Emmett’s Cafe is something of a perennial foodie hotspot. It zoomed to the top of the popularity polls back when it first opened shop on South High Street in 2020. And for a casual coffee cafe, it’s an accomplishment to be listed on top 10 lists in the same breath as fancier, upscale restaurants. Emmett’s has since expanded its operations, with a second spot on the scene at Open Air on Neil. That said, the original location still draws enthusiastic eaters from across the city. 

At the foundation of the Emmett’s Cafe vibe is a commitment to coffee and coffee-adjacent beverages. Emmett’s hosts a selection of all the java variations you might need: cold brew, drip, espresso, latte and mocha. There’s also chai and tea and fun combinations, including one called a Bee Sting Latte ($6), which is comprised of an attention-getting mix of espresso, honey, vanilla, cayenne and lemon. Only the vanilla element can be described as mild, the rest of the elements make their presence known in an intriguing, oddly palatable mix that does offer an intriguing sensory sting. 

But we probably need to talk about the burrito. The house Breakfast Burrito ($14.50) is and was one of the most popular items on Emmett’s menu, a destination dish. It also comes at a noteworthy price point, which is more than double the price of a Taco Bell burrito. That said, if you want a Taco Bell burrito, it’s probably a good idea to head to Taco Bell. 

If you want a tortilla that is crammed with a core of fluffy scrambled eggs, surrounded by crisped prosciutto, tater tots, avocado, chipotle aioli and monterey jack cheese….Emmett’s has that particular burrito. It’s served with fresh salsa, and the masterpiece is more than twice as large as the aforementioned fast-food rendition. The burrito is also a serious Big Food Commitment, a daunting mission for those who are just starting the day. Alternately, it’s on the menu all day, so it’d be a candidate for a sustaining lunch. 

For something from the sandwich scene, there is the oddly tidy Meat & Tato ($13). The term “tidy” is typically reserved for simple, restrained, modest items. The Meat & Tato is none of those things, hence the oddness of its paper-wrapped tidiness. Seated on a Matija everything roll, the combo delivers an over-the-top stack of chorizo sausage, egg, cheese and tater tots; brightened with the house pickled onions and green hot sauce.

Emmett’s also has Banana Bread ($14). Once a coffee-house staple, banana bread is now less often seen in coffee shops, phased-out for muffins and cookies. Here, the kitchen bakes the good kind of banana bread: dense and heavy with a contrastingly light, wholesome banana flavor accenting each bite. For the price, you get a virtual loaf of multiple slices and a supply of maple butter that seems suspiciously generous for a bread that’s already sweet…but go ahead and slather. All the flavors shine through.

Emmett’s Cafe is open and serving from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays. The hours run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekends. You can find the original location at 744 S. High St.

For more information, visit emmettscafe.com.

All photos by Susan Post