_4_11zon.webp&w=1920&q=75)
“The ribeye is transcendent — 45 days of age, cooked over oak until the crust sings. Best steak I've had in Chicago, possibly ever.”
Concept Design · Live Fire
Where Fire Meets
Flavor
Seasonal American cuisine crafted over live fire. Locally-sourced ingredients transformed into unforgettable dishes.
1245 Oak Street, Downtown
Tue–Sat 5pm–10pm
Modern American
Seasonal · Wood-Fired
Our Menu
Seasonal dishes crafted over live fire. Filter by category or dietary need — our full coffee program is included.
Use the toggles to filter by dietary needs.
- GF
- Gluten-Free
- VG
- Vegan
- V
- Vegetarian
- N
- Nut Allergies
Chef's Selection
Wood-Fired Octopus
Charred octopus, white bean purée, pickled fennel, chili oil, herbs
$18
Gluten-FreeGF
Wood-Fired OctopusDry-Aged RibeyeWhole BranzinoMushroom RisottoConfit PotatoesBraised Short RibWarm Chocolate CakePeach CobblerWood-Fired OctopusDry-Aged RibeyeWhole BranzinoMushroom RisottoConfit PotatoesBraised Short RibWarm Chocolate CakePeach Cobbler
Our StoryFire, Ingredient,
Fire, Ingredient,
Intention
Ember & Oak was born from a simple belief: the best American food comes from the best American ingredients, treated with respect and cooked over live fire.
2019
The Spark
Chef Marcus Webb and Sarah Chen met staging at a three-Michelin restaurant in Chicago. Late nights dreaming of their own place — simpler, warmer, rooted in American soil.
2021
The Search
Two years scouting locations. They found a 1920s warehouse on Oak Street — brick walls, timber beams, perfect bones for a hearth-centered kitchen.
2022
The Build
Eight months of construction. A custom Santa Maria grill, a wood-fired oven, a fermentation lab. Every detail built by hand with local craftspeople.
2023
The Opening
First service on a Tuesday in October. 47 guests. The fire hasn't gone out since. James Beard nomination followed in Year Two.
Live Fire Cooking
Every dish touches flame. Our custom-built hearth and grill impart a depth of flavor that only real wood and charcoal can achieve.
Local First
We partner with farms within 100 miles. Produce harvested at peak ripeness, meats from regenerative ranches, fish from sustainable waters.
Zero Waste Kitchen
Trim becomes stock. Scraps become fermentation. Every part of the ingredient finds purpose in our kitchen.
Hospitality at Heart
Technique serves generosity. We cook to make people feel welcomed, remembered, and eager to return.
Guest Stories
What diners are saying about their Ember & Oak experience.
“Finally, a restaurant that understands vegetables deserve the same respect as protein. The mushroom risotto changed my mind about vegetarian mains.”
“Took my parents for their anniversary. The bone marrow, the branzino, the peach cobbler — every dish felt personal. Service anticipated needs before we voiced them.”
“Private dining for our team of 12 was flawless. Custom menu, perfect coffee pairings, and the fermentation lab tour was a hit. Already planning next year.”
Wood-Fired OctopusDry-Aged RibeyeWhole BranzinoMushroom RisottoConfit PotatoesBraised Short RibWarm Chocolate CakePeach CobblerWood-Fired OctopusDry-Aged RibeyeWhole BranzinoMushroom RisottoConfit PotatoesBraised Short RibWarm Chocolate CakePeach Cobbler
Visit Us
Reserve your table or plan your next celebration with us.
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Reserve a Table
Give the Gift of Ember & Oak
Gift Cards & Merchandise
A gift card to Ember & Oak is an invitation to something memorable — dinner by fire, a toast, a night out. Merchandise ships nationwide.
Gift Cards
Send a digital gift card to celebrate a birthday, thank a friend, or surprise someone special. Redeemable on any Ember & Oak dinner.
Give a Gift Card
Merchandise
Bring the Ember & Oak look home. Our curated merchandise — aprons, coffee, cookbook — ships nationwide.
Shop Merchandise
Gift cards are also available for purchase in-house on the night of your visit