Empire Steak

Ex bf and I decided to have yet another food exploration in Maginhawa St. I was hoping to chance upon a decent steak joint. Our search led us to this establishment...

Outside, the place seemed too small for a great steak.. But it had a uniqueness to it that we decided to give it a try. Heck, we were there for the food ü

The place didn't have its own parking lot, so we had to parallel park on the road itself in front of the establishment. They had 3 small tables taking over the side walk. It was a humid dusk that time so dining al fresco style was not an option. Upon entering, I was impressed with the store layout considering the very small venue they had. Here's a panoramic shot inside:

Here's a shot from where we sat:

They had a good selection of food and beverage:

This place is very much inclined towards self service. Immediately when we got inside, the menu was handed to us, then the personnel went inside the kitchen at once. After 5 minutes, we were still undecided on which to order. The same personnel went out from the kitchen and handed us this order slip:

It's another thing I like about the establishment. You can take your time without having to worry about a raging line of hungry people behind you ü Of course, orders are still on a first come first serve basis. We gave the slip on the counter with a small window that's part of the wall separating the kitchen from the tables.

I got the A&W Rootbeer Float for my beverage. It costs Php 99 ($ 2.27). The vanilla ice cream they used on the float took me back to childhood ü

Ex bf got the iced coffee for Php 60 ($ 1.67), taste was ok ü, not bad for Php 60 though its taste is a bit on the instant coffee side (Nescafe, I suppose?)

We ordered their Rib-eye Cheese Steak Wrap for Php 155 ($ 3.55)

It was a generous serving of rib-eye slices, and it was a savory treat with each juicy bite ü I expected a lot from the cheese though.. The vegetables on it were fresh.

We got two eggs on the side, each costing Php 25 ($ 0.57) so both cost us Php 50 ($ 1.15)

We also ordered their Double Steak with Mashed Potato for Php 395 ($ 9.05)

It came with barbecue sauce and vegetable side.

We got extra gravy with extra charge but based on experience, don't bother, you won't miss anything on their gravy.. The bbq sauce was great ;-)

I don't know on which dish was the potato chips included but they served it later..

We requested for medium rare doneness of the steak and it was heaven ü Juicy, tasty and tender pieces of heaven ü

We were full after those two dishes ü The experience was two thumbs up for me, it satisfied my craving of steak with a delightful surprise of rootbeer float availability ü

How to get there:

From Elliptical Road (Quezon Coty Memorial Circle), turn right towards Maharlika St.

After about 200m, turn left towards Masaya St.

After 200m, turn right to Maginhawa St.

Go straight for 1.2km then take a sharp left towards Masinsinan St.

After about 100m, Empire Steak will be on your left ü

Parking will be a challenge if the store's packed ü