Miss Emily's Cathouse - Marion

This place was so disappointing. Can I just say, that I wanted to love it? I really did. We came here with a party of seven for my graduation dinner. We started off the night with two orders of grilled cheese samplers as appetizers. Mediocre at best. It was already pretty cold by the time it got to the table, making the cheese look old and congealed. The bread wasn 't even brown. I was disappointed in it for one order, but exceptionally so because we ordered two so we had enough for all of us. Our entrees were mediocre. Mine was okay, I guess. I had a hot brown. The turkey was a weird texture and there was way too much sauce. It 's all I could really taste. It was edible, though. I was disappointed when I asked for a box/for it to be wrapped, and the waitress wandered off with it and apparently cleared the plate instead, because I never got a to-go container. My sister 's food barely even made it to the table. By the time it came out, the six of us were pretty much done. And when it came out, she made it clear it wasn 't worth the wait. The grits were weird (instant? premade? old? , and the chicken tasted like it was done in Shake 'n Bake. Thankfully, the (very sweet waitress took it off our tab. I love the decor of the place. And I 'd come back to drink for the atmosphere alone. But for food? Pass.

I really wanted to love this place. And as a bar, I do. The decor and theme are fantastic! Dimly lit red and black decorate the space in a most adorable way. I could absolutely be a regular if I lived in the area. Our server was super friendly. She had to apologize for the kitchen a few times since they couldn 't seek to get our order to the table at one time. First we only got one of two ordered appetizers, then they forgot my entree completely so I say patiently until my table was pretty much done with their meal before I received mine. We were there for a leisurely meal and conversation so I let it go. They also adjusted the tab for our troubles. And now the food, ugh the food. For apps we ordered 2 orders of the gourmet grilled cheese. Our waitress warned us that as a table of 7, we would need 2 as there are only 4 pieces per order, which I appreciated. This was not grilled cheese. This was warm cheese on an overly doughy taste erasing baguette. It was dry and even with gourmet cheeses, the taste was completely lost in the bread. This dish has potential, some evoo brushed on before grilling would be helpful, or some cheeses with a bigger punch or a more suitable bread choice, idk but they need to fix it. As an entree I had the paneed chicken with grits and maque choux. Moque choux was decent. Chicken was moist, but the seasoning had an off putting aftertaste. And I 'm pretty sure the grits were instant. I had high hopes for them, being that they are so far south, but alas I was disappointed. Others in my party seemed content with their burgers and hot brown. No rave reviews, but their plates were clean. Overall, adorable space, well executed theme, slow poor service from the kitchen not the servers, and sub par food. I would absolutely stop in for a few drinks if I was in the area, but I would have dinner somewhere else first.

We were traveling back on the 57 from the amazing Shawnee National Forest. We were starving and were absolutely in need of amazing food after a days hike. We came to this place because of the yelp REVIEWS. There weren't many, but We decided to check it out anyway.... And we are so so so happy we did. My partner and I stopped in and had Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers as an appetizer, the Tropical Punch drink per Leslie's recommendation, Leslie's Southern Sunrise (concocted by Leslie herself), a Moscow mule and the Southern Smoke Burger (we both had burgers), and the Fried bread pudding (we were starving). OK, some disclaimers: I am from Los Angeles, I am used to and love exquisite food. I consider myself a foodie. AND daaammmnn what a freaking GEM of a place. I have to be honest I was worried pulling up into what seemed like a pretty deserted town, and was a little worried when we walked in and saw only 4 people at the bar, however the outside is classy looking, almost like upscale restaurants you can't see the inside of, ambience is warm and inviting, there are red chandeliers lighting the space, tall tables that seat four, and shorter tables that also seat four, and a larger room for a bigger party that also has poker machines. The walls are a dark mahogany which also helps the with the ambience. Now on to the most important, the food. WOW!!! Wow wow.... The food was not good, it was not amazing, it was FRESH, ECSQUISITE, SUCCULENT!!! The fries were obviously recently cut, the half pound of Angus burger perfectly made to our liking... and juicy and flavorful. The Chipotle mayonnaise and onion ring on it was amazing. The drinks are great if you like sweet cocktails. Definitely would recommend the tropical or Leslie's Southern Sunrise. The Moscow mule (or American mule as its known because it's made with Titos vodka) is served on a copper mug (as it should), Is delicious!! And last but absolutely definitely not least... Was the Damn dessert!! Wow wow wow.... Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with bourbon sauce, what seemed to be a bit of cinnamon or nut or something and vanilla ice cream with cinnamon (or whatever it was) sprinkled on it complimented the bread putting perfectly!!! A HIDDEN GEM FOR SURE!!!! IF YOUR TRAVELING THROUGH, THIS IS A MUST!!!! Wish I could transport it to the city with me!! So I could go back often!!!

Amazing atmosphere (bathroom could be updated but is that really important? , superior service the two times I have visited. Chicken breast burger was perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection. I greatly appreciate the choice in roll for sandwiches. Bread pudding is much better than the Monkey Bread my daughter is addicted to. I believe the fries are hand cut? Fried are delicious and non greasy. Perfectly rounded menu so any guest can find something that will not upset.

Very very friendly waitress. Good food. Had the big Italian. Beef was a little dry. The radish that went with it was GREAT! Adorable decor.