You should definitely visit Amber's in Pinole, California. Their cuisine is delicious, service is great, and customer satisfaction is clearly a priority. I ordered the New York steak, medium rare, with potatoes and eggs, and it was outstanding. The abundance of potatoes complemented the perfectly cooked steak. I will certainly return and make it a point to dine here regularly. In addition to the exceptional quality of food was also matched by the outstanding customer service provided by the staff, waitress, and owner. A situation arose when the customer in the booth in front of me shed hairs into my food; however, our waitress promptly addressed the issue, and the owners graciously offered to replace my meal. The original dish, a ribeye, was not inexpensive, but the replacement was prepared with the same care and presented with equal deliciousness. read more

I can certainly see and understand why when I go into the Ember's restaurant lately there are very few customers. Prices have gone up. And there are hidden fees. usually if I adk for a salad along with my sandwich instead of fries, it was a no extra cost. Today they charged me an extra two dollars for a small salad. I'll think twice before going again. read more

This was not my choice of restaurant but I went w/ my uncle & aunt, real meat eaters !! So the waitress stated this is a meat place & they stopped carrying veggie burgers , plus they had no vegetables ! NO VEGETABLES ?!! But I was able to get a very plain salad ( iceberg, cucumber, tomato & croutons ) a w/italian dressing plus some sautéed mushrooms & the ever reliable French fries !! ( Definitely not a place for vegans but vegetarians would be ok if they ate dairy & eggs ) I couldn't believe they discontinued the veggie burger & had no frozen California blend veggies ! I won't be going back !!!!! Plus the fries were not that great either !! They were shoestrings but some were overcooked : really hard & dry ( uneatable ) ! There was not really notable decor , but it just seemed old & outdated, not in a charming way !! read more

See all

I really wanted to love this meal, I've only had The Embers once before and it was takeout ribs, I thought the ribs were great so I assumed they'd have great breakfasts as well but unfortunately there was nothing great about this meal at all. My man described it as tired and uninspired. The home fries were just potatoes, no onion, no peppers, no flavor. The chicken fried steak is the worst I've had at a restaurant, the steak tasted like a Salisbury steak from a box in the freezer section, it wasn't even chicken fried as far as I could tell, no crispy coating at all, and the gravy was thin and bland, not a sausage in sight. The eggs benny were ok, eggs were a little overcooked, (they weren't poached, they were fried and crispy on the bottom side). With all the other great places in town we won't be going back. read more

The Embers - California eggs Benny with home fries. - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

See all

The worst of the worst chicken and dumplings I've ever had in my life. That soup taste like some kind of creamer. I don't know what.

Literally ordered a breakfast burrito from this place and they sent a tortilla. Would not recommend. Updated with receipt since owner is gas lighting read more

The Embers - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

See all

I was meeting with a contractor and he said he knew of a a place with the best steak sandwich to which he had been coming since the 80's. He had not been there for many years but looked promising as we were promptly taken to our table. Service was excellent. We got the food pretty fast and I had noticed they had a wood burning oven so not sure if the steaks are also cooked in there but just looked cool. Steak looked great when it arrived and was cooked properly , medium, as I like. It was flavorful, cooked nicely, and tender but the trimming was not right. Nice New York steak shall have some fat that if rendered well melts in your mouth but I took a bite that I chewed and chewed and could not break down or swallow. I had to spit that out in a napkin so that was not great. My fries were ok not great so they could improve on the quality of their meat and fries. Not the best steak sandwich or the worst one I have had. For the prize it was fine but I was underwhelmed as my expectations where to high coming in, that's my fault not theirs, I guess..... Service: 5 Food: 3 Ambiance: 4 read more

See all

Expensive price for bland basic food. We were the only people in the restaurant and the waiter barely checked on us.

Horrible and beware! If you want horrible service, to be treated rudely and to have no recourse if your food is incorrect then Embers is your place otherwise find another restaurant! I had to dispute the charge with my credit card company because for three days I called (7 times) and was told I had to speak to the owner. I was told to call between 9a-11a which I did (2 days), I left messages with no call back. I was persistent, giving the owner the benefit of the doubt, and I had untouched food that was stinking up my house, one man hung up on me just because I asked for his name and when I called right back they didn't pick up unless I called from another number, ridiculous! In a previous incident, I learned if you do not return it you do not get your money back, even if they tell you over the phone you can toss it, so this time I was prepared and did not toss it out, but that doesn't matter if the only person that's going to refund your money is the owner and you cannot get them or they avoid you! No one on the store level wanted to or was not allowed to take accountability for their error. We have been eating at Ember's for over 40 years and there's been disappointments along the way like when they switched to those skinny fries which are always cold, got our order wrong or food was missing and we hand to make a second trip to complete our meal, which was the case in the incident, but this time they tried to charge us for the sauce they omitted and then when they finally handed it to us, they burnt my son's fingers with the sauce! No more Embers! So I repeat, if you want horrible service, to be treated rudely and to have no recourse if your food is incorrect then Embers is your place otherwise find another restaurant! read more

I ordered a double order of ribs with fries this morning or I should say about 11 o'clock, I was very disappointed that the ribs tasted like yesterday ribs they were lukewarm and the french fries were just as cold as anything I could imagine. This is the worst ribs I've ever bought at this place. The people were nice. read more

Haven't been in a while, is still a nice quiet place for an evening dinner. Heard of new owners; they seemed to be giving it their all and were good to us. Still a good meal. I always get the combo plate, knowing I'm taking half of it home. And my wife's club samich was huge. Brought half of it home to. No cooking tonight. If place does have new owners... I wish you success ! read more

I paid $50. for lunch for my wife and I. The turkey was so dry I couldn't eat it. The waiter said there was nothing he could do about it. I have been going to the Embers for over 40 years. I will not be going back. read more

12/26/24 Placed an order through Door Dash for the steak and eggs hash browns crispy eggs sunny side up English muffin grits and orange juice. Did not receive my grits and orange juice called the restaurant immediately@7:09 lady answered I addressed my concerns regarding my missing items her response was "they have 3/4 workers that's making food she's not sure who didn't include my missing items and to contact Door Dash so that I can get a refund" the presentation of the food was horrible my hash browns were far from crispy if anything soggy from the steak being thrown on top of them and salty...UGH!!!!!! read more

The Embers - Steak and eggs not prepared as requested - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

See all

Horrific!!! As I was eating pancakes I felt a painful poke in my gums! I pulled a wire out! The treatment from waitress made me tear up. No apology until I told her she needed to. She said it wasn't her fault. I realized she's not the Cook! But she represents this establishment! The Cooks were visibly mortified and came apologize, and offered me whatever my husband and I wanted. In pain and afraid.that more wire would be in the food, we gracefully declined. The waitress preceded to bring a receipt, which we did not PAY! SHE DID NOT CARE NOR UNDERSTAND THE MAGNITUDE OF THEIR NEGLIGENCE! The state of California band BBQ Wired brushes for this very reason. The manager had not called me nor return my call. read more

Came here for breakfast, the overall experience is great as always. The servers are like family very welcoming. The smell of food is all over like a home. Come try this place. read more

The Embers - Bacon, eggs, toast, Corned beef, Pancakes - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

2/21/2025, I ordered a breakfast burrito and hash browns to include biscuits and gravy delivered via DoorDash. The bland taste of the burrito was acceptable however I could not consume the greasy oily hash browns. For my next order here, I will dine in and order a steak and eggs. These guys can present a better meal than this. I gave them 5 stars but I'm disappointed. read more

See all

Great food. They cook the ribeye perfectly! I mostly get take out but enjoy sitting down fir their breakfasts

My family and I cross a bridge specifically to eat at Embers. We have been going here for years. They have the best burger around. And I love my fries to be dipped in the house sauce. Breakfast is good. The kids meal portions are good. I have never experienced poor service here. However, recently we ate there and our group was 5 adults and 2 small children split on 2 separate checks. We didn't immediately notice that gratuity had been added onto both checks due to the fact that we were a party of 6 or more. One of the checks was closed out with an additional $10 tip added. We didn't think that this was right because we were really 2 parties and only ordered 5 meals total, as the kids split a meal. Next time I will address this before ordering. Overall, I love this place and go back. read more

The staff are super welcoming and the food is delicious ! This gem deserves way more stars! Highly recommend the fried chicken and the pancakes read more

i haven't been here in two years since the servers were rude to my family, but i decided to give it another chance. the service was fine, but the food wasn't. none of my family was happy with their food, i personally ordered a bbq chicken sandwich and it came with teriyaki sauce, which would have been fine if i ordered a TERIYAKI sandwich, not to mention the chicken was sour. i've given them multiple chances but i just won't come back here again. read more

decent for breakfast. nice waffle special when i was there. unfortunately, contrary to what may be advertised, they do not open until 0700. read more

I have been eating here for years.Prime rib sandwich excellent.Ribs are good.Omelette are are very good.Service is excellent.They have a few TV so you can watch the game.Easy parking and reasonable prices. read more

The food was dry and and the waiter was horrible he didn't even check up on us about how are food was I never got my drink I ordered I had to ask the fires where dry and the burger was dry there bbq meat was dry and crusty. The ambience was quite and the waiter was just talking to this girl kissing up on her and not caring abt the costumers. read more

Haven't been here for a long time. Sorry to say, I can see why. It's not what It used to be. Quality of food has dropped. I got the Country Fried Steak Omelet, home potatoes, and sourdough toast. I remember the gravy being thick sausage gravy. Kinda disappointed to see store packaged/Jar turkey gravy. It was so bland. Potatoes had no seasoning, no onions or peppers in it, and tasted like burnt oil. Barley, any fried steak in the omelet and was also bland. I had to put steak sauce on it to give some flavor. Worst Omelet I had and for $17.99. This place isn't the same as it used to be. We used to love coming here. It's such a shame. read more

The Embers - Country Fried Steak Omelet, home potatoes, and sourdough toast. - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

This is the worst bbq I have ever had. We got our food to go. When I got home the smell of the chicken was awful. I ordered bbq and ribs and my friend ordered fried chicken and ribs. I didnt look at my order as they came in one bag and I asked to put in 2 bags. I didnt get the ribs I ordered. We paid 50.00 for this meal. It was meat and french fries. It was closed by the time I got home. We called the next day and received horrible customer service. They stated we should have looked at both our plates before we left, and the guy hung up the phone on us. By far this was the worst customer service. I dont suggest anyone go to this restaurant with horrible customer service, and horrible food. read more

Most horrible roast beef I've ever had and I'm 71 years old! Was like SAWDUST UNEDIBLE and smells like dog food. SO DISSATISFIED CALLED the restaurant and they could care less read more

Excellent service. It's a local restaurant and you can tell they have regular customers. Good place for breakfast and I envision groups meeting here for brunch. I could smell the meats cooking in the smoker so I'll have to come back and try the meats next time ! read more

The Embers - Eggs, hash browns, linguica - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

See all

This place must have changed ownership. All of the people there now are different and seem not to care. The food was terrible and over priced. Everything was previously frozen. Nothing fresh. I guess they had to cut corners after yet another kitchen fire. read more

Came here for the first time to have lunch. Upon arrival and before seating, they kindly ask for proof of vaccine. The dining room is a cute basic diner with large tables in the middle and booths along the walls. The service is friendly and fast and the food is tasty! They have a little of everything from BBQ, seafood, sandwiches and salads. The only thing I didn't like about this place is there is a heavy smell of grease in the restaurant and a slight haze in the air. I definitely came out of there smelling like the diner. If you feel that is part of the charm of a old fashioned diner, it might be your jam, but it wasn't mine. read more

The Embers - Cobb Salad - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

See all

The Chicken Alfredo looks good but it has an aftertaste and taste average. Very little portion. Cashier is not friendly.

Updating to respond to owner. That's great that it's about customer service and good food. But, maybe you should check in on the values of your staff. Or maybe you need to pay better? Because they're very very concerned about tips. As a waitress myself, I pride myself on customer service and treat everyone with the same respect- whether they leave a tip or not. read more

Wonderful neighboorhood diner. Definitely has that diner vibe. Fast service and good food

If you are white or any other race you are treated first class. We experienced racism and they made it obvious. Also they let someone other than us go first even after seeing us waiting. We got there first and ordered. The other table got served before we did. When asked where is our food made excuse. I definitely don't recommend it very rude and unhelpful. I don't recommend going there. I never went back! read more

They have the best turkey club, cheeseburger, steak sandwich & ribs!! Cooks are very nice!

We had our lunch there today. The service was excellent. The staff is always friendly. The food is always consistent. We've eaten here for two decades. We will continue to eat at Amber's restaurant. Even the cooks are friendly read more

Service was slow. We sat down at a booth and they didn't even have that table clean. They were still a coffee mug on their. They asked if we wanted coffee, I didn't even get to drink it or start to make it cause I didn't have anything to stir my cream and sugar. I picked up the jar of sugar and it had like egg on it. They took a while to give us the menus, my napkin with the silverware was dirty. I ordered biscuits and gravy because I noticed I didn't see any pictures on yelp about it. I also ordered corn beef, hash and eggs extra crispy, corn, beef hash, but it was so raw in the middle. I wanted to enjoy this place, but it just wasn't OK and then I had toast with my meal and there was a hair on the plate. The server even said you're not touching your food lol. read more

See all

Update: The Embers now has three tables outside for outdoor dinning. One table can seat four people while the other two tables can sit down two people. The outdoor dinning looks relaxing. The past few times I have past by the Embers it hasn't been too crowded. I have stop by during lunch/dinner time and only seen take out orders. The Embers is accepting take out orders. Suggestion is to call your order a few minutes before arriving...maybe call them 10-20 minutes. If you prefer to order when you arrive they are allowing in person ordering...just wear a mask when you come inside the Embers. read more

The Embers - Ham/Cheese and Fries - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

Portion size is definitely an issue. Service is generally good but...the picture says it all. read more

The Embers - I ordered chicken and pancakes...service was great. Teeny tiny wing, 2 half thighs and a half breast...the decision is yours - Barbeque Near Me - Pinole, California

Service was spot on and they were on it making sure we had drinks, food was hot, and they were super nice! But the food isn't like what I remembered when I was younger :( Service 4/5 Food sadly was a 1/5 for me.. read more

Overall the customer service is marvelous! Always patient & sweet ( lately ) !! Have been going in for the club sandwich since it's not lunchmeat / just pressed meat I cannot stand that kind. I'm picky about meat but USUALLY always love their food and am happy with my experience. They don't give get hash browns that have too much oil and that matters. Never soggy buns on your sandwich's, however the fries aren't good at all in my opinion they've changed. Very slim and retains no heat whatsoever. Mom said the same thing. Got into the parking lot and they were already cold. Not very tasty either. Wouldn't recommend fries but the other items listed that I've tried are marvelous and would recommend! Please don't change the way the items taste! It's perfect the way it is! They forgot to add the toast today but corrected their mistake no problem. Sometimes I get the mushroom omelette which is amazing too! I'm just not on an egg hype right now lol. Definitely suggest giving this place a try! Thanks for reading hope this helps! read more

See all