About us

Discover

OUR HISTORY

Vince Continenza purchased Ironwood, originally called Ironwood Cafe, on May 22, 2006. Initially, he kept the existing staff, as well as the original menu.

One morning, after month two of ownership, Vince walked through the door and instantly felt like an intruder in someone else’s restaurant. This is when he began making Ironwood a place of his own.

Over the next few months, significant changes were made to the restaurant, including a new layout in parts of the dining area and the introduction of a new menu. After these changes were made, he walked through the door, stood back, looked around and proudly said, “Now this is my restaurant”.

Many more changes and improvements have followed over the years, making the Ironwood one of the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area’s most popular and successful dining establishments.

Our

UNIQUE SETTING…

Tucked in between the towering North Carolina pines along historic Midland Road, guests park their cars in the surrounding natural sand and pine needles and enter through Ironwood’s signature patchwork door. There they are warmly greeted by a smiling hostess or by Vince himself. Ironwood’s atmosphere is both inviting and casual. Bar seating includes high-top tables, and flat-screen TV’s for viewing the day’s golf and sports coverage. The separate dining room is modern, spacious and airy, while the patio offers a taste of true Southern hospitality with al fresco dining under old southern magnolias and features a stunning fire-enhanced fountain.

Meet our

TEAM

The word from

OUR STAFF

We invite you to dine with us, plan you next special group event with us, or simply join us for a glass of beer, wine or a creative cocktail. Our goal is simply to make you feel at home every time you visit. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Ironwood’s staff is friendly, experienced and knowledgeable. In fact, some of the original staff still remains to this day! our menu… Ironwood’s diverse menu ranges from casual to gourmet, featuring trendsetting American cuisine and incorporating local, seasonal ingredients as often and wherever possible.

Ironwood is the only area restaurant that exclusively serves Certified Prime Angus Prime Beef. It is the star of the menu. And, to further guarantee the consistently superior quality of every cut of beef Ironwood offers, they cut each steak in house.

NATHAN CONTINENZA

COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIER

Nathan began his restaurant career in 1990, working under a true veteran, his father, Vince Continenza. Nathan moved up in the restaurant operations quickly, but stopped when he found his home in the kitchen. He worked for Vince for 10 years until deciding he wanted to become a chef. Nathan entered the Culinary School in Grand Rapids, MI where he perfected his self-learned skills, graduating in 2005. While in the culinary program, Nathan was on the opening staff for The Chop House, owned by Main Street Ventures Restaurant Group. After having worked for them for just two years, upon his graduation Nathan was promoted to Sous Chef. This term was short-lived due to the offer to become Executive Chef of The Ironwood 2006. Nathan accepted the offer and is now in his ninth year as Ironwood’s acting Executive Chef.

What people

SAY ABOUT US

Last week my wife and I celebrated our anniversary here, and had an amazing meal. We are so glad that this restaurant is in Southern Pines. Every time friends or family are in town, or I need to take clients out for a nice meal, this is where we go. I don’t know what they do to the steaks (especially the ribeye) but they are consistently juicy, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented – so, so good. The wine list is phenomenal, and the bottles on it are very reasonably priced. My wife loves the cocktail list, which has some really interesting and unique items on it. Service is prompt and professional, but relaxed and family-friendly. If you are trying to impress someone, or if you are just looking for an awesome meal, check this place out. Oh, and get the soft shell crab, its out of this world.

SCOTT MARTIN - Southern Pines

Regular customer

As a new, single resident of the NC Sandhills, I found Ironwood’s bar area to be a very comfortable place to enjoy a glass of wine, a delicious meal and good conversation. In addition to the amazing food and service, it’s a great spot to meet new friends, reconnect with old friends and entertain out-of-town guests.

C. SOXMAN - Seven Lakes West

Regular customer