If you’re a fan of smoky meats, cold craft brews, and bold flavors, you’re going to want to make room in your itinerary for Black Ember Grill in West Dover. This wood-fired BBQ joint brings serious flavor to southern Vermont, combining expertly smoked meats with a casual, lively atmosphere that’s perfect for families, couples, or groups looking to unwind after a day of adventure.
Just minutes from Valley View Villa and Mount Snow, Black Ember Grill delivers a menu packed with barbecue classics, house-made sauces, and a killer tap list—all served in a space that blends rustic charm with modern Vermont vibes.
Come for the BBQ, Stay for the Sauces
The heart of Black Ember’s menu is their wood-fired meats, smoked low and slow to perfection. Brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, ribs—you’ll find all the classics here, cooked over Vermont hardwood and served up with traditional and creative sides like cornbread, smoked mac & cheese, slaw, and baked beans.
But what really sets Black Ember apart is their lineup of house-made BBQ sauces. Whether you’re building your own BBQ plate or grabbing a rack of ribs, you’ll want to sample them all:
- Maple Bourbon – A sweet, rich sauce with just a touch of smoky depth. A nod to Vermont’s favorite export.
- Carolina Gold – Tangy, mustard-based, and perfect on pulled pork or chicken.
- Sweet & Sticky – Great for kids and BBQ beginners, with a brown sugar molasses vibe.
- Spicy Chipotle – For heat lovers. Smoky, bold, and with a slow-building kick.
- Classic Tomato-Based BBQ – The one that never goes out of style. Balanced and crowd-pleasing.
Pro tip: ask for a side of each and have your own sauce flight. It’s part of the experience.
Craft Beer & a Relaxed Vibe
To go with all that BBQ, Black Ember offers a rotating tap list featuring local Vermont craft beers, along with domestic favorites and seasonal picks. You’ll find IPAs, stouts, lagers, and ciders—plenty of options whether you’re unwinding after a day of skiing or looking to kick off a long summer night.
The bar area is a great spot for a casual dinner or a drink while you wait for your table, and the staff is always happy to recommend a beer pairing based on what you’re eating.
Great for Families and Groups
Despite the smoky, grown-up flavors, Black Ember Grill is super family-friendly. There’s a kid’s menu, high chairs, and laid-back service that makes it easy to bring the whole crew. Takeout is also available—perfect if you want to bring dinner back to Valley View Villa and enjoy it around the fire pit or on the porch with a view.
- Typical Hours: Lunch & Dinner, 12–9pm (days may vary seasonally)
- Distance from Valley View Villa: Just a few minutes’ drive
- Website: [Search “Black Ember Grill West Dover VT” for the latest site or social updates]
A Flavor-Packed Stop Near Mount Snow
Whether you’re skiing, hiking, biking, or just relaxing at the villa, Black Ember Grill is a must-try spot for BBQ lovers. With wood-smoked meats, five house-made sauces, and a cold Vermont beer in hand, it’s hard to beat the flavor and atmosphere.
This is the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer—just don’t forget to grab extra napkins.
