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The Ember & Iron Menu Revealed: 15 Must-Try Dishes That Define Rustic American Fine Dining In 2025

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The Ember & Iron menu, as of late 2025, continues to solidify its reputation as the premier destination for rustic American cuisine in the St. Johns/St. Augustine area. The restaurant, founded by Chef Michael and Brittany Cooney, is a testament to the power of primal cooking, utilizing live wood embers and classic cast iron to infuse every dish with a unique, smoky depth and carnal flavor profile. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the menu, highlighting the signature dishes and the philosophy behind their critically acclaimed approach to fine dining.

The culinary experience at Ember & Iron is far more than just a meal; it’s an immersive journey into the art of fire-based cooking. Diners can expect a constantly evolving selection of appetizers, main courses, and specialty cocktails that emphasize seasonal ingredients and bold, yet refined, flavors. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning patron, the current menu offers a rich tapestry of textures and tastes, from perfectly seared proteins to innovative, vegetable-forward creations.

The Founders: Chef Michael & Brittany Cooney Biography

Ember & Iron is the passion project of a husband-and-wife team, Chef Michael Cooney and Brittany Cooney. Their vision was to create a warm, inviting dining space that married upscale dining with a primal, rustic cooking technique. The restaurant’s name itself—Ember & Iron—is a direct nod to the foundational cooking methods they employ.

  • Names: Chef Michael Cooney and Brittany Cooney
  • Role: Founders and Owners
  • Concept: Rustic American Cuisine with a "carnal approach"
  • Culinary Philosophy: Focuses on utilizing wood-fired embers and cast-iron cooking vessels to impart a distinct, smoky flavor and achieve perfect searing and caramelization.
  • Inspiration: Chef Cooney has stated that opening his own restaurant was a lifelong dream, with the specific concept of Ember & Iron born from a desire to return to fundamental cooking techniques that enhance the natural quality of the ingredients.
  • Location: Saint Johns, Florida (serving the St. Augustine and Jacksonville area).
  • Signature Style: Known for elevated comfort food, high-quality steaks, and fresh seafood, all prepared over an open flame or in cast iron.

The 7 Pillars of the Ember & Iron Menu: Starters & Small Plates

The beginnings of your meal at Ember & Iron are designed to set the stage for the bold flavors to come. These starters, often utilizing the same ember-roasting techniques as the main courses, are perfect for sharing and establishing the restaurant's unique flavor identity. The focus is on high-quality ingredients with a rustic, Southern-inspired twist.

  1. Logan Turnpike Mill Skillet Cornbread: A widely praised signature item. This is not your average cornbread; it's baked in a cast-iron skillet, offering a perfectly crisp crust and a moist interior, often served with a specialty butter or honey.
  2. Oysters On the Half Shell: A classic raw bar offering, served with a cocktail sauce and a seasonal mignonette. This item highlights the restaurant's commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood.
  3. Calabrian Buffalo Wings: An elevated take on a bar favorite. The Calabrian chili adds a complex, fruity heat that distinguishes these wings from traditional buffalo sauce.
  4. E & I Mexican Street Grit: A creative fusion dish that showcases the versatility of Southern grits, infused with the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food.
  5. Beef Tartare: A sophisticated appetizer, demonstrating the kitchen's precision and commitment to fresh, raw preparations, often served with unique accompaniments like Cowboy Fries.
  6. Hearth Roasted Beet Salad: A refreshing, vegetable-forward option. Ember-roasted beets are combined with honey-thyme goat cheese, arugula, cashews, and a champagne vinaigrette, showcasing the sweet and smoky potential of the hearth.
  7. Crispy Fried Pickles: A popular, comforting starter that has received specific praise in diner reviews for its perfect crunch and seasoning.

The Main Event: Signature Ember-Roasted & Cast-Iron Entrees

The heart of the Ember & Iron experience lies in its main courses. These dishes are where the restaurant’s concept truly shines, with high-quality proteins kissed by fire and meticulously prepared in cast iron to lock in juices and create a beautiful crust. While prices fluctuate based on market and seasonal availability, expect a premium price point that reflects the quality of the ingredients and the skilled preparation.

Steaks & Landfare: The Carnal Approach

The steak program at Ember & Iron is a major draw. The use of embers provides a depth of flavor that is unattainable with conventional grilling. These are not just steaks; they are a celebration of prime cuts and rustic cooking.

  1. The Chimichurri Steak: A highly-rated main course. The steak is expertly cooked over the embers and then paired with a vibrant, fresh chimichurri sauce, which cuts through the richness of the beef and smoke.
  2. The Ribeye/Filet Mignon: While the exact cuts may vary, the kitchen consistently offers premium steaks, often served with seasonal, glazed vegetables that perfectly complement the steak’s richness.
  3. Ember Roasted Chicken: A whole or half chicken, slow-roasted over the embers to ensure incredibly juicy meat and crisp, smoky skin. This is a must-try for those seeking a rustic, comforting classic.

Seafood: Freshness Elevated by Fire

Despite being inland, Ember & Iron’s commitment to fresh seafood is evident. The ember-roasting technique adds a delicate smokiness without overpowering the natural flavors of the ocean.

  1. Seared Salmon: Consistently highlighted in reviews as an excellent dish. The salmon is seared to perfection, often served with a creamy rice or the popular Parmesan crispy potatoes.
  2. Lemon & Herb Roasted Bronzino: A lighter, yet equally flavorful option. The whole fish is roasted in the embers with fresh herbs and lemon, resulting in a tender, flaky dish with a subtle, smoky aroma.
  3. Ember Grilled Shrimp: Often featured on the brunch and dinner menus, these shrimp are grilled over the embers, providing a char and flavor that pairs well with their house-made sauces.

The Ember & Iron Bar Program: Cocktails, Bourbon, & Wine

To complete the fine dining experience, Ember & Iron boasts an impressive bar program that rivals its food menu. The beverage selection is carefully curated to pair with the smoky, rich flavors of the cuisine.

  1. The Whiskey & Bourbon Selection: The restaurant doubles as a whiskey bar, offering an extensive list of bourbons and whiskeys, including rare bottle allocations and the option for a 4-taste flight. This focus on brown spirits perfectly complements the ember-roasted meats.
  2. Signature Cocktails: Creative and seasonal cocktails like the "Pink Pony" (Wheatley Vodka, Amaro Montenegro, Strawberry Syrup, Lemon, Lime) or the "I Know the Owner" (Bacardi Spiced Rum, Ancho Reyes, Smoked Syrup) offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich menu.

Why the Ember & Iron Menu is a 2025 Dining Destination

The enduring popularity and critical acclaim of Ember & Iron stem from its unwavering focus on technique and quality. The menu is a masterclass in topical authority, centering entirely on the "Ember & Iron" concept, ensuring every dish reinforces the restaurant's identity. The use of Logan Turnpike Mill products, seasonal vegetables, and premium cuts demonstrates a commitment to local sourcing and high-end ingredients.

Dining here is an investment in a unique culinary experience. The staff is consistently praised for their warm, welcoming, and exceptional service, making the overall experience feel upscale yet unpretentious. From the first bite of the Skillet Cornbread to the last sip of a fine bourbon, the Ember & Iron menu delivers a cohesive, unforgettable, and truly rustic American fine dining adventure.

The Ember & Iron Menu Revealed: 15 Must-Try Dishes That Define Rustic American Fine Dining in 2025
ember and iron menu
ember and iron menu

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