Empellon CocinaAmericanized Mexican food,Americanized Mexican food, with pretensions that are mostly not achieved. While most of the food is very good, tastes tend towards the sweet, and too much of it is overly greasy. The chips leave one mopping one's hands on the napkin, for example, which I've never encountered even in the lowest-end Mexican. And the tortillas taste packaged. The sauces are decent enough, but charging for them is a surprise; they aren't good enough for that. Many of them remind one of spiced mayonnaise, and flavors aren't quite Mexican. And the ambience is overly cold. On the plus side everything was properly cooked, and some of the flavor combinations are interesting. I'm writing the negatives because this place does get a lot of accolades in the press.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMCreative food but expensive winesexcellent, creative, delicious food but would have appreciated a few reasonable wines.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat spotgreat service super accommodating
the G.M is super cool and the food is top notch.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMCan't Resist the DessertsSuch a delightful experience from start to finish. Sat at the bar and enjoyed the banter of the bartender and the people seated next to us. Drinks were unique surprise. Ordered several different things and all were well edited and unique. Had heard the pastry chef had received top award so ordered every dessert. Each one was beautifully plated and exceptional. This restaurant always receives high reviews and there is a reason. A must!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMImaginative cuisine, great drinks..Really creative interpretation of Mexican cuisine. We started with the Pistachio Guacamole with Masa crisps which was unbelievable. The melted Tetilla Cheese w/lobster, the Sliced Mango w/Peeky Toe Crab Salad and Fluke Ceviche w/Rhubarb Juice followed and did not disappoint. We finished with tacos, Shrimp, Carnitas, and the Shortrib Pastrami Tacos which were all to die for. For drinks we had the House Margarita, Rooster’s Claw (with roasted habañero) and the Yuzu Margarita.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat, courteous service andGreat, courteous service and staff.
Their tacos are amazing!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMits orignalHaving traveled in Mexico extensively over the years, the cuisine here takes off in a noticeable novel direction. The quality is very high but don't come expecting anything remotely traditional. The are some restaurants IN NY that are in similar track - Hecho en Dumbo for instance. Though even there - there plates are smaller on the whole that the equivalent mod Mexican in Mexico City - the food has stronger roots in well known recipes - the sopes and tacos for instance.
Both restaurants suffer from din (intentionally I imagine) though Hecho has a rear counter area to compensate.
Definitely for foodies and I'm happy to go back for that reason.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding in every wayMmmm, the apps - sliced mango w/crab, toasted vermicelli, and yellowtail sashimi, the drinks, wine and then the shortrib pastrami and carnitas taco's...just wanna do it all over again. But when I go back, I'll have to try some of the guacs. And sit at the bar for some of their unbelievable cocktails...really knowledgable and creative bartenders!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and serviceDelicious food and excellent service. Went on a Thursday night at 730, by the time we left around 9 the place was packed and lively. Great decor and ambience. Must try the lobster and cheese dish, and the pistachio guacamole. Margheritas were great too. Would like to go back to try their brunch. Highly recommend.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat surpriseWe ordered the mango and crab appetizer and it was a complete amazing surprise, best dish of the night, it was really fresh and new. We also tried the set of salsas but liked only 3-4 of those. The masa chips were awesome, just a tad greasy. The pastrami tacos were delicious and the rhubarb dessert a real treat.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing!!!A restaurant that knows its identity. Perfect food, drink, & service!5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome times!Thank you Chef, cooks, waiters, bartender and managers for your hard work! It was a wonderful experience! Will be back!!!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMa special approach to MexicanGuacamole with pistachios...to die for. Amazing combination.
Tacos with Scallops & Cauliflower...A+++
Desert...very minimal, and not as impressive as the savory dishes.
Drinks can be a bit stronger, or have more complex layers of spices or aromas.
Overall had a great time with friends. It was a great choice for a weeknight dining.
thank you.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMI had a very good experienceI had a very good experience at Empellon. I'm not a big fan of Mexican food, but this chef creates a very light and delicius plates! I enjoyed everything there!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the hypeIt was seriously incredible. The food was delicious, the staff friendly. Loved everything, especially that pistachio guacamole. The only complaint would be that there was only one meat taco option (the veggie and fish ones were great!), which was short rib and coleslaw, which tasted like a mixture of barbecue sauce and warm mayo. Try something from the mescal list as well!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMBig surprise - creative andBig surprise - creative and unusual food that was unpretentiously delicious. I would only criticize where they placed us: on a sunny early evening we were sat in the dark rear corner, alone for much of our meal. It would have been nice to be sat more with other diners and in the sunset-reached part of the restaurant.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best restaurantOne of the best restaurant I have tried this year.
I personally will share all the food with my friends. Finally the guacamole has some life - pistachio is a great idea
Everything is perfectly balanced
Dessert lovers will be in heaven.
For an amazing restaurant there is no pretentious at all, service is perfect, and the bar give a great atmosphere..4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom the lobster-queso toFrom the lobster-queso to the tongue tacos, to the searing serrano salsa, this place isn't for the faint of palate. But if you are at all adventurous and have a love of latin flavors, this place is definitely one to check out. Service was top-notch and the drinks were as flavorful and zippy as the food offerings.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat imaginative food andGreat imaginative food and wonderful service but ver noisy.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBig flavor, little portionsMet an out-of-town friend here and it was a delightful evening with DELICIOUS food and excellent service. But, it was a dash expensive for little portions. You should go into it thinking of it as flavorful Mexican tapas. Pistachio guacamole- Excellent. Tetilla Cheese -Super Yummy. Resposado Margarita - TASTY yet smooth. I'd go again but not with my friend that eats and eats and eats.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMguacamole with uni was greatguacamole with uni was great as was the chicharon...the razor clams with guava combination was blended well...the lengua/chorizo tacos were very tasty...we ordered 5 other dishes ( between 2 people) all well executed4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBarely Mexican, but definitelyBarely Mexican, but definitely delicious. Crazy twists on tacos and small plates create a fun experience that's great for small groups.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was outstanding. LovedFood was outstanding. Loved the pistachio guacamole and the scallop tacos. Service was very friendly. Our party was late and they still held the table for us. Will be returning!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was excellent butThe food was excellent but the cocktails really stood out!! The service was attentive and helpful throughout the meal even on a busy night.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMChallah bread pudding wasChallah bread pudding was amazing. All of the guac and salsa chips were also amazing!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food -- very deliciousExcellent food -- very delicious + adventurous Mexican cuisine -- not for "traditional Tex Mex" food lovers..definitely going back3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMI have been to Empellon CocinaI have been to Empellon Cocina two times now, once for dinner and once for brunch, and I am really impressed with their skill.
The salsa tasting menu is a revelation as each salsa is completely different in taste and totally delicious. The lobster and tetilla cheese dish is heavenly and even egg whites which I usually detest are deliciously flavored with peppers, mushrooms and a perfect sauce. Prices are very reasonable and it is in my neighborhood, so I can walk. I couldn't ask for much more!1/20/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful guacamole andA wonderful guacamole and respectable margaritas. Tapas/appetizers are imaginative. Not sure I like the presentation--those bowls are unwieldly unless you are picking at the food with your fingers. P.S. what is the proper placemennt for your eating utensils when you have finished digging out the food out of those steep uneven bowls?12/7/2012 12:00:00 AMAuthentic and imaginativeFor lunch, we had the Sea urchin guacamole, scotch egg with chicken chorizo, chicharroness, sea scallops, and sweetbreads. All were excellent.3/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was truly a delightThe food was truly a delight - the service was wonderful and the drinks superb - a great evening -2/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe eat out all the time andWe eat out all the time and love scouting out new restaurants - and this was one of the best meals we've had in a long time. Everything was flawless - the guac, the scotch egg (amazing!), the tacos (crab cake and pastrami - both awesome), lamb meatballs. I would highly recommend. Can't wait to try the WV location.1/25/2013 12:00:00 AM