News Summary
Ember, an upscale modern steakhouse, is slated to open in late May 2025 at 101 W. Main St. in Lexington, SC. Formerly Alodia’s Italian restaurant, this new venue promises a vibrant dining atmosphere, expertly aged steaks, and a curated wine list. The culinary team, featuring experienced restaurateurs, aims to redefine the local dining experience by combining traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Renovations are progressing, ensuring Ember will stand out in downtown Lexington’s blossoming culinary scene.
Exciting News for Downtown Lexington!
Look out, foodies! Lexington, South Carolina, is all set to welcome a swanky new restaurant that’s gearing up to take the culinary scene by storm! Ember, an upscale modern steakhouse, is planning to open its doors by late May 2025. It will be situated right at 101 W. Main St., perfectly positioned at the bustling corner of W. Main and Church streets.
From Italian to Elegant Steakhouse
This prime spot was formerly home to Alodia’s Italian restaurant, which, unfortunately, closed in April 2024 due to some financing issues. But fear not! Ember is ready to breathe new life into the place, promising a vibrant dining atmosphere that Lexington hasn’t seen before.
A Trio of Culinary Experts
Behind this exciting venture is a talented trio of experienced restaurateurs, each bringing a wealth of experience to the table. The first is Steve Cook, known for his fantastic work with Saluda’s fine dining and Arroyo Mexican restaurant. Next up is Joe Walker III, a former Richland County Councilman, who has also dabbled in food franchises like Marco’s Pizza and Scooter’s Coffee. Rounding out the team is Ryan Jones, who previously served as the general manager of Hall’s Chophouse in Columbia. Together, they are on a mission to redefine dining in downtown Lexington!
A Unique Culinary Journey
So what can you expect at Ember? This venue aims to offer more than just food; it promises an experience that combines traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Their menu will feature expertly aged, hand-cut steaks alongside sustainably sourced seafood and delicious house-made pastas that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters.
Wine and Dine in Style
And let’s not forget about the wine! The carefully curated wine list is bound to be a highlight, showcasing premium selections that complement the menu perfectly. Imagine sipping a fine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon while enjoying a mouthwatering meal in a chic and inviting atmosphere!
Renovations Underway
The renovations for Ember are currently in the works, with Boyer Construction overseeing the updates which are nearing completion. The interior design is a blend of warm, moody elements and mixed metals, creating that upscale yet cozy feel you crave when dining out. Plus, the restaurant will feature private and semi-private dining areas, making it a perfect spot for special occasions with friends, family, or even a romantic dinner date.
A Stunning Wine Cellar
One of the standout features at Ember will be a striking wine cellar that serves as a central focal point. This will not only house a variety of wines by the glass but also include some bubbly champagne selections, enhancing every visit for wine lovers.
Committed to Quality
Ember is committed to sourcing ingredients with integrity, ensuring that each dish is crafted with care and quality. This means guests can expect a distinctive menu that’s genuinely unique to Lexington and reminiscent of high-end dining experiences typically associated with larger cities.
Join the Ember Team!
If you’re passionate about the culinary arts and want to be part of this exciting journey, Ember is currently looking to fill various positions. Interested individuals can apply through their website, emberlexington.com.
A Thriving Waterfront Community
As Ember prepares to join the roster of dining options, it further enhances the vibrant culinary scene that has been blossoming in downtown Lexington, where local hotspots like O’Hara’s Public House, Keg Cowboy, and Bodhi Thai Dining already entice locals and visitors alike. The nearby Icehouse Amphitheater also adds to the lively atmosphere, making this area truly buzzing with energy!
Final Thoughts
The owners of Ember are eager to integrate their new steakhouse into Lexington’s thriving dining district, bringing something fresh and remarkable to the community. With just a few months left until the grand opening, it looks like a delicious dining experience is just around the corner!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Weekend Filled with Food and Festivities
New Upscale Steakhouse ‘Ember’ to Open in Downtown Lexington
Lexington Introduces ‘Ember’: An Upscale Steakhouse Opening in May 2025
New Steakhouse Set to Open in Lexington
New Developments Set to Transform Downtown Lexington, SC
New Hotel and Steakhouse Development in Downtown Lexington
New Hotel and Steakhouse Coming to Lexington, SC
Columbia Honors Steve Cook as Restaurateur of the Year 2025
Exciting Times in Lexington as New Circa Barbershop Opens on Main Street
New Upscale Steakhouse to Bring Modern Dining Experience to Downtown Lexington
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Ember Steakhouse Opening
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- Cola Daily: Modern Steakhouse Coming to Main Street
- Google Search: Culinary Scene Lexington South Carolina
- WLTX: Lexington Hotel Proposal Downtown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steakhouse
- ABC Columbia: Lexington PD Cedar Street Closure
- Google News: Lexington South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. 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, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
