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Since opening Oak and Embers Tavern (8003 Mayfield Rd., 440-729-4030) in Chesterland four years ago, Marc and Gretchen Garofoli have been going full tilt. That popular restaurant continues to attract large crowds thanks to a winning formula founded on “barbecue, bourbon and beer.” That restaurant was soon joined by a second location (7774 Darrow Rd., 234-602-1056), this one in the former home of Marcelita’s Mexican restaurant in Hudson after extensive renovation and construction. That 350-seat, 8,500-square-foot saloon is even busier than the original.

Come fall, a third Oak and Embers will come online, this one at Pinecrest, the development currently taking shape in Orange Village. The 6,000-square-foot eatery will offer the same great mix of smoked meats, Southern comfort foods, bourbon and craft beer. The family friendly tavern will seat 200 and, like the other two shops, smoke meats onsite in a Southern Pride smoker that can handle 3,000 pounds at a go. From that rig will come the same delicious lineup of smoked meats like baby back ribs, beef brisket, pork shoulder, sausages and chicken wings.

“We’re really excited to be there,” says owner Marc Garofoli. “It’s a really great location on the west side of the development, across from the hotel.”

Garofoli says he should be up and smoking by early autumn, also known as bourbon season.

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This article appears in Apr 25 – May 1, 2018.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

4 replies on “Oak and Embers Tavern to Open Third Location, This One at Pinecrest”

  1. Shame this is going into such a high profile location after nagional/regional restaurant favorites like True Food Kitchen and Nada had previously been rumored for that spot – Fairmount apparently can’t do any better with tenants! Bad leasers… We don’t need a 3rd Oak when a new to area restaurant could take the spot. Or a polished chain. This is neither.

    This place started off pretty good in Chesterland – but 1) the food is terribly inconsistent 2) our recent meal at the Hudson location was the worst meal in memory, anywhere. I have written 4 star and (barely) 2 star reviews for Oak.

    Mark Garofoli: you and your team are PHONING IT IN. Hopefully, this outlet will look professionally designed, because your other two are amateurish. Raise the bar!!! Better food and aides at this location… And more consistency…

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