The Embers receives a modern reinvention to become a dining destination in Ocean City that offers must-try flavors and stunning views
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky
For over 75 years, The Embers has been an Eastern Shore institution and gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Now in the third generation of its longtime Taustin family ownership, The Embers has a sleek new look and curated menu featuring upscale choices—along with the succulent steaks, chops and seafood that have kept people coming since the 1940s.
The Embers Restaurant’s guest experience is full-service with spectacular sunset bay views and a chef’s menu that earns more accolades every week. With both terrace and indoor seating, it’s a spacious open-air spot for sipping craft cocktails over a charcuterie board, sharing a pizza baked in a Fiero Forni brick oven, or savoring a locally sourced and deliciously prepared entrée.
“Everything is prepared right in front of our guests. No matter which way you look, there is always something to see and enjoy,” says Cole Taustin, remarking on the prime location for taking in all the Eastern Shore has to offer.
Cole, the great-nephew of The Embers’ late founder, Sam Taustin, now steers the ship as proprietor and driving force behind the restaurant’s grand transformation.
“We bring an excellent cross-section of talent to the table: a management team with years of experience in and out of Ocean City. They know what this region is looking for—and they’ve seen a lot in world-class restaurants in Europe, Florida, New England and beyond,” Taustin says.
FOREVER FAMILY
Cole Taustin, far left, and his father, Jay, pay tribute to their mother-wife, Cheryl, for all she meant to their family and to the community. Cheryl passed away unexpectedly August 5, 2024.
Overall, the new concept is centered on experience. “We want people to take their time to enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a casual evening out with small plates or you’re coming in to celebrate a milestone, we have something for everyone.”
TALENTED TEAM
The Embers’ staff includes renowned chef Anthony Eppolite, left, and dedicated wine sommelier Ed Melley, who led the restaurant to a 2024
Wine Spectator Award.
Scrumptious Servings
Two large brick ovens, designed in Italy, are a focal point of the dining room. “We actually built the restaurant around them,” Taustin says.
The diverse yet decidedly local menu is always evolving, so every visit to The Embers delivers longstanding popular favorites plus delectable new dishes to try. From classic Neapolitan pizzas to distinctive pies like the Wellington—a deconstructed version of the classic dish—The Embers’ brick oven menu also includes pizzas brimming with lump crab meat and a Farmer’s Market pie with an array of veggies. The Embers’ famed steaks, from filets to Tomahawk ribeye cuts, are seared to a finish in the brick oven as well.
Signature dishes include The Embers’ octopus skewer and the much-requested rock fish and ahi tuna, all dry-aged in-house for a clean, crispy finish. Taustin says the restaurant is the only venue regionally that is aging fish in-house. The Embers now brings this cutting-edge technique to the Eastern Shore.
Sip and Savor
Aside from the expansive, award-winning wine list, craft cocktails are a focus at The Embers, Taustin says. “We offer a diverse craft cocktail menu with an array of bourbon cocktails, martinis and spritzes made with unique and fresh ingredients,” he says, pointing to a house-made limoncello for an end-of-meal palate refresher. Guests can sample across the wine, cocktail, bourbon and spritz menu as well as a zero-proof collection of mocktails, including a refreshing watermelon mojito and sublime cranberry sangria.
The “savor” aspect of The Embers, however, is what really sets the environment apart as an upscale-casual Eastern Shore destination.
“The Embers is nostalgically designed around people,” Taustin says. “Accommodating guests is everything to my father and me. That was the goal for us when we designed and built the place. We want you to feel comfortable and enjoy a meal and cocktails in the way you want with the most amazing views.”
2 comments
Nice to hear this wonderful restaurant is back up and serving signature drinks and foods!
Look forward to visit your new restaurant and sorry for your loss.