Emeline’s
“Secondly, the BEST coconut French toast with citrus Vanilla syrup my boyfriend and I have ever tasted.”
“I had crispy spicy chicken and Belgian waffles with a citrus vanilla syrup.”
“I really liked Emilines especially how I get to draw on the tables.”
Emeline’s
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
5 reviews
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This is a tuff review, because as soon as I walked past this place I wanted to LOVE it.
Off the bat, you should know that there is no adult beverages here and it usually has a lot of kids in strollers parked at tables.
The interior is basic, nothing special. But, somehow, in this large rectangular space, coziness still oozes from here.
I love southern comfort food. I grew up eating it because my mother was a horrible cook, so my friend's mom took pity on me and pretty much fed me until my early 20s. She was from Mississippi. Now, that doesn't make me an authority, but it does give me a point of view.
When I go to a restaurant, it's because I can't make the dishes as good as they can. Whether it's McDonald's or Peter Luger, the dishes have to be something I either can't be bothered with or can't replicate. I have been here twice now.
Food:
The coconut french toast is very good. I love coconut and I can eat this everyday. I don't make french toast. +
The waffles arent super crunchy. It's tasty enough and you get a nice portion. It's better then diner waffles, but not by much. I can't be bothered with making waffles. +
The fried chicken is very, very average. I've had it twice now and it's been overcooked and a tad greasy each time. It wasn't on the bone and came in strips. Really? If I wanted that, I'd go to Williamsburg. It's also not seasoned very well. I can make better tasting fried chicken in my own kitchen. –
The grits were good. Buttery and silky smooth. I can't be bothered making grits, so I give it a thumbs up. +
The service and vibe:
Very attentive and friendly staff. That said, the food is very slow to get to your table. Patience is key here, so don't come here if you are in a rush. You feel like you are in someone's home. I love that and it's a hard thing to do. +
In the end, is it better then the food at Peaches down the street? It's apples and oranges. Judging from the chicken and waffles, no; but, you can't judge an entire restauant on this dish. It's for families with kids and older people who don't want adult beverages with their meal. It's a warmer/cozy diner type of place; they are making classics with a slight twist, but not reinventing it. If you don't need an adult drink with your meal and are looking for a decent breakfast place, this is it. Have that in your mindset before coming here and you will be ok.
I should have been the first to review this place, but alas. I first stopped in months ago when a neighborhood friend was going to eat there. I found the service to be really genial then and it remains so. I've only ever gotten breakfast and/or brunch here, and both are very worthwhile. I can only comment on the omelets then, as well as the potatoes, salad, and the like, all of which are pretty tasty; the sweetie ordered the Chicken n' Belgian Waffles and she ate 'em up!
Perhaps what I like best is the charm. At Sunday brunch they provide these mini-biscuits and honey…what a great touch. I realized on my last visit that it feels like an authentic southern restaurant, with a touch of NYC style. Its relaxed in here, a bit serene, and even when somewhat full not hectic like their neighbor down the street. I love that.
They should work on consistent hours and service. I was seated and had to wait 10 minutes to get a menu because the waitress thought it was more important to text on her cell phone and chat with her friend behind the counter. It would seem that with that long wait…and then the subsequent additional wait for my utensils that I would just be knocking down the door to go there again. Had the food been noteworthy it might have afforded me an opportunity to overcome such poor service, but alas it was not. It was bland and tasteless with regard to the grits and the coffee was lukewarm. Get it together guys because you are not the only brunch spot around in this neighborhood. And for goodness sake calibrate the hot water in the bathroom sink because I'm surprised you don't have a burn victim lawsuit against you.
I give Emeline's a strong 3.5. Very cozy establishment that may not be able to accommodate its guest the more popular they become and if they start to sell alcohol. While waiting I watched several people of all ages and ethnicities pop in to check out the excitement as the band sat at the window. The food was good but our waitress needed a little help. She was a little forgetful and was not well versed on what we needed at our table – that's pretty much the basics of serving that will quickly annoy a customer.
The greens (salad) was very tasty and lightly flavored. You can tell the ingredients of the food are fresh and distinctly crafted. The floor plan is an open set up that gives it a commune feeling while the large windows invite the sunlight in.
I would definitely come back but with a smaller party. My party of 5 took a while to be seated, and there is nothing worse that watching folks that arrive after you cheerfully walk to a table while your stomach grumbles in anger grrrrr. I am very proud that this business is thriving, Bed Stuy "do-ing" and far from dying!
Food: The breakfast was delicious. I had chicken and waffles and my wife had a western omelette with a biscuit. I was very impressed with the flavors of both and would particularly recommend the chicken and waffles.
Service: I would not disagree with most of what has already been stated on here w/r/t the service. I would recommend to potential diners that they not try to hop in and hop out of Emeline's – plan for a leisurely meal – there's a sign on the wall about good things taking time–in this case I would agree: definitely worth checking out but not if you have a plane to catch.