Party/Empire checks

[Cream Soda]

I just cashed my 1st Empire check at a liquor store and they looked at me like I was crazy when I handed them the check, they had to call some place to find out if the check was good and take my thumb print lol. The guy said the check looked so plain (which it is) he didn't know if it was real. Anyone have any similar expieriences like this? Is it better to cash them at check cashing places, or will it be the same there as well?