Tucked away in the heart of Buxton, Oak and Ember is more than just a dining destination—it’s a culinary journey that captures the rich flavors of traditional smokehouse cuisine, elevated with a contemporary twist.
The moment you step inside, the aroma of slow-cooked meats and fresh herbs greets you, inviting you to settle in and discover a menu that balances hearty comfort with creative flair. Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite haunt or a visitor eager to explore Buxton’s vibrant food scene, Oak and Ember’s menu promises a memorable experience for every palate.
Every dish at Oak and Ember is crafted with a focus on quality ingredients, inspired combinations, and the kind of warmth that turns a meal into a celebration. From succulent smoked brisket to inventive vegetarian fare, the restaurant’s offerings reflect the diversity of its community while honoring the time-honored techniques of wood-fired cooking.
With a keen attention to detail, the menu invites diners to linger, savor, and share—making Oak and Ember the perfect setting for intimate dinners, family gatherings, or spirited evenings with friends.
Signature Starters: A Prelude to Flavor
The starters at Oak and Ember set the tone for a meal that is both inviting and adventurous. Each appetizer is designed to awaken the senses, blending familiar comfort with unexpected twists.
From communal plates ideal for sharing to refined small bites, the opening offerings encourage guests to explore the menu’s breadth from the very first taste.
The Smoked Chicken Wings are a standout, marinated for hours before being kissed by the smokehouse’s signature blend of woods. Served with a tangy house-made blue cheese dip, these wings offer a perfect balance of smoky depth and bright, creamy contrast.
For those seeking lighter fare, the Fire-Roasted Beet Salad provides an earthy sweetness, complemented by goat cheese and toasted walnuts.
Vegetarian and vegan guests are not left behind, thanks to innovative options like the Charred Cauliflower Bites. These are tossed in a spicy harissa glaze and finished with a fresh herb salad, delivering bold flavors without relying on meat.
The starters menu also features a rotating selection of seasonal soups, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
- Smoked Chicken Wings with blue cheese dip
- Fire-Roasted Beet Salad with goat cheese and walnuts
- Charred Cauliflower Bites in harissa glaze
- Seasonal Soup of the Day
“Every great meal begins with anticipation. Our starters are crafted to surprise, delight, and spark conversation at the table.” — Head Chef, Oak and Ember
Smokehouse Classics: The Heart of the Menu
At the core of Oak and Ember’s culinary philosophy is a reverence for traditional smokehouse techniques. These time-honored methods infuse each dish with a depth of flavor that can only come from patient, expert preparation.
The smokehouse classics are the backbone of the menu, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to quality and tradition.
The Texas-Style Brisket is a must-try, slow-cooked for over twelve hours until fork-tender. Each slice boasts a beautiful smoke ring and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, finished with a bourbon-infused barbecue sauce.
Another favorite is the Pulled Pork Shoulder, rubbed with a secret blend of spices and served alongside tangy slaw and homemade pickles.
For those seeking a taste of variety, the Smokehouse Sampler Platter offers generous portions of brisket, pork, and house-made sausages, along with classic sides. Diners can also opt for the St.
Louis Ribs, lacquered in a sweet-and-spicy glaze and finished over hickory for an irresistible bark.
| Main | Cooking Method | Signature Sauce |
| Texas-Style Brisket | 12-hour slow smoke | Bourbon BBQ |
| Pulled Pork Shoulder | Dry-rubbed, smoked | Carolina Gold |
| St. Louis Ribs | Hickory smoked | Sweet & Spicy Glaze |
The smokehouse classics are best enjoyed with a selection of house sides, such as creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, smoked baked beans, or cornbread. Each dish is designed to evoke the warmth and satisfaction of a backyard barbecue, elevated by Oak and Ember’s distinctive touch.
Vegetarian Innovations: More Than an Afterthought
Oak and Ember takes pride in offering vegetarian dishes that are anything but ordinary. The menu’s plant-based options are carefully crafted to be satisfying, flavorful, and visually stunning, ensuring that all guests can partake in the smokehouse experience.
The Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steak is a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Marinated in balsamic and herbs, it’s grilled over wood fire and paired with roasted root vegetables and a smoked tomato relish.
Another creative option is the Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Sandwich, which mimics the texture and flavor of classic pulled pork while remaining entirely plant-based.
For those seeking lighter fare, the Quinoa and Charred Vegetable Bowl combines nutty grains with seasonal produce, finished with a tangy citrus vinaigrette. The kitchen also offers customizable salads, allowing guests to build their own creations from a variety of fresh greens, grains, and toppings.
- Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steak with root vegetables
- Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Sandwich with vegan slaw
- Quinoa and Charred Vegetable Bowl with citrus vinaigrette
- Customizable Seasonal Salads
“Our vegetarian dishes are designed with the same care and creativity as our smokehouse classics—because every guest deserves a memorable meal.” — Sous Chef, Oak and Ember
Crafted Sides: The Perfect Accompaniments
No meal at Oak and Ember is complete without a selection of thoughtful sides. These accompaniments are more than mere afterthoughts—they’re crafted to enhance and elevate the main dishes, offering a variety of textures and flavors to round out your plate.
The Four-Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a crowd favorite, featuring a blend of aged cheddars and creamy béchamel, topped with a crisp breadcrumb crust. For something lighter, the Grilled Asparagus with lemon zest provides a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich smoked meats.
The Smoked Baked Beans are slow-cooked with bits of brisket, adding depth and a touch of sweetness.
Other popular options include the Crispy Brussels Sprouts tossed in maple glaze, and the Buttermilk Cornbread, served warm with honey butter. These sides are designed for sharing, making them ideal for family-style dining and large groups.
- Four-Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- Grilled Asparagus with lemon zest
- Smoked Baked Beans with brisket
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts in maple glaze
- Buttermilk Cornbread with honey butter
Pro tip: Mix and match sides to discover your own perfect pairing with the smokehouse mains. The variety ensures that every guest can create a plate that suits their taste and appetite.
Handcrafted Burgers and Sandwiches: A Modern Take
Oak and Ember’s burger and sandwich menu is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to both tradition and innovation. Each offering is built on a foundation of high-quality meats, fresh-baked buns, and creative toppings that set them apart from the usual fare.
The result is a selection that appeals to both classic and adventurous palates.
The Ember Burger features a house-blend beef patty, smoked cheddar, crispy onions, and a signature smoky aioli. For a bolder choice, the Blackened Chicken Sandwich is paired with jalapeño slaw and chipotle mayo, delivering a satisfying kick.
The BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich remains a perennial favorite, piled high with tender meat and finished with tangy barbecue sauce.
Vegetarians are well-catered for with the House-Made Veggie Burger, a patty crafted from black beans, roasted peppers, and spices, topped with avocado and pickled onions. All burgers and sandwiches are served with a choice of classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
| Burger/Sandwich | Main Protein | Signature Topping |
| Ember Burger | Beef | Smoked Cheddar, Crispy Onions |
| Blackened Chicken Sandwich | Chicken | Jalapeño Slaw, Chipotle Mayo |
| BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich | Pork | Tangy BBQ Sauce |
| House-Made Veggie Burger | Black Bean Patty | Avocado, Pickled Onions |
“Our burgers and sandwiches are crafted to be bold, satisfying, and memorable—without sacrificing our commitment to fresh, local ingredients.” — Oak and Ember Team
Decadent Desserts: Sweet Finishes
Decadence takes center stage when it comes to desserts at Oak and Ember. The pastry chef’s creations are a celebration of indulgence, with classic favorites sharing the menu with inventive new treats.
Each dessert is made in-house, ensuring freshness and attention to detail in every bite.
The Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved staple, served warm with a generous pour of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For chocolate lovers, the Smoked Chocolate Mousse offers a subtle hint of smoke, balanced by the sweetness of dark chocolate and fresh berries.
The Grilled Peach Cobbler is a seasonal highlight, featuring ripe peaches blistered over the wood fire and topped with crunchy oat streusel.
Those seeking a lighter option can enjoy the Lemon Posset, a silky citrus custard finished with shortbread crumble. Desserts are perfectly portioned for sharing or enjoying solo, making them an irresistible end to any meal.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding with caramel sauce
- Smoked Chocolate Mousse with fresh berries
- Grilled Peach Cobbler with oat streusel
- Lemon Posset with shortbread crumble
Tip: Pair your dessert with a specialty coffee or dessert wine from Oak and Ember’s curated drinks list for a truly memorable finale.
Drinks Menu: From Craft Cocktails to Local Brews
The drinks menu at Oak and Ember is crafted to complement the bold flavors of the food menu. Featuring a diverse range of options from expertly mixed cocktails to locally sourced beers and boutique wines, there’s something to suit every preference and occasion.
Each beverage is selected or created with an eye toward balance and harmony with the kitchen’s offerings.
Signature cocktails like the Smoked Old Fashioned and Maple Bourbon Sour echo the smokehouse’s ethos, infusing classic recipes with smoky notes and house-infused spirits. For beer enthusiasts, the rotating tap list spotlights the best of Buxton’s local breweries, offering everything from crisp lagers to robust stouts.
Wine lovers will appreciate the curated list of reds, whites, and rosés, chosen for their ability to enhance the menu’s flavors. Non-alcoholic options, including house-made lemonades and craft sodas, ensure that every guest can find the perfect pairing for their meal.
- Signature Cocktails: Smoked Old Fashioned, Maple Bourbon Sour
- Local Craft Beers: Rotating tap list
- Boutique Wines: Reds, whites, and rosés
- Non-Alcoholic: House lemonades, craft sodas
“A great drink should elevate your meal, not overshadow it. Our bar team works alongside the kitchen to create pairings that bring out the best in every dish.” — Beverage Director, Oak and Ember
Seasonal Specials and Chef’s Features
Oak and Ember’s commitment to freshness and creativity shines in its seasonal specials and chef’s features. These limited-time offerings showcase the best of local produce and the kitchen’s willingness to experiment, ensuring that repeat guests always have something new to discover.
Past specials have included Cedar-Plank Salmon with herb butter, Grilled Ramp Flatbread, and a Heirloom Tomato Salad with burrata in the height of summer. During the colder months, heartier dishes like Venison Chili and Maple-Glazed Root Vegetables take center stage, drawing on seasonal ingredients for maximum flavor.
Guests are encouraged to ask their server about current specials, as the kitchen updates these features regularly based on ingredient availability and culinary inspiration. The specials menu often includes creative desserts and cocktails, providing a complete seasonal experience.
| Season | Recent Special | Key Ingredient |
| Spring | Grilled Ramp Flatbread | Wild Ramps |
| Summer | Heirloom Tomato Salad | Heirloom Tomatoes |
| Autumn | Maple-Glazed Root Vegetables | Maple Syrup |
| Winter | Venison Chili | Local Venison |
Don’t miss out on the chef’s features—they’re often the highlight of the menu for adventurous diners and devoted regulars alike.
Conclusion: Why Oak and Ember Buxton’s Menu Stands Out
Oak and Ember Buxton’s menu is a celebration of both tradition and innovation, offering something for every type of diner. The restaurant’s smokehouse roots shine through in every slow-cooked brisket and hickory-glazed rib, while inventive vegetarian and seasonal dishes ensure that the menu remains vibrant and inclusive.
Each plate reflects the kitchen’s dedication to quality, creativity, and warm hospitality.
From starters that invite exploration to desserts that punctuate the meal with a flourish, Oak and Ember’s offerings are crafted to delight the senses and foster connection. The carefully curated drinks menu and ever-changing seasonal specials add layers of excitement, ensuring that every visit feels unique.
It’s this passion for food, community, and memorable experiences that has cemented Oak and Ember’s place as a beloved Buxton destination.
Whether you’re seeking the comfort of smokehouse classics, the surprise of chef-driven specials, or simply a place to gather with friends and family, Oak and Ember’s menu delivers. Every bite tells a story—of skilled hands, local bounty, and the joy of sharing a meal.
Discover for yourself why Oak and Ember is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience to savor, time and again.
