Imperial Family Restaurant: Great dinner value
While the word “Imperial” suggests royalty, wealth and grandeur, a pull on the Imperial Family Restaurant door, and a peek at the interior, prompts the question, “What’s in a name?” There’s a lot of beige here, and formica, and the rich red carpet on the floor that might have once said “majesty,” shows signs of wear.
But no one here seems to notice. And there are a lot of people here to notice. The booths and tables are crowded with customers, and the servers know many of them by name.
Take a seat, and the server promptly brings a glass of water for everyone at the table. The menus are worn, and a few prices have been neatly crossed out and raised, but not raised too high. The most expensive item on the menu is the Delmonico Steak, at $8.75. Other dinners here include Fried Chicken, and Veal Cutlet, all served with a choice of two sides. An index card tucked in with the sweetners adds Stuffed Peppers and Fried and Baked Cod to customer’s choices.
For lunch, choose among salads, burgers or several combinations of Double Deckers. The Breakfast Menu offers a variety of eggs, with the Western Omelet commanding the highest price at $5.50. The menu says breakfast is only served until 11, but often the kitchen makes exceptions, so feel free to ask.
That personal touch is what makes the Imperial Family Restaurant a continued success. A family owned and operated restaurant for over 20 years, the Imperial makes everyone feel welcome and want to stay. “I know I’ve worked here for ten years,” said one server. “They’re great people.”
HelloCincinnati Tip: Be sure to ask about the daily specials. They’re photocopied on a piece of paper available at the register. Most items are priced at $5.75, with nothing over $7.
Posted by Barbara David
