Ember & Iron — Restaurant in Florida

We wanted to try Ember and Iron since COVID delayed the opening. We made reservations for 7:45 PM on Friday January 4th. We arrived around 10 minutes early and went to check in at the very small hostess desk. The hostesses did not ask if they could help me or what I needed, just ignored me. Finally, when they did ask I realized it was the loudest restaurant I had ever encountered. I checked in for our table and they said the 7:45 tables were not ready yet. I understood and wanted to wait, the bar was full, there really is not a waiting area. If you stand near them and have to would wait, people are entering and exiting the main door, staff is in and out to the outdoor seating area. You can stand outside on the front sidewalk area. There are no benches in or out for you to wait. When we checked back at 7:45 we were told the same thing, the 7:45 tables were not ready. Hmmm when would the 7:45 tables be ready? While we were waiting an older gentleman with his chihuahua in his Louis Vuitton carry bag was seated. They allowed him come right in and insist on a table, but we could not be seated! A dog in a fashion bag was allowed in the eating area. The dog had nothing; I say again nothing to identify it as a service dog. Makes me question the manager’s attitude for guest and cleanliness of the restaurant. We were finally seated at around 8 PM. Obviously, they did not have enough staff to serve all the tables in the place, regardless they packed every table; good for the restaurant, bad for us. Any owner/manager would know this would affect the customer service because the staff would not be able to provide satisfactory service for the fully seated restaurant. (I think the owner was more interested revenue and not customer service). No one came to the table for 10 minutes. The manager came by with tap water in a corked glass bottle (trying to make it look refined) and poured water, he did not did not take drink orders. Later the waitress came and took drink orders. The waiting would not have been so bad, but as I previously stated, it was the loudest restaurant I have been in and you could not speak normally, so every table had to shout to talk; that just increased the volume (They need sound proofing and roof covering the skeletal ceiling braces that provide any sound absorption…cheap). The waitress finally came back with the drinks and took orders (20 minutes after sitting down). The food arrived about 45-50 minutes after we ordered. Chicken and steak which was not anything special; it should not have taken more than an hour to get our food. It was hard to understand the amount of time for a small set menu that was basic. This was a disappointment and wish it was better since we live nearby. I will not return and cannot...

Domini was our server, and she was awesome. Great suggestions, not overbearing but attentive. I said that it was our anniversary in our reservation that I made online, and she brought us 2 half glasses of complimentary champagne, which was a very nice touch. She waited to see if we were going to order drinks first, though, which i thought was cool. I'm not sure what they would do for non drinkers. She had excellent suggestions for drinks and explained the restaurant's wood fire concept for food. The appetizer we had was the E&I Mexican Street Grit. So good. We were going to get the corn bread, but we like getting things that we would not normally put together at home. Very very good appetizer. The pic only shows one piece. Husband and I each took one piece before I took the picture. Has a slight spiciness which we love but those who dont like spicy I would not suggest it. Husband got the Lincolnville Lager on tap, and it is a very nice light beer. I tried 3 different drinks and ALL very good. I think the champagne toast thing we got was prosecco, and it was good. My first drink, "Oh, you fancy, huh?" Excellent drink to start with. Domini steered me this way when i told her i dont like drinks to be sweet or to tart. Awesome recommendation. Then i ventured to bourbon...an old fashioned. I couldn't help but try because this place seems to know their bourbon, whiskey, and tequilla as they offer flight options. I made my own old-fashioned maple brown sugar, buffalo trace bourbon, and orange bitters with extra cherries. Oh, and paid $1 extra to have it smoked. Deliciousness! Finally, with dinner, I went with the Chimmichuri Steak & a glass of malbec. Chimmichuri steak dinner is hanger steak, so if u can't do MR, then u might want something different. It can get tough after that. I normally would do medium but for fear of toughness and didn't want to risk spending $33 and have a tough steak, so i went medium rare. It was very tender. However, some pieces i would warrant as rare, not mr. My husband ate those pieces. He got the $55 ribeye and said it was ok. He said he would get it again if it was $35-$40. Didn't feel it was worth the price. Also, there wasn't enough demi glace. Im sure if we asked, Dom would have quickly got us some more, its not like we felt that we couldn't we just didn't. Would suggest swapping the fries for the smashed potatoes that the Chimmichuri steak comes with. Veggies were good, but I think they could have had more char on them. Overall we left happy. Total bill was $158 for us. Not bad for 3 rounds of booze, appetizer, and 2 entrees. We will go back and sit at the bar and try some more drinks and appetizers. Thanks for...

I wish to say that I am very particular when it comes to dining out, and my girlfriend and I decided to try out this establishment. We made a reservation for June 25th at 630PM, and upon entering a little early, were informed by the hostess that our table wasn't quite ready. That was fine and we proceeded to the bar for a drink while we waited. We luckily found two seats and were immediately greeted warmly by one of the "mixologists" behind the bar even though they were busy. My better half chose a hibiscus margarita(now one of her favorite drinks) and I decided on a flight of bourbon. I chose my 4 and it was set up. I was then informed the owner, David wished to come out and serve them to me. He soon made it to me even while they were extremely packed, and we embarked on an intriguing discussion while being served. He was very well versed in his knowledge of bourbons and whiskeys, and I thoroughly enjoyed the comraderie. At the correct time, our table was ready and we ventured to the next stage where we were instantly welcomed by the server. Since drinks were brought from the bar, he made sure we had waters and proceeded to go over the menu and specials. For appetizers, we wanted variety and chose raw oysters,cornbread and crab fritters. I will say that we could have stopped right there and been full and delighted. But no, we were on a mission. For the main course, my special someone ordered the signature chimichurri steak, and I the Ribeye. For one, I pride myself on making a phenomenal steak at home and usually get mildly disappointed, but the ribeye was still very well seasoned and juicy. Then I was granted the chance to try my lady's entree. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS and I then wanted to trade to no avail. While all of this was unfolding, we had ordered a bottle of wine to pair with the entrees. Due to supply challenges, our first choice was not available. We settled for a second option, and upon returning, found out that, too was not in stock at the time. I conveyed my interests in type of wine and the server came back with a wine to try. Unfortunately this wine had no legs to stand on and fell flat in flavor. He had no issues taking it away to try something else. Shortly after, we were greeted by David yet again, and he and I discussed wines and options. He said he had one we were sure to enjoy, and when I sampled it, there was everything I was searching for. Sometimes it takes that extra effort to make the experience delightful. Overall, the staff and the owner all took thier pride and dedication to the highest possible, and made an extraordinary experience for us. Thank you all and we will...