Having eaten at Empire maybe 10 times now, I would highly recommend one thing. If you have time and several people, instead of getting by-the-slice pizza, agree on a pie or a half-and-half and get one made from scratch. Their by-the-slice pizza just rates "good" to "very good" in my book, due to the fact that it is made and then held under a heat lamp until purchased. You are at the whim of demand.

If you happen to be there during a time when the flavor you desire is flying off of the shelf and you get something hot out of the oven, you'll be very happy. But if demand isn't high at the moment on the type you want and it has been sitting around for a while, you might be a little underwhelmed. I prefer the method used at Sauced (I have no connection to Sauced and actually go to Empire far more often however). Sauced's way of pre-prepping and pre-cooking blank slices, then topping to order and finishing in an oven just makes for fresher-tasting slices in most instances.

That said, if you go to Empire and order a whole pie, I will place it up against any pizza in OKC. It is absolutely delicious. Trust me, go when you can order a whole pie.

imho, That ^ was one of the best, most pragmatic and practical reviews of [what used to be the next big thing] that I have encountered. Thank you.
Previously, I was on the fence about making a trip down to the vicinity of Empire Slice House. Now it is on my Definitely Do list.
I know exactly what you are referring to when you say that "by the slice" puts you at "the whim of demand". Perfect.
(I had the same feeling about Falcone's before it faded into pizza history).

Since it is extremely unlikely that I would be with a group large enough to eat an entire pizza, I would probably order one, eat a couple of slices and take the rest home. I would hope that it reheats well from the 'fridge.

Going tonight for the first time. Looking forward to it!

Well, the first time to actually eat anyway. :)

...Since it is extremely unlikely that I would be with a group large enough to eat an entire pizza, I would probably order one, eat a couple of slices and take the rest home. I would hope that it reheats well from the 'fridge.

It does reheat very nicely. I've not ordered a whole pie when visiting solo, but even two people are unlikely to finish one. Went with a co-worker and we barely ate half. So you'll definitely have quite a bit left over, which is fine because...fridge pizza!

It has quickly become my favorite pizza in this city.....

It does reheat very nicely. I've not ordered a whole pie when visiting solo, but even two people are unlikely to finish one. Went with a co-worker and we barely ate half. So you'll definitely have quite a bit left over, which is fine because...fridge pizza!

Time for an old Math Joke:
"How would you like your pizza sliced, Sir? Six pieces or twelve pieces?"
"Better make it six. There's no way I could eat twelve."

Thanks, again, for the reminder of Empire Slice House.
Happy New Year!

P.S. =) :

VFKifpMtlNs

Left-over pizza? You guys crack me up.

heh, heh, heh . . . (!)

I figure that by about June, I'll be down to 200.
To celebrate, I plan on visiting Empire Slice House.
Followed by a donut chaser from the Daylight down the street.
For just desserts.

Left-over pizza? You guys crack me up.
As I have gotten older I don't eat near as much, just can't and I am not exactly "small". We almost always have leftover pizza at most places, the thin at The Walnut Room we will finish off but for most it is another meal.

Having eaten at Empire maybe 10 times now, I would highly recommend one thing. If you have time and several people, instead of getting by-the-slice pizza, agree on a pie or a half-and-half and get one made from scratch. Their by-the-slice pizza just rates "good" to "very good" in my book, due to the fact that it is made and then held under a heat lamp until purchased. You are at the whim of demand.

If you happen to be there during a time when the flavor you desire is flying off of the shelf and you get something hot out of the oven, you'll be very happy. But if demand isn't high at the moment on the type you want and it has been sitting around for a while, you might be a little underwhelmed. I prefer the method used at Sauced (I have no connection to Sauced and actually go to Empire far more often however). Sauced's way of pre-prepping and pre-cooking blank slices, then topping to order and finishing in an oven just makes for fresher-tasting slices in most instances.

That said, if you go to Empire and order a whole pie, I will place it up against any pizza in OKC. It is absolutely delicious. Trust me, go when you can order a whole pie.

I was told (by a bartender) that the slices are partially cooked and then finished off/quick reheat upon ordering ala Sauced. And it makes sense because slices normally take a few minutes to get after you order.

I was told (by a bartender) that the slices are partially cooked and then finished off/quick reheat upon offering ala Sauced. And it makes sense because slices normally take a few minutes to get.

That's how they do it in NYC.

It could be that they re-heat an already-topped slice after you order, but I can tell you for a fact that it is NOT the same as Sauced or the above-described NYC slices. In those instances they pre-make "blank" pizzas with sauce and base cheese and then pre-bake, but not to the point of finished. Then when you order, they top to your specifications and then send the individual slices through the oven to finish.

In the case of Empire, they pre-make a completed pie and then hold under a lamp until you order (from a specified menu). It's possible that they re-heat, but there is no customization allowed. The pizza is done; that is why they limit you to only certain favors each day when ordering by-the-slice. Trust me on this. It might seem like a minor difference, but it IS a difference. If you want custom toppings, that is only going to happen if you order a whole pie.

It could be that they re-heat an already-topped slice after you order, but I can tell you for a fact that it is NOT the same as Sauced or the above-described NYC slices. In those instances they pre-make "blank" pizzas with sauce and base cheese and then pre-bake, but not to the point of finished. Then when you order, they top to your specifications and then send the individual slices through the oven to finish.

In the case of Empire, they pre-make a completed pie and then hold under a lamp until you order (from a specified menu). It's possible that they re-heat, but there is no customization allowed. The pizza is done; that is why they limit you to only certain favors each day when ordering by-the-slice. Trust me on this. It might seem like a minor difference, but it IS a difference. If you want custom toppings, that is only going to happen if you order a whole pie.

Sauced, maybe. But not at the good NYC slice houses. No. They usually make a cheese, a pepperoni, and a sausage. If you want more than that, whatevs. They cook them about 95 percent. Then they heat them up quickly to perfection when you order. The turnover is quick enough in a decent joint the food always tastes super fresh.

I'd like to think that I have been to some decent NYC slice houses myself, and I've seen both ways.

The fact remains that if you want Empire's best product, you should order a pie from scratch. By-the-slice is still a fine option there if you're in a hurry, but it is not as consistently great.

I'd like to think that I have been to some decent NYC slice houses myself, and I've seen both ways.

The fact remains that if you want Empire's best product, you should order a pie from scratch. By-the-slice is still a fine option there if you're in a hurry, but it is not as consistently great.

We've eaten there several times ourselves, and I'd agree with that assessment. Also, the last time we were there I had pepperoni and they DID NOT run it through the oven again - I watched her grab it from under the heat lamp and bring it to me.

Clearly Empire is good: it has brought the OKCTalk community together. How rare is it for so many people on this board to agree on a restaurant?

Someone should do a poll. papa Angelo or Empire. These 2 seem to get the nod for NY style pizzer

Clearly Empire is good: it has brought the OKCTalk community together. How rare is it for so many people on this board to agree on a restaurant?

The restaurant game in OKC has come a long way in the last few years which means we are finally getting a bunch of just plain good operations, and that makes it easy to agree.

The love for the Good Egg restaurants is pretty universal, for example.

The restaurant game in OKC has come a long way in the last few years which
means we are finally getting a bunch of just plain good operations, and that
makes it easy to agree.

The love for the Good Egg restaurants is pretty universal, for example.
This pretty much negates wanting a national chain to violate our city. There
are so many local cafes that are no less than excellent. Why would anybody
want a chain when they can get a local biz that's as superb as any Yankee
or West Coast restaurant? Seriously.

Except for the Braized Lamb Shank, OKC is as good as the 21 Club.

OKC is fab.

Went there the other night - I'll give them a thumbs up !

A nice picture of this restaurant. I really like this place, despite a few issues I had earlier on. Added patio now.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/12891188834_4ce0bc26ea_c.jpg

"The 21 Hottest Pizza Places Across the US Right Now"

Empire Slice House makes the list at #5

The 21 Hottest Pizza Places Across the US Right Now - Hot Hot Heat! - Eater National (http://eater.com/archives/2014/03/20/the-21-hottest-pizza-places-across-the-us-right-now.php)

NBD... I love Empire.

This has basically become my wife and I's local. Every Saturday, without fail, 3 slices (between the two of us), and 3-4 beers (not between the two of us :D )

If you haven't been yet, go.

I had some slices of pizza from this joint last night..that some friends had picked up and had at their house. Not toooo shabby!

Some behind the scenes drama playing out with Empire and their original financing.... Relationship leads to loan, relationship sours, people want their money.

Wade Starr vs. Empire Slice

OCIS Case Summary for CJ-2014-2106- Wade Starr v. Rachel Cope Scope Concepts Empire (Oklahoma County District Courts) (http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/getcaseinformation.asp?query=true&srch=0&web=true&db=Oklahoma&number=Cj-14-2106&iLAST=&iFIRST=&iMIDDLE=&iID=&iDOBL=&iDOBH=&SearchType=0&iDCPT=&iapcasetype=All&idccasetype=All&iDATEL=&iDATEH=&iCLOSEDL=&iCLOSEDH=&iDCType=0&iYear=&iNumber=&icitation=&submitted=true)

The civil case involving the money used to finance Empire Slice must be heating up..... a five year VPO was issued against Wade Starr in this case.

OCIS Case Summary for PO-2014-881- Rachel E Cope v. Wade Mock Starr (Oklahoma County District Courts) (http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/GetCaseInformation.asp?submitted=true&viewtype=caseGeneral&casemasterID=3118529&db=Oklahoma)

The civil case involving the money used to finance Empire Slice must be heating up..... a five year VPO was issued against Wade Starr in this case.

OCIS Case Summary for PO-2014-881- Rachel E Cope v. Wade Mock Starr (Oklahoma County District Courts) (http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/GetCaseInformation.asp?submitted=true&viewtype=caseGeneral&casemasterID=3118529&db=Oklahoma)

Is Wade Starr still on trial for that case involving the political funding, or did those charges get dropped?

Is Wade Starr still on trial for that case involving the political funding, or did those charges get dropped?

Dismissed

OCIS Case Summary for CF-2012-3806- STATE OF OKLAHOMA v. WADE MOCK STARR (Oklahoma County District Courts) (http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/GetCaseInformation.asp?submitted=true&viewtype=caseGeneral&casemasterID=2879142&db=Oklahoma)

6/4/2014

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/10387080_10203049516431360_7119152293284727487_o.j pg

So is the thing to do get a whole pizza? I have heard a few people say it is worth the wait for the better whole pizza than by the slice?

I personally think their pizzas are a thousand percent better when fresh out of the oven as opposed to held, which is how the slices usually come, though if you come when they are busy enough sometimes the slices are pretty fresh too.

Is it just me or does that elephant look like a phallic sculpture from that angle?

Just you

Is it just me or does that elephant look like a phallic sculpture from that angle?

If it resembles anything phallic on you, I suggest immediate medical attention.

That is a representation of the proverbial "pink elephant", which in this circumstance is analogous to a barber pole advertising the adjacent shop's tonsorial prowess, or the three balls which denote a pawnbroker. Quite clever, really.

I've only had slices there, and I would have thought they were carved from a pie that was just baked. I've also gone during busy periods, such as second Friday, Thunder game nights, and so forth.

If it resembles anything phallic on you, I suggest immediate medical attention.

Well, the erection has clearly lasted more than four hours.

Is it just me or does that elephant look like a phallic sculpture from that angle?i see. The trunk kind of looks like a dong. Ha. The new Hustler store could use sculptures like that.

I can report that it was in top form again last night! Albeit with an hour and a half wait, which was no problem because we were there for the Night on the Plaza regardless. The pink sauce is amazing...without any research whatsoever, I can attest that it has a bunch of dill in it, which goes with crust so well.

I can report that it was in top form again last night! Albeit with an hour and a half wait, which was no problem because we were there for the Night on the Plaza regardless. The pink sauce is amazing...without any research whatsoever, I can attest that it has a bunch of dill in it, which goes with crust so well.

Pretty sure the pink sauce is Ranch + Sriracha + Dill

Pretty sure the pink sauce is Ranch + Sriracha + Dill

Thanks for sharing that. Even if that's off (I can't see why it would be), it's close enough to tide me over between second Fridays.

As I've said before, I love NY style pizza. I haven't allowed myself any pizza for about a year and when I do enjoy a taste--in the near future--I want it to be a whole lot better than what is available within walking distance of the house (Papa John's or Little Caesar's or Red Baron at Buy For Less). So, what do the good people at Empire get for a slice of yer basic, old school pizza? Is $5.00 about right?

p.s. Here's another pink sauce that is worth a try: The last of a jar of Dijon Mustard with a little catsup and some red pepper flakes.
We have a lot of dill growing out on the patio. I think I'll mix some of that in with the above. =)

As I've said before, I love NY style pizza. I haven't allowed myself any pizza for about a year and when I do enjoy a taste--in the near future--I want it to be a whole lot better than what is available within walking distance of the house (Papa John's or Little Caesar's or Red Baron at Buy For Less). So, what do the good people at Empire get for a slice of yer basic, old school pizza? Is $5.00 about right?

p.s. Here's another pink sauce that is worth a try: The last of a jar of Dijon Mustard with a little catsup and some red pepper flakes.
We have a lot of dill growing out on the patio. I think I'll mix some of that in with the above. =)

I don't understand how Little Caesar's is so popular. I get a stomach ache every time after I eat it. The only thing that's worse is Cici's.

Empire is pretty good though. I haven't had it in a while and need to again sometime soon.

I don't understand how Little Caesar's is so popular. I get a stomach ache every time after I eat it. The only thing that's worse is Cici's.

Empire is pretty good though. I haven't had it in a while and need to again sometime soon.

Little Caesars. For people who like pizza and diarrhea

LOL ^^^^^!!!

So . . . Is a slice at Empire about five bucks?
(one good slice of pizza is worth more than an entire pie from Li'l Caesar's)
(of course, I used to like Falcone's and Perri's before they went away, so my opinion needs to be taken with a grain of salt)

LOL ^^^^^!!!

So . . . Is a slice at Empire about five bucks?
(one good slice of pizza is worth more than an entire pie from Li'l Caesar's)
(of course, I used to like Falcone's and Perri's before they went away, so my opinion needs to be taken with a grain of salt)

Not even $5. I believe its only like $3.50. Pretty big fan of this place. Cool atmosphere and unique delicious pizzas.

Not even $5. I believe its only like $3.50. Pretty big fan of this place. Cool atmosphere and unique delicious pizzas.

Yes, according to both the "menu" link at the top of this page AND the page you arrive at when you Google "empire slice house menu" it is $3.50 per slice. Lol

Yes, according to both the "menu" link at the top of this page AND the page you arrive at when you Google "empire slice house menu" it is $3.50 per slice. Lol

I appreciate both your and onthestrip's attention to detail.
It speaks of my personal laziness and the opposite of that regarding Empire Pizza Slices.
Thank you.

(I'd bet the Ratatouille, now resting on the stovetop, with ingredients harvested from The OSU Farmer's Market, early Saturday morning, would make a decent pizza topping. In fact, it's a side dish to some Free Range (frozen and thawed) Chicken Thighs and fresh dug potatoes from the same source for dinner tonight. Maybe I'll put some of the leftover vegetable stew on some flatbread and call it a pizza in a day or two. More likely, it will be a topping for some of that Designer Pasta recently featured in The Gazette._

Having said all that, I still have a hankerin' fer a nice slice of good pizza.
Sounds as if Empire is where to get it. (it's closer than Angelo's and the price is more than right.)

Thanks, again.

LOL ^^^^^!!!

So . . . Is a slice at Empire about five bucks?
(one good slice of pizza is worth more than an entire pie from Li'l Caesar's)
(of course, I used to like Falcone's and Perri's before they went away, so my opinion needs to be taken with a grain of salt)

Isn't Falcone's on 67th/May still open? Thought they were the last time we went by a few days ago...

I don't understand how Little Caesar's is so popular. I get a stomach ache every time after I eat it. The only thing that's worse is Cici's.

Empire is pretty good though. I haven't had it in a while and need to again sometime soon.

Sounds like you're a slow learner. :)

Little Caesar's is one of my favorites in addition to Empire, but it's totally a different style. I was this close to getting one at the reduced Monday rate a few minutes ago, but I figured I'd rather save the calories for another day, since I bang down a pie in a few minutes (and my, gasp, movements thereafter are just fine, thank you). Cici's does a nice Sicilian pie, and the rest is fine for what it is. Sure, I might turn off my culinary taste for a lot of it, but I'll very happily eat a couple pies with good company.

Now, my understanding is that Falcone's is now in name only. There are up-to-date Urbanspoon reviews by those who have been there more recently than a year or more, in my case.

LATE EDIT: I love to flog this when Little Caesar's comes up: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970203918304577241751742269214 It bears mentioning that a chef friend loves it, too. But! As with all things, de gustibus non est disputandum -- and we wouldn't have a forum if that were adhered to, anyway, so I digress.

Little Caesar's pizza literally almost tastes like cardboard. Yes, I have eaten cardboard before, not going to say as to why I ate it, but I have. I will never understand how anyone could like their food let alone be in business.

I don't make a habit of getting it. But I've been at numerous office working lunches where someone is nice enough to pick up little ceasars and I'm typically happy with it for the price.

I guess it's about the same as the mcdouble, bean burrito from taco bell, or a 5 dollar footlong - not good food by any stretch of imagination but for the price it's hard to complain.

Sounds like you're a slow learner. :)

Well many people insist on bringing Little Caesar's to parties for whatever reason. If you need cheap pizza and a lot of it, its not that much more expensive to go with Mazzio's, which is actually pretty good for chain pizza.


Little Caesar's pizza literally almost tastes like cardboard. Yes, I have eaten cardboard before, not going to say as to why I ate it, but I have. I will never understand how anyone could like their food let alone be in business.

I agree 100%. It's like eating a hot circle of garbage.

in college, $5 for a large pepperoni pizza waiting on you to pick it up was a steal.

in college, $5 for a large pepperoni pizza waiting on you to pick it up was a steal.

Yep, and it was a hell of a lot tastier than eating cardboard.

Yep, and it was a hell of a lot tastier than eating cardboard.lol

Little Caesar's pizza literally almost tastes like cardboard. Yes, I have eaten cardboard before, not going to say as to why I ate it, but I have. I will never understand how anyone could like their food let alone be in business.

Hell week, huh? Me too....

Well many people insist on bringing Little Caesar's to parties for whatever reason. If you need cheap pizza and a lot of it, its not that much more expensive to go with Mazzio's, which is actually pretty good for chain pizza.




That's awesome that you bring Mazzio's instead! I love the Ken's sauce.

In an attempt to swing the ball more east of Detroit—how do we feel about the now-covered patio? I must say that I do miss the open air, while being sympathetic to the unease of messing with the tent.

I assumed the tent was a winter-only thing. I guess it is still up?

It was when I drove by yesterday. Maybe it just helps create a 365 day space? I am pretty sure they have heaters and fans in there.