FIREHOUSE American Eatery + Lounge

The one thing I find hard to fathom here in San Diego is that unless you’re willing to pay extreme amounts of cash, you’re hard-pressed to find great food, great drinks, AND great ambiance at a San Diego restaurant. One, occasionally two of the three, but rarely do you find all three combined. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised this evening to find myself at The Firehouse Restaurant in Pacific Beach. I’ve been there on a few occasions many years ago but I can tell you that it’s a completely different place today. The new owners have outdone themselves with regard to the renovation and menu enhancements. What used to be somewhat “run of the mill” at best is now a very trendy-looking establishment. More importantly, the food is amazing! I ordered the grilled salmon which came with a lemon-risotto and asparagus spears (I believe it was $17.95). The salmon was fantastic and the risotto was the very best I’ve ever tasted! I order salmon often and have only come close to this good of a salmon experience on *one* other occasion since moving to San Diego four years ago (that was at The Brigantine in Pt. Loma and it was a honey crusted salmon). This is the first time I’ve ever had such an entirely great experience that I felt compelled to write a review.

FIVE STARS!!! Great food, an attentive wait staff, and an amazing view with really great ambiance (the fire pit upstairs is a nice touch, too).

Visited the Firehouse this past summer 2007. Attended the grand opening. Dinned there several times, and each one or our visits were very special. Great crew and menu. Will dine there again for sure this March 2008. Keep up the great job. We have missed the Firehouse for years.

I LOVED this place. Seeing the sunset on the rooftop patio with a drink in hand who could complain? The food was really yummy too!! I had the Halibut and it was amazing. I mean it surpassed my expectations completely. My date had the TL pork chop and he too seemed very pleased with his entree. I will totally be back and probably soon.