This is a really nice spot to relax and recharge. If you enjoy watching baseball, they've got it playing on the screens in four different sections. They also host karaoke nights, which makes the place feel lively and fun. I only ordered an empanada, but it came out great--fresh, hot, and nicely presented. They have a quick-service station where the food is kept warm and ready to go, and the décor is tasteful and inviting. I can definitely see more people coming here regularly. It's just a really comfortable, laid-back spot to unwind. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Chicken Emperador Elias - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place used to be good once upon a time. Looks like they went thru some changes. Food hasn't been the same the last few times I ordered on Uber eats. Today I decided to stop by and the food display looked gross. There's literally no good Dominican restaurants left in the neighborhood. Womp womp read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Look how sad this pernil looks. Who would pay for that?! - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've been searching for Mofongo with Creamy White Garlic Sauce, and Emperador Elias delivered- almost! I showed a picture of the dish I wanted to the person taking my order, and was assured that they have it. While my dish was delicious, it was more like an Alfredo Sauce, with cheese in it, which was listed on their menu, in all fairness. When I get my next craving for this dish, I'll be certain to specify no cheese. More like a 3.5 for the dish, but past orders have not been consistent. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Shrimp Mofongo - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

$40 for burnt food is a complete rip off. Considering that I ate at so many Dominican restaurants this is a scam - from the taste of the food to the pricing. Food came out yet my utensils didn't. I had to ask for them for a fork after 5 mins of sitting there thinking they will bring it. There was 1 really nice girl there but other than that 0 stars for food and service. (Ambiance was actually nice) The beef stew was disgusting; smelled and was BURNT. The ribs were dryer than the Sahara desert. Not sure how this place even has good reviews. I told the waitress that our food was burnt and she didn't even care to adjust the total or do anything to remedy this negative dining experience. She just brushed it off. If I could've walked out without paying I swear i would. I DO NOT recommend this restaurant. Take your money elsewhere. This is the second time EVER that I did NOT tip. And it's for a reason. read more

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Horrible service and my order was missing food. When I called to find out what happened they said what I har ordered ran out and they offered no substitution. I would never order from here again. read more

So Good! I've been coming here for years...breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just hanging with friends. It's a cool local vibe. The food was authentic and delicious. No commercial food here. The serving sizes were generous and their drinks pack a punch. Always a go to for a good time. read more

So Good! I went here while on a quick day trip to NYC. I was with a friend and her families who are from Brooklyn. It's a small independently owned restaurant. You have the option to order quick take out or sit and eat. We dined in. The food was authentic and delicious. No comercial food here. The servings sizes were generous. The server was attentive and friendly and the atmosphere was appropriate. I would def make my way back here when I return to NYC. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Arroz con camarones... - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Came here at noon to order takeout. The staff there are very friendly. As someone who's never been here, I felt sorta lost, as it doesn't tell you how to order, at least the size and how many mains you can get is unclear. But the person helping me was patient with me as I picked out what I wanted. I chose the rice with chickpeas and the beef with carrots and potatoes(I think this was beef guisada). The 6 inch pan (I believe it's medium?) was filled 2/3 with rice and about one scoop of the main. The beef was quite tough and the overall dish was way too salty for my taste buds. The potatoes and carrots were well cooked though and went great with the rice. Just that the gravy was heavily salted. I would skip out on the gravy if anything, or just get less. I also had a tiramisu cake, which was very moist.. to the point where the coffee is found on the bottom of the container. It wasn't that sweet nor had a strong coffee taste. Both items combined cost $14. Which honestly isn't too bad. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Location: Near the Marcy Avenue J train stop. Food: I ordered take out at the restaurant. There are various spanish food options to choose from (pork, chicken etc). I tried the chicken over rice. When you get the food, you have a choice of two containers but they won't tell you the price. The food was average. The chicken was dry. The rice was overcooked. Payment: They accept card and cash but they charge you extra if you pay by card. So bring cash. read more

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I really enjoyed the food at this place. I ordered a Churrasco which came with a small salad seasoned very good. It came with my choice of rice and beans for a side. The portion was very generous in size. The churrasco is served folded. The two ends were slightly overcooked but it was only a small section. The Taste was by far one of my favorite churrascos i've had. Its a cozy dominican restaurant in williamsburg right off of the J train after crossing the williamsburg bridge. I came back in Feb 2018. I tried the chicken Cordeon Blue and the one with platano maduro..Both were very good dishes. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Churrasco very good - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Delicious weekend special Sancocho packed with meat. Friendly staff- nice that they have a place to sit down sometimes instead of Cary out. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Sancocho - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've been in the neighborhood for 12 years and this place has become sadly awful. In the past couple of years, they seem to have rebranded as a Hookah Lounge. Poor employees, all that second hand smoke. Is smoking in this food preparing establishment allowed by both the city's smoking ordinance and the health department's regulations on food prep? I tried coming in and ordering food a last time, there was a cloud of smoke up in the air so I turned right around. Never again. read more

Just be mindful of what you order and the price. I was over charged for drinks. After I disputed the charges the bartender told me she removed the charges but never did. They pretty much doubled my charges. I will never return . read more

Food, service, attention, everything was great. Thk u lina !

I ordered Combo #3 from El Emperador Elias. This plate comes with a portion of beans, by which I found dead maggots mixed in. I was completely horrified at the fact that my husband and I found at least 20 dead maggots. We served this to our five-year-old daughter and noticed after the fact. This is especially alarming because our daughter has been sick. Upon calling the restaurant, El Emperador Elias staff was rude and completely unapologetic. They barely acknowledged that they had served food with maggots and accused us of lying. We were denied a refund, and needless to say an apology. This is completely unprofessional and abusive. We will not be ordering from this restaurant ever again and advise everybody to be wary of the food. We suggest checking your orders before serving and consuming the food. Please refer to the pictures provided. You can clearly see the maggots covered in the bean sauce. We even washed the maggots to clearly see them. read more

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"Just OOOKK" I randomly stumbled into this place for lunch. The food is just alright there and is nothing to write home (or on Yelp) about. I will say that I had the prepared food, so I cannot say if the order a la carte type food is better. However, I the prices seemed a little up there ($15+ bucks) for the type of place that Emperador is. I had the salmon with rice and beans. The salmon tasted a little old and was kind of bland. Maybe the fried stuff is what you are supposed to order at this place because I was the only person who did not have fried food. The service is pretty good too. The place itself is kind of interesting in terms of decor because it is a Dominican restaurant but the wall has be painted with images from Italy or Greece? I am assuming Greece, since the restaurant has "Elias" in its name. Um . . . I guess. I will say that one annoying thing about this place is that the music is WAAAYYY too loud. I latin music choices were great but I would be really annoyed if I was here with someone else because I would have scream just to talk to the person next to me. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Elias is one of my all time favorite places. This is usually my last stop when I am pulling an all nighter. It is also good for an early night dinner and drinks with a friend. Elias never disappoints! The mojitos are always made to perfection. The food is consistently delicious no matter the time of the day. I have found myself enjoying creamy shrimp mofongo, grilled salmon w/tostones, and avocado pyramid salad among many other plates at 5 am. I love the ambiance at Elias; it is always packed with happy people. Friday and Saturday nights are the best! Walking in here during karaoke will make you feel like you are at American Idol. The regulars who frequent the mic are people with spectacular voices. Space wise is perfect for what it is; not too small not too big. They have hookah for the hookah lovers. The reason why I can't give it 5 stars is due to the sad bathroom situation. It's one bathroom and it is always filthy. On a more positive note, that soon will be resolved once they're done with renovations on the second bathroom. I highly recommend Elias if you are looking to enjoy great food, music, and a good crowd. read more

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Really good food that is fresh. Service very good. Rum and coke very good. Customers all seemed to know each other read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Puerto Rican mufongo - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Will never order again from them food was good but carelessly delivered. Food spilled inside bag made a mess on everything. overpriced had it not been raining I would not have bothered with ordering from them I didn't feel like driving. They only get points cause they stay open later than most Spanish spots that deliver but unless you want ya food spilled go elsewhere read more

I've been here so many times ... why? It's the only place to have late late food . Been in the neighborhood for many years. One time it was freezing cod inside we couldn't take off our coats and sit comfortably. The place only has 2big tables for big groups. So it can get tight. The price to drinks increases after 10 or 11pm so find out before you end up with a huge bill. The food is alright just too much $$$$$$$$$$$$ honesty i wont go back. read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Mofongo de Chicharron churrasco - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Dominican foods! Almost all menu we ordered was beef but they had seafood or salad or more health one too. OX tail was my favorite. It was so soft and good taste ! read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

After waiting 2 hours for precooked food and a cabin sandwich literally a $55 other lmaoooo where's the meat?!!!!!!! $9 for what? A slice of cheese ,ham and pickles???? Where's the meat??? Btw everything was cold! Order at your own risk! read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I love Spanish food, and if I am ever in the mood for another hearty meal, I am definitely coming back to Emperador Elias! First off, the restaurant is so nice and authentic looking inside. It is great for a lunch or dinner date. I came here for lunch to dine in, but I noticed a lot of people ordering food to go in their buffet area. The service was extremely slow here and it wasn't very busy. I noticed our waitress going back and forth behind the bar eating chicken legs...I guess we came during her lunch break. I ordered the Shrimp Stuffed Crabmeat. Each meal comes with white or yellow rice and beans. I got the white rice with beans. The meal also comes with a salad! It was so much food. The four shrimp and crabmeat were all so fresh and delicious. The rice and beans were a meal on its own due to how big the portion size was. My friend ordered the Flounder with yellow rice and beans. The yellow rice was definitely the better choice! Both of our meals were wonderful; however, we both agreed that they were a bit too salty. Still...the food here is incredible and I highly recommend anyone to try it out! I would love to come back here one day! read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Flounder - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I visit this place out of curiosity, it was during PRIDE weekend. The place is Dominican and Fushion, the price is affordable and the portion size will never disappoint you, I order the Elias Pork chop it was so big it's good enough for two people. The people are very welcoming and hospitable. When it comes to amenities this place has a good sitting area, they accept card and they have wifi. I ask for the owner and she was so happy to find out that my last name is ELIAS and the reason why I visit her is because of my curiosity. I will definitely recommend this place to everyone especially for family or big group. And I will be back soon. read more

My favorite spanish restaurant always ! Their atmosphere is very authentic , their music and have great customer service. My favorite is either steak and onions with rice and beans or empanadas pollo. Love it all . Best spanish food in ny read more

Best deal = avocado salad and octopus salad , fresh and delicious. A great late night spot with karaoke every Saturday and a fun crowd. Not to be missed is the tres leches cake and the flan. Oh and if they have the eggplant , you must order it, insanely bloody delicious read more

Best Dominic Resturant I'm Williamsburg!!! Monfogo is to die for!!! Dominic Monfogo with fried pork chops. So much garlic & flavor.. Highly recommend read more

Emperador Elias Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The selection and diversity of food for the $5 lunch special is unbelievable. The other kind you order on the menu is a little better quality and it's still affordable. The best reason and more important reason as to why I am a fan is because they have a quick fast food service for better food than actual fast food. So, during rush time in the middle of the day, I can count with a plate of good food for the same price as McDonalds. read more

Food is delicious! I had the Flounder stuffed with crab meat para lamerse los dedos!! read more

I have been here more times than I can count with my hand and feet, love the food, the service is Dominican waitress service at its best :) (que ti quires papi y tu....) Haven't had a bad meal here this is also my default late night spot. Note: you don't come here for the decor or ambiance :) read more

I stumbled across Emperador Elias on GrubHub late at night, while I was in the mood for Spanish food. I decided to give them a try because their ratings seemed pretty good, and boy am I glad I did. I ordered the mofongo with fried pork, BBQ ribs with rice & pigeon peas and grilled chicken with yellow rice. And let me say, I am very impressed with this restaurant. The BBQ ribs and grilled chicken meals both came in two tins, one containing the protein and the other containing the rice. They give you huge portions, which are well worth the price you pay for the meal itself. The mofongo and fried pork came in one large tin, but it was full to bursting with food. So if you're worried about the amount of food you get for the price, have no fear, Emperador Elias has you covered. Usually I'm quite hard to please when I'm in the mood for a particular style of food. So I had my expectations set really low when I ordered my food. And for once, I was completely wrong. The food was fantastic! The grilled chicken was well seasoned, cooked through perfectly and was very moist. The BBQ ribs were rendered down perfectly and were swimming in sauce. And the mofongo, don't even get me started. The mofongo was the highlight of the entire meal. It was so delicious, I couldn't get enough. I'm not going to rave on about it, but seriously, try that stuff. You won't regret it, it's that good! *Update* Food from here has been getting consistently poorer over time. The mofongo that was previously amazing has turned absolutely rancid. And I mean that, as it tastes spoiled. I will not be ordering food from here ever again. read more

Not sure if this is a yelp issue or the Emperador....but I ordered a carrot cake with my order.... they call me to explain that it ran out. I replaced it with a dolce de leche... I get my order and it was a lemon cake with pieces of foil on the frosting. Does anyone know of any good restaurants in the area to order from. I'm running out of options. PS: the grilled chicken I ordered was not good. Waste of money. read more

I will forever love this place. When I was lost alone with a dead phone and the M train not in service, this place helped me out. On top of them charging my dead phone, this place had amazing food. I ate Morro rice and beef Guisada. Sooo good, I took another plate to go. All these reviews for take out brought stars down. But guarantee you if you go in person it will be a better story. I will be a fan to these people. The bartenders and manager are super nice. You are crazy if you think their food is nasty. Everything was delishhh .... read more

I had the mofongo with grilled steak and my gf had a plate of fettucini alfredo; both plates were delicious! Especially for the price!! My mofongo was perfect, the steak was perfectly cooked and juicy and the green plantains tasted fresh and very well seasoned. I went on a Monday night and the place was relatively empty so food came out quick. Yet toward the end of the night the waitress still managed to be very unattentive when it came to giving me and taking the check. What else can you expect from a poorly trained wait staff though, food was still good. Great value place, just don't expect great service. Also, they play Dominican music (bachata and merengue) the entire time, which I liked....but it may not be for everyone. Just an FYI. read more

The two-block strip of Broadway underneath the Marcy Avenue J stop has repelled the rapid gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood almost completely. The restaurants and fast-food places here are either fast food chains and Puerto Rican, Dominican and Mexican counters reflecting the population that lives in the aging apartments that look over the subway. The name 'El Emperador Elias' is likely a reference to an early Franciscan who eventually defected to the Holy Roman Emperor and was excommunicated by Pope Gregory. Eventually you have to imagine that places like this will get expelled from the region to the further, as-yet still Latino sections of Brooklyn. But for now, stop by on a weeknight around 6 or 7 and see a thriving business of full roasted chickens heading upstairs, along with plates of mofongo and hearty island stews. A beer or two - this doesn't seem to be the place to drink to excess - is nursed at the bar, perhaps with just a small snack. The larger back area "the restaurant," is quieter with large booths and a couple of common tables. A larger menu is served at the back, with several menu pages full of chops, pasta dishes and steak. Ignore these. This is a throwback of an unwelcome kind, the neighborhood restaurant that serves an undistinguished, "haute" Continental cuisine. There's no need to order any of this when there are world-class pasta places, steakhouses and French restaurants within a mile, many of which have similar entrees at similar price points, only orders of magnitude better. Sticking to more traditional Puerto Rican and Dominican fare will yield better results, with plump and moist chicken. The singularly satisfying thing was the simplest - a huge plate of white rice that came on separate plate from my main course. It was wonderfully rich, with a healthy dollop of butter mixed in before serving. This is the comfort food I hope this area never loses. read more

First discovered this place after having a few beers at Duff's. Not many options for vegetarians, but the shrimp monfongo is to die for. My boyfriend usually gets the onion steak. A side order of plantains is always nice. The inside decor is kinda odd - it's a Latin restaurant, but somehow there's murals reminiscent of a Italian vibe. No matter, the place is never empty and service is good. Very close to the J train. However, I do have to ding them a star for the loud music. It was a bit too loud. read more

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This restaurant has great food and was greatly prepared/ portioned for a reasonable price as well as nice people that provided us with great hospitality and table manners. My family enjoyed this place. We will most definitely come back. read more

Food was good here did not eat in the restaurant We ordered the food to go Nothing wrong with the food just was not impressed i was expecting a lot more With the quality and quantity of it read more

I have been coming here for many years and they never seem to disappoint me! The best Spanish food in town! Not to mention they have a huge selection of great American dishes also... the girls are great and very attentive! A must have the Garlic Salmon with seasonal vegetables! read more

I was just here at the take-out line. I told the waitress what I wanted right after the guy in front of me ordered. She then proceeded to serve him his food while another customer walked in and waited behind me. This waitress then proceeded to get this new customer his food before she got mine. I thought "no big deal, it's just one skipped turn, I'll be out of here quickly anyway." I especially thought this when ANOTHER waitress showed up, but then she took the order of and served the NEXT person to walk in. Keep in mind that I had been standing in the same spot THE WHOLE TIME. By this point I was annoyed so I was trying to get the waitresses' attention, but they were busy cutting up meat and either didn't hear me or pretended not to. When one of them was done and handed the second person that came after me their food, another customer walked in and asked a question about the food. I thought "ok, he's just asking a question, it's not like he's ordering." He then proceeded to order the exact same thing he asked about and this second waitress went to get his food. At this point I said "Why did you all forget about me? I got here before these three people and even told her (the first waitress) what I wanted. The first waitress looked at me with a blank stare and the second one asked me what did I want WHILE SHE WAS SERVING THE THIRD PERSON THAT CAME IN AFTER ME. I simply said "nothing" and walked away. This place did not deserve my patronage nor does it deserve yours. read more