News Summary
Lexington, South Carolina is set to welcome Ember, a modern steakhouse, at 101 W. Main St. by late May 2025. Owned by a trio of restaurateurs, Ember will focus on seasonal ingredients and classic cooking techniques, offering an elevated culinary experience with expertly aged steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and house-made pastas. The restaurant, located near the Icehouse Amphitheater, will feature a sophisticated design and private dining options, contributing to the vibrant downtown area.
Lexington, South Carolina is set to welcome a new upscale dining destination as Ember, a modern steakhouse, is scheduled to open its doors at 101 W. Main St. by late May 2025. The restaurant will be located at the corner of W. Main and Church streets, adjacent to the popular Barrio taco restaurant and directly in front of the Icehouse Amphitheater, a well-known venue in the area.
Ember is taking over the space previously occupied by Alodia’s Italian restaurant, which closed in April 2024. A trio of notable restaurateurs, including Steve Cook, Joe Walker III, and Ryan Jones, are behind this exciting new venture. Cook, known for his ownership of Saluda’s fine dining and Arroyo Mexican restaurant, brings years of culinary and business expertise. Walker, a former Richland County Councilman, has a background in franchising with successful locations of Marco’s Pizza and Scooter’s Coffee. Jones, who previously worked as the general manager of Hall’s Chophouse in Columbia, will also lend his extensive experience to the new establishment.
Ember’s owners have expressed a commitment to providing an experience that transcends simply dining. The restaurant intends to focus on seasonal ingredients and classic cooking techniques, ensuring an elevated culinary journey for its patrons. The anticipated menu will feature expertly aged, hand-cut steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and house-made pastas, all complemented by a carefully curated wine selection.
The interior design of Ember is poised to create an inviting atmosphere with a blend of warm elements and mixed metals, combining a sophisticated yet comfortable look. Additionally, the restaurant will offer both private and semi-private dining areas, making it an ideal choice for special occasions and events.
A striking wine cellar is part of Ember’s design, showcasing a selection of wines by the glass, including premium champagne options and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, ensuring a refined drinking experience to accompany the meals.
Currently, the space is undergoing final renovations, which are being managed by Boyer Construction. The vision for Ember is being brought to life by the design firm 1X1 Design, Inc. As the opening date approaches, job seekers interested in joining the Ember team can apply for positions through their website, emberlexington.com.
The addition of Ember is expected to contribute positively to the ongoing revitalization and growth of downtown Lexington, which has recently become a vibrant hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The area is already home to a variety of popular eateries and bars, including O’Hara’s Public House, Keg Cowboy, and Bodhi Thai Dining, among others. With the addition of Ember, local residents and visitors alike will have even more dining options to choose from.
As downtown Lexington continues to evolve, Ember is set to become a standout destination for those seeking an upscale culinary experience in the heart of the city.
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Steakhouse Coming to Downtown Lexington
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- WLTX: Lexington Hotel Proposal Downtown
- Google Search: Revitalization in Lexington
- Dignity Memorial: Ralph Miller
- Google Scholar: Steakhouses in South Carolina
- WIS TV: Town of Lexington Holds Veterans Day Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
