Empire Chinese Restaurant in South Carolina — What to Expect

A Cantonese-style restaurant with a long history in South Carolina

Empire Chinese Restaurant is a Cantonese-focused establishment that has operated in South Carolina for decades, known for traditional dim sum service and a menu rooted in Guangdong cooking methods. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and hand-pulled noodles, with a dining room designed for both casual weeknight visits and larger family gatherings. If you are looking for authentic Cantonese preparation rather than Americanized Chinese takeout, this is the kind of place where the kitchen's technique shows in every dish.

The restaurant operates as a full-service sit-down venue with table service, a bar, and private dining spaces. Peak hours tend to be weekend mornings for dim sum and weekend evenings for dinner service. The atmosphere is straightforward and unpretentious—the focus is on the food and the experience of eating well, not on decor or ambiance as a selling point.

Key Takeaways

• Empire serves dim sum during weekend mornings, with carts rolling through the dining room and a menu card for ordering specific items.
• The dinner menu features hand-pulled noodles, clay pot dishes, and Cantonese seafood preparations that change based on what is fresh.
• Reservations are recommended for weekend dining and are necessary for groups larger than four or five people.
• The restaurant accepts cash and card payments, though calling ahead to confirm current payment methods is wise.

Dim sum service and what to order

Dim sum at Empire runs on the traditional cart system: servers push trolleys through the dining room, and you point to what you want. This is different from ordering off a menu card, and it means you see the items hot and fresh as they come from the kitchen. Typical offerings include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and cheung fun (rice noodle rolls). The selection changes throughout the service, so arriving earlier in the dim sum window gives you more variety.

Dim sum is priced by the piece or by the small plate, and servers mark your table card as items arrive. The bill is calculated at the end based on how many plates you ordered. Prices are modest—most items fall in the two to four dollar range per plate. Dim sum service typically runs Saturday and Sunday mornings, though hours vary by season and day, so calling ahead to confirm timing is important.

Dinner menu and house specialties

The dinner menu leans heavily on Cantonese technique: clay pot rice dishes, whole steamed fish, hand-pulled noodles, and stir-fries built around fresh vegetables and protein. The kitchen sources seafood regularly, and the daily specials board often reflects what came in that morning. Dishes like salt-and-pepper squid, braised pork belly, and chow fun (wide rice noodles) are consistent offerings that show the kitchen's skill with heat and timing.

Portion sizes are generous, and most entrees come with rice. The restaurant is comfortable with modifications—if you want something spicier, less oil, or prepared a particular way, the kitchen will listen. Prices for dinner entrees typically range from twelve to twenty dollars, with seafood dishes at the higher end. The wine and beer list is modest but includes options that pair well with the food.

How to make a reservation and what to know before you go

Reservations can be made by phone, and the restaurant prefers them for weekend dinner service and for any group larger than four or five people. Dim sum is first-come, first-served, though calling ahead to ask about wait times on weekend mornings is reasonable. The restaurant is located in a shopping center or strip mall setting typical of South Carolina's Chinese restaurant landscape, with parking directly outside.

Dress is casual—this is not a formal dining establishment. The dining room can get loud during peak hours, especially on weekend mornings when families gather for dim sum. If you are sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter meal, an off-peak weekday visit is a better choice. The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards; confirming payment methods when you call is a good habit.

Dietary considerations and menu navigation

The menu includes vegetable dishes, tofu preparations, and seafood options, so vegetarians and pescatarians have real choices beyond fried rice. The kitchen can prepare dishes without MSG if you request it, though you should mention this when ordering. Gluten-free dining is more limited—soy sauce is in many dishes, and cross-contamination in a busy kitchen is a real concern. If you have a severe allergy or dietary restriction, speaking directly with the server or manager about what the kitchen can safely prepare is essential.

Dim sum carts include both meat and vegetable options, so you can build a meal around what fits your diet. The servers are accustomed to questions about ingredients and preparation, and they will answer honestly if they do not know something.

Parking, location, and hours

Empire is situated in a shopping center with ample parking. The exact address and current hours should be confirmed by phone or online search, as restaurant hours shift seasonally and occasionally for private events. Most South Carolina locations operate lunch and dinner service on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends. Dim sum service is typically weekend-only, running from late morning through early afternoon.

The restaurant is accessible by car and is located in a commercial area, not downtown or in a historic district. Public transportation options depend on which South Carolina city the location is in, so checking local transit before you visit is wise if you do not have a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dim sum and regular Chinese dinner?

Dim sum is a style of service where small plates and dumplings are brought to your table on carts, and you choose what you want as it passes. Dinner is traditional table service with full-size entrees. Dim sum is lighter and meant for sharing, while dinner entrees are more substantial and individual.

Do I need to know Cantonese to order at Empire?

No. The servers speak English and can describe dishes. During dim sum, you simply point to what looks good on the cart. At dinner, the menu has English names and descriptions. The staff is accustomed to guests who are new to Cantonese food and will guide you toward popular items.

Can I bring a large group for dim sum?

Yes, but call ahead. Dim sum is first-come, first-served, and a large group arriving without notice may face a wait. The restaurant can often accommodate groups if you reserve a table in advance, and the staff will make sure the carts prioritize your table.

What should I order if I have never eaten Cantonese food before?

Start with har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns) at dim sum. At dinner, try chow fun, a whole steamed fish, or salt-and-pepper squid. Ask your server for a recommendation based on what is fresh that day—the kitchen knows what is best.

Is Empire expensive?

No. Dim sum is inexpensive, with most plates under five dollars. Dinner entrees range from twelve to twenty dollars depending on the protein. It is a casual, affordable restaurant, not fine dining. A meal for two at dinner typically costs thirty to forty dollars before drinks.