News Summary
Lexington, SC will soon welcome Ember, an upscale steakhouse located at 101 W. Main St. Founded by experienced restaurateurs, Ember aims to elevate the local dining scene with expertly crafted dishes and a sophisticated atmosphere. Set to open in late May 2025, it will feature hand-cut steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and private dining options, while also contributing to the community by hiring locally.
Lexington, SC is set to welcome a new upscale dining venue, Ember, that aims to enhance the city’s culinary landscape. The modern steakhouse is expected to open its doors in late May 2025, offering a sophisticated dining experience at its location on 101 W. Main St., situated at the intersection of W. Main and Church streets. Ember will occupy the space previously held by Alodia’s Italian restaurant, which closed its doors in April 2024.
Ember is the brainchild of a group of seasoned restaurateurs including Steve Cook, the owner of Saluda’s fine dining restaurant and Arroyo Mexican restaurant; Joe Walker III, a former Richland County Councilman as well as a franchisee of Marco’s Pizza and Scooter’s Coffee; and Ryan Jones, who formerly served as the general manager of Hall’s Chophouse in Columbia. This team brings a wealth of experience to Ember, which aims to be more than just a place for meals but also an establishment that creates lasting memories for its guests.
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 restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its culinary philosophy, which focuses on utilizing seasonal ingredients and classic techniques to elevate the dining experience.
The venue is currently in the final stages of renovation, under the guidance of Boyer Construction. The interior design is envisioned to blend moody and warm elements with pops of mixed metals, setting a distinct upscale atmosphere that is both inviting and elegant. Ember will offer private and semi-private dining areas, catering to those seeking special arrangements for occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, or corporate gatherings. A striking wine cellar will serve as a centerpiece, featuring an array of wines available by the glass, including esteemed selections like champagne and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
As part of its community-focused approach, Ember is also open to recruitment, inviting interested candidates to submit job applications via emberlexington.com. This initiative demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to contributing to the local economy and employment landscape.
The announcement regarding Ember’s opening was made public on April 23, 2025, marking a significant addition to Lexington’s growing downtown area, which boasts a vibrant array of restaurants, bars, and shops. Other popular local dining options include O’Hara’s Public House, Keg Cowboy, and Bodhi Thai Dining, all of which contribute to a dynamic and flourishing food scene in the heart of the city.
Ember is poised to not only fill the void left by the former Alodia’s but to elevate the dining landscape in downtown Lexington, setting new standards for upscale culinary experiences. As the city continues to thrive, Ember is expected to become a cornerstone of the local dining community starting in late May.
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Modern Steakhouse Coming to Main Street in Lexington
- Dignity Memorial: Horace Tager Obituary
- WISTV: Town of Lexington Holds Veterans Day Parade
- Post and Courier: Lexington Downtown Growth
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
