Can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet...so Empire is the first food I ever ate at U of I back in 2002. I was visiting a friend as a senior in high school and was about to go to my first real college party; pretty exciting stuff! But first, we had lunch with my friend and her family here at good 'ol Empire.
Once I actually did attend U of I, Empire became my go-to comfort food. American Chinese food is my vice, and Empire was perfect for that - cheap, right on Green Street, and fast service. I mostly went here after particularly harrowing ECE exams with my one Chinese classmate who would order amazing things that I could never order on my own. This was usually followed by multiple beers.
What to order? Ho fun noodles, kung pao chicken, beef broccoli...pretty much any classic take out dish you can think of, they have. There are actually a few great authentic Chinese restaurants both on and off campus, but sometimes you just want Chinese take out, and if you happen to have that craving I highly recommend Empire.