Seemor
EmpellonA-Worth Trying
510 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1104 reviews)
Reservations
Modern Mexican with standout salsas, creative tacos, and polished service in a buzzy Midtown room; excellent lunch deal but dinner can feel pricey and loud.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Empellon delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by its celebrated guacamole and inventive tacos, paired with outstanding service attentiveness that consistently elevates the dining experience. Solid consistency across most visits supports reliable execution, though occasional dish misses and crowded seating dynamics prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. Strong lunch value and polished Midtown energy make this a competitive neighborhood destination, particularly for creative Mexican cuisine and cocktails.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a corporate-after-work edge, where attentive servers keep things moving and margaritas flow. One diner put it simply: "Service made an already good night feel special." Expect polished Midtown energy and a lively soundscape. The cooking leans inventive and produce-driven: seven-salsa guacamole, crisp fish tempura tacos, and bone-marrow-kissed fajitas show a chefly hand without white-tablecloth fuss. Most experiments land, though a few dishes read more clever than craveable. For families, the menu has kid-approachable anchors like fish or mushroom tacos and a chocolate ice cream sandwich, but no dedicated kids menu. The room is lively rather than quiet. Picky eaters may prefer simpler tacos; the whimsical avocado dessert often delights kids.
At a Glance
- Must-order guacamole with a flight of seven salsas
- Attentive, celebratory service that elevates meals
- Excellent lunch prix fixe value in Midtown
- Dinner pricing is high for tacos and sides
- Room can be loud; not ideal for quiet conversation
What Sets It Apart
- seven_salsa_flight
- chef_led_fusion_tacos
- strong_lunch_prix_fixe
- high_end_fajita_program
What People Love
- The salsa flight ritual with fresh chips
- Crispy fish tempura tacos
- Shareable steak fajitas with bone marrow
- Playful avocado dessert finale
- Servers who anticipate needs
Points of Concern
- Noise levels are high, making conversation difficult at times
- Some experimental dishes miss the mark compared to standouts
- Pricing can feel steep, especially for dinner and sides
- Occasional host or pacing missteps including seating delays
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-95 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into the lunch prix fixe for cost control
- Build dinner around one shareable fajita and 1-2 taco orders per person
- End with flan if the avocado dessert profile seems too playful
Perfect For
- After-work margaritas and shared starters
- Business lunches where polish matters
- Date nights that are lively, not hushed
- Curious diners who enjoy creative twists
Location Insights
Area: Corporate Midtown corridor with upscale offices and after-work crowd; polished and business-friendly.
Safety: Heavily trafficked business district, well-lit with consistent foot traffic; generally safe.
Nearby: Near Fifth Avenue retail, offices, hotels, and transit hubs; strong happy-hour potential.
Turtle BayTurtle Bay offers a mix of corporate office workers and upscale residential living, with a dining scene that ranges from high-end restaurants to casual eateries catering to busy professionals and visitors. The area is known for its accessibility, safety, and proximity to landmarks like the United Nations.
East 50sThe East 50s micro-neighborhood is characterized by luxury residential buildings and premium office spaces, attracting a clientele that favors refined dining experiences and convenient lunch spots. It maintains a polished, professional atmosphere with a quieter, more residential feel compared to Midtown's core.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday16:30–22:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations
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