Haven't been back here for ages, used to be a place you buy food by the weight. Now what a hidden gem! Will definitely be back. We took our two younger ones there for a quiet Easter Sunday dinner together. So many interesting things on the menu, we way over ordered. But everything was delicious. We had the pork belly confit, the cheese bread, the octopus, and the parm wings to start. They were all polished off quickly. Our pork belly did seem to have missed a sauce, but we just dipped them with the cheesy bread sauce and was very happy. My son ordered a few different skews and thoroughly enjoyed his Picanha, sausage and cheese and chicken heart. My youngest said the chicken hearts were the best she had ever tried. High praise from a kid loving chicken heart since just a tiny tod. My wife and I both ordered the ribeye over mushroom risotto. We order medium rare and both of ours came perfectly done. Both our kids thoroughly enjoyed trying our steak and risotto. My daughter and I both enjoyed mixing my son's Yucca mash with the risotto. She practically scrapped my plate clean. We all had our eyes on the pineapple, but all agreed we were overstuffed and will defer to next time. We even had leftovers to bring home to one happy Puppy. Will definitely return! read more

Tucked away in Marlborough, Ember & Alma is a hidden gem and a secret worth keeping, yet it's the place you can't stop talking about once you go. Always a warm welcome once you arrive, Ember & Alma is not only a place to get delicious food but a spot where you can feel connected and a sense of belonging. Whether you're settling in for a quiet date night or a leisurely dinner with loved ones, the cozy atmosphere wraps around you like a warm embrace. But it's the food and drink that truly steal the show. The menu is a love letter to Brazilian and South American cooking -- bold, soulful, and bursting with creativity. Every dish tells a story of a rich culinary tradition, taking you on a journey from bright, sweet notes all the way through to deep, satisfying umami. Both the cocktail menu and non-alcoholic offerings match this spirit, offering drinks that are every bit as thoughtfully crafted as the plates they accompany. If there's one dish that captures everything Ember & Alma stands for, it's the bananas bravas. Memorable in the truest sense of the word, they are the kind of thing you find yourself thinking about days later, and the reason you'll inevitably find yourself making a reservation to return. read more

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My friend and I went for drinks and tapas. What great food drinks and service. 5 stars! The people who work here are fabulous. A great spot! We will be back read more

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I took my husband here last night for his birthday. The food was creative and flavorful. Our server Gabriel was the best. He was knowledgeable about the cocktails and food - his suggestions were point on. We will definitely be back. This place is a perfect gem read more

We had dinner at Ember & Alma Cocktail Bar in Marlboro tonight & were absolutely blown away. This restaurant specializes in Brazilian fusion, elevating traditional dishes alongside incredibly creative cocktails. We started with the grilled octopus atop yucca mille-feuille, which was a fantastic opening. I ordered the feijoada risotto, packed with deeply flavorful pork & topped with perfectly crispy collard greens. He went with the grilled mixed BBQ, which truly had a little of everything--we added chicken hearts, plus yucca fries, tropeiro beans, & potato salad. Every bite, from start to finish, was spot-on. Huge kudos to Marcelo & Iago behind the bar, who took excellent care of us all night. & of course, we couldn't leave without getting the grilled pineapple to go! We can't wait to return. read more

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Wednesdays are $9 specialty drink night! I tried a spicy hibiscus drink that was phenomenal! so many tantalizing smash plates choices, it was hard to pick just one. Even the other sharable items (skewers,cold, etc) made for a tough choice. Joao, or server, was friendly and knowledgeable and pointed us in the right directions for food and drink. The atmosphere, pause was quant, the music was a bit loud, so sitting inside was truly the better way to go, this time around. so many choices of food! would be back just to try for our five new dishes! read more

Ember & Alma - bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

Craft cocktails meets tapas. First and foremost, compliments to the staff, who went above & beyond to ensure everything was perfect. The kitchen staff was incredibly fast. We ordered 2 small plates to start, and came out very swiftly. We ordered a couple more, which also landed quickly. One of our party was running behind, so we waited on main courses till they arrived, and split amongst us. Highlights: chicken & bacon croquettes. Short rib empanadas. I didn't try them, but hear the wings were delectable, and the salmon tartar was prepared expertly. The pork belly was a bit tough/chewy, I'd probably skip those next time. We split the picanhe steak, which was good - I'd opt for the skewer next time. Finished off with cinnamon-sugar wontons with condensed milk (caramel cream) on the inside, that I could've eaten a dozen! High praises for an incredibly professional & standout staff. Food prices were impressively reasonable, with a solid selection/variety. Would recommend to anyone that likes a Brazilian/tapas style of cuisine. read more

First of all, great service at the bar. Second, food was excellent. Had a couple of apps and a couple of entrees. Recipe is simple restaurants. Hire the right staff, train them to provide great customer service and provide good to excellent food. This place does it well! read more

This was my wife and I's first visit here since the name / brand change. Overall - we love this place! A good environment, good service and always great food. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. This time around, my wife got the Chimichurri Steak while I got the Ribeye. Both were amazing. For dessert we got the Brigadeiro and the Caramel Flan - awesome as well. The Dictator was a drink I got to start off. It comes enclosed in a box, and release smoke when you open it up. A very cool experience and a great drink as well!! We can't wait to head back here soon!! read more

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We had an amazing first visit to Ember & Alma this weekend and are already planning our return! We sat outside and lucked out with one of the cushioned lounge-style couches--super comfy and perfect for a summer evening out. Joao was our server and made the experience even better. Since it was our first time, he walked us through the menu and gave amazing recommendations, from cocktails to small plates. We came primarily for the cocktails and *wow*--they were all show-stoppers. Think Brazilian classic cocktails with creative tropical twists. The caipirinhas are next-level (get the mango or passion fruit), and the batida instantly transported me to a beach somewhere much warmer than Marlborough. But the standout was the Marlborough Sour--a gorgeous, whiskey sour riff with a Malbec float that I'm still thinking about the morning after. We also tried the pão de queijo, and it was phenomenal--warm, cheesy, pillowy perfection. The sweet and spicy jam it is served with is so good I would take a whole jar home with me if they served it. Didn't get to try as much food this time, but we're definitely coming back for more. PS We learned that on Wednesdays they feature a selection of $9 cocktail specials! BRB sprinting back now that I know that's a thing! ‍ read more

Ember & Alma - Marlborough Sour (Back Left); Brazilian Lemonade + Tequila (Middle Back); Pao de Queijo (Front Slate) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

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We had such a great time. We sat at the bar. Marcelo gave us a show as he made amazing cocktails. The food and the vibe were top notch. My only regret is we did not find this place sooner. We will be back again and again. Check out the Luiz Fernandes [Luifern] videos on Instagram where he highlights the making of their craft cocktails. They are enjoyable. read more

Ember & Alma - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

Delicious food, moody and elevated atmosphere (both indoor and outdoor seating), and reasonable prices for amount of food. Ribeye over mushroom risotto was a favorite at the table - ribeye had perfect amount of fat, was cooked perfectly, full of flavor, and was a sizable cut! Mixed drinks were all delectable! Definitely coming back again. read more

Ember & Alma - Ribeye with Mushroom Risotto - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

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This restaurant was recommended to us, but the name given was entirely different. Wasn't sure if we were at the right place but we did put two and two together eventually. The atmosphere is very cozy. The service was very good. The food was off the hook! Definitely a place to go to in the future again. read more

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Amazing experience dining at the bar last night. I've been wanting to try since hearing about their "rebranded" opening almost a year ago. The food was unbelievable, every bite you could taste the care & love in. The service at the bar was knowledgeable & fun & had the pleasure of talking to Lui the owner quite a bit. As someone in the industry I can't say enough good things about what they're doing here & will be back, probably often!! I can't wait to check out their homemade pasta nights on Thursday! If you haven't been, RUN!! (Not pictured) we had small plates of steak & provolone skewers, buffalo chicken coxinhas, & the banana bravas & cleared all those plates within minutes! read more

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My coworkers planned to meet here after work last week. Although the space is quite dark, it is cozy and charming. We had a mix of both drinkers and non-drinkers, omnivores and vegetarians and vegans. Everyone was able to find something on the menu to eat and drink. The servers were wonderful, recommending dishes and explaining Brazilian menu items to those of us unfamiliar with them. I got a mocktail called the Sarahbration, it was excellent, not too sweet. I also got a mixed veggie skewer, which was nice (though the "Brazilian salsa" it came with was a bit bland, it could be a me problem because I assume salsa is going to be spicy and it wasn't, but a lot of people don't like spicy). Everything was delicious, I loved the cozy atmosphere,the small plates are wonderful, and I will definitely be back! read more

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Our food was excellent, the service was awesome and the drinks were delicious The restaurant is nicely decorated and very comfortable. Will return read more

Probably one of the best dining experiences I've had in years! 5 star food, drinks, ambiance, and service. We had a large group and were very well taken care of, with some nice little surprises from the staff for our celebration! Every bite was flavorful; every sip was smooth; everything (and I mean everything) was delicious and the presentation was beautiful! This is absolutely our new go-to spot for every occasion, and I could not recommend it more. I'd give 100 stars if I could! read more

Food was delicious# servicer was patient as I asked alot of questions. Don't worry about the outside it's in a strip-mall! The inside and food n service transported us to a young vibrant restaurant! With life! N great vibes! read more

Food was ok, service was absolutely awful. Our server was completely missing in action. We won't be back.

The cocktails are amazing, the service is quick and easy, the wait and bar staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and the ambiance is fantastic for a date night! highly recommend! read more

Congratulations on your re-opening! Everything was truly spectacular- the cocktails were impeccably thought out - AND there was a section of mocktails featuring non-alcoholic liquor! We sipped on the samba spritz, the canary, and the Brazilian lemonade. The menu was rooted in South American flavors, featuring things like their bananas bravas (crispy plantains w/ the best sauce ever); the pão de queijo was rich, sweet, with a hint of spice in the jam; the picanha skewers (swoon), and their mains like the short rib (hellooo yucca purée), and their feijoada risotto - I could go on forever. Alsooo get the pork belly and the polenta. It will change your life for real. Trust me - go in hungry, grab a cocktail, order a few things to share, and leave full and feeling like family. The entire atmosphere is incredible, warm, and welcoming, and our server was helpful, attentive, and engaging! Looking forward to going back soon! read more

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Went last week, party of 6. The food was amazing along with the craft cocktails. A nice blend of Latin American flair and our server was amazing. I don't remember her name, it we sat for over two hours eating and drinking and laughing. The owner was on the floor talking with people and checking in. read more

Great experience! Cocktails were so good (caipirinhas!), food was delicious, and service was great, as well. The owner even came out with our server to describe some of the specialties. Nice ambiance as well. Will definitely go back again. read more

Such a gem. Great atmosphere and well designed menu. Creative twists on the traditional. Our favs - plantains, octopus, and steak risotto. read more

This is a hidden gem!! I almost don't want to leave a review so it doesn't get packed :). But really this is me and my husbands favorite place. The drinks are so fresh and original. Perfect really. I have literally tried all of them and they are all excellent. Well there may be one or two I don't love cuz I don't like mezcal or licorice but that's just me. The food. It's just like nothing you get anywhere else. You can tell they care. They have a homemade hot sauce that is amazing. Like really amazing!! So spicy but such good flavors. And our bar tender knew it he's like try this if you like hot. Wanted to dump it on our plate . Sitting at the bar is our favorite cuz we talk to the bar tenders. They are so passionate and polite and honest. They just know their stuff there. They read more

I've never felt compelled to write a review in the past, but our experience at Ember & Alma was too wonderful to keep to myself. The staff is incredibly welcoming. Nearly every table was full and the crowd was fun but not loud. They've made such a nice ambiance in a small space. The cocktails were....outstanding. Honestly, we make pretty great cocktails at home so I'm often reluctant to order, but the mix of unique and very high quality ingredients was perfection. And there is no chance that a single cocktail on that menu isn't perfectly balanced. Wow. We had a great meal - excellent portions, priced very fairly. We loved the octopus. The point is, we will be back. Often. And I'm torn between shouting it from the rooftops and keeping it a secret so I can still get a reservation. read more

Ember & Alma - Cheese puffs, empanada, incredible cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

The food was amazing drinks were out of this world. service fast, gracious. Lou and his crew are top notch. So happy to have experienced Ember and Alma. we've been bouncing around the coast and we would highly recommend it. read more

One of the best places in the area. The team there is awesome. The drinks are first class and the foods incredible. The vibe is perfect too. On top of all that the prices are great too read more

Excellent service, unique and fun drinks & delicious food! Tried the shrimp skewers & octopus- both flavorful and perfectly cooked. Can't wait to go back. read more

1st & last time eating here. Grilled octopus was burnt, chicken heart skewer was over cooked with no sauce or glaze for flavor, the skirt steak w/ provolone skewer was also overcooked, no flavor and very chewy. The bar service was extremely slow and the table service was horrendous. Mgmt could have cared less. We didn't finish any dish and we were charged full price for very bad food. read more

Hidden Gem!!! The food was so good and service as well. The food was creative serving some typical South American dishes like polenta, yuca (tapioca), choripan with variations that made it amazing. In addition we had octopus and picanha skewers that were also delicious. The only part that was not perfect was a flat flan. read more

Showed up on a Thursday night, me and my mom- decent atmosphere for a smaller bar, overall the place was 6/10 on the business scale. Got seated, waited approximately 10 minutes for the waiter to come over to take our drink orders, no big deal. Put our drink orders in, then waited. Kept waiting- 5 mins, 10 mins. Waiter walks by after 15 minutes, realizes we still don't have our drinks, then apologizes that his bar has been really busy (Wasn't). Waited maybe 10 minutes more, never saw him again, so we just left. Never going back and would 100% not recommend. read more

Food is great. Seasonal and tasty. Can't wait to taste the menu change. Service is smooth and the flow is excellent.

You HAVE to try this place! I was there for a retirement party, and I sat closest to the kitchen. Every dish for the 12 guests at our table passed right by me, and they all smelled A M A Z I N G. I ordered the portobello risotto--I don't regret that, it was delicious!--but that was one of the most "mainstream" offerings. Now I want to go back and work my way through the rest of the menu. Note, this is NOT a Mexican or Southwestern restaurant; Ember & Alma's mission is to share highlights of South American cuisine. Bring your sense of adventure and prepare to be delighted! They have lots of small plates and delectable cocktails you won't find at any other local restaurant. Lunch service is currently limited to Saturday and Sunday. The ambiance is cozy, the staff is great, the prices are reasonable. This is my new spot for date night or lunch with a friend. My only suggestion is a less-discreet sign so it's easier to find on the drive-by. read more