Came here for the first time today and had brunch with my husband and our four-year-old daughter. I don't know if The Emerson is a kid-friendly place in general -- or if they want to be known as such -- but they couldn't have been nicer to us.
More importantly, the food was amazing. My husband had the hash, complete with a perfectly smoky and fiery pepper; I had the lamb shank benny (ON BISCUITS; so good) with a great hollandaise; and my daughter had the blueberry-and-lemon pancakes topped with wonderful, juicy blueberries, which she loved. The amount of food was just right, but we (and everyone else in the place at the time) were also given brown butter banana bread on the house and we did not refuse. A lovely and delicious surprise.
We never felt rushed; the music and decor were pleasant; our server was friendly and even brought markers and paper for our daughter when she realized that my kid would need to be occupied while I finished my food (really thoughtful!); and even the bathrooms were cool.
Judging by some of the other reviews, this level of food and service is the norm at The Emerson. Can't wait to return for dinner (child-free; don't worry, everyone)!