Sweet Emily’s

So yummy! The tamales were killer. Very modest décor, but the food more than makes up for any deficiency there. I had shrimp and grits, and while the entrée was smallish, it hit the spot.
Here’s the best part for me: they made a special, kid-​size, dairy-​free burrito for my son, who loves black beans, but is allergic to milk. They were so accommodating of my child’s presence in the restaurant. A very warm and friendly, open atmosphere. I felt like a chef friend had invited me for a home-​cooked meal. Lovely.

The food? Absolutely delicious. I had the coffee-​rubbed chicken, which was tender and juicy, and also sauteed zucchini as a side, which had just the right amount of salt.
The portions? Tiny. I do eat a lot, but really, even though I got an entrée and a side, it just didn’t do it for me. (was about $ 20 total) I don’t know if I would come here again, just because I can’t get satiated with the portions they give.
I guess I should note that we made a reservation for 12 just a day in advance, and they had no problem accommodating us. So it might be nice for large groups.

Ok, so it’s not the most beautiful restaurant. But, if you want great food at a reasonable (for the area and beyond) price, in a comfortable and clean atmosphere, then you must go! We had the arepas (AWESOME– I keep thinking about them), shrimp and grits, and the salmon. When I asked about the shrimp and grits, the waiter stopped, asked me where I was from to make sure I knew that these grits are not «southern style.» Never had grits before (I’m a new Yorker, thanks!), and I thought her interpretation was great. Hubby really enjoyed his salmon (cleaned his plate.)
Whatever you do, please promise me you’ll save some room and get the cheesecake empanadas. DO NOT SHARE. You won’t want to, trust me.
Shared an app, 2 main courses, shared dessert, bottle of wine= $ 110. Can’t beat that!

How does this place have 4 stars? Seriously! Was I at the wrong restaurant?
I was totally turned off by the décor. Mauve carpet and seafoamy green walls? barf
Brief rundown of the food:
white sangria – lackluster. needed more sugar
mac n cheese – way too oniony (although the texture was just right)
spanish pizza – pita-​like bread with a slab of ham and melted greasy cheese. totally void of any originality or flavor
baked cheesecake – i rarely order dessert, so I was hoping it would be a treat. not sweet and creamy at all. just blah
The only menu item worth anything was the Mesclun salad, but that too would have been terrible if it weren’t for the onions.
The only only only good thing about this place was the service. Totally adorable staff that was helpful and attentive. But the service alone would not bring me back here.

My fellow Unilocalers are right, this place is a Gem !!! We started with the Latin Style Hummas and the Mac & Bacon Croquette. I had the Latin Fideos which was great. Large and plentiful shrimp. Other had the salmon (it was a huge piece of fish), the shrimp and bacon grits and the pulled pork sandwich.
We usually don’t have desertt by since everything was so good, we wanted more. The flowerless cheese cake was yummy, the cheesecake empanades and the chocolate bread pudding were great.
We all want to come back and try more.

My family — 9 of us — came here on Boxing Day after seeing the Christmas Spectacular at close by Radio City. We could not have been happier with the choice (I made the reservation based on so many popular Unilocal reviews — cheers, Unilocal community!).
Here is why this place rightfully deserves 5 stars:
1) There were enough options to satisfy my whole family. This is an extraordinary task, as we are a p-​i-​c-​k-​y bunch. And this includes 2 small children.
2) We had a 7:30 reservation, but as the show got out around 6 and we decided not to sight-​see in the pouring rain, Sweet Emily’s accommodated us ASAP. No complaints or we-​have-​to-​stick-​to-​the-​reservation-​schedule pretense here.
3) The drink selection. Wow. I tried the Holy Water (a light drink made with pureed cucumbers and gin and other things I don’t recall) — I don’t even like gin. But holy cow. It was good. I’ll be back for the blackberry mojito.
4) Choices in food — you can order some dishes as a «small plate» (ie., a normal portion, something most American restaurants have forgotten in our super-​size-​me mindset) or regular sized entrees («big plates»). Price is adjusted accordingly.
5) Quality of food. Just plain perfect.
6) Customer service. Quick, attentive, good at making suggestions without being pushy.
7) Cute little blueberry corn muffins served instead of bread basket — very nice.
I had the coffee-​rubbed chicken breast Arepas, and now I shall copy and paste the description from the website: «Grilled Chicken Breast with Ancho-​Maple Glaze on Crispy Arepa Cakes, Avocado & Roasted Corn Salsa». I was skeptical before ordering, but WOWWW — hands down, one of the best entrees I’ve had in a long time. Just the right amount of sweetness.
I also tried a few of my family’s dishes and appetizers: chicken tortilla soup, seafood ceviche (a little overly lemony, but yummy just the same), and the grilled sirloin steak burrito. My niece and nephew had the bacon mac & cheese. Everything was great, but I liked my chicken arepa’s the best.
Price wise, I feel as though we had a great bargain. Even big plates are under $ 20. We struggled with the decision of whether or not to order dessert, but decided not to because we were so stuffed from dinner. However, the dessert menu looks just as satisfying.
Would love to come back here soon to try some more dishes as well as to hear the live jazz offerings!
Well done, Emily. This is sweet indeed.

The first time I ventured over to Sweet Emily’s (and venture really is the right word: rarely do I wander too far from my abode in the cold of winter), it was unexpectedly closed for the night. We settled on liquid consolation from House of Brews, just across the street ( Unilocal side-​note, great brew selection!) The night did not end well.
Round 2: an out-​of-​towner plus new-​to-​towner plus me on a Friday night. Anticipating a weekend crowd, I had made reservations; yet the place was surprisingly quiet (I still have no idea why). Upon entering, the wait staff was exceptionally friendly and welcoming — that in itself is a bonus star.
The menu is packed with interesting and innovative dishes, reasonably priced. The small dishes really are that — small — so don’t bank on them for a full meal if you’re fairly to really hungry. Otherwise, I enjoyed everything we ordered: chicken arepas, pot pie, jerk chicken and the raspberry lemonade.
And of course, if you’re hankering for a good brew afterwards — you know where to head.

Sweet Emily’s was definitely a mixed bag. It is a beautiful space and I wanted to love it, but the whole experience sadly left much to be desired.
I’ll start off with the good news. The cornbread mini muffins that started off the meal were great, but two tiny bites per person make for a pretty measly bread basket. I also totally adored the blackberry mojito, which was a deliciously fruity take on my favorite drink. I am a little obsessed with mojitos, if you didn’t know, so this was a damn good starting point. We also split a couple of the desserts, and those were good, if fairly standard note on which to end the meal.
The bad news is that the highly touted bacon mac and cheese croquettes were totally underwhelming, especially in comparison to the cheaper and larger side of un-​fried bacon mac that my friend ordered. Her macaroni was creamy and cheesy, but the fried stuff was just too dry and crunchy. Plus, in addition to bearing an unfortunate resemblance to two giant turds, the croquettes half as much food for an extra dollar fifty!
Since we were just there for a girls’ night with drinks and a few small plates, I can’t judge on any of the entrees, but I did not feel that any of the little things we ordered were a good value. Plus, as tasty a my drink was, it was so expensive I could only justify buying one.
Where Sweet Emily really went down hill was with the service, which was undeniably cold and scattered. This was perhaps due in part to the live jazz show going on in the front room, but still put a big damper on our evening. Music is generally a plus, but not when it is proceeded by an hour of an exceedingly loud and distracting sound check with no small amount of feedback. And, when the show finally began, the music was simply awful. We all felt really really bad for all the diners who actually paid good money to have their ears assaulted, as the front room had a ten dollar cover charge.
Sweet Emily’s was not a totally unpleasant experience, but I just wasn’t too impressed overall, which ultimately is the equivalent of a two star, «meh. i’ve had better,» rating. Plus, all the reviews here seem to think that this is a really affordable little place, but we managed to shell out a fair amount of money just on drinks, appetizers and desserts. I don’t know, I just didn’t really like it all that much… feel free to check it out though, maybe it was just an off night.

Went here based on Unilocal recommendations. Here is what I thought:
Positive:
*Friendly, helpful service. There was only one server and a bartender working on the day we went and both were very nice and helpful. Although we weren’t going to a show, they made sure to ask if we were and assure us that they’d get us to the show on time. Food and drink were properly served.
*Food: interesting menu with unusual choices. We both enjoyed our food, appetizer and drink. I had an unusually spicy alcoholic drink that was pretty good.
Negative:
* I’m not sure it’s really worth the money. It’s not wildly overpriced, but I did feel like there were much better choices out there for the money. We spent nearly $ 100 and didn’t feel like it was a $ 100 meal. The meals were good but just not that fantastic.
*Décor: This is the worst part. The simply have to do something about the nasty smell when you first walk in. Also, the tables had no coverings or candles, leaving the place feeling like some kind of diner. Also, they need to get more people there. Eating with only a few people in the dining room doesn’t make for a fun night out. Maybe they could offer a «prix fixe» menu Mon-​Wed nights to attract people.

Meh is right. I want to give this place a better review because the wait staff was so nice and the décor is really cute (reminiscent of a 60’s living room). But, the food was really just ok. The best thing that we had were the chicken arepas. The place was pretty empty the entire night, too, despite the ongoing jazz.
On the upside, they have a really great space upstairs that they apparently use for classic movie screenings and comedy nights. The word is they also rent it out for events, which, if I ever have the need for a space, this might be it.

Over the years, West 51^st between 8^th and 9^th always had a mini restaurant row feel to it. And over the years restaurants have come on gone except for the standard family owned Tout Va Bien.
On the same block is Sweet Emily’s. Simply decorated, it feels as if you are walking into someone’s living room. People are warm and friendly and Emily herself is really sweet.
The dining area is plain, tables covered with what feels like oilcloth. The food is not only reasonably priced but… great…I mean great tasting, looking, smelling, etc.
Butternut squash soup, plaintain coated tilapia in a mango/​ginger broth, cheesecake empanadas… great combination of flavors!
On Friday night there was live jazz: an interesting blend of Indian musicians playing some traditional instruments with a contemporary jazz sound.
I’ll be back!

As mentioned by others, Sweet Em’s has a very homey vibe – you feel as if you’re walking into someone’s home instead of a restaurant. Once in, the waitstaff are welcoming and friendly. The food is quite good – I especially liked the house-​smoked pork chops and shepherd’s pie – although the portion sizes a little spartan. The drink menu has lots of interesting concoctions; I’ve tried a few of them and have yet to be disappointed. If you’re not sure which one of their cocktails to try, I’d recommend starting with the Dark and Stormy – it’s rum mixed with homemade ginger beer.
The meal starts with complimentary mini corn muffins and butter that serve as both an appetizer and a view of coming attractions. My only complaint is that the dessert selection here is quite predictable (bread pudding, chocolate something) and the actual items leave much to be desired.

Sweet Emily’s sweets was the only thing that was sweet. We tried the Bacon Mac & Cheese Croquette because of the rave reviews, but were a bit disappointed. It was just two mozzarella sticks with mac and cheese fillings. I really wanted to try to mussels, but they were out :(
For my entrée I had the Panko-​Crusted Salmon Cakes (listed in the small plate section) and it was so-​so. The warm apple cake was the only thing I really liked at the restaurant.
The restaurant’s interior was fancy and the presentation of the food was fine, but I felt that I could have gotten more food for the amount I paid :/​
Recommendations
~would be appropriate for a business meeting dinner; seemed a bit too formal for a casual girl’s night out
~Come here for sweets! (especially the Warm Apple Cake)

Sweet Emily’s is the kind of place you just can’t help but have warm and yummy feelings about.
Emily’s the unassuming homely girl-​next-​door who turns out to be the most satisfying seductress behind closed doors.
My friend and I walked a little after 8p on a Thursday night. We were the only ones there. The bartender explained that the theater crowd had just left… all of them. I’m not gonna lie, eating in a big empty restaurant felt strange, weird, awkward… I kinda wanted to leave.
But then I had a sip of some berry margarita. I forget what it was called, but it was amazing. We decided to stay and dine mid-​slurp.
The food was WOWZERS. We shared the bacon mac-​cheese croquette and we were pretty much fighting for the last piece… I almost lost a friend. The entrée… we had a jerk chicken special which came with coconut rice and plantains… everything was awesome. THEN… THEN…we shared some kind of warm apple cake… and the world disappeared… the only thing I could see was the spoon and the cake… I stopped breathing to focus on eating every crumb.
Yes, Emily is THAT good. She’s worth sitting in an empty restaurant for. She knows what’s up… don’t trust anyone who judges her by her appearance (which can only be described as 80s diner chic).

After reading such great reviews from Unilocalers, we decided to come out here to check it out ourselves. We were welcomed by a friendly bartender who tried to fool us into thinking he was French. Since the place was pretty empty (twas only 6ish), we had a choice of where to sit and received great service from the start. We were all satisfied with our dishes. I ordered the Mexican lasagna which is a lot like a taco salad but reversed– the lettuce is on top of tortilla chips filled with taco like beef and cheese. My friend enjoyed her Chicken Arepas which was on the lighter side (the tender chicken had a special kick thanks to the coffee flavor, the arepa was soft). My other friend had chicken tortilla soup for the first time and was pleasantly surprised.
Although we were full, we couldn’t pass up sharing dessert and trying the much raved about chocolate bread pudding. Hands down, we concur, «IT’S SOOO AMAZING! The intense dark chocolate flavor was balanced by the light and slightly spongy texture and topped with sliced strawberries on a surface of melted vanilla ice cream.
I plan on coming back here again and trying the main dishes. I wish the place could be a little more lit or had actual windows, but it certainly has an unexpectedly chic décor. Now, if only I could own one of their beautiful sage green sofas in the waiting area…

Ridiculously cheap for being in Manhattan and central location w/​in Manhattan.
Went before a broadway show, found restaurant right here on Unilocal.They accomodated us perfectly, bringing the food out quickly. And getting us the check when we requested it.
Both the blackberry mojito and cucumber/​gin drink were stellar, very smooth and refreshing. They could have easily charged $ 13 for them (only $ 10)
We had the plantain encrusted tilapia and sheperd’s pie. Both were delicious and cheap, like the drinks.
Only regret is that I wish we had gotten there earlier to have the dessert and maybe a second drink.
highly recommend

Sweet Emily’s is located in the former Rene Pujol space on the alternative to Restaurant Row, 51^st between 8^th and 9^th. Entering the restaurant reveals a cozy lounge area and bar which on a Friday evening was well populated. The main restaurant area consisted of several tables for two and space for larger parties as well. Space between tables was a healthy distance– one need not fear overhearing the minutiae of your neighbor’s life or risk bumping into them upon exiting.
Interior details aside, the menu consists of a mix of US southern style favorites along with Latin American delights. As an appetizer, I opted for the ceviche, served in a milkshake glass with various peppers and chopped veggies. My fiancée had the cheddar poppers which were surprisingly hot, spice-​wise, not temperature. We were both satisfied by the appetizers appearance and taste.
Service was prompt and cordial as it should be.
Moving on to the main attractions, I ordered the shrimp and grits while my fiancée had their southern fried chicken special. The chicken special comes with potato salad but a substitution of mashed potatoes was not a problem.
However, mashed potatoes usually come with gravy and these didn’t. Oversight? Neglect? A new way of presenting an old favorite?
My shrimp and grits were tasty enough, presenting approximately 6 shrimp sans shell spread across a base of grits. The grits were tasty and creamy, not a hard gritty piece to be found.
And finally, dessert consisted of chocolate cake and an apple cake. Dessert was our favorite part of the meal by far.
What makes Sweet Emily’s an especially attractive dining proposition is price– we’re looking at entrees costing 15 dollars or less, with a ‘small plates’ section of the menu at an even lower number. That, when combined with good taste, is a win.

This is a new place in Hells Kitchen/​Mid Town so pp, you gotta get out and support our new friends here they are off to a great start and will soon be a block-​buster restaurant!
The service was just wonderful, honestly. The owner walks around she introduces herself and takes great interest and concern in what you have to share etc. This is a business owner who «gets it!». Our waiter was a super nice guy who offered great suggestions and suggested we takes tastes of just about anything before ordering.
The décor was fine and comfy, they have a lil lounge area when you walk in and then it spatiously opens up from there. They do have a separate room that looks excellent for private parties etc.
My GF had some weird but delicious cucumber/​lime/​mint gin cocktail. GET IT!!! I had a delightful glass of ’05 Cotes du Rhone.
They have an innovative element to their menus where they have small, medium, and large dishes and the menu is super creative and novel. We started with the cheese macaroni/​bacon things that others have reviewed. Its a good starter, personally I’d have wanted more punch or zing but all in all it was a fun app. We also had the steak skewers and coffee rubbed chicken arepas. Bother were super yummy! The arepas were particularly delish!
For a main course we shared the Talapia which was just delightful.
I gotta tell ya, this is a great lil find! We will 100% be going back. The menu is creative, flavors wonderful, service just impeccable, and value very very compelling.

I really really hope this new restaurant makes it! The food is an amazing value, especially given the location. The décor is classy and the lighting is sexy. Saying the service was attentive would be an understatement; there were few others in the restaurant. I started with the margarita with jalepenos and strawberry (inspired by the Death and Co Fresa Brava?) which was strange but in a good way. They start you off with a mini cornbread. The bacon mac and cheese appetizer was almost spot on; the texture was great but the inside was a bit cold and I did not taste much bacon. The main courses are really noteworthy and average a mere $ 15. I ordered the shrimp and grits, both were prepared exactly as I hoped they would be. The tilapia entrée had the perfect crust and tasted very fresh. There was unfortunately no room for dessert, next time. The place is just so darn inviting that we ended up moving to the couches at the bar area for a post dinner drink where I enjoyed the tartness of the blackberry mojito. I was sad to see so many empty tables at this restaurant. I hope they fill up (hint hint go eat there tonight), I am rooting for them!

Wow — I came in during their soft-​open and I have to say the folks here were really friendly. I ordered the Jacquis burger and the bacon, mac and cheese croquette. While waiting for the dish, they let me try some of their pork quesadilla. Wow! This was beautifully presented and very tasty. I didn’t feel that it was very greasy, AND it left me with a hunger for more. I almost wished I didn’t order the burgerm that is, until I tasted the burger.
Both (burger and the croquette) were awesome. The burger had carmelized onions, and a chipotle BBQ sauce that came with your choice of cheese. Really flavorful and the bun didn’t get soggy.
The bacon, mac & cheese croquettes were shaped like HUGE cheese sticks and were relatively light and sweet. They went well with the salsa which had a light spice to it. I can’t really nail down the ingredients, but it leaves you with a similar feeling as A-​1 steak sauce… with fresh ingredients of course.
Anyway, the food was really tasty, the crew was incredibly friendly. and me? I am excited to welcome this restaurant to the neighborhood with many more returns.