsea, I recommend starting your day here to avoid having to wait in any lines.

From Best things to do in Chelsea
Worth it. Been? Say if you agree.

Every list it’s on

Best brunch in Chelsea

No. 3 on that list
Worth it

There’s something endearing about old-school diners, and Empire kicks it up a notch with inspired American classics.

What I wrote thereFold it away

Dating back to 1976, Empire Diner is on constant rotation in Chelsea’s brunch scene. There’s something endearing about old-school diners, and Empire kicks it up a notch with inspired American classics.

From airy omelettes and hearty breakfast sandwiches to grilled steak and eggs or shrimp and grits, the only non-negotiable is an order of the truffle Parmesan fries and warm homemade biscuits.

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Empire Diner has you covered. But, since this one of the most popular restaurants for brunch in Chelsea, I recommend getting there early to avoid a long wait (reservations for weekend brunch not accepted).

Best things to do in Chelsea

No. 12 on that list
Worth it

Empire Diner has been serving tradition American food since 1976!

What I wrote thereFold it away

If you’re feeling nostalgic, one of the best things to do in Chelsea is grabbing a bite at Empire Diner. It’s a modern take on the old-school, classic diner look. The best part? Empire Diner has been serving tradition American food since 1976!

You can expect typical diner fare, from the traditional eggs & bacon breakfast to a juicy burger with fries. Regardless if you’re stopping by for breakfast or a late lunch, the freshly baked buttermilk biscuits are non-negotiable and must be ordered. Since having a meal at Empire Diner is one of the best things to do in Chelsea, I recommend starting your day here to avoid having to wait in any lines.

Best restaurants in Chelsea

No. 11 on that list
Worth it
What I wrote thereFold it away

If you’re on the hunt for a place that blends nostalgia and quality dining, consider Empire Diner a must-visit. This restaurant offers a contemporary twist on the iconic diner aesthetic, serving the neighborhood of Chelsea since 1976 with authentic American cuisine and a classic ambiance.

You can expect typical diner fare, from the traditional eggs & bacon breakfast to a juicy burger with fries. Regardless if you’re stopping by for breakfast or a late lunch, the freshly baked buttermilk biscuits are non-negotiable and must be ordered. To avoid potential lines at this beloved Chelsea restaurant, I suggest starting your day at Empire Diner.

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest
On The Best of New York

I put Empire Diner on three of my best lists

Get the digital sealRequest a window decal

Missing something?

Seen a closure, a price that moved or a better one next door?

Tell me. The answer lands on this page.

Tell me

The letter

One email a week when New York changes. A place closes, a date lands.

One a week at most. Unsubscribe in one click.