Located on busy Westheimer Road is Empire Cafe, a romantic little spot to grab your morning coffee or brunch with a couple of your best friends. The decor is might evoke a European cafe, while the friendly, laid-back service make this a welcoming spot to enjoy coffee and food.

Pick from coffee served with a variety of syrups (or perhaps a splash of Bailey's Irish Cream and Kahlua), or select from teas like blackberry sage and cinnamon plum. The breakfast menu boasts a number of delicious egg dishes, while lunch offers eggplant parmigiana, goat cheese and mushroom ravioli, and a variety of pizzas big enough to share with a friend or take back home to The Rice to enjoy later.

The patio at Empire Cafe is a must when the weather is nice and makes a great spot for people watching. Empire Cafe is open Sundays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Empire Cafe
1732 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 528-5282
http://empirecafe.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/empire-cafe-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/rayb777