Steakhouse is a throwback to 1940s supper clubs

Vic’s Embers Supper Club of Leesburg, Fla., prides itself on great food and service; however, the quality fare and friendly faces at this supper club only begin to describe the one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Opened in 1987, Vic’s Embers has continued its success for more than two decades for a variety of reasons. One that stands out is its commitment from father and son, Vic and Victor Donaghy.

“There is always an owner on premise, which is a rarity,” Vic said. “With an owner always on premise it makes all the difference in the world.”

The personal attention Vic gives to the restaurant’s guests is a trait he learned through his experiences. He previously worked at the Pine Club, opened since 1942, and The Paragon Club, opened since 1971, in Ohio.

“The only ones I knew were the good restaurants and good restaurants tend to stay open,” Vic said.

Vic’s Embers Supper Club is definitely a good restaurant. The fine dining, upscale establishment features a variety of fine steaks, including roast prime rib, queen-cut prime rib, rib eye steak and filet mignon. The traditional steakhouse has one of the largest selections of fresh seafood in the area, such as walleye, crab legs, lobster tails, grouper, scallops and shrimp. Diners come from all over Central Florida to experience the supper club.

“We have a good rapport with our customers,” Vic said. “After 22 years what you get is you know them on a more personal basis. They are more like friends and family than our customers.”

In addition to a full bar and great wine list, the supper club offers live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Perhaps the most amazing part of the dining experience is the various dishes that are prepared tableside, including Fettuccine Alfredo, Steak Diané and Caesar Salad. While the supper club features a wealth of fine dishes, such as blackened prime rib and Châteaubriand, the restaurant also offers lighter fare, including a selection of sandwiches and salads.

“We have such a broad menu there is something on there for everything,” Vic said. “It’s no more expensive to eat here than any of the chain restaurants.”

Vic’s Embers Supper Club serves dinner seven nights a week, brunch on Sunday and private luncheons. For groups larger than 30 or more diners, the supper club can provide a tour bus, free of charge, to transport the guests and to the restaurant and back. The supper club also provides off-site catering.