Emma's Torch Cafe

- 345 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Emma's Torch Cafe is a truly special establishment nestled in the vibrant Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, offering New Yorkers a unique dining experience where every bite helps build a brighter future. Far more than just a typical cafe, this location serves as the heart of a powerful social enterprise and non-profit culinary school. The fundamental mission of Emma's Torch is to empower refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking by providing them with comprehensive, paid culinary arts training and job placement assistance.

For the local New York community, Emma's Torch Cafe represents a chance to enjoy high-quality, globally-inspired food while actively participating in a local social change initiative. The menu, which features an exciting array of dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, is crafted by the program's talented students who are gaining real-world experience in a fast-paced, professional kitchen environment. By choosing to dine here, you are directly investing in the economic independence and success of a new American who is starting their career in New York City's renowned food industry. It is a place where connection, community, and exceptional food intersect.

The cuisine at Emma’s Torch Cafe is often described as seasonal American food cooked by new Americans, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of the students while incorporating classic comfort and contemporary flair. This unique approach means the menu is both familiar and exciting, often featuring flavors and techniques brought from around the world by the apprentices. It creates a dining atmosphere that is welcoming, educational, and deeply meaningful for patrons and participants alike. The commitment to culinary education is evident in the quality of the food and the friendly, professional service you receive.

Location and Accessibility

Located on the bustling and charming Smith Street strip in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, Emma's Torch Cafe is easily accessible for locals and visitors seeking a quality meal with a purpose. The cafe sits near the southern end of the neighborhood's popular shopping and dining corridor, making it a perfect stop after browsing local boutiques or before a weekend stroll through the neighborhood. The address is central to the area, connecting it seamlessly to the community it serves.

The physical space is designed to be welcoming and comfortable for all patrons, reflecting the cafe's mission of inclusion. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual, cozy, and trendy—a great spot for a relaxed meal.

For those requiring specific accommodations, the cafe prioritizes accessibility:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Parking in the area is paid street parking, which is typical for a busy Brooklyn neighborhood. For dining options, the cafe features comfortable indoor seating as well as a charming outdoor courtyard, which is described in reviews as picturesque and perfect for a relaxed dining experience, especially during the warmer months.

Services Offered

Emma's Torch Cafe provides a range of services designed to meet the needs of the Carroll Gardens community and beyond, all while supporting its core mission.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full menu and cozy ambiance in their welcoming space, including table service.
• Outdoor Seating: A picturesque outdoor area perfect for enjoying a meal or coffee in good weather.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for those on the go or preferring to enjoy their meal at home.
• Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch: Serving delicious food from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, with a special brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday.
• Dinner Service: Available on a select schedule, this offers a more formal dining experience (Please check current hours as this may vary).
• Full Beverage Menu: Featuring high-quality coffee, espresso drinks, house-made specialty drinks, as well as a selection of Beer and Wine.
• Catering Services: The organization offers full-service catering and restaurant buy-outs, allowing you to bring their mission-driven hospitality to your own event.
• Culinary Training Program: Operating as a non-profit culinary school, the cafe serves as the on-the-job training component for a comprehensive, paid apprenticeship program empowering new Americans.
• Retail Products (CPG): A selection of house-made products like Granola and Hawaij Hot Cocoa are available for purchase, allowing you to take a piece of the mission home.

Features / Highlights

The many unique features of Emma's Torch Cafe are what make it a beloved destination in the Brooklyn food scene. From its core social mission to its delicious and thoughtfully prepared food, this cafe stands out as a true New York gem.

• Mission-Driven Dining: The cafe's primary highlight is its non-profit social enterprise model. Every purchase directly supports the paid culinary training and job placement of refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking, empowering them for long-term careers in the food service industry.
• Globally-Inspired Menu: The rotating and seasonal menu is influenced by the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the culinary apprentices, offering unique and thoughtful dishes like Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, Shakshuka with Chickpeas or Eggs, and the popular Peach Melba Pancake and Banana Nut French Toast.
• Exceptional Coffee and House-Made Drinks: Patrons frequently praise the "Great Coffee" and the selection of specialty beverages, including the Hawaij Mocha, House-made Chai, and Thu’s Golden Latte.
• Highly-Rated Pastries: The cafe is known for its delicious baked goods, such as the Buttermilk Biscuit with Preserves (a customer favorite), Cinnamon Bun, and Morning Glory Muffin, all perfect for a quick bite or a sweet finish.
• Dietary Inclusivity: The menu offers a variety of options including Vegetarian (vt), Vegan (v), and Gluten-Free (gf) choices, catering to diverse preferences with items like the Coconut Yogurt & Granola and the Hoppin' John Fritter Salad.
• Women-Owned Business: The business proudly identifies as women-owned, adding another layer to its progressive and supportive foundation.
• Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere: The cafe is known for its friendly staff and a 'Transgender safe space' and 'LGBTQ+ friendly' crowd, fostering a genuinely inclusive environment for all guests and employees.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about their mission and catering services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 345 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (718) 243-1222

What is Worth Choosing

When navigating the vast dining landscape of New York City, choosing Emma's Torch Cafe is a decision to prioritize both quality and conscience. What truly sets this cafe apart and makes it an absolute must-visit is the powerful intersection of its mission and its food. You are not just enjoying a meal; you are participating in a proven model of social empowerment that is transforming lives right here in New Brooklyn.

First, the food itself offers a compelling reason to visit. Highly recommended favorites include the satisfying Egg & Cheese on a Biscuit and the more adventurous yet delicious Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Wrap—a testament to the creativity encouraged in the culinary program. For a weekend treat, the brunch menu items like the savory Shakshuka with Eggs (or chickpeas for a vegan option) or the customer-adored Peach Melba Pancake are standout choices that draw crowds. Reviewers frequently note the quality ingredients and fresh, high-quality flavors, with the biscuits and pancakes receiving particularly high praise for being "crispy outside and soft and fluffy inside." Even amidst the occasional feedback on execution that is common in a training environment, the consensus is that the friendly employees and noble cause elevate the entire experience.

Secondly, and most importantly, choosing Emma's Torch means supporting a tangible workforce development initiative. It is a place that honors the American tradition of welcome and opportunity, transforming the narrative around immigration from one of scarcity to one of abundance. The concept is simple yet profound: refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking are paid a full-time minimum wage while gaining up to 440 hours of practical, in-kitchen culinary training, English classes focused on kitchen vocabulary, and vital job readiness skills. This model ensures graduates are prepared not just for a job, but for a meaningful, upwardly mobile career. By spending your dollars here on your next coffee, brunch, or catered event, you are directly contributing to the financial independence and dignity of new New Yorkers.

Emma's Torch Cafe proves that mission-driven business can also be an excellent culinary experience. For New Yorkers looking to dine with purpose, support a women-owned social enterprise, and enjoy some of the most unique and heartwarming food in Brooklyn, Emma's Torch Cafe on Smith Street is the ultimate destination. It is a genuine local highlight where you can feel good about what you eat and who you are supporting.

Emma's Torch Cafe

345 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA