Where Emmett Burke From New York’s Emmett’s Takes Out-of-Towners
Where do chefs and restaurateurs go and, more importantly, where do they love to eat? In Resy Regulars, we ask Resy chefs and industry folks to tell us where they’re regulars.
In this edition, we’re talking with Emmett Burke, the owner of two wildly popular Chicago-style pizzerias: Emmett’s on MacDougal Street, and the supper-club-style Emmett’s on Grove.
Native Chicagoan Burke has lived and worked in the city since falling in love with it during his time at Fordham University. He’s no stranger to the feelings of out-of-towners (being one himself, originally), and knows that the best spots to take guests are the places you find yourself at, again and again.
“A lot of these spots have this real passion to do something cool and special. Those are the things that ring true to me,” Burke says. “When people visit New York, they want to go to the ‘old world’ spots. It’s just a feeling — you can’t really recreate something like the dining room at Raoul’s, for example. It’s been shaped and molded by all the people that have been there for years.”
Here are a few of his favorite spots to show off to out-of-towners, in his own words.
More Resy Regulars
1. Hudson Clearwater
West Village
This is the place that I probably go most frequently. I’m good friends with Mark [Barboni]. We developed a relationship, a stronger bond, through COVID. We were trying to navigate all the challenges that came at us pretty much on a daily basis. One, it’s super close by, so if I want to sneak away for an hour or two, I can just walk over there. The nice thing about being a regular is that you don’t have to wait for a table.
I really, really like the food. It’s definitely a little bit lighter than the food that we serve [at Emmett’s]. It’s nice to go to a place where the cuisine and experience is different from ours. I think they do a great job with their veggies. Their steak is also really nice, and the burger is good, too.
One thing I would say: The only time I don’t go there is for brunch, because it’s one of the craziest, top brunch spots in the city. I usually try to go during off hours during the day and when the weather’s nice. They have a patio in the back, and it’s really a pretty special spot.
2. Raoul’s
Soho
I’ve been going to Raoul’s for a long time. It’s about a block away from my original spot, Emmett’s, on MacDougal Street.
I first started going in there before I opened Emmett’s. I met Franco, the bartender there. He’s been there for about 20 years, maybe even longer. He just gave me some cool advice about the business, and he’s been supportive of me since. I’m also good friends with the owner there, Karim [Raoul] and I just love going to my friends’ spots.
I think I’ve had one of the best côte de boeuf for two I’ve ever had in my life there. I think everyone goes for the steak au poivre, which I love, but when they have the côte de boeuf? It’s the best. And of course, you gotta go with a martini from Franco.
3. Ernesto’s
Lower East Side
Ryan [Bartlow], the chef, is from Chicago, too. We got to know each other here in New York, and I think he’s one of the best chefs that I know in the world.
The thing that I really like about what they do is the commitment to excellence. It’s really unparalleled in the city. All of the dishes are really thoughtful, and they source the highest quality ingredients that they can. The technique and execution is [incredible]. You don’t get that at a lot of restaurants in New York, so I love going there.
I think I was there for the friends and family. I remember going when they were just building it out. It’s really great to see the place through the opening and being able to understand how much Ryan works. The food is just something I really enjoy.
4. Scarr’s Pizza
Lower East Side
If I’m down that way, I’ll go to Scarr’s Pizza. Usually after dinner, or sometimes before. Scarr [Pimentel] helped me open the original Emmett’s and it’s good to have friends in the business, but especially in the pizza community.
He believed in me and Chicago-style pizza in New York when a lot of people didn’t, so I’m forever loyal to Scarr. Also, I love his pizza.
The Sicilian and the classic cheese are my go-tos. I think a plain cheese pizza is one of the best measuring sticks of how good the quality of a pizza is. And for them, the quality stands out even with just cheese; that’s fun for me. I eat a lot of pizza.
5. Sauced
East Village
I spent a lot of time at the Sauced in Williamsburg, and they just opened one on the East side. So, I’ve been making my rounds, spending a few nights at the Sauced in East Village. I’m a big fan of what they do; they’re also good friends of mine.
Their wine is great. I always go there and learn a lot about different natural wines. I love wine — we have over 200 different wines in our restaurants. I’m constantly trying to learn and drink different wines. At Sauced, they have great relationships with winemakers. They’re always kind of bringing stuff in that I’m elated to try because it’s something very different than what we do.
The food, I think, is kind of underrated. It’s a lot of charcuterie, but their grilled cheese is one of my favorites in the city. I think the stuff they do pairs really well with their wines.
Walk-ins only.
6. KGB Bar
East Village
This place is great. Especially with the trend of the types of businesses that are opening in New York, I think to go to a place that’s been open that long is great. When you walk in, you just feel the history.
There’s something that’s idiosyncratic and kind of kitschy about it but in the coolest way. The staff is great, and I’ve had a couple of nights there that felt straight out of a David Lynch movie. That’s a high compliment for me.
Walk-ins only.
Emmett’s is open Tuesdays for dinner and Wednesdays through Sundays for lunch and dinner.
Emmett’s on Grove is open Tuesdays through Fridays for dinner and on weekends for brunch and dinner.
Follow Emmett Burke on Instagram.
Ellie Plass is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn. Follow her on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Follow Resy, too.
