THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Dona Emilia's South American Bar & Grill

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Dona Emilia's South American Bar & Grill Restaurant Review:

What was once a humble little restaurant has attracted a loyal after-work following, as well as some newcomers, for its strong regional South American menu. The current downtown location with multi-toned walls, sunny courtyard and angled lighting is much more upbeat than the original. In addition to colorful cuisine, live music and dancing are a big part of the scene in the Atrium lounge upstairs, which feels like a giant tropical tree house. When it's time to eat, sample flavorful starters like arepas with goat cheese and beef tenderloin skewers seasoned with Colombian coffee. Salsas are sassy, especially the mojito chimichurri, which adds a minty edge to the juicy beef tenderloin churrasco. When we're feeling especially ravenous, we order the banana leaf-wrapped tamale mixto, a massive portion of rich cornmeal masa generously punctuated with chicken, pork, potato and peas. Don’t miss the first-rate tres leches cake, served over tangy fresh strawberry sauce.