My husband and I went for Sunday breakfast this morning. The food was fantastic. The owner and his wife welcomed us and made sure we had a great first experience. I highly recommend this restaurant. We will be going back soon to try some other things on the menu. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed. read more

Celebrated my cousins 50th birthday here. Everything was beautiful! Vibes and views were awesome . Staff very friendly and accommodating. Good food and even better dessert! Will definitely be returning soon read more

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Came in with a friend to check out this restaurant. No one greeted us, there was no one at the greeters desk when you walk in. I am from the sicklerville area but am stationed overseas. Sad wanted to support and try it. Seen 2 posters advertising veterans breakfast on Wednesdays :( left after waiting for 7 minutes Came 3/5 at 5pm read more

Had Sunday brunch. Inside was nice, felt bad server was running all over since she was the only one. She was taking orders, bussing tables, and answering phone calls. She mentioned that service might be a little slow being that there is only one cook. We wanted to give the place a try. Food took about 20-25mins to come out, I didn't think it was that long of a wait. Live sax player was good. Owner came out to check on us. Very nice guy. He took his phone out to take a picture of us and then started to record and ask us questions about the food. I had No problem with any of that but it would have been nice if he asked us first. I enjoy supporting local businesses. Food was ok. Scrambled eggs were not to my liking and pancakes were smaller than expected.. dinner may be better? read more

Started my Mother's Day off with a buffet brunch that staff hardly wanted to feed you real skimpy on the food, then the little pastries a woman told only one person, it would be the same I sat down and came back up to get another. They were clocking the food to stretch it for that $38.99each of a none worth it meal. Very disappointed. Second and last time for me. read more

I went to the restaurant for a lunch date. The owner was pleasant however my food option was not good. He The fish tasted like it was only battered in flour and lacked flavor. The grits were also bland and unseasoned, which made the dish disappointing overall. read more

Really good food. Fried lobster and waffles were so good with the Creole sauce. Grits and breakfast (bacon and eggs) were delish as well. Liked the island feel and the service was nice very polite (although she could honestly use some extra hands). We definitely recommend and will be back. read more

Supporting Economic Black Out today we stumbled on this gem. Food was delicious and staff were attentive! Group of four we tried Chicken & Waffle, Fried Fish & Grits, Shrimp and Grits and Waffles! Everything was delicious and tasteful BYOB! read more

I visited here for brunch on a Saturday. My first impression is it is spacious, clean, and nicely decorated. I was seated immediately, my server Abdul was awesome, the best thing about my experience at the restaurant. I was served coffee, I like that you have an option of flavored creamer. I selected the shrimp and crabmeat omelet with a side of home fries, it took about 10 minutes to come out which was reasonable time. There was barely any shrimp or crabmeat in the omelet, very bland. The homefies were the same, no seasoning. I would not recommend this place for brunch. I may try them for dinner or appetizers and dessert..but definitely not rushing back. read more

Went in to order takeout. Sat at the counter for over 12 minutes. I get 30 for lunch. The owner came over shook my hand & introduced himself, then walked away. The server walked past me at least 6 times & then finally asked me if I needed help. I said yes I want to order takeout. The phone rang she excused herself & never came back. I left after that. 18 minutes & no service. Will not return. I'd like to speak on the food, BUT I NEVER GOT TO ORDER. read more

Excellent service, food, and atmosphere. I was promptly greeted with a smile and seated right away. My order was accurate. The fish and grits were delicious. Oh and everything was hot. This was my third time here and the consistency of service is on target with a restaurant with longevity. read more

Decor very warm & inviting with a Pleasant atmosphere. Beautiful music perfect for eating ! The Live music was Amazing on Saturday and just perfect! They make the food from "Scratch" so the wait is longer but the Food will be worth it ! Nice portions and presentation is excellent! The Flavors and combinations had my mouth watering! I had Salmon on a bed of Collard greens! Sounds weird but , like I said the presentation was on point! The taste, amazing! The entertainment really added to the whole experience! Love this place ! Had brunch, the same ! Try it out especially the live Jazz show on Friday & Saturday! read more

Everything was great! Food was delicious and the music is a beautiful touch, our server was sweet and super personable as well :)

Great food, great service, great atmosphere. The staff were friendly and attentive. Can recommend enough.

We decided to try this place on a Saturday around 5pm. The restaurant is situated in a strip- mall and there is plenty of parking. The restaurant opened at 4 pm and it wasn't busy yet. The restaurant could use an experienced hostess, as we waited at the door to be seated for a few minutes before being acknowledged. There were only 2 servers, and we had to ask for water once we were seated. The server was attentive but fairly new and couldn't offer any advice or answer questions about the menu. It took a little long for our food to come out, and when it did, our meals were at least 10 minutes apart. The food was good, but the experience was longer than expected. read more

Embrace - Seating area - Waffles Near Me - Sicklerville, New Jersey

Thank you Embrace Restaurant and staff for a fabulous birthday dinner!! The staff and owner most warmly greeted us as if we were part of their family!! They seated us in a luxurious booth! The interior design is gorgeous and elegant. They served the most flavorful, and delicious southern soul food I have ever eaten before! We ordered the shrimp and grits, seafood combo platter over fries and a side of collard greens and sweet potato. Everything tasted homemade, perfectly flavored, not at all greasy and absolutely mouthwatering delicious! The portions are enormous, we had another meal or two to spare. We shared a sweet potato cheesecake slice afterwards that was so balanced, creamy, and not overly sweet with warm hints of sweet potato. There was an incredible RnB band playing all evening and we had front row seats! We were almost dancing in our seats the entire evening they were so good and so tight!! This incredible restaurant and jazz club was recommended by a work colleague who knows I love R&B and soul food and who mentioned they have live music Friday nights. They opened 4 months ago.. what an incredible addition to the neighborhood for music and food lovers like me and my husband! Thank you!! Cannot wait to return with friends! read more

Off the strip, good location with plenty of plaza (shopping center) parking. Look for Acme and you're there. We walked in at 11:30ish to an impressive jazz atmosphere! We were greeted with smiles & given good service by Erynne. I think she was new, because when asked questions about the menu, she did not know the answer, but she did quickly seek the answers. We only tried 3 different plates, catfish & grits ($14.76), whiting & grits($14.76) and a short stack of (3) pancakes ($9.76). The results were: One of the best fried tasting catfish & whiting. We split our fish to enjoy the variety as we weren't able to enjoy a combo offering. While the presentation as a whole was simply boring, hubby did enjoy the seasoned grits. A little too heavy for me as I prefer the fish to shine. We did find the small serving pan/skillet, to be a little challenging to get to the fish easily. I'm glad we ordered the pancakes as our dishes did not include any bread. Perhaps cornbread, muffin or garlic bread included with the dish, would have been awesome and enhance the meal experience even more. We found the pancakes a little too "tough", we just prefer a more delicate, fluffy mix. After viewing images from other reviews, I asked for no powder as we don't require the extra sugar. I was told they were out of sugar free syrup...bummer. We wanted to take home a pumpkin cheesecake slice but were told they were out. Perhaps next time, as it looked so delicious from the picture on the menu. Our compliments to Chef Alex on his beautiful, clean, restaurant! It was a pleasure to have the opportunity of meeting and conversing with you. We wish you much success and we will be back to enjoy lunch/dinner soon! read more

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I went to Embrace for NYE to support one of my friend's in the show that was being held that evening. I went to the 9pm seating. The NYE special was $60 pp which included an app, entree, dessert and champagne toast (that we never received). The show was absolutely amazing..all the singers and musicians did a wonderful job! My server was great as well. And that was the highlight of the night. The food was more than underwhelming. The crab ball appetizer had a crust so thick you could barely chew it. The entree did not come with asparagus as advertised. The linguini tasted like cardboard box and took up most of the plate. The lobster tail was flavorful, but it was only one half of a probably 5/6oz tail, so you can imagine how small the portion was. The lamb chops were a tease. There were 2 small lamb chops that were literally one bite and done. The dessert was a thinly sliced piece of cheesecake that was about 2-3 bites. Initially, I spoke of the meal being $60 and it did not live up to the cost whatsoever. It was like someone dumped leftovers onto our plates and served them. Shameful truly, especially on a night like NYE where you should be giving out your absolute best! Needless to say I left hungry. Lastly, when I went to pay my bill it was $80. There was an additional charge for gratuity and "fees" that I was not informed of beforehand. I am a tipper and planned on doing that anyway, but adding in fees without any warning is nuts, especially the gratuity because I was not on a tab with any other people, just myself. Overall, I would never go back there to eat. The show was excellent, I would go for that and the ambiance is nice, but what's all that without good food to go with it? Hopefully they embrace this review with changes to policy for addressing added fees when dining and maybe a new or better kitchen staff because the food is just not it. read more

I've dined here about four times, and each time was satisfying! The food has always been delicious, the service great , and the atmosphere was welcoming! The owner, Mr. Alexander and wife are southernly hospitable! read more

Took my mom here for Mother's Day brunch and was glad I did. Kind & attentive service, great food, & great atmosphere!

Good food! Excellent service! Peacefully cheerful atmosphere! Given the opportunity I would definitely go there to dine again. read more

Embrace - Waffles Near Me - Sicklerville, New Jersey

The ambiance is superb, and the customer service is just extraordinary. We stumbled upon this new spot while searching for a place to celebrate my father's birthday. With an array of delicious food options, it tasted absolutely phenomenal - 110% worth it!!! read more

Embrace - Salmon and Collard Greens - Waffles Near Me - Sicklerville, New Jersey

1. The ice in my drink had more seasoning than the pasta on my plate. 2. If you are on a diet that requires portion control then this is the place for you. 3. Our server was great 4. Great ambiance means nothing when you're served just enough food to keep you alive. read more

Embrace Restaurant was a great experience from the excellent service, great food, live jazz and friendly staff. The owner and staff are so personable. We will definitely be back with the rest of our family!!!! read more

My husband and I stopped for a late breakfast and it didn't disappoint! Friendly staff and good food.

We recently visited for the NYE celebration. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice. The entertainment was phenomenal. However, the food was underwhelming and not worth the $60price, even for NYE. I wish I had taken pictures. The appetizer/salad was a mini crab cake topped with one fried shrimp on a bed of mixed salad greens with remoulade sauce. Although the crab cake had fillers and very little crab, it was the best thing of the night. The entree was lollipop lamb chops, green beans, herbed pasta, green beans and a lobster tail. Each lamb chop was two bites at best. The pasta was mushy and under seasoned. The portion of pasta overwhelmed the plate. The lobster tail...I have NEVER seen anyone serve HALF a lobster tail and it was a small lobster tail to begin with. The lobster meat in the tail was the equivalent of a shrimp. The dessert, which was advertised as "award winning cheesecake" was a SLITHER of cheesecake drizzled with chocolate sauce. The only thing award winning about it was how thinly it was sliced. Seriously, it was like someone cut a regular slice of cheesecake into 4 pieces. I didn't know it was possible! The flyer stated there would be a champagne toast...the toast NOT happen but soft drinks were not included in the $60 price point, and we paid for each refill. Since the toast didn't happen, at least soft drinks could have been included. All in all, CHEAP and MISER are the words that come to mind. The concept of the restaurant is good but the execution is insulting to the community. I love supporting Black businesses but will not support ANY business that thinks the "community" will accept a lesser standard. The service was good. The entertainment will keep you distracted from the food stretching shenanigans on your plate. My advice...go for the entertainment, order a soft drink but eat before you go. We left hungry and unsatisfied. read more

My first time at Embrace was Mother's Day 2025 for what we assumed was a Brunch Buffet. My daughter and I had reservations for about 10:30 a.m. Reservations were made for 4, however, 2 did not show up. We arrived and were second in line behind a lady and her daughter (they also had reservations for 4 but only 2 were in attendance). The Owner (can't remember his name) told us that he was going to seat the four of us together. I was not only surprised, but very disappointed (not because the two ladies were anything but pleasant) but because this was, in my humble opinion, totally inappropriate. We were seated and made introductions and exchanged pleasantries. My daughter and I were a little put off because we were talking, discussing a private conversation, which we ended because we were in the company of other guests. We waited probably for about 35 minutes before we realized that they were calling up tables to the food. When our table was called, we realized this was not a Buffet (serve yourself) type service but there were food servers behind the food table serving food to us. This is also when we became aware that we were eating from paper plates and plastic utensils (yes paper plates!) The servers begin to put very, very, very small portions of food on our plate. My server picked up 1 chicken tender for my plate and told me that piece of chicken tender was too big and he proceeded to try to cut it in half. We were given tiny bits of what I suppose was fish, a small teaspoon of (tasteless) eggs, a very small spoon of grits. We were served 2 small shrimp, tiny bite size potatoes, 1 pork sausage patty (soft and uncooked). This food was probably the worst food I have ever had. My daughter or I did not eat the food after tasting it and left most of the food on our plate. Side note, a server came to the table and asked one of the women that we were seated with that she looked like she might want seconds to which she replied that she would like more food (because, again, the portions were small even for my 2 year old grandaughter, Isla). The server said she would have to go and check to see if she could have seconds (I thought this was a buffer???). She came back to the table and told her it would be ok. SMH. Another server approached our table with slices of different varieties of slices of cake in plastic containers. I picked out a slice and my daughter picked out a slice. Someone asked if this cake was included with the Brunch. The server said No she's sorry but the cake was for an additional charge. I immediately gave my cake back. So, the Bruch did not even include any dessert! When my daughter received the bill for the meal, is when I was the most upset. Total $105.00. You are kidding me right !!!! This was the absolute worst experience I have had at Any restaurant. Needless to say, I would not go back there if the food was Free. The entire experience was tasteless and tacky. I was not going to write a review but I just felt like I had to. Side note: If there was less than 1 Star, that would be it!!!!!! read more

I would like to first start by saying the band was wonderful. The owner and the servers were pleasant. The food was horrible. I love to support black owned business but I will not be back. This is how my mothers day started. Food was bland, my waffle was hard, grits consistently was off not taste. Food was not warm. Paper plates and plastic silverware is not appropriate for the cost. Some changes need to be made. read more

First time here for breakfast. Super friendly service and food was excellent. Omelet was fluffy and cooked perfectly. Had grits and they were so tasty. Such a nice place. Just what we need in our area full of chain restaurants with no atmosphere. Super nice people. They are new so I think some other reviewers are a bit harsh regarding service. Give them a chance - food was really good. I am not easy to please but I will be back. read more

Embrace - Live music - Waffles Near Me - Sicklerville, New Jersey

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Food is overpriced, I had salmon salad where the salmon was very under cooked and barely any lettuce or dressing. What's the point of having 16oz soda cups when they serve you out of a 8 oz glass and charge the same amount. I'd be surprised if this place will be around for a while. They have a very high turnover in employees.. they all leave because they can't manage the place properly.. last using religion to attract business is cool and all but not practicing what you preach is another. read more

Want something a bit different than your average restaurant place? Then try Embrace. This restaurant used to be a Chinese food buffet, and recently opened as a small, black owned business that bridges traditional restaurant menu items with some southern style soul food. The smoked Gouda cheese grits are AMAZING! The owners and servers are extremely nice, and treat you like family. While it did take a little bit for our food to come out, we were not disappointed (I believe this is their first week open and it also may have been due to a large event taking place a little later that morning). The restaurant is clean and elegant, with blue and golds decorating the space along with a stage towards the back of the restaurant. There are tables, round booths, and bar seating. On weekend evenings, the restaurant turns into a jazz lounge. We got to hear the jazz player a bit during our breakfast as he was the entertainer for the event that was happening a little later in the morning. He was really good and I wish we could have stayed to hear a bit more. Wine is also available from a local winery. It can get a bit loud, so if you are looking for a quiet intimate meal- this is not it. We will be back to try different things on the menu. read more

Embrace - Brunch menu - Waffles Near Me - Sicklerville, New Jersey

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I've been here a few times since they've opened and not sure if I will come back. I like the owner, and the venue is as nice as you can get and looks like a nice spot for a date night....... That being said the food is nothing to write home about. While it's cooked well it lacks that extra bit of seasoning or flair to add to the taste. The presentation was great, and they have that down packed, but the portions were very small. As far as the menu is concerned, well it's as plain as you can get. A bunch of fish options and not much else (When they opened this was not marketed/advertised as a fish spot only or dinner place, only brunch was mentioned) Not everybody wants fish or seafood all the time all day and night with little else on the menu. You may need to stick to brunch and less on dinner if you want any variety at all. The food takes a while to come out and has yet to be brought out at the same time the few times I've been there so one person gets to eat while the others wait for theirs to come. They seem to do ok with takeout, but the place is never busy or looks like you want to be in there. It never looked for a lack of words "lit" or "that hotspot you want to be/eat at". I went there once on a Friday for date night and the place was empty with one person sitting in the bar area. I literally mean empty at 8pm on a Friday night and they wanted a cover charge?!?!?!?! Really a cover charge for an empty lounge???? That is a ongoing theme as I've driven by there multiple times on a Friday or Saturday night this last summer/fall and nobody is really in there. I see people picking up takeout but not staying for the jazz or to eat in. So, we end up always going to another place with better food minus the jazz/music. The bottom line is that it's a nice venue with jazz and average food. I'll try to give them another chance but for now 3 out of 5 stars. read more

My first time here I had a great experience with my family, great staff very friendly and accommodating 10/10 on service. The food was good, I do wish everything came out at the same time 8/10. The ambiance was great 10/10 i loved the live music and the decor is beautiful. I went on Sunday around 2:00 overall I give it a 9/10 will definitely be back! read more

Embrace - Waffles Near Me - Sicklerville, New Jersey

We went in for brunch. I was excited about the jazz brunch. They did inform us it would be a wait as there was a big party. We ordered our food . My daughter had chicken and waffles I had fish and grits. The music was nice but it was over an hour wait for our food. My daughter's food came out first. She said it was good but the portions were small!! I was still waiting for my food. I stopped the waitress and told her my daughter got her food but I was still waiting. She said she would check on it. With great enthusiasm she came with a plat announcing my omelette was ready. I told her I didn't order an omelette. She asked what I ordered she went back and after another 10 min my food came out. The presentation was great the food was good but the portions were very small! My daughter and I both left hungry ! I should not leave a restaurant hungry! Not sure if I'll try again! read more

Have you ever had a dining experience that left you feeling not only fully satisfied, but emotionally uplifted, energized, and well...loved? I haven't, and I know it sounds a little crazy, but I and my family dined at this recently opened little treasure in Gloucester Township, NJ called EMBRACE and did experience this. Owned and operated by Alex and Akine, both husband and wife personally share an inviting and loving feeling with all of their patrons while a Southern cultured ambiance is laced with smooth jazz by day. And on Friday and Saturday evenings EMBRACE really kicks-up the beat with live jazz. BYOB! And getting to the food part...Mr. Alex is one of the most talented chefs we've encountered specializing in a robust and unique Southern menu including Whitefish and Catfish on Grits served in a skillet, which I have never had! Another guest boasted that the shrimp on grits is the bomb! Or salmon over a tender bed of kale, or a host of other cultural delicacies including steak and lamb. Not only highly experienced restauranteurs, Alex is a Pastor while Akine is a 2-tour military service veteran. I believe that it is this combined experience that leads to giving thanks and infuses Embrace with love and spirituality that will leave you on a natural high, and wanting to come back for more. Service was also off the charts...thank you Abdul! I would call this... a destination restaurant that is worth a drive from outside the area. read more

I had the seafood combo platter. For the amount of food I received was not worth $28.00. Two pcs of catfish, three medium size shrimp, and one scallop all fried. It took over 60 minutes to get our food. The owner was more impressed about taking pics of patrons at the table then worrying about his staff getting food and serving people. The waiter was a pleasant but not really paying attention to his customers.. We had to ask a few times to get our glasses of water. I also had to asked for condiments and that took a few minutes. The ambiance was nice. Friends and I went to hear the musicians who were performing. They were personal friends of mine. Their performance was good. The vocalist was exceptionally good. Too good to be playing at this restaurant. Upon entering the staff never mentioned that there was a $10.00 charge per person until we saw it on our bill. Other friends who came to hear the group food was also 60 minutes late. Desert that was offered was shown to us in plastic containers and served to us in the plastic containers. It was just cake that appeared to be from a BJ or Costco. i would NOT recommend this restaurant. I will not be returning. read more

My sister went here and boy did she have a story to tell me about this place. She stated that this place is not worth it in no type way form. She ordered shrimp and grits and my other family member ordered fish and grits and my sister said it was horrible. The fish was good she said but....... She also stated like the other gentleman said this place may not be there that long if they don't get another cook chef of whatever you want to call them. We were going to take my older sister here for her birthday, but when she got the story it was a NO for her. I'm sorry but it's not worth our money or time. "Embrace y'all should be Embarrassed " read more

Let me start off with the positive... Abdul the server was truly a pleasure. I made a reservation with the owner Alex for 10 people to enjoy brunch..He tried to convince us to go with a tower that serves approximately 8 people .After a few conversations me and my wife decided to just book 3 booths and order off the menu. After informing Alex of our decision..He made an offer to just sit in the raised seating area and he would take care of us by including a cake tower and Sangria. We agreed.Nice gesture. Not going to complain about the service or food because that's all up to personal preference. My issue was the added $275.00 to the bill and the lack of explanation at the time. I asked the owner and the server for an explanation and didn't get it. I didn't want to cause a scene at the time but I did inform them that we would discuss the next day. I reached out to Alex and asked for clarification of the $275.00. I told him I don't mind paying for anything that was brought out to the tables, whether it was edible or not... But please explain the additional $275.00 ( 3rd time ). He said it was for the tower and Sangria and the raised seating.. I was lost at that point..He said the raised seating area is "VIP" And the charge just to be seated in that area is $275.00 . I've been in VIP sections in Miami and this wasn't close to anything I'd even pay $25.00 extra for. This was NEVER explained to us until this point. The area still had serving towers in the corner. I would've NEVER RESERVED that area for $50.00..Let alone $275.00. After having a few conversations with his Alex and his wife, They both seemed to be more interested in arguing then owning their mistake.. I said 4 glasses of Sangria @ 15 each ( $60.00) 10 slices of cake @ $10.00 each ($100.00)( clearly marked (6.00 on menu ) We're at $160.00.I then asked where did the $115.00 come into play The wife brought race into the equation, At this point I was done.I said 4 glasses of Sangria 10 slices of cake $160.00 ( and that's generous) read more

First and foremost, my waiter Ray, he did no wrong. Had my food correct and good customer service. However, It's been 2 days & I can't seem to get past my experience with the owner at Embrace. I went there with my 1 year old, a friend and her 1 year old. He came to our table, did not introduce himself, (I assumed he was the manager/owner), asked how we liked our food & then asked to take a picture of us to show customers that his place is "kid friendly". The boul didn't even have high chairs. Clearly not kid friendly at all. TUH! I wouldn't be surprised if there was no changing station in the bathroom. Long story short, I paid my bill & I asked for a plastic cup for my 1 year old to take her water with us. She was screaming for it and I figured it would be easier just to take it with us. I was told that we have to buy another beverage ($5) in order to get a damn plastic cup. Huh? So as soon as I spend my money, I can't get s*** else? Not even a 10 cent plastic cup?? Very mean and cheap. They don't give paper receipts, you just tap your card and assume the check is correct. The food took forever to come out and there were only 4 tables being occupied & the food was very bland. Since you wanted a review so bad here it is. And DO NOT post a picture of me and my child either. I will never go back. read more

Upon entering the restaurant was greeted and seated promptly. We went on a Sunday afternoon Brunch. The food was served hot and was delicious. The service was friendly and great for a party of 6. They allowed us to sit for hours after we completed our meal. No rushing us out. The owner took a picture of us while he was chatting with us The ambiance was nice Had a live jazz band playing Great music. I'd recommend this to everyone even kid friendly. read more