Had a great dinner at Embers Wood Grill. The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a nice steakhouse dim lighting, candlelit tables, and a relaxed upscale vibe that makes it perfect for a date night or a laid-back evening out. I ordered the salmon with what looked like a creamy potato side, and it was excellent. The salmon had a beautiful sear on it and was cooked just right crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. The potatoes were rich and comforting, the kind of side dish that actually complements the main plate instead of just sitting there. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and the overall presentation of the food and table setup felt polished. You can tell they care about the experience, not just the meal. If you're looking for a spot that feels classy but still comfortable, this is a solid choice. Definitely a place I'd come back to for another dinner. read more

Embers Wood Grill - Salmon and Mashed Potatoes - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Embers/Spark was packed, and I was flying solo so able to claim the one empty barstool. Good vibes from the bearded bartender and server team! I planned on eating "healthy" and quickly diverted to the Prime Tenderloin Burger, based on suggestion from my bar neighbors. A Smoked Old Fashioned rounded out my bar dining experience. read more

Embers Wood Grill - Tenderloin Steak Burger - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Every thing we tried was fantastic! Definitely a go to spot if you want to have a fine dining experience! The service was excellent! The decors and ambiance is spot on! read more

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Embers is literally the best restaurant in Gainesville. The ambiance is good (not too rowdy/loud), the service is always top notch, and the food is delicious. I usually get the filet mignon (they have the best one in Gainesville) but the day my group went, they were offering American Wagyu. It was completely different from Filet Mignon. The taste, the feel in the mouth -- everything. It was surreal. We also got the flatbread, crab bisque soup, and the escargot, which are staple dishes whenever I go here and they still taste pretty good. Got the Crème Brûlée which is pretty good too (controversial take but, I think Fresh Market in Gainesville has the best Crème Brûlée). I also got the cookies to go. The cookies, are the best dessert in this restaurant. They're basically a cookie in a cookie, and it is worth every penny. Overall, I love Embers! read more

Embers Wood Grill - Crème brûlée - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Steak was cooked perfect, shrimp was fire, and the cheesecake... yeah, I'm still thinking about it!!! But let's be real.. the real highlight was Devante and Nick. Hands down the best duo. The vibes, the service, everything on point. They made the whole experience 10x better. Good food is one thing, but when you've got a team like that, it hits different read more

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It was a quiet night and yet, we were seated among a bunch of other two-tops - so close it was easy to figure out the couple next to us was on a first date. We have hoped that for her sake that it was their last date, but that's another story. Well, OK, he wore flip flops and ordered the gator tail appetizer after --after-- she said she didn't care for it. (Run girl!) Other than that, the service was seriously snooty and the food was just OK. , The whole experience left us wondering why this place is such a big deal. read more

My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Embers Wood Grill. I had the filet mignon and my husband had the porterhouse both were perfectly cooked to our specifications. My filet was delicious and you could cut it with a fork. We both had the lobster mashed potatoes and asparagus really good sides. The service by our waiter was exceptional, he was able to make recommendations and was attentive to our dining needs. I had the banana foster cheesecake for dessert really food too. Cocktails: Gin Basil Smash and Maple Rye Old Fashioned you need to try these... read more

Embers Wood Grill - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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We celebrated our 25 wedding anniversary with a great dinner at Embers Wood Grill. The food and service were superb. We enjoyed a filet mignon and a porterhouse Steak . Both steaks were absolutely excellent including the side dishes . Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. Living in the northern western part of Florida this is one of our favorite places. read more

Embers Wood Grill - Porterhouse - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I've been here quite a few times and have been pleasantly surprised each time. I will say, though, that I've only been for meetings so haven't seen or had a chance to know what the rest of the menu is like. They tend to have the same menu almost each time so I'm familiar with what I like by now. Appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, margherita pizza, gator tail, calamari, and salad are typically served and oh so good! For my personal appetizer I like to get the crab bisque. I've had it a couple of times with the last time being the best. It also comes with a crostini which is a nice touch. Entree wise I get the filet mignon EVERY time, cooked medium. Why? Because it comes with lobster mashed potatoes. I dream about those things sometimes they are delicious. Dessert has been different but I do like any sort of cheesecake offered. There has to be one of the best I've had outside of Cheesecake Factory. It had a special touch to it that I can't figure out what, but I'm glad it's there. Needless to say I highly recommend and I definitely plan to be back outside of meetings. It's a cute special event, date night, or just because spot. read more

Embers Wood Grill - Crab bisque - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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We just had the most lovely, elevated 5-week late Valentine's Day dinner. We were able to get a day-of reservation and our server Melvin was top notch. We've had Michelin starred meals and he made this experience even better. Perfect recommendations, descriptions of things, and wine pairings. Our lobster bisque, steaks, sides and crème brûlée were all excellent. We'll be back and we'll ask for Melvin. read more

Melvin was our server, ironically, Victor took our reservation and made it a point to come over and introduce himself. I didn't think the food was overpriced and I did think everything was absolutely delicious!!! I had the cowboy cut ribeye and my wife had the 10 oz wagyu filet mignon with diver scallops. We will definitely be back to this place ... A hidden gem of excellence !! read more

Embers Wood Grill - Cowboy ribeye - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Excellent service, friendly staff. Dinner was best steak that I have had in years I used to live in Dallas and have had some great steaks, Embers is a pleasant surprise and was superior to Dallas. read more

No better fine dining experience in Gainesville, and it's been that way for years. Filet continues to be my go to, with a plentiful wine selection to choose from. Lobster mashed potatoes are always fabulous. Staff is top notch. read more

My brother drives over an hour to take his wife and me out to eat at Embers Wood Grill. We have eaten all over the world, at different times in various countries and we feel very comfortable while enjoying the various dishes each time we dine at Embers. read more

So we had a gift card to blow through laying around for about a year before using it up on take away. It also happened to be a very busy Gator weekend and honestly, I wasn't really wanting to deal with all that. Everything was excellent and I don't like take away. Blue Crab Bisque, Goddammed, Goddamed; nice chunky bits. Escargot, woo hoo! Deliciously rivals all I've ever had before. Lobsta' mashed was fantastic. Chedda' grits nom nom nom yum yum. lol. Went for both desserts, that famous lemon layer cake and banana foster cheescake because why not, @!#?@! it. Both were delicious. And those berries though?! And damn, ask for the bread. I turned those into croutons. Everyone we interacted wth was posh and professional, friendly, helpful, and nice. Kids but on spot. They did forget something but immediately realized it and it all worked out. Sharp. My final thoughts are, and I wouldn't have thunk this, is I guess you can do deliciously wonderful expense account steak house at the house. We did have to time a few things when rewarming stuffs and I broke the bernaise but it all worked out famously despite itself; something I never would have thought or expected would. read more

Almost $500 for an "okay" meal. We came for a Valentine's Day prix-fixe and left shocked by the value. The menu was presented as a 5-course experience, but it had very limited options and the food was basic overall. The Caesar salad was fine, nothing memorable. For the mains, we had the filet mignon and the salmon. The filet tasted like it had no seasoning at all, and the mashed potatoes were just eh. The salmon was a good portion, but also lacked flavor, and the rice it came with was soggy. The prix-fixe was $150 per person and drinks were not included, plus an automatic 20% gratuity. For nearly $500 total, this experience was nowhere near worth the price. I would not recommend going. read more

The Service was OUTSTANDING! Server was knowledgeable on Food and Wines. Our meals exceeded our expectations! Will definitely return.

Great ambience, dimly lit. Our server Melvin was very attentive and informative. All the food was great. read more

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One of the better places to eat in Gainesville. Always satisfied when you leave here. Check it out

Food was wonderful as was the service. Very nice table & setting. We were able to sit & talk without being disturbed- really enjoyed Embers & will definitely go again. read more

Really one of Gainesville's hidden gems! I hesitate to mention this one because I love it so much! I fly from across the country at least once a year to eat here. The service is always good. They are a safe space and so chilled. If you want high quality food with a classic vibe (inclusive energy though). Warning: I don't eat sweets but every single item on their dessert menu is delicious. I have to order something sweet every time I visit. The bread pudding is amazing! read more

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Came here on a Thursday evening. Definitely make a reservation. We had one and needed to add another chair so we needed to wait, which was fine. When you first walk in to the right of you is a dining room that can be reserved that easily sits twenty people it appeared. Would be great for holiday parties! Our waiter Davante was amazing with the different personalities of our table. He had great suggestions, was friendly and efficient. I had the tuna with a side of mushrooms. The seared tuna was fresh, and the entree was a great portion with the two sides. The bring around different breads to choose from, and offer however many you would like to try. The restrooms were maintained, there was a lighted parking lot as well. The dining area is large enough for someone with a wheelchair which is so beneficial and helpful. When I am back in the area, I wouldn't hesitate to come here again. Enjoy! read more

Embers Wood Grill - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Guess I've got a lot more discerning in my old age. Where to start? Bread for the table was very slow to appear as were the drinks which showed up some time later. I ordered a Caesar Salad but what I received required a new definition. How about a salad wedge covered in creamy dressing with a large parmigiano chip on top. Really? While I no longer expect the salad to be prepared at the table given today's low standards I still expect a Caesar Salad when I order one. I wonder what would have happened if I asked for Anchovies? Moving on - We were seated in a dinning room with upholstered seating the length of one wall with tables and chairs for couples; plenty of space between to enter your seat. This however was an invitation for the wait staff to stand between the tables when taking an order. What I didn't need was the wait staffs ass overhanging my dining table while I dined. The temptation to stick a fork in them was over whelming. Now the stake (a prime NY Strip). Not really. No better grade than Choice. My dad owned a butcher shop in Brooklyn when I was a kid and I know what I am talking about. Of course I guess it did compliment the Mac and Cheese side that is served in all the top-shelf steakhouses these days. Let's top it off with a flourless chocolate cake with port for two. The cake although prepared well had the presentation of a 24 hour diner pie. And just to be consistent the port was of low quality which did not complement the Death-by-chocolate. read more

If you are looking for the best meal of your life, make a reservation today! The crab bisque is incredible! Full of flavor and the perfect texture! The filet was cooked perfectly as requested (rare plus) and presented beautifully. The lemon cake for dessert was moist, dense and not too sweet. Service is wonderful and you get two choices of ambiance. Date night romantic vibes on the Embers side and casual upscale vibes on the Sparks side. I went with the Sparks side and it was impeccable! read more

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This was at least my tenth time there. Amazing every time. Very courteous and professional staff. read more

Embers Wood Grill - Ribeye and scallop special. Out of this world - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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This was my first time to Embers! I was celebrating my husband's birthday. Our server Xavier was phenomenal! He explained the menu and gave recommendations and had a sense of humor as well. The ambiance was nice and for perfect for date night! For starters we had the ceviche with was atop of tostones. The ceviche was fresh and delicious and the tostones were good but a bit too done for my taste. For entrees I had the duck with sweet potato mash and asparagus. Everything tasted great, I was looking for a bit more duck though. My husband had the steak with lobster mashed potatoes and mushrooms. He said everything was delicious and described the steak as melt in your mouth! For drinks I had a gin martini and my husband had an old fashion which were both good and they gave us complimentary champagne and a desert for celebrating my husband's birthday! Definitely recommend! read more

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The food was good and tasty. The ribeye, grits, and Mac and cheese were great. For the area the prices are high but the ingredients were a good quality so I guess that's ok. I docked it star because of the price and it being a challenge to get a reservation. There was also confusion over reservations when I arrived. read more

This restaurant frequently turns up on Top 10 in Gainesville lists. We were disappointed to say the least. Our waiter started out attentive and interested in our experience and ended up ignoring us after the entrees were served. The food itself was okay but nothing special. My husband had lamb chops. I had duck. The highlight of my meal was the grilled Caesar salad. After finishing our entrees, we sat with empty plates awhile before the waiter came to ask about dessert. We ordered creme brulee and a cheese plate. After almost 10 minutes without being served, we stopped the waiter on his way by and he told us they were making the cheese plate at their bistro next door and they had gotten busy and had fallen behind. Should only be a minute. The waiter did not come by the table again for another 10 minutes. It seemed he was deliberately avoiding our side of the restaurant. I was trying to get his attention so that we could cancel our dessert order due to the wait but did not see him again until he returned with the dessert we had ordered 20 minutes earlier. As he placed the desserts on the table, I asked for our check and let him know the 20 minute wait for dessert was unacceptable. He did not apologize for the wait or his lack of communication but went on to let us know my husband was getting their free sorbet since it was his birthday. I've lived in Gainesville for 16 years and had never been to this top rated restaurant. I will not be returning. We knew what the prices were before we made the reservation. We expected food and service that would justify the prices. They did not. A very disappointing experience overall. read more

The steaks are amazing, and the service is fantastic. Start the evening next door at Spark, and then finish at Embers in their main dining room. Everything from the appetizers (get the bisque!), to the main course (get the porterhouse), to the dessert (simple cookies and milk), tot he craft drinks - you will love every moment. read more

I had a beautiful piece of salmon that was 100% overcooked. So sad. Cheesecake for dessert that tasted like it had been left open in the refrigerator for a week and a half. A server who was totally indifferent and hated his job. Fortunately, our cocktails were very good and the crab bisque is as good as it has always been. The experience we paid for was definitely not the experience we got. Very disappointing. read more

I called to make reservations and left 2 messages without any return call. Disappointed but if you can't return a call for reservations don't have voicemail! read more

We enjoyed an exceptional dinner at Embers the other night - everything was beautifully presented and completely delicious! The excellent meal we shared was accompanied by the perfect wine pairing, which was recommend by our helpful and friendly server.   Tip: One of the best things they serve here (a total surprise to us) was freshly baked focaccia bread.  It's made with asiago and garlic - I could have dined on that alone, but in conjunction with our meal it was a total feast :-) There was literally nothing that Embers could have done to make our dining experience better - highly recommended!! read more

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Steaks are excellent. Service is solid. The place is a little noisy at times for other conversations, but workable. read more

We took our friends out to dinner here, as a thank you for all the hard work and extra help they selflessly gave for our son's wedding in June. I can wholeheartedly say this was the best dining experience I have had in my life. The service and restaurant ambiance was excellent. Our server was kind, attentive, we never felt rushed, and before we knew it nearly 3 hours had passed. Every single employee we had contact with smiled, acknowledged you, and made polite conversation. The food was excellent, from the braised short rib appetizer he recommended, to our entrees, to dessert. We were so engaged in conversation I didn't remember to take pictures, but I still can't recommend it enough. My husband had a ribeye, my friend and I had the surf and turf with the filet/scallops. I don't remember what her husband ordered as his entree, but what really sticks out to me was our conversation with the server about the sweet potato soufflé side dish, and how our friend jokingly mentioned it sounds amazing, but would be perfect if they had marshmallows (it came with a brown sugar crumble on top). Our server had the chefs find marshmallows and even toasted them to perfection! What amazing attention to detail! We can definitely see ourselves returning here in the future! Great experience and great food! read more

Love their happy hour in the bar. Do have specials there but you can also order from the main menu.

We went for the first time tonight, it was our 20th anniversary. We haven't treated ourselves to anything special in a long time, we decided 20 years was well worth a celebration! Thank you Ryce for such an amazing evening! Your recommendations and descriptions of the food were on point!!! We will definitely go back again! read more

Beloved got a tip that Embers Wood Grill was one of the "good as it gets" restaurants in Gainesville, and to our total delight, it indeed turned out to be that. It's a classy-looking place but with a casual comfort about it. The wait staff is totally professional and attentive. It has two certified Sommeliers on staff with over 420 wine selections and 30 available by the glass. I started with their Grilled Caesar with Organic Romaine, Parmesan Crackers, and Kalamata Olives plus, at my request, anchovies. Then for my entrée, I had their special of the night prime truffled butter filet mignon with mushroom sauce and foie gras. It was exceptional in every way from tender texture to taste and flavor. So, yup, Embers Wood Grill is about as good as it gets. read more

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Amazing food and atmosphere. Started in the Sparks Bar and had great drinks. Went to the main restaurant for dinner and it was phenomenal! read more

Embers Wood Grill - Espresso martini - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Nice steakhouse in Gainesville. We were a party of seven and all enjoyed our meals. Extensive wine list. Friendly service. One of my pet peeves at a restaurant is cleanliness. Directly above us was a light fixture full of cobwebs. See the picture I attached. For me, this put a serious damper on the whole experience read more

Embers Wood Grill - a chandelier made of wood - Steakhouses Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

The only reason I gave Embers two stars was because the hostesses were nice and accommodating but If there was an option to give a zero rating on everything else I would choose it. It was a Friday night and my husband wanted to eat lamb chops. I checked around and found that Embers had lamb chops on their menu. It was around 7:00pm when we arrived there. The hostess said that it would be an hour wait but she would check if any reservation didn't show up. I asked if we needed a reservation and she said no but on the weekend it is better to have one. She seated us at our table and our server came and presented us with the menu and asked what we wanted to drink. My husband ordered the chef speciality wood grilled porterhouse lamb chops and I ordered the stuffed tanglewood farms chicken breast. Our server said that she would send over the server with the bread tray. We waited 30 mins and our server came back and asked if we enjoyed the bread? We asked... what bread we never received any but the table next to us was served but we didn't. She seemed surprised and said she would send him over right away. The bread came finally and by that time we just wanted to get the real food. After an hour the meals were served and the lamb chops were a disappointment!!! There was no meat...it was just bones. For the price we paid at least it could have had a serving size of meat on it but instead it was just bones. Not impressed at all and will not be going back. Inside the restaurant it is dimly lit so you really cannot see if something is in your food other than food and that is not appealing to me. read more