The Empire House

3 stars is the average of good food mixed with terrible service.

My favorite items on the menu are all appetizers: hummus, baba ganoush, and dumplings. I do appreciate that they often use locally raised / grown food.

The big problem is their service, which is extremely slow and inattentive. If I have to beg to get my order taken (most recently it took 45 minutes), I have to wonder why I would even go.

They have great acoustic music there at times but the problem with that is the service becomes even worse (didn't realize that was possible until experiencing it firsthand).

As many have said, it is the only 'nice place' in that town but without a musical act I like, I often spend the extra gas money to go to a place with better service.

I grew up in Gilbertsville and remember the old Empire from my childhood.

To those who comment with comparison to NYC: I now live in Boston and I think this place is like one of those trendy rustic chic places you find around here. Even city people can fall in love with this place so don't hesitate if you're in the area. It's better than anything within a 30-mile radius.

I love this place for many reasons:
-The old Empire was junk but it was the town hangout.  This place was renovated without getting rid of all the old character. The owners were sensitive to the little village culture and reflect it in the place.

-My tastes have broadened since I moved away and I often find that Upstate NY food is boring, boxed, and greasy in small town restaurants but I can still find something I'll love here. Kids, parents, Aunts from NYC, and grandparents can all find something they like here. They even have some organic and sensitively-raised food.

-The owner, Q and his wife, always remember me and ask how my Grandmother is doing.

-Bands and singers (without a cover!) on most weekends. On a Saturday night the whole town comes out to visit the Empire. They love it and it has brought so much vitality back to my hometown.

-Fireplaces. Enough said.

Cons:
-There isn't a lot of space to stand and be social. When there is a band most people that are close to the stage are sitting.
-The mixed drinks aren't consistent so let them know if you want it strong or weak.
-For the average person in the area, the prices are a bit steep but understandably so.

It actually deserves 4 stars, but an extra star for the effort. I visit that erea once or twice a year, and I've been to Empire House a few times.
Don't expect a restaurant and bar as if it is in NYC. But for what it is, it is perfectly nice for that area. Tha atmosphere is mellow and relaxing, the new owner is very nice and tries to please every customer, if you can't find something you would like on the menu, he would even recommend something off the menu and cook it for you. Owner's wife is nice, she runs the bar. If you are in the area, stop by, have a drink and a good hearty meal, hang out at the porch or at the bar, relax for couple of hours, meat the locals and the passers-through, listen to some music, and enjoy your time. Then again this is not NYC.