Undercover Diner Visits Crown's Ember

Lynchburg’s long-revered Crown Sterling closed its doors in 2021, leaving a steakhouse-shaped void in the hearts of locals who once flocked there for celebrations. Rising from its ashes is The Crown’s Ember, a sleek, modernized version of the old landmark. The new establishment, under the ownership of Chris England, held its soft opening this past weekend and my boyfriend and I were lucky enough to make a reservation on the very first night.

From the moment we stepped through the door, the transformation was clear. Gone was the dim, dated interior of the Crown Sterling, replaced by bright, contemporary lighting fixtures, chic interior design, and an inviting new outdoor patio. Even the bathrooms reflected the upscale makeover and the whole ambiance exuded a certain snazzy elegance. No expense was spared in bringing this space up to date.

The exterior of the building has also undergone a renovation, which can be seen from Fort Avenue as the entire property has been repainted and a new sign, which fire blazing from the top is a new addition.

Jazz, big band and crooner played softly in the background, setting the mood for an intimate yet fancy dining experience. The service was where The Crown’s Ember truly shined. Our waiter was incredibly attentive, almost making us feel like we are royalty, making our evening feel as special as the occasion the restaurant once catered to regularly.

The menu, however, revealed something else—this is now the most expensive steakhouse in town. After a quick price comparison with other local spots like Shoemakers and William & Henry, it was obvious that The Crown’s Ember is staking its claim at the top of the local fine dining scene. My meal was $59, and my boyfriends was $80. Even with a discount and gift card, our meal was $200. With that said, the experience was exquisite, even if it is not something we can afford regularly.

We started our meal by sharing a bottle of red wine, a lovely accompaniment to the calamari appetizer we selected. The dish had an unexpected twist: banana peppers scattered on top, adding a bright, tangy bite that my boyfriend especially loved. The remoulade sauce on the side brought it all together beautifully.

In between our meal, a bartender rolled around a "whiskey cart", a nod to the days of the Crown Sterling when a steak cart was rolled around, and a waiter would cut dinner’s steaks to their choosing. The cart was beautiful alone. The bartender told us he could make any kind of specialty drink right in front of us. we opted out as we were enjoying wine instead, but it seemed like a unique touch.

For the main course, he chose Steak & Cake, a pairing of ribeye and crab cake with a side of asparagus.

I opted for the ribeye as well, cooked medium rare, along with a baked potato, which could be upgraded to "loaded" for an extra charge. Both steaks were charcoal grilled to perfection, with a smoky, flavorful seasoning that was both unique and delicious. I barely made it halfway through my steak, so I ended up boxing up the rest, completely bypassing my potato out of sheer fullness.

The crab cake stood out for its slight citrus note—a surprising, refreshing twist that we both enjoyed. The meal was impeccable, but after reviewing the bill, we realized this level of fine dining comes with a significant price tag.

Overall, our evening was cozy and elegant, with stellar service that truly made the night feel special. The Crown’s Ember is certainly positioned to be Lynchburg’s premier fine dining destination, but for many, it may be more of a special occasions spot rather than a regular go-to. A happy hour, or a more affordable dish like a burger, would make it more accessible to a wider range of diners. Without these options, it may be challenging for everyday folks to enjoy this wonderful and luxurious experience on a frequent basis.

A special thanks to Chris England for bringing back this beloved establishment and giving Greater Lynchburg another fantastic dining option.