Oak & Embers Tavern

9 Reviews on “Oak & Embers Tavern”

• Keith

  Barbeque is a religion. However you may worship — sauce, rub, smoke, charcoal, Memphis, Carolina, Kansas City, Texas, pork, beef, or other denomination — eventually you find a shrine, the holy of holies, where you may easily want to spend eternity. Some of us find it relatively soon while others continue an endless quest for something more fulfilling. I found mine in Driftwood, Texas at the Salt Lick about 10 years ago. But I live in Cleveland now and a sojourn to the Lone Star State is not always possible. Gratefully, I have received divine guidance from Michael Symon on his new Food Network show, Burgers, Brews and Que when he visited Oak and Embers Tavern in Chesterland, Ohio, roughly 30 miles from Cleveland. Symons show introduced me to Marc and Gretchen Garofoli, whose concept tavern features some great que, brews, and a bourbon listing that is unparalleled for a smokehouse restaurant. We had to try the selections that Symon sampled a smoked meatloaf, burnt brisket ends, and the pulled pork. Very well on target. The meatloaf was moist, and the smoke flavor heavenly. Its topped with cheddar and onion straws. I opted for their mac and cheese as the side. Good and cheesy while not being goopy. I still like mine a bit drier and broiled for a bit. But it was better than anything else I have sampled in the region. The meatloaf didnt appear to be drenched with barbeque sauce so I ordered a bit on the side. Not sure it was there best batch. Supposed to have a bourbon signature but I didnt get it. The Carolina sauce, on the other hand, is mustard base and medium sweet. It registered better with me. My dining companion opted for the pulled pork sandwich with smashed cheddar potatoes. Again, a marvelous meat preparation that was juicy and flavorful. The potatoes no so much. Perhaps a sharper cheese would shine through. Good but nothing exceptional. There are a number of other side dishes on the menu so we will try some of the others on the next trip. Have to mention the chow chow served with the sandwich which was the best I have ever tasted, chunky and more than just ground up pepper relish.I spoke with Marc for a few moments. He was gracious, friendly, and informative the sort of individual you cant help but cheer on when you learn his story. I was especially impressed with his devotion to scratch cooking. Everything is done by hand. This was evident in the preparation. He was receptive to my opinions and I assured him that his place might be a different church but we found the right pew.

  November 22, 2015, 6:50 pm

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• KingGambrinus

  Rated I need to eat the words of my last, unfavorable, review of this establishment. – Since I last visited, they moved locations and the new place is clean and inviting. They have a much better beer and whiskey list too. In spite of being crowded, they gave us an accurate idea of the wait time and were very kind to ask us first if we wanted a certain table before seating us. The service was very good, especially on a busy Saturday night. – The food was delicious and creative. I loved the use of apples in the slaw. My Tavern Burger had some really interesting candied peppers on it and my wife’s pulled pork was delicious too. I’m glad we went back and checked them out again. It seems they’ve put a lot of work and attention into making this a good experience.

  October 2, 2015, 12:37 am

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• Rollinsmokebarbq

  Dry dry and more dry. Came to Oak and Embers for a MDA benefit for the local fire department. Many firefighters here and most of them ate the pasta from the Buffett. Our table ordered from the menu and the only thing that was good were the smoked wings. Very disappointed, I know bbq and it wasn’t good. Beef brisket was old and dry, pulled pork was dry and the chicken tacos were really dry. Sorry… However the owner did give us a free round due to the table being a wreck.

  June 7, 2015, 2:21 am

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• Kerri.bowden

  Great food, cocktails, service. I was really surprised by how great this place was. I rarely write reviews (if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all) but I had to write about this place. Really well decorated inside, smells AMAZING as soon as you walk in, great and unusual cocktails and beer list, and really fantastic barbecue. We ordered one order of the Thai smoked wings as an app and had to get a second one they were so good. I had the chicken and corn waffle which was a perfect combo of sweet, spicy, and savory. My side was a cheesy mix of succotash (yum!) My friend had a burger and said it was good too. Our children were equally happy with their pulled pork sandwiches and homemade macaroni and cheese.

  May 18, 2015, 4:39 pm

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• Jennajammer

  Consistently good!. I’ve bern here several times and have tried many of the dishes including the smoked chicken tacos (excellent), the brisket with the apple slaw and grits (amazing), among several specials and apps. I’ve never had a bad experience and always leave full and happy. They have a nice whiskey and beer selection and friendly staff. I don’t know how the lay few reviews were at the same place?! I assume they are competition trying to put the oak down or people that are impossible to please.

  April 17, 2015, 7:12 pm

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• Brandoon

  Disapointed. Ordered the Brisket, it was extremely tough should never have been served,I showed the manager and he said it should not be like that and walked away I had the waitress return it,the manager told me me he would return 7.00, so I ended up paying 8.00 for a cup of mac and cheese and a piece of corn bread…terrible

  March 23, 2015, 7:34 pm

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• Brandoon

  Disapointed. Ordered the Brisket, it was extremely tough should never have been served,I showed the manager and he said it should not be like that and walked away I had the waitress return it,the manager told me me he would return 7.00, so I ended up paying 8.00 for a cup of mac and cheese and a piece of corn bread…terrible

  March 23, 2015, 7:33 pm

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