4. Restaurants

Fireside Restaurant

5739 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660
  • (773) 561-7433
  • Store is closed

Fireside Restaurant Menu

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  • Kristen G.

    This is my first and only negative review as I tend to give places the benefit of the doubt and feel that usually restaurants are actually looking to improve the quality of service for the customers, but I felt that Fireside is the rare exception to this, they don't care about customer experience and I felt like I needed to share this. My first experience in the dining room was mediocre. The service was a bit slow but I was catching up with an old friend and didn't mind so much. I order the chicken fingers because it came with a side and while the salad was fine, the chicken fingers were literally disgusting. I've never in my life had to send a meal back to the kitchen but these chicken fingers were inedible. They were burnt so bad, it looked like they had used oil that was bad and fried these suckers for days. I cannot believe the kitchen staff and then server both looked at that plate and actually put that on my table. I just explained to the waitress that I would not be eating that at all and would prefer chicken wings instead. She agreed with me and said it looked like they over fried the chicken fingers (well...why did you serve it to me if you knew it was disgusting?) and they came back with some much much better buffalo wings. That experience I'll give a B-, the food was inedible but they fixed the problem in a timely manner and the server apologized. My second time was even worse. My family was in town and we decided to stop here for brunch one day. There was only one server for the entire dining room section of the restaurant (it was a bit slow when we arrived but picked up significantly and although they had food runners the server couldn't keep up and frankly looked like she either was hungover or just hated her job). Two guests at my party ordered the mac & cheese with bacon but their dishes came out completely differently. One macaroni came out with the consistency of soup and the other was fine. The one that was gross and runny was very unappetizing. He had to ask for extra plates to strain the macaroni himself. He asked the server for extra plates and while he didn't complain about the dish, he certainly made it apparent that he needed the extra plates to strain his own food. Now, I was a server for years and I feel that a server needs to be aware of problems in the dining room. Something like, "Oh I'm so sorry about that, is there something I can do?" .. or ANYTHING would have helped. She just got the extra plates and threw them down on the table. Normally my friend would have not complained (I've never seen him complain at a restaurant) but the dish was basically like pasta cheese soup and the server was being quite unpleasant at that point so he asked for the manager. The manager came over and said something like "ohh I see. Yes that's not now it should be" and "Can I get you something else?" At this point my friend didn't want anything else but he just wanted to make the manager aware that his kitchen was sending out less than adequate food and the server was impolite. The manager said that he was surprised that the server came across that way because she was one of the best he had and I mentioned to him that he might consider hiring better servers in the future. I do not think he took kindly to that hint but at that point, the whole experience was quite terrible and I was getting pretty annoyed. I've worked at many restaurants and the least the manager should have done was apologize (obviously), offer another dish as a replacement and if the customer declines, offer a free dessert or beverage (as it was brunch, maybe even a fruit plate)... however this guy did none of this and it definitely rubbed me the wrong way. His intention was not to get free food by any means when he asked for the manager, but when he didn't apologize even.. so unfortunate. I will not go back here because of the food (although my french toast was perfectly fine at brunch) but most importantly the staff that clearly doesn't care about the customers or customer experience at all. post review: Was the customer angry? No. Irritated and disappointed? Absolutely. My review was a carefully completed accurate description of my experiences there and please do not try to excuse the shortcomings of the restaurant by trying to negate my credibility. Should I have been more thorough in an explanation to you during the visit? Yes, I apologize, I was a bit put off and surprised by the lack of accountability you seemed to have. But you're aware of the entire situation now and this is how you choose to respond? Again, so unfortunate. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. We paid the entire bill, tipped 10%, as a former server I would NEVER leave a bill unpaid and never not tip because I know the server needs to tip out the bussers, no matter how horrible the service. How dare you say something so untrue and try to label me a liar when it's your business practices, professionalism, and clearly, people skills, that need serious help

    (1)

  • Nona Gayle D.

    Haven't written about this place yet I've been a fan for a while but went here last night for a late dinner after work. The atmosphere is casual with areas for eating outside, an inner bar, and comfortable tables inside. The service is great, they have my fav, woodchuck pear cider readily available. The cost of food here is very reasonable. As far as the menu I suggest trying the calamari, shrimp and pesto pizza, and the pear infused chicken. It's a great place to wind down, relax, and stuff yourself. If you decide to eat here I suggest eating in the back outside patio area, it is more intimate and the loud music from the inner bar area can hardly be heard.

    (4)

  • Courtney R.

    Good burgers. Great ribs. Good mac n cheese - usually hits the spot. We have ordered for delivery a few times and takeout once. Each time we've gotten delivery, some small thing was messed up, small enough that you get annoyed, but don't actually bother to pick up the phone to let somebody know.. Once it was getting charged a dollar for a switch out that didn't happen; once was for giving an incorrect side or something. Most employees are polite - not overly nice and accommodating, but not rude either. So all in all - food is consistently good. Service is underwhelming. I was wavering on choosing three or four stars. The deciding factor was Fireside's response to the reviewer below who stated that it was expensive takeout. Catty remark/response from Fireside followed. Ew.

    (3)

  • Tiffany M.

    I contemplated giving this place one star but given that I went back four times just to be certain they couldn't do better (I was a sucker for their outdoor patio in the back), I think two stars will do. Here is the problem, the wait staff is...well, terrible. Even if they're nice they're still terrible. You wait forever for anything and everything, the orders are always wrong and...it's just bad. It makes me sad to say it but it's true.

    (2)

  • David B.

    Fireside, oh how I love thee. Unpretentious, fabulous patio, solid beer list and good reasonable grub. These facts I knew. However, now with a brand new 9 week old, I did not know how damn kid-friendly you can be (before 7 pm). Longing for normalcy and the days within which we could have a beer and a drink without hearing loud screaming, or the occasional newborn puke in our hands, we took the family to Fireside last Friday at 6 pm and arrived at 630 or so. We progressed to the patio - a favorite fall destination - and much to our surprise saw other refugees from the new baby war seeking equal solace. And solace we collectively found. Amidst tables of new parents, we befriended our neighbors, toasted with beer and shots and had some super solid burgers to boot. Perhaps it was the brief normalcy, but for some reason I can never recall a Goose Island Green Line tasting that delicous. We left around 8 and were happy to see that the non-parent crowd took over. As the hipsters, neighborhood folks and old men and women comfortably scooched in, we smiled knowing we were once among them embarking on a next day hangover. Cheers, Fireside.

    (4)

  • Kathryn R.

    I use to love this place. The past few times I've been there, the food hasn't been good. It is either cold, strangely spiced, or a poor cut of fish or meat. I don't know if they've changed owners or something, but definitely a change for the worse.

    (2)

  • James T.

    I went here with some coworkers on a Friday afternoon. So the things I've observed might be different on, say, a Saturday night. The beer selection was pretty generous, although most of their better beers are only in bottles. I have a thing about drinking bottled beer when I'm out. Why spend five dollars on a beer when I can go to Binny's and get a six pack for twice as much? I know, I know. It's all about "the atmosphere" but unless there are animated pirates on the walls or the place has a medieval decor wherein the wait staff speaks in "thee"s and "thou"s and refers to your girlfriend as "m'lady", I'm not too drawn by a place's atmosphere. But while their draft selection was dwarfed by their bottle menu, it was still pretty good. Since I didn't feel like shelling out my own money for food, I decided to sneakily nibble off my coworker's plates while they went to the bathroom. You'd think this would be a garden variety pub grub place, but the food menu looked very generous and the value wasn't bad at all. And with their spacious outdoor patio, you could easily take a date there and tell her it's a restaurant. Besides, after enough pints of their Goose Island Green Line you could probably tell her it's Dorsia and she'll believe you. I don't think it would be fair to speak for the entire staff, but our waitress was fantastic. Despite our fairly large group, she was very quick with our orders, and had no problem giving out separate checks. Why only three stars? It's a nice place, but if you're not in the area, it's really nothing that spectacular that would make you want to travel there. But if you're coming back from a Cubs game, or the lake, or you just finished battling some vicious zombies in the cemetery across the street, stop in and relax with a cold pint.

    (3)

  • Jessica K.

    This place is pretty dam hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for. It's on Ravenswood which is pretty much a long alleyway along train tracks so good luck finding parking. Now when you do find parking and get inside (the bouncer cards ALWAYS so don't forget) the place is always packed at night. There's about 20+ seats at the bar and cocktail servers who are pretty friendly and cool with you dining on calamari @ midnight. A kitchen open at midnight? +1 in my book. They've got a huge selection of beers and girly Cider for people who like the sweeter things in life. Last time I was here, I was with a buddy who talked me into Jameson shots. Asian+Jameson=blacking out BIIIIIIG TIME. And now here's where this place gets most of it's stars. I blacked out in the girls' restroom and one of the more favored servers Barb checked in on me personally and helped wake me up. I literally hit my head on the bathroom stall and passed out. She kept poking me underneath the stall till I woke up. Now that's SERVICE!!

    (4)

  • natalie v.

    I'd say that most often, I end up here because it's someone's last day at my job (we're right down the street). I happen to be going tomorrow...for someone's last day at work. Whenever it's someone's going-away party, we're at Fireside for happy hour. On Fridays they have a nice complimentary spread of homemade chips, salsa, appetizers and veggies. This is always a nice little treat. Sometimes, they even have fried pickles...I love fried pickles!!! In addition to these happy hours, I've been here many times for dinner. My 2 favorite things to order are the blackened chicken pasta which is nice and spicy, and the chopped salad. In the chopped salad, everything is...well, chopped. That's probably how it's supposed to be, but not how every restaurant serves their chopped salad. And their balsamic is good enough to drink. They have a jalapeno vinegarette that is also great. I have looked at their brunch menu and have not yet been for this. It looks good though. They have a bloody mary bar with, like, eight thousand ingredients from which to choose...ok, not eight thousand. The menu says there are over 180 ingredients from which to choose. Oh, one more thing, their delivery is very quick...and they'll deliver wine and beer. When I'm too lazy to walk to the corner of my block to get a bottle of wine or 6-pack, I can order it with my dinner from Fireside.

    (3)

  • Judy W.

    I had a difficult time deciding if it was A-OK, or if I was a fan. I decided on the latter. I've been to Fireside twice. The first time was with one friend for a quick dinner before a Cubs game. Service was prompt, the food was good (I had portabella "burger"), and the cost was reasonable. The second time was with several friends to watch the Bears game on television. We had no problem getting a seat, the service was FANTASTIC. When ordering my second beer, they found they were out of the one I had ordered earlier. Not a big deal. I ordered a veggie breakfast burrito. Now the bad parts. The pico di gallo on my plate had a large chunk of sausage in it (I'm sure it must have been an accident). My burrito was great, until I got a piece of bacon in my mouth. Unfortunately, neither the accidental sausage or the bacon made me very happy, as I don't eat meat. But I do have to say, the food is much better than what I would expect from a small place like Fireside. It was a great place to watch a game. I'll most likely return. I like the patios out front and in back. The restroom was clean.

    (4)

  • Lorelei C.

    My Friends took me to Dinner tonight at this Fabulous Place I've never been to before, The Fireside Restaurant and Lounge- Fireside is located on Ravenswood, not far from where I live, Lovely and Inviting Place, Nice Crowd on a Thursday Night- Cool Rock Music playing from the Jukebox, just a very casual, fun place from what I saw- A Great Bar Area as you walk in, tables to the side of the Bar which is where we sat, They also have a Patio area near the back- We opted for Dinner and their Menu, Never- Ending Choices, just Incredible! My Friend had Country Fried Steak with home-made mashed potatoes which she loved and she gave me a taste of her Steak and Potatoes which were Phenominal! :) I had Fish and Chips, probably the best I've ever had, Light, Crisp, Cod Fillets, 3 of them! with homemade Chips, Pretty Close to Heaven! The Bar offers a wide variety of Beers/ Mixed Drinks, There is a Small Parking Lot attached to the side of the Restaurant so parking is nice and Convenient. Tonight, Great Dinner with my Great Friends who I Thank for Introducing me to Fireside- An Awesome Place to hang out, have Lunch or dinner, I believe Brunch is available on the week-ends as well- I Loved my Fireside Experience, can't wait to return!

    (4)

  • Mark R.

    A failure on nearly every level on a recent Saturday night visit. Server was slow, overwhelmed, and receiving no help. Courses were served out of order. Food was cold. The American cheese on my burger had not even beem melted. Soup was salty, burger was greasy, sauce on fish was flavorless. Had to ask for silverware, then wait. Asked for ketchup, but gave up waiting. even the bar service was wildly inconsistent: my first cocobut mojito was delicious, the second awful. Waitress never asked how things were. Saw others leaving in disgust after interminably long wait for table. Why two stars? For the atmosphere, which is cool, the friendly regulars, tasty ribs, and the memories of when this place was good. What happened? Sad.

    (2)

  • BJ K.

    For getting fat (food/dining area/servers)- 2 stars For getting a buzz (bar and outside area) - 4 stars Verdict - 3 stars Food is usually good. Although a little inconsistent. And theyre definitely overpriced especially considering 1. Where its located and 2. It might not be as good as last time. The Inside dining area is a little dated and the service has also been hit or miss so consider takeout. Bar and outside area are very nice and basically save them from a 2 star review. Beer selection is obviously very good. I dont even usually drink beer but the choices make me want to take it up. The staff is nice, maybe a little slow and too relaxed considering people dont like to wait for food and beer. Overall Id say its a nice place but I wish they wouldve spent that sign money on something else.

    (3)

  • David M.

    We dine there every once in a while...especially if the day gets away from us and all of a sudden 'its 10 and we haven't eaten....great since they are open until 3 am most nights always eat out on the rear desk / even in the winter...the heaters make you feel you are 'tricking' winter in some way.... excellent beer menu....decent wine list...and a varied menu...I personally enjoy the cajun meatloaf, but the wife likes a number of the items.... all around a good place for the northside of the city....decent parking / never had to park more than a block away..often in their lot just south of the restaurant

    (4)

  • Lauren H.

    Came here for brunch with a bunch of yelpers. I enjoyed a mimosa and a different champagne cocktail (called Lush--raspberyy vodka, chambord, and sparkling wine), both were tasty and reasonably priced, and the bartender and patrons at the bar were friendly. The waitress was friendly, though our order got messed up a little and the food seemed to take a while. Not a big deal though, and everything was fixed with a smile on her face. She also let us take up her table for quite a while, which was appreciated. The spinach and goat cheese omelet was fine, and decently priced. One freaky thing was that a bird was flying around inside. He didn't land on me or our table though, so I guess it wasn't too bad. The place was warm and cozy and a nice place to be on a cold winter morning, and parking there is easy. I would go back.

    (3)

  • Steve M.

    This pizza is mega win!

    (4)

  • Mike P.

    My wife and I were spending Christmas alone this year when we realized we were hungry. I remember reading a flier that said Fireside would be open on Christmas, so we decide to roll out. Overall, I was pleased with my decision. I think the Fireside would be a great place for sandwiches and drinks. We ordered dinners and while good they weren't great. I'm chalking this up to it being Christmas. Everybody gets a pass. I'll head back for beer and sandwiches before I make a final ruling.

    (4)

  • Robert S.

    I've been meaning to review the Fireside for months now, but felt that I needed to visit a few more times. I mean, the place has everything possible going for it in my opinion- late bar, wonderful craft beer and Belgian selection, cool decor, and semi-upscale dining. It's a little on the expensive side, but at least after 2am, there aren't any other quality bars open north of Irving Park. I finally figured out what I don't like about the Fireside. It's the regulars. At first, the people who are there seem like quite a diverse bunch, but they have one thing in common- they're rowdy and loud, and some are quick to start fights. Not the crowd you'd expect at a place that isn't a dive. The Fireside just isn't comfortable, I'm on edge the whole time I'm there with an uneasy feeling. You can't hear the waitress or even the person next to you since the place is so loud.

    (3)

  • holly b.

    I'm not sure how you can mess up chicken fingers....throw them in the fryer and take them out before they are burnt to a crisp and really, really dry. This is the 2nd attempt that I've given the chicken fingers and I've learned my lesson...don't order them again. On a happier note, the staff is great, except for the bartender who didn't believe me when I told her I was allergic to lime, and I caught her mocking me saying something along the lines of "really, lime? who is allergic to lime?" Since she didn't know that I had heard this, I told her I was the one with the allergies and if she'd like the medical report from Northwestern, I would gladly send that along. So, she apologized and all was good. I don't have a high tolerance for people that don't take food allergies to heart. The beer selection is great, and I look forward to sitting outside and having some beers and food, which of course, will not include chicken fingers or lime.

    (2)

  • Chuck M.

    Awful, just AWFUL. Went there tonight, a Friday night. We were luckily seated at a wobbly table that was just in the perfect spot for every server to bump us as they went by. OK, that happens, but it gets better when several tables that came in after us get their orders taken. Maybe the food will save them....NOPE. The following is a direct paste from their weekly specials "Spicy Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Succulent sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon then dredged in our special blend of Cajun spices." Hey, we love scallops. So after 20 minutes of waiting we order our scallop appetizer and entrees Cajun Meatloaf for me, Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli (Another weekly special) for my wife. The scallops finally come out. Holy crap! These things came out on a plate of shredded lettuce and pico de gallo! These weren't just scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, they were pieces of warm ham stuffed with a micro scallop. Did they steam these? Nothing crispy, no spice, except for the wonderful cup of spicy mayo or some garbage like that. I'm still being patient at this point, and just laughing it off while the table wobbles, maybe dinner will be ok. Well after another 20 or so minutes our dinner comes out. Direct paste from their menu: "Two slices of our moist and hearty meatloaf generously laced with smoked Andouille sausage direct from New Orleans. Served with marinara au jus." Its easy to make a moist meatloaf when you cover it with a can of crushed tomatoes, I was unaware it was supposed to be served room temp. Maybe it was a red wine? No sign of sausage. I opted for the side of mashed potatoes with this. You ask yourself, can they screw that up? YES they can! I found a half of an uncooked potato in mine and just as warm as my meatloaf. My wife on the other hand was blessed with what may have been Trader Joe's ravioli thawed out and doused in oil (maybe olive?). While considering placing my dinner near the fireplace to warm up, servers bumped our already unstable table a dozen or so more times. I'm so glad our server did not stop by to ask how we were through dinner. It was just a nice touch at the end. I'm glad we didn't have a far drive home so I can poop this out. Oh, yes I already had to poop. I've lived in this city my entire life and my wife moved here 3 years ago and she said "This is truly the only bad meal I've had since moving here." I understand where she's coming from. Thank you.

    (1)

  • Jerry B.

    Good burgers, good beer, good service. Small town feel in the city. Too cold for patio, but it looks realy nice, so will have to return. Very friendly, family place. Hipster free.

    (4)

  • Carolynne M.

    I am not a fan of the interior - the bar area is dark with uncomfortable seats, and I hate the back outside area with the plastic tarp roof and awful seating. I have only eaten in there once and once is enough. But the takeout is rockin and I have always had good luck with the food being ready & hot when I arrive and everything packaged well. Burgers are pretty stellar, and they give you a bunch of options for toppings. I had a blue cheese and sauteed spinach which was great! The mashed potatoes (less mashed more "smashed") still have the skins mixed in and are chunky & fabulous! I have also sampled their pizza and it is very acceptable as well. Its really convenient to my job so I have to give it high marks. I dont know if I would say the same if I had to travel here though.

    (4)

  • Julie A.

    Ugh. I have been here before for brunch and it wasn't terrible. Today, it was TERRIBLE! I ordered two eggs sunny side up, and they were so rubbery I couldn't even cut them with a fork. My friend ordered the "organic" granola and yogurt, and they brought her pineapple and raw oats, like for oatmeal. No yogurt, and the waitress said, "we're out of yogurt, and the kitchen lied to me." when it was brought to her attention that the granola was really oats, she said "i know, we just sent someone on a granola run." Are you kidding me? It was awful, never again will I eat here. The only good thing is the bloody mary bar - basically just the fact they have one, because the olives tasted like they rolled around the floor.

    (1)

  • Michelle F.

    Fireside is probably my favorite restaurant in Chicago. However, I should preface this by saying I always order the same three items every time, so I can't speak to the caliber of probably 96 percent of the menu. But I figure when you've found the perfect combination of appetizers and pizza, you really shouldn't mess with it. For an appetizer, I like to start off with the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. It's creamy, flavorful and not too spicy. It's served with toasted pita bread wedges (be sure to ask for extra pita; there always seems to be more hummus than bread). Occasionally, if I'm with three or four people, we'll order a second appetizer. I recommend the Calamari, which is served with cocktail and tartar sauces, as well as lemon wedges. Fireside recently redid its calamari recipe, and it is definitely an improvement. When I first started going there, the calamari was flaky and had too many access shards of fried stuff and not enough meat. The new and improved calamari uses a different batter that seems to coat the meat better and is less flaky. For the entree, I always order the Shrimp Pesto Pizza and share it with the other people in my party. It's always a big hit. I seriously have dreams about this pizza! It's considered a "white" pizza since it doesn't have any tomato sauce and uses Pesto sauce instead. It has a thin crust that is topped with shrimp and mozzarella cheese. I always like to order a larger (14- or 16-inch) pizza, so we will have some slices to take home with us. The pizza is delicious cold or heated up in the microwave. When I eat at Fireside, I also like to order drinks. They usually have a menu with seasonal cocktails, but I wouldn't recommend trying any of these. The seasonal cocktails are a little hit or miss. The drinks that come in the large goblets are usually pretty good, but the martinis can be too strong and oftentimes taste downright weird. I usually just order a Ketel and Cranberry, or I'll split a pitcher of their Red Sangria. Besides the Shrimp Pesto Pizza, my favorite thing about Fireside is its back patio. It's a chilled atmosphere that's perfect to just kick back, relax and enjoy some cocktails and food. There are Christmas lights strung from railings and well-kept plants in containers on the wooden deck. It's a great place to hang out in the summer, but you can also dine on the deck comfortably once it gets cold outside because the patio area is tented and warmed with heat lamps. There's a small parking lot next to Fireside, or there is ample street parking. I've never had trouble parking there. I definitely recommend Fireside, even though I've only tried a small fraction of what its menu has to offer. Their Shrimp Pesto Pizza and chilled patio atmosphere are what keep me coming back, and I definitely suggest giving it a try.

    (5)

  • Danielle C.

    Update- I went here a bit ago for brunch and had the crab cakes. I do not recommend them at all. So much so that the Fireside lost a star. They were all breading and pepper- tiny bits of crab. No thanks. Other than that... *********************** I like the fireside, and sometimes, I even love it. We used to head here after a hard day of teaching, so hitting the fireside at 4 pm- lead to an incredibly long night of drinking. The bartender was always great- and dealt with our drunken fumbling to deal with the tab. You never know who you will meet, you can count on that. Late night dining has been enjoyable many, many times. The fried calamari (they baste it with milk) is really yummy, especially after 5 hours of drinking. On cold winter nights, I have loved the toasty warm heaters in the covered patio, it reminds me that summer is coming! Delivery from the fireside is guaranteed to be good. One of my favs is the stuffed shells... they are fantastic... word to the wise... forget ordering the calamari for delivery. By the time they get to you, the yummy goodness is turned to soggy yuckiness... Writing this is making me want to go back... and soon!

    (3)

  • David B.

    I rate this three stars, but really its a tweener between three and four. Why is it a four star? - Great beer list - Good service Why is it a three star? - Above average pub food. Good but not great. - Solid prices Overall, above average neighborhood pub that has an outstanding beer list. Seriously, there are not many places in the city where you can find that beer list AND find easy and plentiful parking. One half of the place is a restaurant that looks like a diner. The other half is a traditional looking pub and it extends out with a nice beer garden. The garden is enclosed during the winter so it can continue to be used. This is really a great place to check out if you're looking for a good beer list and/or a chill pub environment.

    (3)

  • Cayce M.

    This place is pretty solid. I've only ever been here for brunch. They've had a special on Woodchuck Pear cider for the last month or so! One of my faves. The last two times I've been, I've ordered the build your own Mac 'n Cheese. Excellent idea, not excellent follow through. I was expecting creamy delicious bubbly baked mac, I was let down. Edible is how I describe it at best. The first time I ordered the regular mac with broccoli, mushrooms, and ham. This last Saturday I tried the build you own mac Gouda, with prosciutto, and broccoli. This was much better than the mac I had before, but still not quite up to snuff. My boyfriend's orders are always solid choices (usually the breakfast burrito, or maybe only the BB). But, it is always tasty. I think it's time for me to branch out. But I continue in the hunt for the perfect baked mac! Bring on the Pear Cider!

    (4)

  • Emw W.

    The shrimp pesto pizza was nothing short of amazing. Staff was great and the owner, Rich, came by twice to make sure we had everything we needed. Being a part of a large group is tough on a kitchen but they did a great job with getting the food out at the same time and keeping everyone happy. Everyone raved about their food. Nicely done.

    (5)

  • Eduardo M.

    I hadn't been here in a long time, but it's a good bar, away from the office (yet close enough to visit, assuming, like me, the office is in the ravenswood neighborhood). I found the parking on the train-side of the street easy, and shaded - a good thing on hot days like today. So, easy parking, nestled neighborhood joint? Check and check. Tonight I had nothing but beers here, and honestly, despite the crowd, it was not a problem getting my orders in. A co-worker assured me the ribs were great, but I wasn't there to eat, so I'll take her word on that. So, as a bar, great place. As a restaurant, I'll go by a friend's recommendation and say, good food. Ultimately, this is a place I'll go back to at some point in the near future.

    (3)

  • Barbara P.

    Very first impression: it's a ....... bar? I had never been here before this past weekend, so I didn't know what to expect but I didn't think it would be a bar. Then we actually walked farther back past the bar area and restrooms to the rear of the establishment and everything was enclosed and heated, like a back patio, not too shabby! We had the calamari for an appetizer and I had Italian Chocolate (hot cocoa with amaretto) YUM!!! Then I ordered the Gouda Mac, with mushrooms and asparagus, and for $10 it's the BEST mac and cheese I ever had, and I'm almost sorry to say I will probably never order it anywhere else again, but I also don't think there are many places that will be able to compare to theirs! My hubby had the blackened catfish with mashed potatoes and gravy, and I had a bite - it was very tasty as well! The rest of the menu seemed awesome as well, but I think they have a fancy-pants chef, so it should be! The service was awesome! Our waitress, and the other staff as well, were really nice, and very smiley. She was excellent and made my evening even better! The only reason I dinged them a star was the place is kind of expensive for being so casual.

    (4)

  • Carla F.

    I am definitely a fan of the Fireside. It's very close to my work and there have been many times that my coworkers and I have chose this place as our Friday night location to have too much to drink. It's a great happy hour location as they have lots of free apps set up buffet style for quite a few hours. The staff have always been friendly and very accommodating as far as rearranging tables so our large group can sit together. I've also been here for lunch and dinner and have never been disappointed. Man, how I wish it was 5pm on Friday right now. Edit: I forgot to mention---if you've ever been here, you probably remember seeing a lime green Vespa/scooter with the side car.out front. It makes for a great prop in drunken debauchery. Just FYI.

    (4)

  • Monica W.

    This place is a lot of fun. Good food, fun and nice crowd, and open late. Tough to get a taxi home because of the location. The bartender will call for you or its a little hike to where you might see one. Their food is good and they serve pretty late. One of the best 4am bars on the northside. I've been wanting to try their bunch and bloody mary on the weekends.

    (5)

  • C J.

    I have been to this restaurant many times. The service and food used to be really good but the service especially seems to have gone downhill. Decided to order delivery. What a mistake. Aside from getting incredibly bland burgers and undercooked fries, I think they think they are funny. My fiancé has been put on a gluten free diet by her doctor so we were happy to see the gluten free section of the menu. She ordered a burger, assuming gluten free meant a gluten free bun. She got no bun at all! Viola, gluten free. Are they joking??? I ordered the garlic bread option. It was a crappy gonella style sub roll with a charred tasteless burger slapped in the middle. I don't even think there was any garlic on the roll. In addition we ordered mashed potatoes. Apparently their masher was broken that day as it had very large potato pieces in it. I like chunky mashed potatoes but this was ridiculous. Overall we were very dissatisfied and are pretty done with this place. It's a shame really.

    (1)

  • Annaliza F.

    Been here a bunch of times w/ my school buddies =D I like it not only because they're superdy duper & they have TATER TOTS, but the rest of the grub is purdy darn good too ^_^ Gouda Mac (is GOOOOO-DA, Mac =) & their fish tacos..... Ok, I'm making myself hungry, again.... I thought I told you that we won't stop, I thought I told you that we won't stop =)

    (4)

  • Nick M.

    Listen up!! I'm going to tell you a little somethin somethin (yes, I'm still hurting from last weekend, so just deal with it) about Fireside... it's DANGEROUS!!! Why you ask... well any bar that is in walking distance, has edible food, lots of liquor and is open till 4am (serves food till then as well) is just dangerous. The crowd is ok, the inside is your normal dive so what do you expect, but the back enclosed patio... rocks! The staff is really nice, surprisingly awake and energetic for being 3am. Not a bad juke box either, though you never know what you're going to get with this crowd (last time it was all Spanish music, which was fine with me). The menu is surprisingly huge, sandwiches, pizza, pastas, salads, and ribs. Great entrees like Blackened Catfish, Cajun Meatloaf, and for those of us that can't eat that stuff they have a Vegetarian Stir-fry. After seeing their brunch menu and their Bloody Mary bar, I'm going to be coming here more often!!

    (4)

  • Reema S.

    I always love going to Fireside. I don't understand why people complain about slow service when its normally extremely busy or there's just a lack of employees sometimes but considering the size of the place around the bar, you don't need many. Most of the food is good, just gotta try some things out. The steak sandwich, pizzas, and wings are what I usually get and they're worth the wait! and I really appreciate the Fireside friends and family card they offer now !

    (4)

  • Angie P.

    Love this place! Cozy interior for winter and great HUGE outdoor area. Great variety of beer...I ordered peach and strawberrry beer. Get the pizza...or anything pretty much on the menu. Food is solid. Late night bar, not too many crazies, and staff is nice. Good neighborhood bar.

    (5)

  • Dallas F.

    I love the Fireside. The food, the service, the atmosphere, just everything! The menu is varied and has lots to offer. They have an amazing appetizer, the cajun crawfish. If you're into seafood and spicy stuff you'll love these little tasty fried crawdads. The vegetable lasagna is also superb and I like to finish off the meal with a slice of their apple pie. Really, no complaints. My servers are always friendly and knowledgeable and if you ask for a recommendation they'll be honest about what they think is great on the menu and what they're not huge fans of on the menu.

    (5)

  • Ben K.

    This place is fantastic. I have only been for brunch so I can't speak to the lunch/dinner menu but everybody at my table was extremely satisfied with their meal. However the food is not the only allure here. Fireside's bloody mary bar has to be considered one of the most impressive I have ever seen. You can go back as much as you want and take advantage of the many fixins and hot sauces that they have for your enjoyment/amusement/consumption. Additionally they have an interesting bloody mary alternative for those of us who aren't that into tomato juice (sigh) which is a spicy chili beer that can't really be described well with words but allows you access to the bloody mary bar and is pretty tasty. Finally the venue itself is pretty great, with a monstrous back patio/outdoor area that managed to make me wish I lived a lot closer to this place for when it is warm out.

    (5)

  • Mike F.

    I have not reviewed in a while!! I have been back to Fireside many times since my last review. In fact you might say I am addicted. Stellar beer selections, good bartenders! James and Annie R-O-C-K! and nice food menu. Prices are fair for the area as well. My five star rating remains.

    (5)

  • Carrie R.

    My brother and sister in law were in town staying in Andersonville with their 2 year old and we wanted to find a place that was kid friendly but that wasn't fast food. My boyfriend suggested Fireside for its down home appeal and I'm super glad we went. It was very "neighborhoody" and had other children there but didn't emit a vibe that would turn off folks who didn't have children. Our food was great, waiter was helpful and friendly and we had a nice time there! There was a giant fireplace in the dining area and apparently they get it-a-blazin in the winter. I'll definitely go back - wanna check out the bar vibe next time.

    (4)

  • Erika G.

    Reliably delicious food, OPEN LATE and delivers late, most importantly. Holding at five stars!

    (5)

  • Janna N.

    I have to preface this with the fact that I'm writing about my first (and probably last) experience. I think the people who get good service here are the regulars. We waited over 30 minutes from the time we ordered to the time we got our burgers. The food wasn't fabulous, although I liked that the french fries were cut thick and were super-potato-y. Our waitress was nice, but inattentive. I wish we had gone to Hamburger Mary's for a burger instead. As for the environment: I thought it was strange that there was absolutely no music playing and even though there were at least 10 other tables, the place was really quite. Hmmm...

    (2)

  • Aubrey R.

    Went here for Easter Brunch and overall the experience was okay. We had a large party, 20 people. We had made the reservation about a week before Easter and the manager assured us, it wouldn't be a problem. We get there and we are in a section in the back, the tented area. It was nice that it was semi private, however we were short 2 chairs and it was pretty cramped. Some people had a hard time getting in and out to get to the buffet. What ended up happening was two people in our party had to sit in a separate section. Food, eh...it was okay. It was Easter brunch, so they had a buffet going. Some of the things I liked was the antipasta salad, the popcorn shrimp, fried chicken and the bacon was really good. Super crispy. Things I tried and didn't like - eggs benedict with crab meat. The crab meat wasn't good at all. It had a funny taste to it and I'm not sure if that was actual crab meat, tasted more fishy to me. It was also annoying that for the cocktail sauce, they didn't have small bowls or anything to put your sauce in. Fried chicken, it was mostly thighs and breasts, huge pieces. Would have been nice to throw some smaller pieces in there. Didn't care for breakfast potatoes at all. Selection was okay. They didn't have much in terms of dessert. Brownies seemed stale, the cheesecake bites were good, but it wasn't homemade or anything like that. They were just those bites you could get at Costco. Service was pretty good. We did have a large party, but she kept checking on us, made sure we had drinks all the time and picking up our dirty dishes. It did take awhile for them to figure out our seating arrangement since there was so many of us and after 15 minutes of them trying to get chairs and fit everyone in, my little cousins grabbed a table in another section. Overall, it was an okay experience, I've had brunch/buffet with better food for the same amount of money. It ended up being roughly 28 a person for buffet, drink, tax and tip. I only ate like 4 items out of the selection they had so I didn't feel it was worth it. Had a fun time though because I was with family. The atmosphere is pretty nice though, parking is easy and the place is huge. Maybe it's better to go there for a drink or something, not a meal.

    (3)

  • Michael S.

    Awesome: 1. Their anchovie pizza. They don't skimp on the anchovies, like most places that serve anchovies seem to do. Here there is no reluctance to make you the saltiest, tongue swelling, most eye puffing pizza EVER! I was so thirsty in the middle of the night that I drank a quart of milk - with Ovaltine. mmmmmmmmmm. Yum. I had the anchovie pizza twice this week, and I want more. (but maybe without the quart of Ovaltine). 2. Fast delivery and Frequent customer discount without asking, because they found my cell phone number in their computer from God knows when I last ordered from them, which I'm positive was before I wrote my initial shitty review here!

    (5)

  • Tori S.

    My first mistake was ordering a meal for delivery. I should have gleaned from my fellow Yelpers that the Fireside is an experience best enjoyed in person. My second mistake was ordering Cajun Meatloaf. It arrived at my doorstep as two gray lumps which were dripping water. Huh? A real Cajun would be incensed to know what culinary atrocities were committed in their name. To the right of the blobs formerly known as meatloaf were uncooked fries. A stalk of broccoli and cauliflower completed the meal. Don't make the same mistakes I did.

    (1)

  • Carol J.

    Yet another place that I dig with a dual personality. Actually a little Sybilish to say the least. Great weekend brunch spot. Decent pizza and delivery service. Awesome soups. Nice back yard ( not a patio when the roof is always on sorry folks) and odd late night neighborhood drinking establishment. I've always enjoyed the food, actually decent steaks, good ribs and pizza but sometimes the service is just odd. I don't mean not regular service, I mean someone singing Eagles greatest hits in the bus station and "spacing" on our order when we were one of the few tables there. And a few times service has been less then stellar but for this kind of place it was passable. It actually makes me laugh because I never know what personality is going to greet me.

    (3)

  • Jeanette S.

    This might my new drinking spot! This place is one of the rare 4am bars/lounges in the city that doesn't reek a heavy hipster clientele. Its a little more grounded and casual. The beers were really good. I tried one with beets -yes beets- that was infused into the beer and it was surprisingly sweet and tasty. The metropolitan ones are really good too, as i am a bit partial to the machine works one. And they have flat tire which is one of my favorites available. There was also a bitter pale ale that had a kick and was amazing but i don't remember the name. Possibly it's one of the other metropolitan ones.

    (5)

  • Samantha J.

    Why oh why must have to ask for a clean cup TWICE! This place is nasty! Mystery floating nasty came in my coke. The food was cold and very bland. DO NOT VISIT THIS PLACE!

    (1)

  • Terrence C.

    I've been to fireside numerous times for different gatherings. The great appeal is the versatility of this spot. Tucked in a quiet neighborhood, away from the busy street, this is a great place to escape the traffic. In the front of the house, it is a very traditional bar/restaurant setting, with and admiral beer/wine list. Once you ender the back room, you're in a much more open yet intimate barn like room decorated with high ceilings and frosty white christmas writing. On my most recent visit I tried to blackened catfish entree, while my companion had the blackened catfish salad. At first taste the fish was a bit too salty. I used the provided lemon, and the dish came together. The coconut shrimp is pretty good also(also better with a lemon squeeze) Service is above average, and you get the small family owned hospitality feeling. All in all this is a great spot for a casual night, whether its a date, or social gathering. The food is good, the drinks are great, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Until the masses discover this place, it will be a great little andersonville secret

    (4)

  • Jeff B.

    This is the greatest neighborhood bar I've been into in a long time and they have a parking lot and really nice patio out back. The people in the joint were very friendly and struck up conversations right away. One girl bought us a round....I almost fell off my chair. A strange girl walks up and buys a round, sure it's happened to me before, but I wasn't out trolling this time. Try the food, we got the chicken quesadillas and I'll tell you what, I'm not huge on Mexican food but that was one of the two greatest quesadillas I ever had....and it was half price. BONUS!!! They have regular specials and it just has a real nice feel to it that I can say I may be a regular.

    (4)

  • Jason G.

    I can not believe this place doesn't have at least 4 stars. I consider this one of the best kept secrets in Chicago. I have been here so many times since I have lived in Ravenswood. The Blackened Cajun Chicken and Pasta with that cajun cream sauce is epic. Their brunch food is also delicious, especially the banana nut french toast. Shut your mouth Fireside! They have great beer specials and a huge variety. The servers are always super helpful and attentive, and last time my server enrolled me in their loyalty program and I keep getting free stuff. Needless to say, Fireside and I are dating now.

    (5)

  • Jayson C.

    Excellent beer selection, excellent food, great service, and all at an affordable price! Their outdoor patio is a great spot to just kick back and drink the night away! This has been my local spot for years and will remain that way for a long time! But what happened to the Hoegarden on tap?!?

    (4)

  • Jesse N.

    Patio is awesome in summer and winter. Heaters keep me warm (cozy) Food is always good, fish is great and they have awesome Irish Coffee

    (4)

  • Christopher L.

    "FIreside" Whenever I get that text (which is quite often) I feel like a Thundercat.... I have the urge to drop whatever I'm doing and head there immediately. I love this place! Been going there since I was a little kid. So many memories. From announcing to friends I was having a daughter, to meeting the exwife's new boyfriend (awkward). The food is famazing. Blackened chicken sandwich or pasta with mash potatoes or chicken tenders (especially on half price wednesdays) Open so late, I use to head here after xsport. P.S. The staff is great. thumbs up!

    (4)

  • Judy M.

    With a heavy heart I take away a star from Fireside. The rest of the food we've tried doesn't meet up to the expectations I had from the time we ordered delivery. The chicken tenders were decent, but the fries and quesadilla, I was not a fan. However, I really do appreciate the fact their kitchen is open so late, they deliver, the drinks are stiff and the servers are great.

    (3)

  • Jose B.

    Great staff, amazing drink list and the food is pretty good, some things are better than others, personally if get anything but the burgers. great atmosphere and like i said, amazing booze list!!!

    (4)

  • Nicole S.

    I forgot how much I enjoyed Fireside I haven't ventured into the area in a while until I was out with some friends yesterday and we stopped in for lunch. It has a great cozy and casual atmosphere and friendly service. Everything I've eaten in the past has been good, yesterday our table had the asparagus bruschetta which I enjoyed and I ordered the lemon and dill grilled tilapia special which was delicious.

    (4)

  • Diana M.

    I can't believe I never updated my review! After the Monte Cristo incident, we avoided Fireside for about 8 months, but decided to try it again out of curiosity. What. A. Difference! We sat under the tent again, our server was delightful and super attentive. He suggested some apps and they were great (artichokes with marinara, yum!). Our dinners were delivered in no time and they too were tasty! We've also ordered delivery and it's always pretty fast and usually about as good as going to the restaurant itself (though it's never been as warm as it should be, etc.) Overall, no complaints! We'll be back, for sure. We're even thinking of hosting a party/event here sometime next year....so we HAVE to go back to keep trying all the great food!

    (4)

  • David M.

    I just read my old review and I have to say that I've become more of a fan lately. It seems that the owner has taken a more hands-on approach and the quality and food selections have improved. I also like the waitstaff. A lot of them have been here for a while, which is a testimony to the management.

    (4)

  • Jess M.

    Surprisingly good. Not where I would take out of town guests, but when we want a good solid meal my partner and I go here. Always polite and I have a tendency to ask 100 questions before ordering sometimes....

    (4)

  • Mark A.

    This place only gets 3 stars because the bar is decent, but the food is lame. The bar is warm and has a welcome local feel and daily beer specials. The covered outdoor patio is nice and open nearly year round. Jukebox is decent. Service is friendly. The menu is all over the place though. They are trying to be good at too many things instead of really great at just a few. Honestly one of the worst pizzas I have ever eaten (including frozen) (meat lovers was almost void of meat and so thin and tasteless it was unbelievable) Appetizers weren't all that hot either. Best bet is to hang out and drink, then go grab a bite to eat somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Colleen F.

    'Meh. I've experienced better' just about sums it up. The food was not great even when you already know you'll be getting bar food. The outdoor seating areas are just strange. The front cafe area looks over train tracks. The back is covered w/ high walls on all sides so it's really not like sitting outside at all. Service was not bad but not spectacular. I like at least some personality from bar staff and really didn't see much. Just indifferent bartenders slinging drinks. I might have a drink here every so often but I doubt I would eat here again.

    (2)

  • Patty V.

    Oh so many years ago,my coworkers and I would come here after my shift at Edgewater Hospital. We would have a few drinks and enjoy ourselves. Probably violated hospital policy by wearing our uniforms,but we got plenty of free drinks and sparked more than one debate about naughty nurses. I know they have food,but don't recall eating any here...memories are 5 stars!

    (3)

  • Chris W.

    This review is specific to brunch - I have not eaten here for dinner. Fireside is sort of a multi-faceted place, with lunch, brunch, dinner, and a bar, so I qualify this review and say it is specific to brunch. As far as brunch goes, this place is a dismal failure, and I will not be returning. The only reason I give it two stars is because the waitress was nice and proficient, and they have an awesome Bloody Mary do-it-yourself bar. Otherwise, it sucked. I had terrible Eggs Benedict - first, they have four different Eggs Bendict options, and I received a soft boiled egg in place of a poached egg, had to send it back. If you offer four different Eggs Benedict options, your cook should learn how to poach an egg. I emphasize the word "cook" as a noun. Moreover, the Hollandaise sauce was awful - totally tasteless. Bland, completely lacking in the essence of Hollandaise. Really bad. They should have comped us something for having to send the eggs back as well. I tried the veggie egg burrito - equally awful - it was totally bland, consistency of cardboard. Another person had quiche, which seemed to be an exercise in mediocrity. Overall, I will not go back to this place for any meal.

    (2)

  • Julie B.

    From the outside, you may pass by and think " oh another neighborhood dive" but in reality, you would be missing out on a fantastic neighborhood gem!!! The restaurant is great for parties or families, there is a great bar area and bada bing - yep, a Great Beer Garden which is tented during the less than stellar months :). This place seriously has fantastic BBQ Ribs!!! Ribs, mashed potatoes and oh, fantastic fish tacos too!!! I came here with a group of friends and their families (the kids were loving the space and the food), the grown ups, well we were happy the kids were having fun and of course, their great selection of beers!!! Great service, Great neighborhood bar and Excellent Food!!!!

    (4)

  • Eliza M.

    We were trying to think of a cozy restaurant to go to that had comfort food. Of course we didn't have reservations anywhere for Saturday night (we can't plan ahead). Fireside came to mind with its toasty beer garden that has heaters ablazin' during the fall/winter. We walked in, made our way to the back, and easily got a table. It was definitely cozy! My hot toddy was good and heavily poured. Ahhh happiness... I ordered the turkey dinner and it was huge and really good. Dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry chutney and huge slices of turkey = a happy Beth M. The ribs were... not so good. My husband said he would give them "a negative 500." They were dry and chewy like they had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. Gross. Good thing he didn't order the full slab. I want to give Fireside 4 stars because I really like the place and we have been coming here for while. But as we thought about our previous experiences, only about half the time do we leave completely happy. Service is generally iffy on top of that.

    (3)

  • JAMES M.

    I liek this place! I really do. The couple of times We have been here it has been pretty good! I have had good times with my monsta here , ran into someone from my choldhood that I hadnt seen in years, and gotten drunk at this place! Cream of tomato soup is awesome!!! Shake n bake!

    (3)

  • Galen G.

    This place is great -- sitting out front at night with tress in front of me feels like I'm not even in the city. Fantastic beer section, great bartenders. I could sit in the bar out back or out front and enjoy the atmosphere. In the evening it feels like a place where people get a beer and hang out, no rush to drink and leave. All in all glad to have them in the area, worth the walk.

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    My man friend and I came late at night (around 2am) for drinks and half off appetizers. Our server came over about 3 minutes after we sat down (we sat down at a high top table near the bar). We ordered drinks (I ordered a Sauvignon blanc, and my date ordered a blue moon, which was on special for $3 or around there). We also ordered medium wings. We got our drinks pretty fast. Our server actually poured them. Ok cool. The wings, however, took forever to come out. I work at a bar, so I know wings take a while. HOWEVER, when the BBQ wings came out, I was a bit confused. BBQ. We ordered medium. Whatever, still good, ok. The wings came with a nice helping of celery and carrots with ranch. I was happy about this. I love celery and carrots with my wings! My wine sat empty for a while, while our server sat at the bar and talked to the bartender. We were her on table, it appeared, so I was shocked that she didn't at least check on us once. When we finally were done eating, she asked if I wanted another wine. It was about 3am at this point, so we were ready to go. I declined. Being in the industry and also working at a late night bar, I understand that by the end of the night, you're just done. Ready to leave. I'll probably be back earlier in the day for some food - I love sweet potato tots and saw that those are on the menu! Maybe service is better earlier in the day, too. Let's hope because I live a short walk away and will be back!

    (3)

  • Ruth R.

    Wasn't a horrible place. I went on two occasions: The first time, it was a very late night at the bar side. It was filled with regulars who were overly drunk and crazy rowdy and annoying. Couldn't wait to get the hell out of there that night. I like a local place, but the bartenders were just interested in hanging out with their drinking buddies and the regulars there could have kept it down just a tad, for the rest of us who still want to live life without any serious hearing problems. I'll chalk it up to it being in the wee hours of the night and they had a few too many, but these guys are regulars and I'd rather not run into them again :) On the second occasion, I went to the restaurant side during the day. It was quiet, cozy and the food was good and fairly priced. The table settings were great! The center pieces were little flower pots they were growing their herbs out of. I thought it was neat.

    (3)

  • Liz J.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all fabulous here! We love this hidden gem of a restaurant. This place is large and has many different sections to sit in. There is the more formal dining area with the fire place, the bar, and the patio which is open most of the year. All atmospheres are perfect and offer a different feel for whatever kind of meal you are wanting to enjoy at the time. The staff is friendly and the food is just perfect. I definitely recommend fireside to all my friends and family and usually take out of Towners here too.

    (5)

  • Bill M.

    I recently dined at Fireside Restaurant on North Ravenswood. It sort of feels like two establishments in one. If you walk in the front entrance, there is a doorway on the right towards the "bar" area, with music and also a few tables for a slightly more casual dining experience. The doorway on the left leads to the main dining area, with a warm fireplace prominently featured on the side wall. If you sit near the fireplace (such as our party of three), you will definitely feel warm and toasty. There are interesting artworks on every wall for added visual appeal, so you feel like you're in a cross between a ski lodge and art gallery. The food menu is rather extensive, but the drinks menu seemed even more robust. I had previously visited Fireside's bar during a beer trolley tour, and after having inspected the beer list thoroughly I know why Fireside was included in that tour. I must have perused longingly at the beer listings for ten minutes before selecting the Ommegang on tap. There is no complimentary bread basket here, and the menu states NO SPLITTING PLEASE. We each ordered ribs for dinner, as that is one of the featured (and pricier) menu items. I ordered a full slab, with an enormous baked potato (comes with butter and a cup of sour cream) and mixed vegetables. The ribs were splashed with a slather of barbecue sauce across the slab. The ribs tasted fine, the meat was tender, though I admit the ribs are no comparison to the ribs I like at Smoque. I did have about four of the ribs to take home, and enjoyed them reheated the following evening. Should I pop by Fireside again, I'd like to try something else on the menu. The service level was efficient during our meal. There is a small but free customer parking lot adjacent to the south wall of the restaurant.

    (4)

  • Steve O.

    One of Chicago's best local bar/restaurants. The Cajun Meatloaf is awesome as are the Pork Chops. I love the Mashed Potatoes as well. In fact I've never had a meal I didn't like here. The staff is always friendly and works very hard. Tonight, I'm trying the Lasagna for the first time. I've heard good things about it. In 25 plus visits, we've never been disappointed.

    (5)

  • Lord Of T.

    I give the food 3 stars and the outdoor seating area 4 stars. It is a nice place to get "American" food. It has a regular pub crowd.... It is not trendy, pretty relaxed.

    (4)

  • Diana J.

    Not sure where my review went of their horrible service for a party I hosted here...anyway, to summarize: they were unprepared, overpriced, and did not deliver what they said they could.

    (1)

  • Sean C.

    I made a reservation on Yelp. When we arrived, we were told they didn't honor reservations made on Yelp. Don't set up Yelp to take reservations for your restaurant if you won't honor them. We didn't even get a simple "sorry" for this screw-up. The hostess implied we were at fault.

    (1)

  • Shaun S.

    Food is ok, service is terribly slow. I know how slow the service is, so I phoned my burger in. They said 15 minutes. I showed up in 20, I sat down and said I had a phone Togo order and I'll just eat here instead. You would think that my food would have been boxed up ready to go and they could just throw it in the plate, nope. ANOTHER 20 minutes before I got the food. And there was maybe 10 people in the place. Hire more people.

    (2)

  • Roseann M.

    My friend the Broccoli Queen took me to Fireside in late January for my birthday treat. The restaurant was my choice. I knew it had a large menu, an inviting dining room with a fireplace, and its own parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. Although its menu is heavy on meat and I am a vegetarian, I knew I could find something to eat. Since the occasion was a celebration of my birthday, I also wanted to have a couple drinks with dinner, and I knew that Fireside had a full bar. It all seemed reasonable, and the Broccoli Queen was enthusiastic. She knew from past visits that she could get broccoli. The parking lot is really convenient. If the lot is full, you'll find plenty of free, nearby parking on Ravenswood. The dining room was very pleasant. It was a cold night, of course. We arrived shortly before 6pm, when there weren't a lot of other customers. We asked to sit near the fireplace, and we got a good table nearby. The waitress gave me a drink special menu, and among all the specialty drinks, I saw that they had glugg. Perfect! That's what I ordered. Oops! The waitress told me that they didn't have glugg anymore. In fact, the restaurant hadn't actually carried glugg for a couple months, along with another specialty drink. OK, I don't get my fancy drink -- first world problem, right? Still, why pass out a menu that's incorrect, and has been for a couple months? And why didn't the waitress tell me as she gave me the drink menu, we're out of these two? That's a big bad on the restaurant, and a little bad on the waitress. I ended up with some kind of hot cider drink. It was pretty good, but not good enough to get a second one. I went with a red wine which turned out to be only okay. My friend ordered a pizza with broccoli. She was deliriously happy. I saw that there was a whole section on the menu for macaroni and cheese. You could get it plan, or you could get it with all sorts of additions. I ordered it with peas. I did get what I ordered, which is good. The taste, though . . . what a big nothing. I've seen lots of Yelpers say things like, this food tasted like it came out of a box, and I've thought, oh, they're exaggerating. When I tell you that this macaroni and cheese tasted like Kraft out of the box, I am not exaggerating. Big, big disappointment. I thought, wistfully, of the macaroni and cheese I get at Café Selmarie in Lincoln Square, and I wished we had gone there instead. Bottom line: Ambiance: 5 stars. Parking: 5 stars Alcohol: 2 stars Food: 2 stars Service: 3 stars

    (2)

  • Earlie C.

    Strictly a food review. How to begin how terrible our meal was tonight. Got delivery and my wings arrived cold in a small pool of ranch that had spilled in the container. Paid extra for blue cheese. Got ranch. Wings tasted as though someone doused them in mesquite seasoning. They were sweet. Not spicy. What was ordered. There were 7 of them for $10. Smoked Turkey sandwich should have been called sponge like turkey sandwich. It was horrendous in every aspect. Delivery person with room temp. I.Q. didn't know how to dial apartment number on keypad. Never again. Probably one of the worst meals I've had in the past 6 months.

    (1)

  • Mat M.

    I had dinner this past week at Fireside with a friend and we sat in the bar. The place was much larger on the inside than I expected. I also didn't expect the blue collar atmosphere that is Fireside. The food was good, beer selection extensive and the feel was just comfortable and homey - I really liked it. I'd come back.

    (4)

  • Peter O.

    A much beloved standby for us. S. says it's cute, her highest accolade. Our lives would be lessened without it. We're here often enjoying the fireplace room in cool to cold weather and late evenings outdoors in front during warm summer nights. Crickets, the irregular passing of Metra trains, neighbourhood folks walking their dogs, highly satisfying pub food and craft beers and half-priced bottles of wine have led to some of our best, most restful evenings in Chicago. G.-the-dog appreciates its dog-friendly patio. Fireside's owner has a big dog living upstairs when he's around and sometimes drops off a biscuit for little G. He's a good man, that owner guy. Five woofs for him. There's a huge garden room in the back covered with tarpaulin ceiling which is totally unique to my experience. The Fireside has four dining areas, so a space to suit all tastes. Food is very good, sometimes great, usually right about above average in most respects. Their Jack Daniels infused barbecue sauce . . . ahhh, the Jacked Up burger with onion straws . . . big steakhouse fries . . . and S. swears by their steak sandwich with freshly sliced avocado and raw onion. Fish dishes have been hit-or-miss. Their pizzas are pleasantly thin crust, and we recommend barbecue chicken and their pesto shrimp pizza. Mac and cheese! Again! More mac and cheese. Yowsers! A delight. They're rightly proud of it. Many rave about their weekend brunchtime Bloody Mary Bar. Servers are to a person, marvelous and kind and sometimes lots of fun. We've begun to feel as though a couple are nearly family. (That's when you know it's time to start going elsewhere for a while) There are artists among them and often the fireplace room walls display their art for sale. We have always been happy here. We hope you go and are happy as well. With warm regard, Peter O., S. and G.-the-dog

    (4)

  • Veronica M.

    Sat there for 20 min for draft beer!! We left couldn't bear how long it would take for another beer or food.I really want this place to be good been here before food hasn't been so great and service is always questionable like today's. Place is close by home but I'm done having bad service.

    (2)

  • seema c.

    What a find! I'm almost hesitant to write the review, as it may draw too many customers... :) We sat right beside the fire. The food portions were huge and comforting. And, we lingered loooong as the dinner crowds thinned out, never being rushed to move out. Thanks for such an inviting welcome and visit!!!

    (5)

  • Peter R.

    Hello there 2013!!! So how does one celebrate the arrival of the new year...why brunch of course. I have been here several times, and I will do this review based solely on my brunch experience. Let's just say that the service was slower than a turtle with no legs, stuck on molasses. I must have drank 39 cups of coffee, the waiter didn't forget to keep topping off my cup o' joe. Although he probably forgot to put our order in, because it took forever. Forever, ever, forever, ever??? Yea it did, and I was none too pleased. I don't care if the Country Fried Steak I ordered tasted like heaven, the lack of expedient service ruined it for me. My taste buds went got angry, and it didn't give a crap anymore. I will say that our server remained professional, and courteous, going as far as taking away the price of one entree from our bill. I appreciate it, but that service will haunt my dreams for a long, long, time.

    (2)

  • Amanda Z.

    We went here tonight with a groupon. I had always heard good things about this place. So I figured $15 for $30 worth of food was a good deal. It was the least impressive meal I've had in years in this city and it cost us $30 plus tip above the cost of the groupon....so what would have been a $70 meal...I think not. The best part of the food was my daughter's mac and cheese kid's meal. My fish and chips were the most mediocre I've ever had, my husband's burger was bland and seemed like it was a frozen patty. The restaurant was super crowded even though we went at 5:00 on a Sunday. There was barely room to walk through the dining room. The waiter we had was kind, but service was super slow which at 5pm (we got there before the rush when there were only about 5 tables full) with 2 kids in tow (and yes I checked to make sure this was listed as a family friendly place) was shocking. Anyway, I'm sure it's a great addition for the neighborhood. The bar was hoppin'. Probably a good place for drinks and drunken bar food, but we won't be wasting nearly a $100 on the food there again. Sadly. My husband described it best, "You can tell they try, but it just misses the mark on every aspect!:

    (2)

  • Christopher M.

    We have been coming to Fireside for years and have loved the restaurant, but our recent Mother's Day experience left a very taste with all. We had a reservation for 16 for over a month for the family (children included). We arrived 10 minutes prior to our reservation and ended up waiting for over an hour and never ended up being seated. There was another group seated in the area we were to sit in that we were told had been there for over 3 hours. After an hour of waiting, we couldn't contain the kids anymore and had to leave and make do at home, since Mother's Day is near impossible to get a reservation for last minute, especially for a group as large as ours. The entire group was incredibly disappointed in the experience, and we were disappointed that no other accommodations nor apologies were made. This will probably not be on our goto list in the future, especially when looking at special events unfortunately.

    (1)

  • Gabriela A.

    good neighborhood spot, nice and friendly staff.

    (4)

  • Ferdy K.

    Such a nice place. Kitchen is open till 3 am, which is a huge bonus! And the food is suprisingly good. Its a great late night place!

    (5)

  • Mark L.

    Had the Gouda Burger and sweet potato tots. One of the better burgers I've had, but the topper for me was the ambiance. Just a cool place, good beer list. Another Andersonville gem.

    (5)

  • Gia T.

    Great food, good beer selection. Cozy atmosphere. Everything I have eaten here is delish.

    (5)

  • Lindsey A.

    Fireside is charming. I've had the pleasure of dining on the 'patio' as well as the more formal dining room, while also imbibing in a bev or two in the bar area. It's not very accessible via public trans, so plan for a bit of a walk whether you take the red line or bus. I'd say that's my only gripe about the place - location. The outdoor/indoor (covered and heated in the winter) patio is a lovely space. I'd prefer to sit there or in the bar rather than the formal dining room as the formal space is a little bland for my liking... This last visit I split the lemon/pepper chicken with my fiance. We had that and the crab cake starter. The crab cake was OK... I'm not a huge fan so I can't really judge it. The split lemon/pepper chicken, however, was pretty outstanding. Not only was the chicken juicy it was also packed with flavor; two things that rarely happen in my household when I cook chicken. I also found it totally awesome that the restaurant split our dishes for us and gave us each heaping portions of veg and rice. Our server was a great, friendly guy who was quick! He had the whole room under his command and I never felt like I had to wait for him to bring me a drink, etc. I'd really like to go back for the bloody mary bar and brunch!

    (4)

  • Philip L.

    Waited 15 minutes . Three waitresses kept walking by us not one said anything. Lazy? Or discrimination against a interracial couple. NEVER AGAIN!

    (1)

  • b b.

    I was really disappointed. I ordered stuffed shells that were "supposed" to have spinach and three cheeses in them. Not a single spec of spinach was in the shells. Not even a trace, which aside from the cheese was the "main ingredient". There also wasn't 3 types of cheeses. The cheese that was in there tasted like the Kraft Shaker parmesan type. This was my second time eating Fireside. The first time we had side orders of fries and onion rings. The fries were soggy and the onion rings barely had any onion in them and were also soggy. However, the burger was okay, but not great. I will say the mashed potatoes were good which was the only reason I gave them 2 stars.

    (2)

  • Julie P.

    I came her just to eat and I have to say that the food here is really good. I'm glad that they are open very late at night. Try the Eggplant dish. Sooo good!!!! Definitely will come back again!

    (4)

  • Tracey M.

    Popped in here recently for a drink with a friend on a weeknight. Even though I've passed by Fireside fairly often I had never been there before. It's a cute place. Has two sides and a back area as well. When you enter, the side to your left is a dining area and the side to your right is the bar. On the particular night I was there there weren't many people. The bartender was helpful and came to check on us several times. The short time I was there it seemed nice. Definitely a place I'd go back to again. Maybe next time for dinner.

    (3)

  • Anthony G.

    Worst lasagna I have ever had. No Ricotta cheese in it and the noodles were hard. In addition, there was no flavor -- no spices at all and unseasoned meat. Finally, there was tomato sauce poured around the lasagna but it was not cooked with any.

    (1)

  • Shawn M.

    (The way I rate things, everything starts at 5 and then I remove depending on how much I'm annoyed by things) Cons: -2 Stars: Different prices on Eat24/other online ordering sites than on their printed menu that came with my order. Felt a little ripped off as a first time customer. (I was tempted to remove 3 stars but Eat24 was great and gave me a coupon for the difference.). -1/2 Star: Food arrived about 20-30 minutes late and warm, not hot, not cold, just warm. -1/2 Star: Garlic bread wasn't very good and they don't know how to cut a pizza correctly (pie cut requested). Slices were cut in all different sizes, each piece ranged from 2 inches wide at the crust to 6ish inches wide at the crust. It was like they cut each slice separately to the center for each slice rather than the standard 4 cuts across the whole pizza for 8 even slices. Pros: - They included Crushed Red Pepper, Oregano, and Parmesan packets with the pizza! -Open and delivers late (but we didn't order late) - Pizza has a nice thin crunchy crust with a nice balance of crust to sauce to cheese ratio with just the right amount of grease. As an East Coast transplant I prefer a NY foldable type crust but this was good. (Would have been better hot rather than warm.) -Fries were decent, not overly salted or soggy, but still warm. I may order again, I may not. I'm still having trouble getting over the price difference online vs what is printed on the menu that came with my order.

    (2)

  • Leslie C.

    I was invited to Fireside for a group outing to celebrate an out of town friend. I'm sorry this was her special dinner. The menu is generic and the food we ordered was ordinary and flavorless. The Gouda mac and cheese looked like Velveeta and had shockingly no taste. The french onion soup was watery and not hot. The jalapeno vinaigrette was neither a vinaigrette or jalapeno... more of a generic flavorless salsa. They have a fun looking indoor patio except I was getting dripped on all night and it wasn't raining. The servers were fun and nice but the food took a while. It was a little pricey for what we had. Good Beer list, and free parking were some good points. This is not in my neighborhood, but even if it was... I would not go back.

    (2)

  • Issy G.

    Definitely for a place to grab beers and appetizers but not a full on dinner. We ordered the slow cooked pot roast and the roasted chicken. My hubby had the pot roast which came out really dry, dry, and did I say dry? He had to request additional gravy to make the pot roast edible. I had the roasted half chicken with the side of sweet potato taters... chicken was good, not dry (and yes I was worried that it would be dry), with a side of sweet potato taters of awesomeness! And veggie medley was just right; not greasy or over cooked. I gave half of my chicken to my hubby since he couldn't eat half of his pot roast. As for desserts, we ordered several since it was a large group. I was especially happy with my carrot cake....thanks to our waiter who recommended it. They were out of the chocolate cake so our friends had to settle for subs. Avoid the Chocolate mousse ... it had an after taste of saw dust/dirt... tasted like a '2x4' not that I eat lumber but that was the 'after taste'. We had a large group and our meals came in sporadically. Our meal didn't come out together or at least close to together. Those who had their meals in front, we told them to eat since we didn't want it to get cold. So some were eating, some were waiting, and some finished. Saving grace? Our waiter was friendly but he seemed to have a lot of tables and of course our friends who were there made it an enjoyable outing.

    (2)

  • Neal D.

    I go here about weekly for lunch because i work locally. I always get the Blackened chicken pasta or a Blackened steak salad both are very good and highly recommended. They are a bit pricey as far as lunch standards go but they are very tasty and very filling. Outside of the aforementioned, I wouldn't really recommend much I've tried the burgers and various other sandwiches and was always left with same feeling of there was something left to be desired. Service is very friendly and helpful.

    (4)

  • Grace M.

    Several orders, all of them incorrect, incredibly rude guy taking phone orders, veggies taste burnt, food is somewhat subpar, always felt sick afterwards. Steak was the only good/edible item. Most dishes were rather gross tasting. Bad customer service. Will not be giving them my business again. This is more an alcoholic's paradise. *Also, ordered a side of fruit, it was literally a thimble sized mini-plastic ramekin cup,not even the normal small ramekin size like you'd get a condiment in. This after we asked for a large fruit side to act as a dessert for two. It wasn't enough for a child. VERY disappointing.

    (1)

  • Frank T.

    We like it. Close by with plenty of atmosphere. All the rest are good for an institution in the 'hood.

    (3)

  • David B.

    I'd like to preface this review by saying that I have eaten here many many times and this was my first negative experience. This time I chose delivery and what a terrible mistake. The food was COLD! This food just doesn't travel well. Now lets get to the food. We ordered the crab cake appetizer and when they say crab cake they mean crab cake. There was just one burger patty sized cake that was largely flavorless and drenched in tartar sauce. The huge quantity of sauce should have been a giveaway. I also ordered a smothered burger which was again flavorless and a huge disappointment. The Swiss must have been bargain bin cause it added nothing whatsoever to the flavor. The burger had the right amount of mushrooms and onions though again they lacked any flavor perhaps due to either low quality ingredients or products past their prime. The burger itself could be improved by adding some seasoning though there was a pleasant hint of char. The delivery came with one set of plastic cutlery for 2 people (wife ordered her own entree) and zero condiments. This place is on the downslide. Corner cutting has taken this place from a previous favorite to an also ran. I may give them another shot but it will only be because I either don't have other options or I am too drunk to remember how bad it was.

    (1)

  • Geoffrey L.

    Well, I've never ordered from here before, and I thought I'd try it for delivery. Ordered a single pizza, and was told 40-45 minutes. After an hour and five, I thought I'd call to see what was going on, and the person said that they had to make sure someone else 4 miles from my house got their delivery first, and then I'll get mine. It's amazing to me how any restaurant or any business for that matter thinks that shitty service would ever warrant a return purchase. Stay away.

    (1)

  • Christine F.

    Brunchies and boozies. That sums up the Fireside for me. After drinking enough beer to kill a pony at The Hopleaf, we moved onto the Fireside since we felt badly about lingering after dinner. Before the other night, I've only been to the Fireside for brunch, which I've enjoyed. I discovered that I enjoy their after hours fun, as well. They have a great drink selection (including house cocktails) and a nice seating area. I hate hovering on bar stools and The Fireside has some nice tables/booths/etc. DAMN KIDS AND THEIR STINKIN' BAR STOOLS. Anyway, we had a great time, our waitress was friendly and I would definitely come back for an after dinner drink.

    (4)

  • Keith O.

    Solid local joint. Has the feel of a friendly local joint in small town in Wisconsin , with good food and good beer. You really kind of forget your in Chicago for a bit . Went in Saturday night in the winter , no problem getting a table . Good food and beer selection and recommendations hit it spot on. I had the spicy meat loaf and mixed veggies , very good. Feels like type if bar with a Chicago sports game on at all time for sure.

    (4)

  • Dee W.

    Came here for a graduation party and left a fan of the place! First of all, to have your own parking lot in Chicago is a huge bonus for me! Second of all, the back patio was reserved for the party is another bonus with really great wait staff and service. Food was delicious and the drinks were kept flowing. There was a delicious chicken alfredo that was moist and flavorful and another favorite was this grilled vegetable concoction that was fresh and tasty! The kids enjoyed the food and were given crayons and coloring pages so that added touch was also appreciated.

    (4)

  • Lauren H.

    This is a great neighborhood bar. They have epic proportions. I had the chicken fingers and salad. The salad wasn't really chopped properly. But the chicken fingers were amazing. They're battered n like pancake batter. Which is weird but taste really good. My boyfriend had the smoked Mac and cheese. It was really good. Great for hangovers. Not to mention the Bloody Mary bar is epic. Not too many food items but they have like every seasoning and hot sauce you can imagine.

    (4)

  • Mandoos G.

    Just fantastic. This place has the 3 most important things in a restaurant. Cozy ambiance, great service, and outstanding food. The menu is very extensive and the prices are more than fair. I got the turkey club and my bf got the steak sandwich. He said it was the best sandwich he had ever had It's in a quiet secluded hood surrounded by houses. Plenty of parking There is a huge fire and alot of families that were there. Both gave this place a really warm and relaxed feeling. Don't come here expecting gourmet food. It is traditional American comfort food at it's best

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    The bloody mary bar is pretty outstanding, food is good and love the deck in the back, but the service is not good. The waitress checked on us once to refill drinks and it was because we had to flag her down. They seemed to be short staffed so she was probably overwhelmed waiting on all the tables....but being at a restaurant for 2 hours without getting to order drinks regularly through out the visit makes for a lame day drinking brunch. I'd go back if they got more staff.

    (3)

  • Amy C.

    Well, maybe it depends on what you order, or when. I came here with "Reader Real Deal" ($10 for $20), but this wasn't the first time - I ate at Fireside back in 2010 and remember thinking the food was better than what I ate this past weekend. I ordered the "Spicy" Cajun meat loaf dinner. The meat loaf was served lukewarm, and while it was a generous portion and did, as advertised, have chunks of sausage in the mix, was unrecognizable as Cajun (and not spicy at all!). It was served with a red marinara-like sauce. The veggies (corn, carrots and - count them - TWO green beans) were either steamed or poured out of a can, with no salt, pepper, or other seasonings added. I never add salt in my plate, but I did to those veggies. In general, everything was pretty bland. My mashed potatoes were the best thing on the plate. My bf's sweet potato tots were also very good. Maybe potatoes is the way to go if you eat here. The beer list had some interesting, micro-brew offerings and a large variety, including German. We sat in the beer garden, which similar to 2 years ago - was cutely decorated with white lights, colored lamps, and multi-level decks. We came in on a Friday night and it was surprisingly quiet, not the bustle and excitement you'd usually get at a Friday night restaurant in the city. While they did have some interesting things on the menu maybe we should have tried instead (e.g., the gouda burger or the gouda mac & cheese) I probably won't make a point to come back.

    (2)

  • Mike P.

    Have been coming here for 10 yrs for late night fish and outdoor patio and came in last week following a concert. Bartender insisted on turning radio up to 12 playing gangster rap with every other word starting w F. Could not hear the person sitting next to me and then she turned it up to 14. Calamari came out raw, my friend said lets get out of here in sign language since we could not communicate. Asked the server to put the food to go so we could eat in the car but food never came. Felt like Chef Ramsey or Bar Rescue Guy but luckily I don't have to rescue this place just drove off and will never come back.

    (1)

  • Lauren A.

    This place has a great beer list and great food. Beware of the family dining area during brunch as there are A LOT of families with children in there. Other than that, this place is great.

    (4)

  • Barbara W.

    these folks need to learn what a reservation means....we arrived at 6:30 pm on Xmas day and there were at least 20 very angry customers crammed into a very small entryway waiting to be seated, and most of us had reservations, some were waiting for at least 1/2 an hour, several folks were in heated conversations with whom I presume was the manager, it would have been nice to ask for reservations holding people to come forward and be seated instead of taking customers as they walked in, the food was just OK, but the drinks were something a 3 yr. old could drink, hardly any alcohol in them.......might try them again but I won't bother with a reservation

    (1)

  • Carol J.

    While the beer list gets this place from one star to 2, it was a huge disappointment. The server never came to take our order so we went to the bar and ordered. Our food took a long time and then was brought out wrong - my friend was brought the wrong meal, and my Benedict eggs were poached hard. After they remade my Petite Filet Benedict, the "filet" was so tough I could barely cut it much less chew it. My friend's sirloin steak and eggs had a better steak quality than my "filet" but his scrambled eggs were extremely dry. The manager came out and comped our bill. But hugely disappointing Sunday brunch.

    (2)

  • Logan S.

    What an interesting meal! We got great food and a history lesson, too! Yesterday, we stopped at the Fireside for lunch and found the dining room filling with people in military garb, all sorts of military garb, after a Veteran's Day ceremony they performed at Rosehill, just across the street. Our entrees were large and really well prepared. A fruit 'side' was really a huge bowl of cut up fruits/melon and we took most of it home for another one or two meals... The chicken fried steak was good solid home cooking and the gravy was perfect. My quiche was more like quiche/French toast, but it was tasty and had an interesting dipping sauce (with a bit of red pepper, for bite). The 'military' group was representing the history of servicemen in America and had performed at the cemetery (we heard cannons when we parked - awesome) and they all trooped in, along with a hoop-skirted woman. We got to see all the different menu items they ordered and, from breakfasts to dinners, they all looked fantastic and smelled divine as they passed our table. (They were nice to us and told us a lot about military history and let us take photos with them. They said they go to Fireside every year after the ceremony and they seemed to be pretty familiar with the menu, the way they talked.) Service was slow. We asked several times for butter, then for bread, then for another napkin and we waited a loooooong time for our check after asking for it. (It was really, really slow, and despite the uniformed guys, the room was only half full and there were three servers.) One lady was following the waitress around, kind of begging her to take their money so they could leave. But - the food was excellent and the circuses were over the moon. And the mac and cheese is comfort food at its best.

    (4)

  • Karen Z.

    Was at Fireside tonight and their special appetizer this week is Teriyaki Wings with ginger. Not only did we have them at the restaurant, myself and friend took an order home - they were so delicious. As always, the food is wonderful, service great and their Gouda mac & cheese always delightful. I always look forward to their weekly specials (appetizers & entrees) which are always unique and delicious. Have been going to Fireside for many years and have never been disappointed in a meal whether it be dinner, lunch or weekend brunch (with their great bloody Mary bar)!

    (5)

  • Dara O.

    One of the top places to go for late-night bar food. Their kitchen is open late! I've been going here for years. Great tap menu, great bottle menu, and again, GREAT food. Staff are friendly and timely (might be delayed with a crowd). The place really fills up after 2 AM.

    (5)

  • Kristin M.

    I don't know why I love Fireside so much, but I do. It's a neighborhood gem that falls somewhere between cozy and dive-y. I always seem to come back for more. The space is really diverse. When you go in, you can either go left into the Little House on the Prairie dining room (with a fireplace, hence the name!), or right to the dive bar with the regulars. If you keep going past the bar, there's a great indoor/outdoor tented area (complete with heaters in colder months). There's also a front patio in the warmer months. I love all the options! The food is pretty solid, typical family restaurant fare. I love the fish n' chips and make your own mac n' cheese. The burgers are hit or miss. The cajun meatloaf was good, just not as spicy as advertised. The pizzas are pretty good as well. I went for Thanksgiving one year and their Thanksgiving dinner was excellent. "Best stuffing I've ever had" (says a non-stuffing lover). I might even go back this year! The beer list is also quite impressive. The service is usually slow, but for some reason it doesn't stop me from coming. The frequent diner card is a nice perk, you get 10% off your first meal and coupons throughout the year. Note: they offer delivery (including beer!), though I've never tried it.

    (4)

  • Ann M.

    Adorable place. Come here when I am up in the city to visit family. I love the atmosphere, I love the people, and the food is pretty darn good also. And the beer selection.... 5 STARS for the beer selection! There is nothing worse than wanting a good meal and drink and they have nothing but cheap mass produced beer and frozen bar food.

    (4)

  • Nancy A.

    I love this place!! I came here once with my boyfriend and his friend and I loved it so much I decided to have my 25th birthday party in the patio area. It was mid March and even though it was chilly out, they had the patio area heated. The staff is great! I have to dedicate this 5 star rating to our waiter Jimmy. He made my birthday party run smoothly. He took care of 8 tables on his own for my party! He did an awesome job! The place is so cute and Cozy. Drinks and food are great!

    (5)

  • Rich R.

    We have not been here in a while since moving further west in the city. This place has always had great food and tonight was not different. They have a great selection of beers and very good margaritas. The girl serving us was the worst experience we ever had at any place. It took forever to get our order placed, get a beer glass even though I asked twice, get our food, get doggy bags, and finally our check. People around us came in 20-30 minutes after us and got their food before us and had a different server. We complained to the manager and he said the girl was their best server which is definitely a line. The manager did take $20 off of our meal. Lucky our 3 year old was very good but getting impatient after 2 hours. We finally received our check and no apologies from our server. This was the first time we did not tip anywhere and will not be back.

    (1)

  • Jacob J.

    Fireside to me is like that token familiar place you can always fall back on when your clueless about heading out for a meal. At different times in my life, it's been a place to hang with friends or go and find them. As a bar, it's best when you bring others. Since the place is usually filled with couples and parties rather than singles. Since its located within the neighborhood they seldom get walk-in's off the street or at least that's been my experience. When I was in my younger twenties I'd often stop in here with a crew of people I worked with locally. We'd order a bunch of items for sharing. Often ordering a starter with marinara sauce and goats cheese, such a simple combination that tasted divine and the house hummus served with triangle portions of pita bread, celery and carrots. Both items not found on today's menu, which I consider a good thing because it means their menu is changing with the times. As a restaurant I've done Sunday brunch, occasional late night dinners, etc. There isn't any menu item that stands out nor is there any detail about the drinking which is notable. The food & beverage is pretty average. Well, their bloody Mary bar is probably their most notable feature which most Chicagoans on the Northside may have heard about. Also the outdoor beer garden in the rear has a tall ceiling composed of tents I want to say. I can't remember. I'm not a youngin' any longer that finds seating out there "all that". Nowadays if I am here its because my friends dragged me here, kicking and screaming. A seat on their patio out front with a couple pizzas and a few drinks. It's a place we can sit and those that smoke can still be a part of the conversation. Just a few steps away of course. Their sidewalk patio is dog friendly.

    (3)

  • Paul H.

    this is a must stop in place if your ever in town . its great for the whole family and for thos who have a need for a good beer tap they have one of the best and most friendly staff . with prices you can not go wrong with . they have some of the best food in town . you got to try there food . so many things to choose from such a big menu only they could pull off . one of the best places in town for a quick bite .

    (5)

  • Matthew M.

    Really amazed by the handful of negative reviews here... Maybe it's hit or miss. I've been twice. First time for beers and food. Beer selection is incredible, waitress was awesome with recommendations and samples. The food was just to die for. Perfect calamari and flawless fish and chips. Second time was for St Pattys Day. Goat cheese and crostini appetizer was pretty good- Would have been flawless if it were a tiny bit hotter. And the corned beef and cabbage... good lord. I am a corned beef fanatic- I've made my own from scratch many times. This was the best I've ever had, by far. Perfection. And the scotch glaze it came with was to die for. It was so good I couldn't pace or limit myself, scarfed it all down and felt horribly sick for the rest of the day (don't worry, it wasn't the food. My girlfriend got the same thing but didn't eat like a pig at a trough and felt fine). Very rarely to I go to a restaurant like this twice, or rant and rave about the food. I have been THOROUGHLY impressed with the food. This is my new go-to place for beers, food, or anything. Huge fan.

    (5)

  • Brian K.

    The only reason it is one star, the food was phenomenally good. It is thought to be a great place to get a late night bite to eat. Do not sit on the patio, especially when Jimmy is working. 10 min to take drink order. 10 more minutes to get drinks. On a busy night, this would be expected; but with 4 tables on the floor- it's unacceptable. Then it took 45 mins to get the food. Observed two tables get food before my table was served, and one came in 30 mins after my table. Jimmy came up to the table to personally blame the cooks. Then my table was waiting a legitimate 10 min upon completing meals, drinks, & water to try and get a check. I finally had to ask the bus boy for the check. Then asked where the server was, to which he responded " He must be on break." The bus boy was the one who actually helped us the most. The bill was paid in cash and left on the table. Then the table of guests were getting ready to leave and Jimmy finally showed up to accuse my table of "I see you're walking out on your bill." To which was responded, "Yes, I'm walking out on my tab (sarcastically)." And left the restaurant! All totaled, I had 2 hours of my time taken up. In a circumstance that should have been about an hour+. Then I was accused of theft from a person who thinks their attitude is right for the service industry. The service of this restaurant is no worth the hassle. Save yourself the trouble and just go home.

    (1)

  • Mai T.

    I was taken here with a couple of girlfriends or a quick dinner before heading out to our nightly festivities. It's nice that a place like this in the city has their own parking lot. That's a bonus, but it's really small so don't come thinking it can fit 20 vehicles. Upon walking in, the restaurant itself is located to the left with restrooms to the right. Interesting layout. The inside felt as if it was a house converted to a restaurant. Like the living area and dining area were combined I be a general eating area. Our waitress knew that we were in a rush. This place doesn't seem like it would be swamped with customers. The menu was an interesting one. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich on french bread with the country mash. The sandwich was plain, but thank goodness I was able to dip it in the gravy which made it more appetizing. the mash was good due to the fact that it still had the potato skins in there. That's always a good sign that it didn't come from a box. You definitely need the gravy for these though, it's not good standing alone. A girlfriend of mine order the meatloaf sandwich which is interesting to say the least. She didn't care for the meatloaf as it was 'watered down'. Another girlfriend had the broccoli with shells in a Parmesan cheese sauce and it was a huge portion. She said it was good and was not able to finish the whole thing as it was too big of a dish. Our waitress was able to split the bill 5 ways which was very nice of her. Many places don't allow that since your party is considered too big. It was a satisfying light dinner, but I don't think I'd come black here for a real dinner. The patio outside did look nice, so we could come back for some drinks and a light meal.

    (3)

  • Amy C.

    This place gets 2 stars only because I liked the atmosphere and the food was decent. We got seated at a table right next to the fire. It was cozy but I was also really warm in that spot. I ordered the fish and chips, they were good, but the veggies that came along with had no flavor. My husband got the half roasted chicken and really liked it. The service here is terrible. We waited 10 min for someone to even come to our table and must have been there an hour total waiting for our food. We had two small kids with us and by the time our food came, I was so done with the place as were our kids. By the way, my lemonade tasted terrible. How do you mess that up? Luckily, for some reason they didn't charge us for our drinks. This place has potential but we won't be back.

    (2)

  • Nikkie H.

    I have heard from multiple people that this is a great place for brunch, so after I saw a Groupon for it I knew I had to check it out. Went there this weekend with a friend during the Bears game and it was definitely three stars - just a-ok. That is just my opinion though. My friend LOVED it. You see, I am not a fan of Bloody Mary's. I think I've had one in my life that didn't make me gag (at Tweet); otherwise to me they all taste like bile. He was a big fan of the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, so that was his highlight. We both went with a benedict. Me, the crab cake, and him the traditional. Overall the food was decent. My crab cake was a bit on the tiny side. In fact, I couldn't event tell there was a crab cake on the English muffin, because it was completely hidden by the poached egg. Regardless, it had a good taste and the side of potatoes were decent enough. Overall, if you are looking for a bar with a better than average brunch menu, this is the place. Parking is super easy, it wasn't crowded, and the prices were reasonable. Will I go back? Unclear, because there are just so many good brunch places around.

    (3)

  • Dan K.

    The food here is delicious, and their kitchen is open late. Their blackened rub is so amazing. It's a tad spicy but not too much heat. It's just great. I wanna say their ktichen is open till 3. Maybe 4. Check it out.

    (4)

  • Ericka A.

    The bar we were at shut down way too early for our taste on a Friday night. We were still thirsty for beer and starting to feel pangs of hunger. Fireside was relatively close, would still be open and was serving alcohol and entrees. We didn't give it a second thought. I went with the Gouda covered mac and added chicken to it. It wasn't the best mac n chicken ever, but it hit the spot and there was enough for leftovers. It was all washed down with a pear cider in the heated tent patio area. Good food, good friends, warmth and beer. How could I not be a fan?

    (4)

  • Jaz P.

    This place gets five stars for all its emotional associations. It's become nearer and dearer to me over the years. I used to make pit stops to say hello to my childhood friend, who used to waitress here, and I was breezing through town when I used to live in NYC. Back then, it used to be more of a late-nite, after 2am place on the weekends for bar food and drinks. Since then, I'm pleased to say that it appears that the place has "grown up," and rounded out its daytime offerings, and expanded in size even. The all you can eat buffet brunch on special holidays is amazing. So are all the trimmings offered in the DIY Bloody Mary bar. This place's versatility makes it so appealing to stop by any time of the day, even for a drink early on the weekend before heading out for the rest of the evening.

    (5)

  • Monica E.

    If you're looking for a good review don't read this one because it will not be anything nice. I came here late on a Saturday night with two friends. We were not acknowledged at first and sat down ourselves in the middle of the eating area that is located by the bar. My friends and I had been waiting about 10 minutes and were still not acknowledged. Waited about another 15 until I called the restaurant and asked the gentleman on the phone if I can have someone to take my order. Kindly, he said yes. Once we saw that our waitress was the lady who was belligerently drunk and dancing like a fool we knew what we were in for. Our waitress finally came to our table reeking of alcohol and stumbling as she took our order. We had all ordered the Jack Daniel burger not sure what the exact name was. It's sad that such great food is being masked by such inappropriate behavior. We had finished our burgers and now the place was getting pretty busy. Hence it was about 2AM and everyone was coming in from their night. It took us about 30 minutes to get the waitresses attention yet again to get our check. I gladly undertipped the waitress for her shitty service and as I was exiting from the parking lot - the waitress, with a cigarette hanging from her mouth, threw me and my friends a pretty little finger. Sorry Firehouse, you should def look into hiring some new waitresses or I would of gave this place a five star.

    (1)

  • Jelena Z.

    Four stars seem a bit too generous? Well, when comparing against other bars in the open until 4am (5am on Saturdays) category, Fireside is the best of the worst. Know what I mean? Pros: open 'til at least 4am. 365 days a year. Even Christmas! There's a jukebox, plenty of seating, a parking lot (!), a patio, and alcohol (duh!). Cons: the food is... well, it's average. But, the quesadilla is actually decent, and the guacamole is fresh. As far as late-night drinking destinations go, Fireside is it.

    (4)

  • Taylor B.

    This was a great hidden gem that a few of my friends and I ventured to on a hungover Saturday to watch Iowa play Purdue. Well, the only reason they don't get a 5 star is because they said their TV wouldn't change channels and they didn't even the B1G Network. Well that's the only negative. The Bloody Mary bar was fantastic and helped perk us up. I ordered a burger on a pretzel bun and on a snap hungover decision got mashed potatoes. Best decision ever. Burger was tasty and the mashed potatoes had to be the best I've ever had from a restaurant. Next time I'm around, I will for sure be back, as long as there's no games on that is!

    (4)

  • Beth R.

    Color me disappointed. I strolled over to my former flame, Fireside, for dinner on this sultry summer Sunday. I was tossing the usual coin between the veggie burger and the vegetable stir-fry as we approached. We chose to sit inside due to the aforementioned humidity. That's where the choices ended. I opened the menu and began reading, or actually scanning, for my usual suspects. Funny, there's no veggie burger in the burger section. (Okay....) Hmm, not in the sandwich list either. (Worry grows.) Maybe there's a vegetarian section I forgot about? Maybe it's in the fine print? (No. And, whoa.) Well, what about the stir-fry? Where was that listed? (Not in specialties.) Was it in the pasta list? (Oh Jeebus: no.) Fireside has taken my two favorite things off the menu. Our waitress confirmed it and waved a carrot, saying they might be back in the fall. We'll see if I am. In case you think I starved tonight, rest assured that I ate the portabello mushroom sandwich with spinach. It was pretty salty and a little hard to swallow with the lump in my throat. Pour a little of your 40 oz. for my phantom favorites. :(

    (3)

  • Tim G.

    Their pizza alone could make this an excellent review, but I love this place for it's three-part charm. 1) Take your parents to the dining room, 2) dine with groups in the year-round patio, or 3) have a great (and noisy) brunch with close friends in the bar. The menu reminds me of one of my favorite childhood restaurants - modified and appropriated fare for American tastes. While it runs the gamut from Italian to Mexican or Mac & Cheese, they do everything well.

    (4)

  • Grace P.

    Fireside is on our way home. After a long day of work, we get takeout frequently from here. The friendly service, great food & great prices keep us coming back. We also just discovered that they sell growlers of beer! So now I can get my favorite draft beers to go as well. They also have a great selection of specials, new each week, so the menu never gets old. Always a good experience.

    (5)

  • Conly D.

    Just an all-around good hang. I honestly cannot thing of anything bad about this place. The food is great, the drinks are greater and the staff is greatest! Give them a shotsky, you'll be happsky that you did.

    (5)

  • Jerry E.

    I've been coming here off and on for years, my parents used to come here as well,and unfortunately it just seems like it's not as good as the last time,everytime. I will comment that the pizza is still pretty good as well as the blackened chicken w pasta. I don't know, maybe I'm a little to blue collar for this place and it's crowd now,maybe it's me,Fireside,and not you...but at any rate,it's pretty much just one of those places that gets my business late when there's no where else to go.

    (2)

  • Valerie R.

    Good food, friendly service, cozy layout. The vibe here is awesome! I enjoyed the mac n cheese (build your own) and my friend loved her fish n chips. I'll definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Kristina F.

    its really disconcerting reading all these negative reviews that start with "i've been 700 times and this review is for this one bad time that i had so here's one star for my one bad experience out of 700" seems very unfair. but thats neither here nor there this was my first time here, and i swear i felt like gordon ramsey or even robert irvine. i felt i was on a freaking hidden camera show. we got there around midnight/12:30 am. the service, man was the service not fast. we walked straight through the bar to get to the patio where a sign stated a hostess would seat us. no such thing happened and tiresome of standing there looking slow, i found my own seat. a server or busboy finally came to us and asked how many to get the glasses of water, but we instead moved to the bar area. you cant have crayons in the bar area because people slip on them, so there goes that. might i add, i was already annoyed, and i am a pretty easy going person, but it took such a long time for us to be greeted when we got in the bar and an even longer time for our drinks to finally come. the waitress was nice enough tho. now i looooove to eat, but i am no food snob. i didnt get a steak or a lobster tail, i ordered standard bar food (if you would call fried calamari standard, it is sort of a staple) and got substandard food. when i say no flavor, there was like no freaking flavor calamari- chewy and was not fried hard, the crust came right off. and again, chewy wings- seemed to be cooked all the way and were good and not skinny skimpy wings, but the buffalo sauce tasted like buffalo barbecue sauce. too sweet and too thick. fish and chips- the fries were delicious, the fish was salty and good enough, tasted like huge fish sticks. mostly flavorless. also came with vegetables. please read and believe, I LOVE VEGETABLES, but these were almost unidentifiable. they were cold after a few minutes, and the potatoes felt like squash (i was eating with my hands) but tasted basically unidentifiable. i cant even say for sure they were potatoes. i could not finish my vegetables, and unless they are peas, i always finish my vegetables in order of flavor: wings, fish, calamari. one friend who is a bit of a food snob didnt seem to like her food too much. and she was annoyed with the leaf garnish they gave her which was funny. she ordered the half slab of ribs which came with mashed potatoes. another friend, while i did taste his food (he got the eggplant parm) it was underwhelming. eggplant parm is one of those foods i always hear ordered, but never had. i dont think i've even had eggplant before. basically, underwhelming. again, no flavor. i didnt see the big deal, but i wont let this restaurant be the standard for eggplant parmesan if i ever order it because there is nothing else on the menu i would get. the eggplant is fried, but the crust was sooo soggy and again, no flavor. lol. it reminded me of the episode of restaurant impossible where the cook didnt even add salt and pepper to his chicken and said "people love my chicken" no. no they dont. basic spices thats all you need fireside. this was just ridiculous i was eating everything on the table, not out of hunger, but out of a want for taste. something good enough that i could pick on that only. i finally settled to eat all my fish and fries. so sorry veggies on the bright side, our server (who both friends thought might've been drunk) called us a cab and made sure we got in it. that was nice of her, even for slow service, so they get one extra star for her. plus, the bathrooms were stocked (well one stall did run out of tissue) and they had paper towels so no waving my hands frantically as i walk out the bathroom, even tho i'll settle for an air dryer the music was crazily loud. although they turned it down eventually. we werent at a club or a concert yet we were yelling to hear each other. will i go back again? yeah. it was fun enough. wish they had a pool table. will i go when im starving? no. maybe i'll get the fish and chips again. maybe i'll get the wings again (oh yeah, about 6-7 wings for $8, smh) but anything else i'll leave to the pros oh yeah, i dont want to leave anything out COCONUT MOJITO IS DELICIOUS

    (3)

  • Kristen S.

    I really would like to love Fireside. It's a neighborhood place and very sweet. The service is not great and the food is meh! I just don't know what to say. If they re-imagine this place a little, I'll definitely try it again.

    (2)

  • Mary K W.

    I haven't been here in a few years, and probably won't be back for another few. The place was reasonably crowded as it was Game 3 for the Stanley Cup finals. Now, I'm no restauranteur, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out you might be busier than a normal Monday night and might want to have more staff on hand. The poor waitress covering the back was doing the best she could with about 8-10 tables. The food was just average, nothing one way or another. We purposefully ordered an extra beer each because we knew the wait would be long to get another. I saw a few tables get up and leave because of the wait. However, the biggest fail of the evening was when one of the waitstaff was trying to get accumulated rainwater off the ceiling tarps in the back by poking it with a long pole. Instead of the water running off the tarp to the outside of the building, an older couple sitting at another table was showered with the accumulated rainwater. I hope they comped their dinner. And the Hawks lost, too. Boo all around!

    (2)

  • Cat H.

    I have such mixed feelings about Fireside. It's right around the corner from me and is consistently a cozy, comfortable place. But their food is mediocre and their service is disappointing. While their burgers and salads are great, the rest of their menu is fairly boring. I recently ordered their gouda mac & cheese, and couldn't even finish it. While i'll go there, i'll never be wowed by the food. Recently their service has gone downhill; it's taken me 20 minutes to get a drink, and you practically have to put on a show to flag down your server to order. The crowning affair was when my card was charged completely wrong, and after a 10 minute conversation with our server, we still left having paid the totally wrong amount. The bottom line is that Fireside is a great place to go split a bottle of wine with a good friend, or to sample a beer. Their late night delivery is perfect for when you are sick on the couch. But overall they don't live up to their image.

    (3)

  • Torrie B.

    The Fireside is amazing. James is the greatest bartender ever!!! Seriously makes you feel right at home. The food, the drinks all fantastic. Great neighborhood joint to stop in on a Friday after work, or a Monday, Tuesday or any day. The Fireside never disappoints.

    (5)

  • Peter N.

    Ordered delivery from Fireside after g/f gave her recommendation. Country fried steak was very chewy and overcooked. Gravy was so salty that I had to wipe it off (and I'm a salt-oholic). Crab cake was nearly all breading and packed together too tightly. No crab chunks at all.

    (2)

  • Richie D.

    No need to say much since the two stars does it for me. Needless to say, I was not impressed...at least when it comes to their delivery and food (I have not actually been within the lounge itself). I received a menu of theirs in the mail a while back. While having a movie night at my place I was trying to think of somewhere I could both get pizza and BBQ ribs from in the area. Fireside happened to pop in my head (the advertisement mass mailing was successful). It's a plus that you can get $2 off an order of $15+ by either making your order over the phone or online (coupon name: Be Nice!; coupon code: FRS-$2-OFF). However, it's a problem if their online Order Network website doesn't function and freezes on every other page... When we called up to place our order, the employee was friendly, but our orders were wayyy off: lots of BBQ sauce on the ribs instead of light sauce as asked for, no side of sauce for the ribs, the french fries were greasy and cold; not to mention that the website says lots of fries and I could count them all on three hands, and instead of having the pizza cooked well it was soggy and lukewarm. Blame it on the cook, delivery time, or restaurant as a whole, I'm not pointing fingers just giving everyone else a heads up from my experience. In case you dare to see for yourself, delivery costs $3 and you must ask for plasticware and napkins to receive them (not a bad idea to stop waste and be more green, I must say).

    (2)

  • Dan G.

    I have always enjoyed the food, drinks, and atmosphere of this place. Real friendly staff and good bartenders. The patio Lots of great beers on tap and the bloody mary bar on Sunday is a cornucopia of ingredients that is stacked to look like Mt. Fuji. The food is better than normal bar fare. My roommate insists that the Spicy Blackened Chicken Pasta is the best in the city. I have to agree it is that right amount of heat and the cream sauce is fantastic. The burgers are good and they have plenty of flavors for you to choose from. The Fireside is just a fun place to have some food, booze, and company.

    (4)

  • Gina F.

    I've had delivery, gone to dinner, gone to brunch, and even hosted a birthday dinner for a friend here! The service is always very nice, the drinks are fun, and the food is pretty good. I loved the old portabella sandwich, but they changed it (for the worse, IMO) a few months back and the veggie burger is gone. Still, pretty enjoyable. The atmosphere is very "neighborhood." It's relaxed and chill. The patio is huge, which means there's usually room for you to enjoy a summer night out there, but the have a retractable roof to protect you from the rain & cold if it's not so great out. If you go for brunch, the bloody mary bar is not to be missed. You can be as simple or as crazy as you want. They have a crazy variery of hot sauces. :) If you join the club you get a card good for discounts, which is a great way to appreciate the regulars!

    (3)

  • Hungry M.

    My receipt from here tells me to support local business. I am all for supporting local business - unless it's (at best) mediocre food and bipolar service. I've been here many times since my girlfriend introduced it to me. Three years' worth of visits. It's tucked away by the graveyard, where I'm sure they sourced my latest waitress. This last experience has finally spurred me to review this place from the sheer disbelief at the inconsistent service and unpredictable food. Note: Mediocre food and above average service has consistently been observed during regular hours. Terrible food and equally terrible service typically occurs late at night. They have a full menu until they close in the wee hours of two or three. Maybe they shouldn't try to do a full menu that late. What they do not have is a decent wait staff later at night, as I only observed a single frazzled woman hell bent on maintaining her composure so as not to resort to stabbing her table guests in the eyes. "We all have bad days'" I figured - I want calamari, let's be polite. So in we go into what I will be my last venture here. First, let me state that my waitress glared at us approaching the exterior patio and didn't verbally acknowledge my girlfriend nor myself as we walked towards the outside deck. We passed her by, due to the need to get out of her way as she entered the kitchen. Polite eye contact was met with the "I am upset with being the only waitress for the outside area" look. Fair enough. We get seated. I asked a question about the menu. She must have remembered the Seinfeld episode wherein George gets the middle finger from his waitress delivered through a supposedly innocuous facial scratch. Lady, I'm onto you - but the look in your eyes tells me you already knew that. What the hell is the matter with you? I would've forgiven this remarkable display of continued hostility, even when she later loudly slammed a baby seat atop a precariously stacked tower located directly adjacent to and above our table, were it not for the food. I was mildly amused by her antics actually, as I knew I'd reference it here. But the food was unforgivable. I will tolerate shitty, stupid service for food of quality I cannot be bothered to prep or possibly create with my level of skill. But I could've prepared the meal I paid for by deliberately failing in every basic cooking principle. I paid for fucked up food, and that pisses me off. My rice was loaded with diced tomatoes and it was chewy. Throw diced tomatoes on it! That'll doctor up overcooked rice. I tried to ignore the rice with my vegetables that looked freshly picked from the cemetery nearby. They were tough, cold, and soggy. Freezer burned, or cooked in the microwave. Probably both. Strange mix of soggy zucchini and tough green beans that looked lifeless. Brilliant way to tie in their location I guess. The crowning jewel was the protein: a chicken that was feared to be a zombie evidenced by being cooked twice through. Dry, flavorless, and sad. The hamburger the SO had was also bland, dry (overcooked), and somehow managed to soak the bottom bun, which was evidently toasted. How the hell that was accomplished I don't know. The calamari was the only positive. And it was forgettable. My girlfriend says the ambiance is nice, but she's been there since she was in the sixth grade. So I guess memory flavors her palate - it doesn't mine. Still, she concedes the quality here has steadily declined. And from this most recent experience, the decline is accelerating to a plummet. At least as far as the restaurant portion is concerned - so if you decide to go here, do so for drinks. The people in the bar were having a great time. I was jealous. The music in there was good too. In general, the drinks here are great or just way too strong on the alcohol. Neither of which is a problem given the issues of some establishments banking on the placebo effect. The $30 per person price tag you get for the whole restaurant experience (with drinks) is not OK. I had better deals for similar, if not cheaper, cost near the loop at The Scout and Sable. Jaded with this experience, I went to these places afterwards with the thought that it would be more expensive but have a higher standard. I was half right. l got better value/treatment for my money in River North and SoLo than Fireside; and I somehow spent less.

    (2)

  • Erin E.

    yelpers seemed to overwhelmingly recommend the pesto shrimp pizza and the calamari, so naturally that's what we ordered. in my opinion, both items completely failed. the bites of the pizza that weren't way too salty were just bland. the calamari lacked flavor, with soggy breading and chewy squid. if those were the best they can do, i can't imagine what the rest of the menu tastes like. noooo thanks.

    (2)

  • Holly M.

    I've only been here once and greatly enjoyed it. My friends and I sat in the enclosed back-seating area and pretty much tried all their beers on the menu. I got to sample a little bit of the calamari and quesadillas they have. The food was ok. The beer list was awesome, though, and our waitress was so friendly and nice. I will definitely want to come back to this hidden little bar.

    (4)

  • Ellen C.

    Don't judge a book by its cover! We pull up to this place with our two young children and I'm concerned, on the outside this place looks like a neighborhood bar!!! I quickly turn to YELP for reviews because I'm wondering if this place would be kid friendly...Upon entering, I was charmed and relieved...Nice family environment to the left, bar setting to the right... Had the blackened burger, thanks to the waiter for such great suggestion, and a pear drink from their fall selection, fantastic!!! Everything was delish, reasonably priced...The service was outstanding, our waiter was superb, made our family feel comfortable, definitely 5 star restaurant type of catering, loved our waiter... The fireplace was inviting, and the décor super homey...We are def coming back...

    (5)

  • Matt H.

    What a gem. Personal and intuitive service from Laura - and amazing vegetarian specials from the chef (stuffed peppers) -- all this plus delivered pizza and late night . Plus their own brewery

    (4)

  • E K.

    Chicken quesadillas: tacos were burnt. no chicken to be found. won't be back. nice waiter, though.

    (2)

  • Sarah P.

    Up until our great service by Cala on Friday, I was planning to give this place 1 star. If I was reviewing her service alone, I would give 5 stars but the combination of past poor service, dirty dining environment and so-so food have lowered the review. I've been to Fireplace 3 times in the last 3 months. The first time the food was ok although my ravioli was literally served in a giant bowl of soup. The second time we went for brunch. The service was ridiculously slow, and frankly horrible (took forever just to take an order) and our food came out cold. My boyfriend's food was good once it was reheated, but my steak sandwich literally had zero flavor so I smothered it with steak sauce. The last time we went was Friday. Both our bread plates were dirty with food stuck to it and my water glass has something crusted on the outside - gross. The table on my side was also sticky - double gross. Then along comes Cala (got this name off the receipt so it's possible it's short for something else). This server had the entire dining room and was busting her butt with all 8 occupied tables. She was friendly, helpful and honestly saved what was going to be a fairly negative review of this place based on previous experiencedining there. It's doubtful we will be back but Cala was a phenomenal server and left us with a more postiive experience, So in a nutshell: +5 stars Cala -1 star bad service before -1 star mediocre food -1 star dirty dishware and table

    (2)

  • David G.

    This place has the best "ribs" in town period. They have a smoker in the back that just makes the meat glide off the bone. It doesn't get any better than that. The bb sauce has just the right amount of spice and kick. I think they make it in house. You gotta try this you won't be disappointed. The staff too is on the ball. Bottom line a great experience.

    (5)

  • Carmen B.

    Ventured here for Craft Beer week, otherwise I don't think I would have ever made it this far north. After the drive, we walked up and I felt certain that I was no longer in Chicago - it appeared to be in a residential area and there is a large patio in front of the bar. Kind of reminds me of biker bars from the past. In any case, the bar was pretty crowded, we got seats and began to drink a few of the best beers I've had recently. There was a Founder's focus that evening, but I had specialty Dogfish Head (Saison du Buff) which was outstanding! Great summer feel, quality beer, friendly crowd and staff = repeat.

    (3)

  • Ted C.

    My friend lives in the area here and when we decided to meet up somewhere she suggested this place. She said that it had pretty good food and a pretty good beer selection. The day was nice so I wanted so sit outside which wasn't a big deal, the bartender just transferred our tab out to the back patio. Did I mention that they poured Stone Arrogant Bastard on tap? Well, they do and as my friend said, completely appropriate for me. The back patio was nicely shaded and and comfortable. The soup I had was their special, Chicken Hominy which I thought was really good. A nice twist on chicken noodle , with the hominy bringing a nice texture. I had their Lemon Pepper Chicken breast which is a pretty nice healthy option and I got double veggies no problem. Back porch service was okay, a little slow. We finished up but we waited and waited for our server to come back and eventually we had to get the other server to get our check for us and then had to hand it to someone to run it. Not a bad place but given the other options in the area I may check those out first before returning.

    (3)

  • Mike H.

    I don't get to Fireside often, but when I do, it has been at all different times, even as late as 1:45 AM. Never has the place disappointed us. I think the prices are very considerate, and the drinks are good. The only thing that bothers me is that you have to walk through the bar area in order to get to the patio, and often the patrons are not too accommodating at letting others pass, mostly because they want you to know how incredibly cool they are (spoiler alert: THEY AREN'T!) Nonetheless, that's the only flaw of this consistent and cozy spot.

    (4)

  • Doris D.

    Ever since moving to the hood, I have been here about 5 times. It's homey, with an eclectic crowd, good service and low prices. The staff is really nice, with a pretty decent juke box selection.The menu is surprisingly huge, and their Sunday Bloody Mary bar is da bomb. As far as late-night divey, drinking destinations go, Fireside is definitely cool.

    (4)

  • Michael P.

    Excellent food and service is outstanding. However if they make a mistake on your delivery dont trust them to add a credit in the computer. I had a credit owed requested to use my credit when I placed my order. They delivered as usual and failed to credit my bill. I called and delivery lady called as well and the manager refused to give me my credit. I sent food back in disappointed that they treated a customer of 8 years with such disrespect. I started going back because I do like the food and my delivery lady is outstanding. No problems since. I will give them another chance.

    (4)

  • J P.

    Great local place and a rare, 4AM liquor license... what's not to like? Seriously; not a big drinker here but the beer offerings and selection are notable, as is the menu. Gourmet fare? Well, not quite, but most everything is at least decent if not downright great and I'd put it many notches above standard pub grub. The mashed potatoes are a treat (and I'm not a mashed potato guy normally) they leave a bit of the red skins on and whip it up with seasonings and serve with gravy. Yum! Burgers are good and cooked the way you want. If you like blackened food you should appreciate several of the special dishes offered at Fireside. The wait staff tends to be friendly, responsive and there's nothing pretentious about the place. Decor is well worn, Chicago-funky but inviting just the same. The dining room feels a bit like a rural Wisconsin supper club but it's great in the winter as there's a gas fireplace to keep you toasty. The rear garden area off of the bar is open almost year round and a nice place for a family or small group. Rich, the owner, has developed this place into a neighborhood institution and is frequently on-site so don't be shy to say hello.

    (4)

  • Taylor P.

    This review is for delivery. Their food is quite good, but they have serious issues with delivery. I've ordered a couple of times just because the food was great and I was hopeful I'd just been unlucky, but delivery seems to be consistently bad. It takes much longer than estimated (through Grubhub) (closer to two hours than the initially estimated one, even though it is eventually updated, but what good is that to me when it's already been an hour?) The packaging is really not great at all. The drivers have trouble finding my apartment and then have trouble finding my unit. Last time my order got mixed up so a driver arrived having given part of my food to someone else (and my order had someone else's address written on it) and had to return to the restaurant, taking an extra hour to get me everything I'd asked for. Better than average food, but much worse than average delivery makes this a restaurant to avoid for me, super disappointing.

    (1)

  • Jeffrey K.

    Fireside is great for lazy weekend afternoons and the Bloody Mary deal makes my liver twitch. Also, they have a number of really good brewskis on tap and alternate them frequently. The food is large portion but can be hit or miss. The menu may be too large and they could probably trim down and do fewer things better. Anyway, the brunch and breakfast items are generally tasty; the banana bread french toast is great.

    (3)

  • Chris P.

    Fireside is the epitome of a 3 star Yelp review. The service is so-so, I've had decent servers and some that were just horrible. The fact that I've been multiple times shows that it's not too bad of a place. They have a big menu and the dinner portions are great for the price, but I never leave saying "wow, that was great". It is exactly what you'd expect it to be, a serviceable place to have some food and drinks in an area where there aren't a whole lot of options.

    (3)

  • Natalie S.

    I think in the future, when I have a nagging voice in the back of my head that says "BAD IDEA!", I'm going to stop and listen. Our friend suggested we head over for dinner the other day. I vaguely recall eating here when I was in my late teens/early 20s and I also vaguely recall not thinking it was spectacular. However, I'd like to think my taste buds have matured and that I'm always willing to give a place a second chance... so I agreed. We were seated right away on the left restaurant side of the place. Our waitress was helpful when my dude was picking a beer. I ordered the cream of portabella mushroom soup to start... and oh my stars... it was dreamy. Delicious. I could have swam in a portabella mushroom soup lake and been the happiest woman alive. I really, really love a good soup. I LIVE for a really, really good soup. This one was special. However... my entree hurt my feelings. I went with the fish and chips off the specials list and it was just... awful. Clearly commercially prepared and simply thrown in the fryer. The centers of the filets weren't fried enough which left them mushy and gross. The dish came with a side of "daily vegetables" which was a pile of bland, tasteless cooked baby carrots. Fish and chips has been a recent pregnancy craving of mine and after wasting $14 on a terrible version here, I now continue my quest to feed the crispy fish hunger. Will I be back? Possibly. If someone said to meet them here I'd do it. But I definitely will not initiate a return engagement. Unless they sell gallons of that mushroom soup to go and in which case, I'll put them on my speed dial. That soup alone saved this from being a two star review.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth W.

    We love this place! We've been there several times for brunch and the bloody mary bar, and we just hosted a party on the back patio for a very reasonable price, and everything was great! It is a hidden gem!

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    You must dine in the rear area past the bar area, not in the main dining room. It's much better in the back. They have a good wine and beer selection and offer a very intimate setting for daters. Try the blackened chicken and pasta. To die for! The cajun meatloaf disappointed me last time as it was a bit hard and crumbly. I noticed the bar area was a bit blue collar for my taste, FYI.

    (4)

  • Dave O.

    This is not just a good but a GREAT neighborhood bar/restaurant. Wanna drink? Belly up to the bar and sample from their excellent beer selection. Wanna hang with a group of friends? No problem, the back patio is open rain or shine. Just wanna eat? They have a separate dining room for that too. Want somewhere to hang after 2 a.m.? You'll have to ask some other, younger yelper b/c I'm no longer out at that hour. My only beef with Fireside is that the menu is hit or miss. I've had really good and very mediocre food here. But with this place I can shrug off the mediocre because it's such a great neighborhood hangout.

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. They have a huge menu and friendly staff (especially Laura who was an awesome server). There is a separate restaurant and bar area, as well as a back patio area which is heated and enclosed in the winter, and open in the summer. I'll definitely have to go back to try it then. The fireplace in the restaurant area is very cozy but you need to specify you want to sit by it when you make your reservation. They have their own beer- Fireside Ale- as well as a huge list of cocktails and other beers. We ordered appetizers of cajun shrimp, coconut shrimp (don't go here for the shrimp) calamari (go here for this), and chicken wings. I ordered the slab of ribs for dinner which is supposed to be one of their specialties, but were just OK. The best things to order here seem to be the burgers and the pizza. They have various celebrations for holidays- Mardi Gras and St. Patricks Day are coming up, and Sunday Bloody Mary bar. Definitely would go back.

    (4)

  • Edet N.

    This place is a safety choice whenever the night is rudderless. The last stop before I head home but I don't go out too much anymore. If I happen to find myself out past the witching hour (2am) then I will probably be here. Food is decent, drinks are fair and service is prompt and accurate.

    (3)

  • Christopher G.

    Picked up some ribs for dinner. Ribs were dry, chewy and scantily dressed with sauce, which didn't help the dryness. Lacked good pork flavor. Greeted and served by very friendly staff. Sauce pretty good with slight kick. Pairing with a better quality rib would be recommended.

    (2)

  • Jeka M.

    You walk into Fireside, located on a friendly looking corner, up the stairs, and into a welcoming, wooden-floored bar area. There are tall chairs and tables, booths, and the bar; the service is fast and attentive, and servers seem to be knowledgeable about most if not all of their extensive beer list. If you are a beer connoisseur, Fireside has a good variety of local and imported lagers/ales/beers. The dining area is really pretty, and kind of a relief in winter--it's a large white tented area attached to the bar that has strings of lights and grills of wood fires burning to warm and light the area. It's both relaxing and intimate. Bonus: I found free parking easily right around the corner. *Good variety of beer *Romantic signature fire-lighted tent area *Great for a girls' night out or a dinner for two :)

    (4)

  • Adam M.

    this is a great place for lunch and inner. during lunch they have a huge Blood Mary bar, they aslo have a good amount of beers. they have Two patio on uncovered in the front of the Restaurant and one huge Coved patio in the back they are two part to the restaurant one side is more of a dinning room and the other side has the bar and some table . The biggest upside for me is the serve food until 3am and are open to 4 am if you are in the area i would check it out

    (5)

  • Jenny R.

    Everytime I'm in the neighborhood visiting, I like to visit Fireside. Great service, lots of room, wonderful menu with something for everyone. My favorite dish here is the cajun meatloaf. This place is like the TARDIS-it's bigger on the inside.

    (4)

  • Maxim L.

    This used to be my go-to spot back when Tara worked there. After a few months of not going there, I decided to give it another try without her. Oh how things have changed. First off, the service there is terrible now. Walked in and sat down in a pretty empty dining room (maybe 2 other tables were there). It took 10-15 mins for a waitress to even acknowledge us. She took our drink orders and took another 10 mins to return with drinks (we all got beer bottles). A pet peeve of mine is that she gave me a frosted pint glass for a Barrel-aged Barleywine. Anyone who works at a beer bar should know better. We ordered our food after she brought me a room temperature glass (along with a dirty look after I asked politely for a different glass). Food is not at all what I remember. I know I haven't been there in a few months, but everything has really gone down hill. Was there a chef change? I don't know. What I do know is that I unfortunately have decided that I will no longer be frequenting Fireside.

    (2)

  • Alexis A.

    The best part about this restaurant is the do-it-yourself bloody mary bar. I am a big fan of bloody marys, but have never had a knack for making my own until I was able to experiment with their different ingredients. I love being able to make sure that my bloody mary is up to my correct spiciness and taste standards (so many bars serve shitty bloody marys unfortunately). Mostly its just a fun way to spend some lazy Sunday afternoons. The food is pretty good too. I enjoyed their chopped salad, which I would definitely order again. Their gouda burger was a bit overcooked, however. I ordered it medium-rare and got it medium-well and it still tasted good. Next time I will make sure they cook it the way I want it. The decor is simple, but really cute and quaint. A great local spot. The service is attentive and friendly, which is refreshing.

    (3)

  • Dan N.

    I wanted to like this place. The Fireside Restaurant has free parking, ample seating, great beer selection and friendly staff. The problem is that the service and food is below par and not professional. We sat down and had to wait 10 minutes for our drink order. It was a busy night, but was in no way packed, so I cannot provide a pass on our having to wait. Our food orders were missing key ingredients, such as pico de gio on our appetizer. My burger was missing both the cheese and bacon. It also failed to be served with ketchup, mustard, etc. We furthermore had to remind the waiter about our drink order... twice. As much as the order was messed up, I would have given the Fireside a passing grade if the food was worth the wait and aggravation. The food was not good, you get a better meal at Costco. My wife's Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia was below Long John Silver standards. My burger was bland and tasteless. After I returned the burger for the Cheese and Bacon which the waiter initially forgot, it was delivered to me back with a cold piece of cheese casually placed on top. Folks, as I stated when I started this review I want to like this place. Neighborhood restaurants in Chicago are typically great. Even dive bars have decent food. The Fireside just fails miserably in regards to the quality and taste of the food. If you live in the area, stop by for a drink or two, just stay away from the food menu.

    (2)

  • Meghan O.

    Solid bar, solid food - open late (I think...). The crowd is usually a good one at all odd hours of the night.

    (4)

  • Marie R.

    Let me start by saying ... I used to be a fan. But my experience today squashed it. This place has really gone downhill. I came here with the family for brunch. Big mistake. The only option was to have the Father's Day brunch buffet and couldn't order from the regular menu. I was starved (...and hungover), so I went with it. Very few options appealed to me. In fact, the setup was sloppy and reminded me of the dining hall from college. First of all, some of the plates in the stack were still dirty! (gag). All the food was cold. For the record, cold eggs benedict is disgusting and actually destroyed my appetite. You even managed to screw up my coffee. No wonder you were able to accomodate a walk-in party of 6 on Father's Day. I feel totally ripped off. This brunch was an appaling $22, which didn't even include drinks. I want my money back.

    (2)

  • matty z.

    Before you actually eat or drink here, everything about this place seems fantastic. It has a very interesting location in Ravenswood, a huge patio, and a cool layout. The menu is kitschy, and they have specials. Then you try the food. Disappointing, to say the least, for American fare that should be extremely difficult to mess up. Beers and other drinks that were priced too high, and service that, while very friendly, just took a long time. I had high hopes for you, Fireside, but some improvements might be in order.

    (2)

  • Christeria S.

    Best Mac ever!

    (5)

  • Erini S.

    Went here one night with a date. After drinking else where in Lakeview we needed food. Date recommended this place... I got the pulled pork -- because the best way to test if a guy is really into you is when your face is covered in sauce... OMG AMAZING. I inhaled that thing. My date was involved with his salad that he didn't notice. The bartender was great. Really friendly, joked around with us some. They have a cider on tap so major points to them. (I can't drink beer, so it's either cider or hard liquor...) A week later I was with my date again at his place watching a movie. Got the rumblelies, so we ordered Fireside delivery. He got some chicken dish... it looked good... but I topped him (yet again) in food choices. Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese. With ham. I'm melting just thinking about it. SO GOOD. AND OMG HUGE. Like seriously. That could have fed me for a week. It was creamy and not too heavy. Next time I'm going to add broccoli. Best food ever. It's like a hidden gem!

    (5)

  • Susan L.

    Expensive takeout that is average at best, terrible at its worst. Order in from Calo instead.

    (2)

  • Lesley A.

    Who knew that a restaurant existed in the backwoods of Ravenswood. Apparently you should come here for drinks, but I came here for dinner. Since it was my first time here, I figured I should try the namesake entree, "Fireside Chicken," a citrus and garlic marinated chicken, flame broiled and served with melted mozzarella, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. My dish was slightly cold, tough, and lacked juiciness. I should have sent it back to be reheated but oh well. Ambiance is of a typical bar with wooden trim, but with an additional, more family friendly restaurant side.

    (2)

  • Mark M.

    I've been here many many times over the years, its sort of our occasional family place to eat. I came in tonight with my parents and brother, and was very disappointed. We ordered about 7:35ish (Eggplant Parmesan, three Salmons), and at 8:45 the food was still not at the table. Our server (Laura, who was awesome, by the way) apologized, and told us she was yelling at the kitchen. Finally, three of the four of our dishes came out, an we had to wait five more minutes for the last one. When I tasted my food (blackened salmon), i was immediately dissatisfied. It was very dry and overdone. I tasted my mom's (who ordered the same thing), and it was also dry, though she said it was "fine". (as an aside, the mashed potatoes were excellent, and the veggies were bland and cold.) Our waitress (again, awesome) brought me a menu, as I wasn't ready to give the salmon another chance, so I ordered quesadillas, which were just ok. As I was inspecting the quesadillas, a man came over, and introduced himself as Rich, the owner. He personally apologized for the wait on our food. He let us know that our meal would be taken care of (no charge) and apologized again. He said that he hoped we would give them another chance in the future. I was almost in shock. That is just amazing. To comp the whole meal? Wow. We tipped our waitress on what the food would have cost, as, again, she was really awesome (and it turns out, she brought the situation to Rich's attention to let him know, and, we found out later, also stood in the kitchen telling them she was not going to leave until she had our food.) Honestly, this review was going to a be one star, but I upped it to three simply because of the customer service, both by our server, Laura, and the owner Rich. I will come back again for sure.

    (3)

  • Al D.

    Finally got a group to go here this weekend, as I've been wanting to try the Fireside for awhile. I drove, and was overwhelmed with joy upon discovering the Fireside has a parking lot. No, not a parking lot that the Lincoln Park Pirates hover around and mercilessly take your vehicle, but an actual, private lot adjacent to the building. Once I got over that, my friends couldn't stop enjoying the decor and layout of the Fireside. The dining room was immaculate, but we chose the bar area. Service was very quick, and I enjoyed how it was not crowded, even at midnight on a Saturday. I ordered the Hunter's Pizza that contained cheese, onions, broccoli, spinach and beef with black pepper. I realized it was probably the healthiest pizza I ever ate, and it tasted very good. The place is tucked away in a mainly single-family residential neighborhood, so there's alot more locals (adults vs Trixie and Chad from Wrigleyville), plus families dining out together. Also, very good choices of music on the 'box.

    (4)

  • John H.

    Take a pass on this place. While the food is okay the service is terrible. Our waitress was slow forgot to bring soup and when I asked for an extra napkin I never got it.The place wasn't that busy but the staff seemed preoccupied with other things. Aren't they there to wait on tables? Anyway, it's Saturday night, the dining room is half empty, the lights we're very bright, no music and at the next table the wait staff is rolling silverware into napkins. So much for a nice dining expeirence and ambience! This is the third time I have had diner here and it will be my last. BTW all 3 times I tried to order their signature chicken dish and they were out.

    (1)

  • Jay S.

    My fiance, a friend, and I had dinner at Fireside last week. it had been recommended by numerous people, and I had heard about the place for years without stopping by. We'd been looking forward to it. The place was huge. They have a large dining room, a large bar, and a large outdoor tented patio area. They weren't very busy so we got seated right away, and got a pretty good choice of where to sit. The beer selection is grand. There are a lot of microbrews and little known beers. They have all the regular massbrews too. The only problem was that the server was reasonably new and hadn't familiarized himself with a lot of the selection. This was easily forgiven as he was able to get the info we needed from the bartender quickly. The girl ordered ribs. They were okay. Our friend ordered beer. Just beer. It was fine. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. In the darkness of the patio, it looked okay. I wasn't sure, but thought it may be a little off. Indeed it was undercooked (still pink in the middle). I knew it for sure after one bite. The texture was off and the inside was barely warm. I removed the bite I had taken from my mouth and returned it to the plate. When the server returned to our table about five minutes later, I told him of the problem. After he asked me a few questions on how I knew it was not cooked fully and confirmed that I did not want it replaced, he took the plate back to the kitchen with his apologies. I called the restaurant later that evening, and talked to man who apologized, took my information, and told me the owner would be calling me back the next day. That day came and went without a call. I called the next day and talked to a manager who told me matter-of-factly that in sixteen years of working there she had never heard of anyone getting undercooked chicken from their kitchen. This struck me as slightly odd since another friend of mine, who orders delivery from Fireside on a regular basis, was vomiting and had diarrhea for a week after he recently ate one of their Cajun Chicken Sandwiches, and had called in previously as well speaking to a gentleman who didn't seem to care but told him that the information would be told to the manager. The manager apologized, took my information, and said that she would pass it on to the owner who would then call me back. It is now three days later and I have not received a call. I didn't want or expect anything free or such from the restaurant for my problem, but I certainly would have appreciated a returned phone call.

    (2)

  • Yaeko M.

    I think it's a very charming place. They have a big indoor patio!. I I enjoyed the great ambience and great service. It's nice to come with friends, family and co-workders. Pricing are reasonable. Appetizers are around $7-$8, and main are $8-$10. I ordered restaurant recommended - home made crab cake and smothered burger. The food taste were good enough.

    (4)

  • Scott H.

    The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Fireside is that it was the very first place I enjoyed Bell's Hopslam! Huge 20-oz glasses of this decadent hoppy goodness for almost no money! In about ten trips to Fireside over the years, the food has always been relatively hit or miss, but the beer selection has always been solid with interesting varieties appearing all the time both in the bottle and on draft. The outdoor area is nice when the weather is agreeable.

    (3)

  • Chip S.

    Let me start out by saying that I have been a longtime fan of the Fireside Restaurant. My experience today, however, will make me rethink visiting again. Getting to a table was quick and our order was taken very fast. That's where the positives end. One of the big selling features of the Fireside is the Sunday Bloody Mary Bar. After paying for two Bloody Marys and receiving our Grey Goose over rocks, we visited the Bloody Mary bar to make our own libations--which normally is a real treat. However, the Bloody Mary bar was a disaster and out of many of the ingredients that are typical to a Bloody Mary, like olives, pickles and a variety of other ingredients. We returned to our table and waited for our food while enjoying our drinks and conversation. Finally, after 30 minutes and no return visits to our table from our server, our food was brought over by another server. We were pretty disappointed as we had been out of water, ice tea and Bloody Mary's for about 15 minutes at least (okay, we drink fast). When the food was dropped off, we asked to see the manager. We ate our food, which was good and consumed our refilled waters and ice teas and sat in front of dirty dishes for about 15 minutes after eating. Still not having seen the manager. Our server asks us if we have received our check, to which I replied no and not sure how she would have expected us to receive a check since she would have been the one to present it. So, we waited about another 10 minutes for the check and still no manager. She finally returns for the check and takes our money, at which time I inform her that we have been waiting to speak to a manager since our meals were served (still have our dirty dishes in front of us). The manager finally makes it to our table and we share our disappointment regarding our service and how we may never return as a result. He did comp our lunch and asked the server to return our money. When returning the money, she told us that she hoped our day got better but did not apologize for us having such a terrible experience. Not sure if we will give them another chance and maybe everyone was having a terribly off day.

    (2)

  • SHERYL H.

    As a gluten free diner, I find it really annoying when a restaurant announces itself as gluten free and has a menu that only separates out the naturally gluten free foods like salad and fish. Now why if you say you cater to gluten free don't you just buy a bag of Udi's hamburger buns and offer up burgers on a gluten free bun?

    (3)

  • Gary B.

    I have been here many times for various occasions. One in fact was after a funeral at the cemetery across the street. Decent food with ok service. The drinks are reasonably priced as well. When you walk in the place seems small but there is a covered patio out back which is used year round and has several tables. I have had odd experiences here though. Once someone with us ordered a beer and then changed her mind on what kind, the server said it was impossible to change at this point so she would have to drink the one she ordered and then she could order another. I thought he was joking but sure enough he came out with the initial selection. Needless to say a 2nd beer was not ordered by anyone and we left. We have never felt that this place was extremely special. They do have (or had) a more formal dining room off to the left when you come in but it is the same menu. Maybe food tastes different with cloth table coverings versus the plastic ones that cover the tables elsewhere in the place. Oh saving grace is that the deliver and deliver late.

    (3)

  • Lee R.

    This place is ever-changing, but still offers the same great bar and great restaurant atmosphere. I used to live in WRP on the east end of CrazyCarPedstrianDevon Ave so this place was a constant source of take-out for us. I recently returned in person to have dinner in the restaurant and noticed a few interesting changes. They now have a DVD player and giant LCD screen taped to the outside of the business' building, covered in glass, which shows a looping video of a fireplace burning. WEIRD. They have an excellent indoor patio in the winter with heat-lamps. In the summer it's open air and fantastic. They have an excellent beer and cocktail selection and I've never had a bad meal or bad service here. I typically go for the pizzas: the bbq chicken and mexican are especially good. Lately I've been trying to branch out to other options on visits because they have a pretty expansive menu and all of their food is home-made. I recently had the brisket sandwich and I loved it. Parking is easy because they have a lot and they're near the Rosehill cemetary entrance, along the Metra embankment. It's truly an awesome neighborhood joint. The waitstaff and the bartenders are chatty and don't just sit there aloof when they're not serving someone. If you are ordering delivery, they have a bunch of "coupons" on their website, including the "Be Nice!" /don't be an asshole coupon that gets you $2.00 off your delivery order. :)

    (5)

  • Chiara H.

    My ex-boyfriend discovered this gem a few months ago. He ordered delivery from them the first few times, and, wow, did he rave about their food! He was in love with their lasagna, their salads, their burgers, and pretty much everything they had. He loved them so much that he was reluctant to go to the actual location. I'll quote him: "What if their restaurant is a dump? That'll force me into withdrawal and I want to keep ordering their food. Ignorance is bliss, you know." So after some persuasion, I got him to accompany me to the restaurant.. And whoah! What a nice little joint! Their backyard patio is just amazing. The servers are so nice. The atmosphere is perfect for a nice low-key Friday evening. This is truly a gem. I think, aside from the food, the thing I like most about this place is that it's so small & hidden. It really adds to the charm.

    (5)

  • Debbie V.

    I have been to this place many times. Always a pleasant experience. Last weekend we went for our weekly friday night get away from the kids and I was really disappointed. Our waitor started out very friendly, the food came out and it was luke warm. The temperature was really cold even with the heaters on. We had asked for our burger to be MW and it came out MR. We hope to try the bar area next time to improve our chances at a warmer climate. Hopefully we will have better luck next time!!!

    (3)

  • Mario V.

    I LOVE FIRESIDE!!!! nice beer selection, awesome late night food, and friendly staff... what more do you need??? laura, the server, is the best!! my recommendation is the blackened chicken pasta if you like spicy...

    (5)

  • Katherine M.

    the staff here couldn't be any friendlier to me and to my family. cute & cozy restaurant tucked in the most obscure area. love that it's like finding hidden treasure. the mango mojito was yummy too.

    (5)

  • Dan F.

    Went here last night after a day of St. Patrick's day "merriment." Played Tribe Called Quest's 'Midnight Marauders' album from start to finish. Thus the fifth star.

    (5)

  • Nick F.

    Been coming here for years. Eveything on the menu is great. Kitchen is open late. Drink prices are reasonable. Multiple seating options. a) bar b) dining room c) outside patio (heated in the winter).

    (5)

  • Brandon W.

    What could be more awesome then a bar that's nestled up right next to a cemetary?!? I am honestly surprised I don' t see drunks trying to climb into the cemetery all the time... Fireside is not your typical bar - Fireside has a more then just drinks! It has a very decent sized dining section, as well as an outdoor patio that is opened year round! The menu too, is very extensive. A large selection of appetizers, as well as burgers, sandwiches, pastas and pizza. The pizza here is really good too. I would say it can't hold a candle to most of the other pizza places on its own, but is really good when you are sitting around have some drinks with a group of friends. But not only do they serve food, the kitchen is open late; 3am every night! They also do deliver. The specials they have on food are great, and they always add new specials so be sure to ask about any specials. Since this is a late night bar, it can get crowded in here at times too. When bars are closing at 2am everyone is rushing in to try and get their food ordered before 3! So if you are coming in late for food, get there fast and get your order in so you don't have to wait too long. They also have a sister location - Clark Street Ale House, never been there, but it's on a "must check out" list..

    (3)

  • Hannah D.

    Okay, I have this weird relationship with the Fireside. Being a holder of the "friends and family" card, in which gets you free appetizers with every so many meals...I don't know because I get too embarassed to whip it out and look like a total lame ass. There are many things I love about the Fireside: -4am closing w/kitchen until 3 on weekends -super succulent make me cream my panties pork chops -goat cheese marinara so good I forget I'm eating goat cheese -brie cheese in puffed pastry *insert drool here* The things I not so love: - pretty big turnover rate when it comes to wait service....I've never had the same server twice. What the eff are they doing to them? -location very hard to get cab service -has tendencies to run out of Glogg

    (3)

  • Barry W.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago for American food. I don't understand all these people who react to the decorations, it's the food that matters. I had prime rib today and it was delicious. Mushrooms and demi-glaze were great additions. The mashed sweet potatoes were good too. Loved the pumpkin cheesecake. My partner and I love the coconut shrimp, which being fried, is much better at the restaurant than delivered. We also love the pesto shrimp pizza. 90% of what I've tried is great and the service is great, too.

    (5)

  • Cindy D.

    Went here on a Sunday night and no specials :( Boo, had a great in flux of people coming in. Can't comment on the food so much - just got drinks and tater tots.

    (3)

  • Rocky B.

    I wish I liked this place. The restaurant itself is someplace you just want to like but unfortunately that just isn't the case. The two times I've been to Fireside have just been an all around dismal experience. First off there is rarely anyone manning the door even though there's a sign saying "Please Wait To Be Seated". So you stand there....and stand there and yep...stand there so more until...hey...someone finally walks by and sees customers standing there. Either hire a host or just make it a "Seat Yourself" type restaurant because nothing gets me pissier than having to wait in a restaurant that doesn't even have a line! Menu as I said looks great. They have all these tasty options that you just can't wait to try but when you do boy are you disappointed. Been there twice and none of the entrees that I've ordered or the people that have gone with me have ordered were memorable or even good for that matter. The place is cozy and if you go off the ambiance alone you want to go back and give it another shot...which we did but believe me....you'll still leave disappointed.

    (2)

  • Michelle M.

    Many late noches(nights) at this place. I love this place because its a hidden place to hang out in ravenswood but everyone knows about this place :) I've been here late at night and probably been 1 out of 8 people in the place. They have a cute back area to sit and dine in. Pretty good music and the liquor is good. I've had the goat cheese, burger and a chicken sandwich which all have been good. They don't have onion rings though? huh....kinda bummed out about that. Overall I like this place

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    I go there for Saturday lunch a lot with my aunt. The dining room and outdoor area are nice. The food is ok and pretty cheap. The best thing about this place is the mashed potatoes, they are outstanding. I recommend getting them as a side for any meal. Unfortunately, they have switched Saturday's to brunch (was only Sunday I think) and now they have a different lunch menu and don't offer any mashed potatoes. It's very disappointing. I would recommend not going during brunch hours because of the limited menu. On the other hand, the service is usually excellent. The bar is nice if kinda small, but they do serve food until very late at night.

    (3)

  • Kelly D.

    We got engaged here! Never a bad meal and I highly recommend the pizza with sausage and pesto sauce (not tomato). Lovely outdoor back room that you can sit in even in winter (huge heaters and room is closed up). When we lived in the city we ordered delivery at least once a week. Great bar too!

    (5)

  • Amanda L.

    I was trying to think of how many times I've been to this restaurant, throughout the past couple of years, and there was one constant amongst every visit: One of my closest friends, Lisa, who loves it here. That said, I don't think I'd ever go here without her. I remember when Lisa first came across Fireside, after seeing their menus scattered about the neighborhood's sidewalks throughout the seasons ...The biggest draw was their outdoor seating (like any plus within the city). It's true, their back patio is quite nice, covered (think: circus tarp) in case of rain (or sleet, it's Chicago), well-lit and the seating is somewhat comfy (think: metal/padded chairs). I've never dined inside + I don't think I ever would, it seems sort of cramped. The inside has those framed French ad posters that everyone calls "vintage". I do like the location, though, somewhat secluded + unassuming. Their food, the times I've gone, has always been somewhat consistent ...Considering there's really only two things I can order: the stir-fry + the portabella sandwich, both standard vegan fair + mediocre. Nothing truly memorable either good or bad. Their menu seems to cater to those with the run of the mill palates. It's like the lil TGIFridays that could w/ inconsistent prices. I do like that their stir-fry is light + served on a pile of fresh leafed spinach. They "suggest" ordering the side of "seasoned" rice, which I usually decline but ends up on my plate (like my visit, last night w/ Lisa + her husband Paul, in tow), regardless. It can be a bit bland, I asked for a side of balsamic, it never arrived ...Ah well, not everyone's a pepper. The wait staff is nice but not as attentive given how busy this place can get ...Halfway through our meal, last night, our waitress magically appeared with a tray of desserts or as she put it "the grand finale" (standard: cheesecakes, chocolate cake, something with Kahlua) ...Lisa was still gnawing on her ribs, Paul's mashed potatoes had yet to be touched + I had given up all hope for any balsamic so was dousing my meal with pepper ...Dessert was the last on our mind. We declined, still on the main course. They make an ok martini, though their prices on gin are a little off opposed to other places + the olives are the most standard of olives w/ pimentos. I will give them credit for really trying on their beer menu (I've had wines off of their wine menu, in the past, it's not bad ...Surprisingly somewhat well rounded + larger than you'd think. Equal reds/whites ratio) ...They do offer a mix of drafts, domestics throughout the world but there are a few beers that show someone who knows about beer (or secretly wants to be the Hopleaf) is behind such a list. They were out of my first choice (Two Brothers Ebel Weiss) but had North Coasts' PranQster on special (A very drinkable Belgium, though I've always hated the name + the capitalized Q). My PranQster came in a Delirium Tremens glass which I found amusing. I'll probably eat here again because well, Lisa is one of my best friends + I support her. That said, my birthday is coming up + if Lisa suggests Fireside, it's just not me (It's bad enough my birthday falls on Labor Day, this year).

    (3)

  • Erin S.

    Wonderful patio open 365! (They cover it for the cold months of Winter!) It's romantic out there in the evenings, just like being on your own back porch! Plus great Bloody Mary's!!!

    (3)

  • Celine T.

    Step in to french toast heaven! My husband and I finally stopped into Fireside. Although, it sounds as though most people frolic here in the evenings, we were on a hunt for a tasty breakfast. So, we arrived on a Sunday morning around 11am. The host greeted us warmly. (Are people nicer up here?) Then, we were immediately seated. A very nice waitress came to our table immediately and took our drink orders. (People might be nicer up here.) After she delivered our drinks (coffee and what I think was fresh squeezed OJ) and took our orders, she said she'd be bringing out some complimentary muffins. (What?! Free food too? AWESOME!) Shortly after, the waitress serves us a plate full of muffins. The muffins were a nice touch, and so far, I was impressed with the polite and attentive service. Then, our food arrived. My husband ordered a breakfast burrito, which he said was quite tasty and there was plenty of it to fill him up until dinner. I ordered the french toast. It was divine. I gained 10 lbs that morning though because the french toast is flash fried and stuffed with cinnamon apples (I asked them to hold the dairy) and drizzled with maple syrup. I almost couldn't stop eating. As we ate, the restaurant filled up pretty quickly, so go early to avoid a crowd on Sunday. When we left, the friendly host invited us back and told us that they have an outdoor patio perfect for warm summer nights. (People definitely are nicer up here!) You can bet that we'll be back! Thanks Fireside for a great Sunday!

    (4)

  • jarret c.

    The place is good, the service was great and food even more amazing. I just ordered a burger while my friend ordered a chicken sandwich, I enjoyed my food, he on the other hand not so much. ... Excellent burgers!

    (3)

  • Lil M.

    The BEST cajun chicken pasta ever!!! I used to live the in area and we would order it just about every weekend. Now that we're 30 miles away, we still make the trip just for this dish. I've tried other things and they're pretty good but nothing compares to the cajun chicken pasta. Oh and the beer selection is really good too.

    (5)

  • Joedel G.

    What else can I say but a good late night bar food. The back area patio/garden has a homey kinda atmosphere. Don't forget to order the Calamari, nice crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A great place to hang out with friends for a relaxing drinking spree. Been here maybe several times on different accassions but I would definitely comeback soon.

    (3)

  • Heather S.

    This place has yet to disappoint me. I have enjoyed everything on their menu so far. Beer list.... AWESOME! Try the pizza.... It really is heavenly. Get the house salad with the aged balsamic vinaigrette. Actually pretty much everything on the menu is great. OH, and their kitchen is open LATE on the weekends too, at least until 1am maybe even 2am!

    (5)

  • Bill M.

    I've only been here when my parents are picking up the check and I'm not embarrassed by it. The food is great and it doesn't look too insanely pricey. You have a choice of either eating in the dining area (which feels like a log cabin circa 1834) or the huge semi-outdoor patio (which is pretty awesome). I'm a big fan of this place and may one day even go in and pay for my own meal.

    (4)

  • April W.

    I wish I could do 2 and a half stars for this place. I ordered take out from here and first of all was disappointed that they would not deliver ONE BLOCK past their range even though I offered to pay double. Second I ordered the chicken fingers which I used to LOVE, and a chopped salad. My bill was almost 20 dollars and I has a 2 dollar off coupon. Fine if the food is good. I get home, the chicken tenders were burnt and the chopped salad appeared to be HUGE but was mostly alll lettuce. It has about one chopped up boiled egg, 3 pieces of chicken on it and maybe like 6 or 7 grape tomatoes and some chopped red pepper about a tablespoon., FOR TEN BUCKS! Plus I got one measly dressing for like enough lettuce to feed 6 people. All in all very dissappointing because every other time I have gone in there to eat it was awesome but come to think of it I was drunk and it was late night.

    (2)

  • Rachel Y.

    My previous review was based on brunch and I finally went here for drinks and appetizers with friends to watch the Hawks game. I highly recommend this spot for doing just that! It wasn't overcrowded so we were able to get a table really easily; plus the crowd that was there was a lot of fun. And you must, you must, try the homemade gouda mac and cheese with add-ins. We had it with bacon and mushrooms. Needless to say - yum.

    (4)

  • Dominic R.

    Been here for the apps and food before, which i remember was good. But the main reason i come here is simple.........Local Late night bar!!! Anyone knows this place as "THE FIRE DIVE" It's not a bad late night bar, packed with normal people but you always get that group of obnoxious drunks that can't even stand up and are rude and retarded. I actually stopped going out late night, cause like i always say "nothing good can come out of being out till 4am". But back in the day.....it was a fun place to be!

    (3)

  • Stephen F.

    Comfortable place with a great back patio. They have one of those menus that goes on and on so of course they miss in some area like the pastas, the lasagna is embarrassing. But they do most items well thou not great. Good beer selection thou they could have more taps. Wine selection is OK.

    (3)

  • Tammy Q.

    I had my reservations before coming here. However, when we came here -- I was pleasantly surprised. We were seated in the patio section -- which was so cute and homey. I had the bruschetta, which was sooo good. The tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinaigrette were placed in the middle of the dish with garlic bread around it for us to scoop onto. So sweet and tasty! I ordered the ribs, which were just okay. L. Woods is still the best for me. The best part of the meal was definitely the chocolate banana cake that was oh, so moist! I'd totally come back here to chill and have a couple of drinks. The kitchen is open late for all you night owls!

    (4)

  • Arch S.

    I sat at the bar and ordered a beer. Instead of pouring me a fresh beer from the tap the bar tender said oh here's one then grabbed a beer that was just sitting on the back bar. It looked like the brand of beer I wanted but I still thought what the hell. She either gave me a beer she miss poured for another patron or it was the last remains of a keg. Who knew how long it was sitting there. I asked for a fresh beer and then the she gave me a sarcastic, irascible atitude as she reluctantly went to pour me a fresh beer. I told her to forget about it and stood up to leave, while her attitude continued to be sarcastic and annoyed at my desire to drink a freshly poured beer and not one that had been sitting out for who knows how long.

    (1)

  • Liddy L.

    This is one of my favorite bars in the city. Off the bat, the downside is trying to get there without a car so you can sit at the long beautiful bar drinking and eating buffalo wings all night without a thought to conscience. They often seem a bit short staffed so table service can be sketchy, but service has always been friendly enough to make up the difference. My regular routine is a couple of Guinnesses, wings, and apple pie, but they menu is large and the beer selection is pretty impressive. There are usually beer specials, and the weekend brunch brags about a ginormous bloody mary bar. I mean ridiculously huge. I mean you can probably add not only vegetables and hot sauce to your blody mary, but probably also small animals and toy cars. Anything under the sun. Really, there just aren't enough places at which you can drink til 5 AM and then stay up and take your mom to brunch.

    (4)

  • kris l.

    I had only ordered takeout from FS once before, and I didn't remember hating it, so I thought I was safe. I was so wrong. First off, if you have a menu in front of you, rip it to shreds, because it's likely that half of the stuff on it doesn't exist anymore. After calling in an order 3 times !!! my hubby and I finally put in an order for food that the kitchen staff could actually make. Getting to the bar to pick it up, asked the bartender for a current menu, and lo and behold it's the same one I had at home. So I ask what gives? The nice lady behind the bar says that the management likes to play rotating menu and change things up all the time, but can't be bothered to print out new menus. So I ask, why don't they just list it as a "rotating menu" so people know to ask what is on special? Or at least keep the website updated? No one could say for sure. Well, even if the owners are flaky the food can still be good. Unfortunately both my "cajun" meatloaf (where is the andouille I was promised??) and my hubby's veggie pizza couldn't salvage FS. Won't be calling there again.

    (2)

  • Ann Y.

    After my night there last night, I have to knock it down a star. The food is still really good, but our service was lacking. The waitress seemed annoyed with us and didn't inform us of 1/2 price bottles of wine or some of the specials that I heard her mention to other tables. Also, I had water and it wasn't until after my meal was eaten that she came by to fill my cup up. No desert was offered and she was really no where to be found. They were relatively busy, but there were several other servers. Will i go back- yes, the food is good, the hours are great and they are close to home, but I hope I get better service next time.

    (3)

  • Judy C.

    Last night I had dinner at Fireside and I was happy with the overall experience. First, I LOVE fireplaces, especially on cold and snowy nights like last night, and we were able to sit RIGHT NEXT to the fireplace. Yay! Warm and cozy is always a good start. The bread was sublime, really. A simple loaf of white country bread, but it was just warm and included chunks of fresh mellow garlic in it. Very nice. The wine selection was sufficient and there were many other kinds of drinks, including many varieties of beers and unusual mixed concoctions. We were intrigued by the special appetizer of fried pickles, but weren't feeling adventurous enough, but we overheard another diner say they were surprisingly good. I ordered the turkey dinner which included 3 very thick flavorful slices of turkey breast, along with generous portions of yummy mashed potatoes and corn bread stuffing, covered with a tasty gravy. (Just realized they forgot the cranberry chutney.) Delicious and generous portions. My good dining mate Paul had the special Mardi Gras pasta, shrimp and craw fish in a spicy white sauce over penne, was reported to be very good (and again, plenty of leftovers.) Desserts looked great but no room! Decor was a bit drabby/shabby before they turned down the lights. The music was an interesting mix of not-too-popular 60s folk, rock and jazz, which I liked, but the volume should have been lower and more consistent. Service was friendly and attentive. That, with the delicious food and cozy ambiance will point me back for a return visit.

    (4)

  • Andy H.

    Solid food and the beer selection is great. The service tends to be pretty slow though, even when it's not crowded.

    (3)

  • Diablo L.

    Really good beer selection,good burgers,plenty of choices on the menu for food,outdoor dining area, nice place to check out if you are in the area...

    (3)

  • Melissa H.

    I live right around the corner from this joint and the thing that best describes Fireside is consistant. I tend to lean towards here for weekend brunch or weekday dinners...never taken advantage of the fact that it is a late night bar. I love their pizzas (the Hawaiian pie, with the parmesan cream sauce substituted for marinara is awesome - albeit not quite healthy!) and I've never been disappointed with the calamari. My favorite thing? The Fireside Chicken - completely simple, and always done right. Service can be a little iffy at times, they tend to go through alot of servers and the bartenders can sometimes be slow - but I'm enough of a regular that I'm never at the short end of the stick when it comes to being waited on. Plus, the delivery service is great - usually doesn't take nearly as long as estimated; but that could be because I literally live around the corner.

    (3)

  • matt k.

    Are you picky about your Bloody Mary? Fireside puts you in the driver's seat. They have a deluxe 'create your own' Bloody Bar. Make it as hot as you want, and garnish it with everything from pepperoni to cheese slices. Also, the brunch has biscuits and gravy that are great. Plan on napping afterwards. Parking during the day is great. At night, it leaves something to be desired. If you can, Bike.

    (4)

  • Karen H.

    Good food, friendly staff and the atmosphere matches what you'd expect for time of day

    (4)

  • Michael H.

    I really do like this place. The bar area is roomy and they have a fantastic beer selection. Order the pizza...it is very good. In the back there is a dining area that is just oozing with atmosphere. It is also pretty cool because it is hidden away on Ravenswood. You kinda have to know it is there to find it.

    (4)

  • John B.

    Fireside is about two things to me: 1) late night delivery (until 3am on weekends) and 2) backyard patio. I can't remember ever eating inside here. Which is fine, 'cause inside is kind of dark and gloomy. But the outside is nice. It's an enclosed beer garden, and it truly does feel like someone set up a bunch of tables in their backyard. The downside is that it can get packed, and packed with people who have been drinking lot of beer, which makes for some touchy situations. I'm amazed that the wait staff navigate it all. The food is not great, but not bad. The menu is huge -- ribs, pizza, burgers, steaks, pasta, salads, sandwiches -- so as you might expect, nothing is truly outstanding. Their takeout menu brags that they have 60 items to choose from, but that's not always a good thing. Bottom line: if I lived closer, I might eat there more often. As it is, it's a reliable alternative delivery source.

    (3)

  • Ryan K.

    Excellent beer selection -- both bottle and draft. Solid menu - - nothing amazing but a couple of items stand out including the fried calamari. Never overcooked. And the aoli accompaniment is fantastic! Easy area to park. Next to impossible, though, to hail a cab. One of the first bars/restaurants that I went to when I moved to Chicago in '97. I've always brought a diverse group of family & friends with me for food/drinks over the years and I have never had anyone say anything negative about this establishment (outside of the occasional blitzed friend getting impatient waiting for the next drink that he or she definitely didn't need). Oh yeah, this is a 4 'o'clock close bar too! In my younger years, so easy to pull off. And so much fun! Now, not so much...

    (4)

  • Meghan B.

    I give it a 4 for delivery and a 3 for the live version. The delivery service never makes a mistake, but that is probably because it is an online ordering service. The food is standard. Salads are good. Service is slow. I think it is the atmosphere that keeps me coming back again and again. I love the patio. It's lovely in any season.

    (4)

  • Jackie P.

    Maybe if I had been a wee bit drunker the food would have been better. This was still consistently a three star place. We waited in the bar area at first for our party to arrive. Our waitress Marla was great. She was quick and efficient and when we decided we wanted to dine outside she took the necessary steps to see that we got our group seated quickly and our initial tab was closed. Once outside the waitstaff was still efficient, quick and really good. The drinks are heavily poured but the food is so lacking. I was not impressed with my stuffed shells and then when one of the people out our table had to send their fish back. They didn't get it a new dish until everyone else had finished. Luckily we were all patient but still it didn't set the right tone. I would come here to drink but not eat.

    (3)

  • Anne R.

    Good atmosphere. But every time I'm here, it takes forever to get any kind of service. What's up with that?

    (2)

  • Kiarash Z.

    After a very long night of carting drunks around town and dealing with bicycle traffic, I was ready to throw my arms up and scream, "I NEVER GET TO DRINK!" Then we showed up at Fireside. It was 3 a.m., and the server told me I could still drink for 90 minutes. A night of hopping around Wicker Park had made me sick of pretense and hipster bullshit, so seeing a room full of people interested in drinking and talking about things other than themselves made me very happy. Our server was a darling, and my whole group of seven (all of whom could grab a stool) had a great time. The drink prices were a little higher than I expected for a place so far off the beaten path, but they were by no means outrageous. And if you're going to stay open to serve me until 4: 30 a.m., a premium price is OK.

    (4)

  • Jean Z.

    I loved every visit to Fireside. I'll go again real soon to refresh my memory. Parking is a biotch - but that's cause its ravenswood ave. Great burgers, great service, everyone usually in a good mood...and a beer garden. ahem.

    (4)

  • Justin H.

    This restaurant/pub is one of my favorite places when I just don't feel like cooking or dealing with the people who cook for me. I love their spicy shrimp Spaghetti and their portabello mushroom sandwich. The outdoor patio geared for year round dining makes me feel like I belong. The servers make you feel like a valued guest and the food is served fast and delicious. I cannot count how many meals fireside has hosted me for. But I love it. They are always able to take my very special request for a swap of the type of pasta. They all know my order now. I am amazed I had not reviewed this place! Enjoy it. I recommend dine in only. Take out and delivery is a tad bit shaky!

    (5)

  • Aesha W.

    This place was ok. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special in my opinoin, and I thought it was pricey. We had delivery, so maybe that has something to do with it. Also, we tried to order dessert, but our first choice was out for the night and the second choice they don't sell any longer... it drives me nuts when businesses don't have up-to-date websites. All in all, it's not a plce I would choose to go to back to, but it wasn't an offensive meal.

    (3)

  • Katie R.

    3.5 stars, a good experience overall. We sat on the back patio (I believe we were at the Fireside Grill). For appetizers, the bruschetta was good and the artichoke hearts were OK. The artichoke hearts were sort of weird...swimming in a vat of tomato sauce. Wouldn't order those again. My caesar was good...the croutons spicy and delicious. I just wish it would have been a touch more garlicky. The patio was really great and the service was outstanding. I'd go back if asked...

    (3)

  • John W.

    I come here a lot but mainly because it's about a block away from my house. I like the atmosphere and I like the beer selection and they have one of those internet juke boxes so there is a lot of variety there as well. The food is definitely a step above standard bar food and I often get the shrimp pesto pizza or the catfish sandwich with chipotle mayo. If you happen to be a misplaced St. Louisan, you may want to try the 4 cheese pizza and tell me what it reminds you of. The problem with this place is that you don't feel like you are in Chicago when you go there. You most certainly don't feel like you are in Edgewater/Andersonville. I always get the feeling that I am back home on the south side of Indianapolis. In other words, it's very likely you will see drunken guys with mullets and white hi-tops air guitaring it to Metallica. It is open late and those same drunk guys along with a mix of other people cram in there for late night food and drinks. Be advised, I once took a date there at 3am and she got hit on 3 times on the way to the restroom. It's not a meat market but just the over abundance of drunk, middle aged, utility employees can be over bearing. Apparently they have a brunch on the weekends but I went for brunch on memorial day and ended up with a bacon cheese burger so that's all I know about that.

    (3)

  • Patrick C.

    As far as the food, my pulled pork sandwich was pretty good, and it definitely has an old fashioned tavern feel to it. However, the reason I am giving it four stars instead of three is because I have a feeling it's haunted, being right next to a cemetery and all.

    (4)

  • Yohsuke K.

    I have a warm spot in my heart for this late-night joint. Although the ever-changing specials list can be hit or miss, there are some great gems hidden there. A nice burger for $7, warm and hearty meatloaf, and the blackened catfish is great there. Drinks are pretty reasonable, and the bartenders are charming and nice. Service away from the bar may get spotty at times, however, so I recommend sitting along the counter and get to know the drink slingers. Serving food till at least 3am is a big plus for all of us who don't work those 9 to 5 jobs. Overall, a cozy place to be, and with winter on its way, why don't ya stay by the fireside and relax the blues away?

    (4)

  • Charlie H.

    This is a middle-of-the-road joint. I give it four stars because every time I've been there I had fun. First time I went I had the pulled pork, second time I had the meatloaf, third time I just drank myself silly. But the food's good. It's funny to be sitting in the bar and see families with screaming kids come through. The Metra runs right outside which is also pretty funny. There are many light-rock listening late 30-somethings in tight jeans hanging around the bar, swaying their drunk hips off. There also seems to be an abundance of disgruntled couples in their mid-forties, apparently on the verge of divorce because they are frowning all the time. But if you find a nice corner and set up a few pitchers, you'll be alright. Plus you'll see that there are probably some people around there who fit in your social group if you like doing that kind of thing. If the Fireside's the only place you like to go, well I don't know about that. But if you go lots of other places and go to the Fireside every once in a while you are already cooler than half the people in there.

    (4)

  • Marisa F.

    I was excited to try their "150 item" bloody mary bar. In my mind it was seas of interesting, vodka-soaked vegetables. In reality it was about 145 bottles of myserious sauces and spices and about 5 vegetable items. they didn't even have lemons or limes. Such a good idea, so bad in practice. BUT at least the bloody mary's are only $4.50, so I can't complain too much. oh, and i ordered the vegetarian burrito. and it came with HAM in it. i picked it out, not too worried about it. but it made me sick. booooo.

    (2)

  • Sue K.

    This is one of those local places where you look and the menu and think "meh", but because someone back there just knows how to cook, you're surprised at how good something like mashed potatoes can be. Stir fry is good too. Excellent, affordable bar. Quality without priceyness or drama.

    (5)

  • Sarah N.

    I just recently discovered the Fireside Lounge after I changed my route to work - I now ride my bike down Ravenswood. As a native Michigander, I enjoy this street because it has a country-town feel in the middle of the city and the Fireside Lounge seems right out of a Michigan-summer-lakeside town. Everything felt familiar to me, from the dark woodwork to the local art crowding the walls. I'm only giving them 4 stars because I stopped there spontaneously on a Sunday afternoon while on a bike ride with a friend. We only had a beer and an appetizer. They seemed a little apprehensive about letting us sit on the back patio since we were only ordering drinks, basically. But then they did because they weren't very busy. I didn't take it too personally because there was a sign about proper attire and I WAS wearing my biking clothes with grease smeared all over my shirt..... not exactly the nicest outfit. Like I said it was spontaneous. So anyway, I had a Blue Moon with an orange in it and the goat cheese marinara appetizer. Everything was fine! The servers did seem a little busier though, even though the tables were less than half full. They might have been a little aggravated that we didn't order more, but we were fast and easy. The back patio is nice but not too nice. As I mentioned before it has that summer lake/boat crowd sort of feeling. At least it did for me! But I like that. It might seem more elegant at night when they have all the pretty lights on.

    (4)

  • Pauline M.

    Oh Fireside. I wish I could give you 4 or 5 stars. I just can't. :( The Good: Abe the bartender. He is a dream maker. The atmosphere The food is so damn tasty (recommended: their chicken tenders cure cancer and the cream of mushroom soup was made by a descendant of Jesus- true story) the smoking the back patio darts Awesome beer selection The bad: The people can get a wee bit scary Drinks are a little pricey (tip your bartenders ;) parking the juke box is always SUPER LOUD The servers are SLOW. It can take a really, really long time to get your food or even someone to greet you My family has been going to this place for 20+ years. It is an established neighborhood place. People there are loyal and there tends to be a really great cozy feel to it. I do love you fireside, but you always take a little piece of my heart every time...

    (3)

  • Melissa B.

    I absolutely love Fireside. It is one of those neighborhood gems that many people do not know about. I have been there for brunch and dinner many times. The build your own bloody mary bar is just insane! lol It took me like 20 mins just to decide what I wanted to put in it. But it was delicious. The first time I went I had the cajun chicken pasta which was just to die for. I have also had the mac and cheese which was very delicious. The last time I went I tried the buffalo chicken salad which I was not a huge fan of. I have a huge pet peeve when restaurants give you a salad with humongous pieces of lettuce that are overflowing the plate. It makes it so hard to try to cut it up and eat it. You spend less time enjoying your food and more time preparing it. I have taken my parents here for brunch also and they enjoyed it thoroughly. I would have to say one of my favorite things is the patio out back that is open all year. Even during the winter. It makes you feel like you are outside and makes me very happy on cold winter days! I would definitely recommend this place because the food is consistently good and the staff is always so friendly and helpful! They also have something on the menu for everyone.

    (4)

  • Betty S.

    The Fireside is interesting due to its location and atmosphere. It's not intimidating. The drinks are generally good. The food borderline sucks, though. It's just not very great, although I had some nice calamari once and a very good fry I stole from my friend. That said, I have gone for the free wireless and a great bartender who has since moved. Service is definitely hit or miss, but it's a fun atmosphere with the right crowd, and the bloody mary bar is quite lovely. Overall, walking distance + alcohol + wireless = happiness.

    (3)

  • Nicole V.

    This place is right in my stomping grounds...so I end up meeting friends there fairly regularly. It is quite popular and has a lot of space for meeting up with a group. The atmosphere is very relaxed, the lighting is dim and they have a separate section for those just there to dine. In the back of the bar there is a large beer garden type room that is tented which is nice. The food is very good, especially the pizza. I really like the sportsmen style thin crust. On Sunday they offer a brunch with a full bloody mary bar with 100+ ingredients...great for getting over your hangover. The brunch is also a good place to take your family as the restaurant caters to all ages.

    (4)

  • Tim L.

    Great back deck. Huge bloody mary bar. Great service. Great menu. Great food. Well worth it.

    (4)

  • Chatzy F.

    First we called several times to find out what was on the Mother's day Brunch was and they told us there would be a carving station & make your own omelet's station. There was not and to boot the food has gone down hill totally. (Have not eaten here in years now I know why!) There were trays stacked on other food trays not very sanitary to say the least and food was not very presentable. The fried chicken was salty, the "meat" that was was bland no flavor at all, eggs were out to long had formed a bacteria on it. When we called the manager over she knew that they had given us false information. And on their facebook page it says they were going to have Prime Rib. There was none. $19.99 for this ugggh! They are not honest about what their buffet is. We walked out it was horrible. NEVER AGAIN DO NOT GO HERE BAD!!!

    (1)

  • Rey A.

    You can't go wrong with Fireside. This was my usual default bar... Great atmosphere and cool people... They open late! Oh yea one time I left my leather jacket here and nobody took it... Got it back the next day...

    (4)

  • Jane C.

    My friends took me there for drinks/ appetizers and we had such a great time! All I can say is..good food, tasty drinks and welcoming staff. I especially like the cozy cabin feeling. Delightful!

    (3)

  • Tex N.

    Been going here for years...It just keeps getting better. The food is excellent and diverse. Try the buffet's, if the entrees don't run out they replace them with something even better. From crabs legs, eggs Benedict and strawberry waffles to petite fillet's, everything is fresh and good. Outside covered patio is great for summer or winter. Seperate dining room, bar and patio dining. Fireplace in main dining room. Friendly staff. They have an internet jukebox and when it's not being used, the staff plugs in their Ipods and start rocking.

    (5)

  • Meagan L.

    A friend introduced me to this hidden gem the other day. Their kitchen is open till 3am and the food was pretty tasty. Not your typical bar food and especially not typical late night bar food. Great beer and wine selection, friendly service and a decent crowd. If I ever find myself that far north again I'll definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Matt H.

    Ordered delivery from here twice and drank on the patio once. The BBQ chicken pizza is fantastic. The sauce caramelizes around the edges of the thin crust, with nice chunks of grilled chicken. The patio is fun with enough shade and different levels and platforms to give you the feeling of privacy.

    (4)

  • John M.

    Good calamari, ok buffalo wings. I ordered a pizza, and specified it to be pie cut. Order arrived nearly an hour later, and no pie cut. I was a little upset. How hard is it to cut a pizza the RIGHT way. Who in the hell wants to eat finger food? I want a slice of pizza. Anyway, this got sent back. Correct pizza came in about 15 minutes. Pizza was nasty-sauce way too sweet. Attempted to correct with liberal use of hot sauce. Meh. Best part? I looked at our bill and noticed that they charged me for two pizzas, and comp-ed me for one of them. Guys, this is a horse-shit maneuver. Did you think I wouldn't catch this?

    (2)

  • Monica B.

    Open until 5. Enough said! Went here on a Saturday after all the bars in Wrigley closed and had a great time. Sorry I can't give more information such as prices, etc but I really don't remember much except what a fantastic time I had !!

    (4)

  • James L.

    I've been going to Fireside for YEARS now - and there are times where it is hit or miss. We love going to the bar side at nights - the clientele are always nice and definitely live it up. When we have our daughter with us, we like the quiet dinner room instead. I was there on Sunday for brunch and while it was moderately busy the they seemed to be too lightly staffed. Not to the fault of our waitress who was juggling multiple tables, but I think the staffing could have been handled better. Once again - it's hit or miss - I have been there where I couldn't get our server to stop checking in on us, and I have been there when we couldn't find our server cause they were just worn thin. Food - Like the service - the food can be hit or miss sometimes, especially the steaks. I've been there when they make it just perfect, and I've been there when it's just over cooked, or just doesn't have any flavor. A couple of things that ALWAYS remains constant - the black chicken over pasta (personal favorite) and the calamari (always get that when we're sitting at the bar). Drinks - While the food is good - the drinks are better. They have a good selection on tap, and a very diverse selection on bottle. Their mix drinks are still the best (both in price and potency). Overall - I love this place - even for all their faults because of the memories attached to this place. I would normally give this place a higher rating, but the problem is their lack in consistency in service and food.

    (3)

  • FM G.

    Food - 3 stars... It was ok, not the best, but not awful either. I had the porkchops which seemed at first hard to cut, so I thought, oh great, a dry porkchop...but I think because it was grilled, the outside was tougher than the inside, which was pretty tasty. It came with a baked potato the size of Idaho, some overcooked green beans and a salad, all of which were unremarkable. I can do better at home. My husband said his lasagne was good. Service - 4 stars....our waitress was great and attentive, but not to the point of being annoying....you know, like coming over to ask how everything is reight when your mouth is full. Patio - 5 stars.... I LOVED it! It's cozy, cute and not overcrowded. I really don't like to have to get to know my fellow diners when I go out, with tables crammed together, and this is set up so you can have a nice dinner conversation and not have to listen to someone else's. I also love that you can sit out in any kind of weather because the patio can be covered. Parking - 4 stars....there was plenty of it, not in their parking lot, but plenty along the Metra tracks. Bar - 1 star.... since I'm not a fan of smoky bars I wouldn't want to spend much time here. Walking through to get to the patia was enough. I'd definitely want to go back just for the patio. Oh, and I get airmiles for dining here...hehehehe.

    (4)

  • B. L.

    When I first came across this place I was just driving down Ravenswood which is a side street. There is another two places also just down the street and this area is now a being built up. It's kinda weird becuse they are right across the street from a cemetary and the train tracks are right there for Metra. The food itself is good and it's served in a cozy atmosphere. There is a seperate bar area also. I know they have been here for years. The last time I stopped in the server had quite an attitude. What a waitress with an attitude, how shocking I know. The other times they were friendly.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth H.

    Just got back from dinner here, but I've been coming to this spot with my grandmother ever since I can remember (she liked the ceaser salad, which is really only so-so in my opinion). Anyway, it's a nice neighborhood spot for both dinning and drinks. They have a pretty full menu and as far as a restuarant/bar goes, everything is pretty good. The bar itself is my favorite spot. Open late (it's a 4 a.m. but surprisingly un-divey at such an hour) and has a friendly local crowd. The beer selection is pretty good, although mostly bottled imports.The service in the restuarant is sometimes touch and go, but the bartenders are usually really great. The place is off the beaten path and if you weren't familiar with the area, you might have a hard time finding it. I know a lot of people that tell me they found it by mistake. If you are looking to go for drinks but actually have a conversation with the people you are with, this is a great place to try. Oh, and they have a pretty good brunch ont eh weekends as well!

    (4)

  • Diane S.

    This place is quickly becoming a favorite for me & my s.o. The atmosphere, especially the patio (which is heated in the cold weather!) is very nice. The place looks so tiny and dive-y on the outside and is so warm and welcoming inside. I have never had a bad meal here, and their cajun spiced calamari is absolutely delicious. I am addicted to their chopped salad, too. And the wine selection is great!

    (4)

  • Ron S.

    I've been here many times. I love it's out of the way location. Plenty of PARKING! Open and serving food late. Open til 5am on Saturday's Stick with the simple stuff(pizza, mashed potatoes) Rest of the menu is too pricey for the room. No real drink specials to speak of. The advertised specials can be beat just about anywhere. However at 3am who cares about specials? Just feed me, get me one more drink, and call me a fucking cab!

    (2)

  • Andy S.

    I dig it, they make good tasting and decent quality food. I stay up late (really late) often so I'm very happy to have somewhere nearby that can serve me dinner at 11 or 12 or later. I've been out there a few times this summer to sit in the open-air space in the back and it has been very pleasant, a little dark. The Columbian waitress is awesome

    (4)

  • Cheryl M.

    I absolutely love this place!!! I would highly recommend the Mother/Father's Day brunch. I took my mom there for the first time and will be back there to take my dad. Looking forward to stuffing myself until I pop once again! Their Bloody Mary bar is a plus. Although I can't wait to take my dad there so that he can teach me how to make a good one on my own. On the menu... Their breakfast burrito is a must, especially after a long night of drinking. The burrito does that trick and is not at all greasy. Also, try the blackened chicken sandwich with the spicy mayo. Need I say more??? I've also tried their jalepeno dressing and this I would not recommend. Way to spicy even for me. I do have to say that this place does have a bad memory to it. Unfortunately I was here when DA BEARS were miserably defeated.

    (4)

  • Tracy K.

    Fireside really deserves a 2.5, but I rounded up because I think I may just have had a series of subpar experiences and I know this place used to be great. Neither their food nor their service is consistent. And lately, its been on the not-so-good side. They've got a nice bar area, a separate dining area with a fireplace, and a year-round outdoor dining area. Their menu is pretty big, with a little something for everyone. My favorite items? The baked brie appetizer and the Sportsman Surprise pizza (blue cheese, pesto, spinach, broccoli & onions). They offer a bunch of coupons, including a $2 off (order $12 or more) if you are nice. Great way to reinforce good behavior. They also give you the option to order online from their website and will give you 10% off your order for doing so. I'll try 'em again, but if it keeps getting worse, there's no point in going back.. unless maybe its 2am and I really want beer & pizza.

    (3)

  • Andrea O.

    Oh Fireside, why do you disappoint me so? If I could give a separate review for brunch I would, because while there are many things to enjoy about Fireside, brunch is not one of them. What's great about Fireside are their pastas, sandwiches, thin crust pizzas (andouille, onions and jalapenos for me), cajun crawfish, beer selection, bartenders, delivery, and the fact that they are open every day of the year. They also have a "frequent diner" sort of deal where you can earn points towards free stuff on a future visit. However. I've made my third and last attempt at brunch. Most recently I went with friends and was happy to see that they weren't overly crowded. I should have guessed why. While we were seated immediately and were brought coffee, our brunch order was held up in the kitchen for a long long looooooong time. We were eventually told (4 refills of coffee later) that the kitchen was backed up. When the order arrived it was clear that the Cream Cheese Apple Walnut-Stuffed French Toast that a companion and I ordered had been sitting for that long long looooooong time, and what was brought to me was a plate of cold french toast with a slab of cold cream cheese in the middle Erm...no thanks. I almost never send anything back but I decided I'd been waiting long enough that I did want to actually enjoy what I ate, and when it returned it was fresh and melty and perfectly acceptable. Other brunch entrees were perfectly fine, neither good nor bad, just late. This is unfortunately not the first stumble in service or food quality I've experienced during brunch there. Brunch seems to be an afterthought and not a focus at Fireside. It's really not what they do best. Stick to lunchtime and evening visits or delivery (they will also bring you beer), and show up on any day of the year.

    (3)

  • Faith F.

    This is my favorite late night bar. The food is delicious (try the portabello sandwich, mmm) and they have good beer on tap. I always end up putting too much money in the internet jukebox, but so what? I end up there after 2AM for a reason.

    (4)

  • Michael M.

    I hate to give such a low rating but the last 4 times here I left without even getting a drink. The issue here is not the food as it is amazing! It is in the service, it is the absolute worst I have ever seen!!!!!! Stay away until the service gets better!!

    (1)

  • Mandy P.

    I LOVE this place! It is so conveniently located to my house that I can walk there, so that may have something to do with my adoration, but there is definitely more to it than that. I love the atmosphere of this place. I have eaten/had drinks in all three sections of the restaurant and all of them have their own charm. My favorite location in the Fireside is the patio. It is such a cozy, lovely spot that I am always drawn to it first. The patio's downside (or upside, if you're a smoker), however, is that there is some smoking allowed there, but it's not so overwhelming. Worse than this, the service can be painfully slow at times on the patio. You see, the service is Fireside's greatest weakpoint. But, I'll get to that. My second favorite place to eat there is in the bar, because I like the atmosphere there, but it DEFINITELY gets too smokey for me sometimes, so it's pretty iffy. The last place I'll go is the regular dining area. It is quaint and completely smoke-free, which is great. It also feels a little more family-oriented, though, so sometimes it's not what I want -- especially if there are kids there (I don't like eating with kids that are maniacs). The service is best in the dining room, then the bar when it's empty, then the patio. Or, reverse the patio and the bar if the bar is full. The service from the waitstaff is not overly warm a lot of the time, but I haven't found it offensive. It gets the job done usually, but at times the service on the patio is awful to the point that you might find yourself getting up to find someone to take care of things at your table. In fact, that is why I do not give this place a full 5 stars. I get the feeling that the Fireside is not terribly well managed. The bartenders, unlike the waitstaff, are usually really, really nice. The food is good enough and it is served until 3 AM -- hooray! If you want to save a couple of dollars, get the pizza and split it. It's pretty good (not awesome). I think the prices are a little higher (on their non-pizza food) than I'd like, but you do get a ton of food when you order, so I think it's well worth it. In sum, the Fireside rocks my world, but this is primarily the result of the ambience. It's a fun place, with nice bartenders and functional waitstaff. Be prepared to use your patience if you go at a busy time (Friday or Saturday night). DO check out the patio. I think this is a place that everyone should see once.

    (4)

  • Brandon S.

    Not too shabby! The service was friendly, but slow. The drinks were a little too strong to be pleasant-tasting. The patio was charming (and could've used some mosquito repellents). The food was good without being amazing. And it's in a really cute secluded part of Edgewater. In general, I had a good time. I'm told it's open super late (3 am on Sun-Fri and 4 am on Sat), so if the bar area weren't quite so.... straight, trashy beer, and sports-centric, I would frequent it more often.

    (4)

  • Bryan C.

    The best part of The Fireside is the patio. It's big with diverse seating. Their menu is quite large, which isn't always a good thing. I had the chicken breast with red pepper cream sauce once and it was delicious. Another time I tried the cajun meatloaf and it was kind of gross. Its made mostly with sausage. No thanks. The mashed potatoes were excellent though. Good hang over/comfort food, The bloody mary bar is fun, but unless you know what you're doing, you're better off ordering one off the menu. Like I said, you can't beat the atmosphere here. The patio is one of the best I've been on in Chicago. Their food, hit or miss. Worth a shot though. 3 stars Fireside!

    (3)

  • Jesster A.

    We go here with friends who LOVE this place (I think they met here or something) and I usually cave in to their recommendations and usually regret it. Unfortunately, this was the first place I ever tried catfish - and hence the last time I tried it. I might try it again elsewhere if a trusted Yelper has a good recommendation. If we get dragged here again - I will try the calamari and maybe the black chicken over pasta...

    (3)

  • Bill S.

    NOT GREAT ON DELIVERY SERVICE! I ordered online and was called an hour and a half later to ask what we ordered! Then, the order was all wrong! And gave us about 12 fries for our sandwich. Told them didn't want the mix vegs. and to replace it with extra mashed potatoes...NO, got the vegs. and NO POTATOES! Will NEVER order from here again. They are best as dine-in restaurant only (which is the only reason I give it 2 stars!

    (2)

  • Jillian D.

    headed up here on a hangover sunday, riddled with hail. my friends and i cozied up at a table on the "outdoor patio" and geared up for the extensive bloody mary bar. i was like a kid in a candy store. hot damn! i've never seen more seasonings, hot sauces and condiments for your bloody mary! i had to step back and take it all in so as not to become overwhelmed. we played mad scientist, some having better results than others. one of my friends was in from nyc. he asked me to help him spice his up, and he accidentally dumped about a tablespoon of hot sauce into his glass, then stirred it in as i watched in horror. it was a disaster. a flaming hot disaster that no amount of tomato juice could remedy. just one sip and your tongue was on fire...and it just got worse. we devoured the free muffins because they were the only way to tame the flame. we could have made a meal on the bloody mary garnishes alone!! in fact, when i return, i will skip the food and just enjoy the bloodies - our meals were just so-so.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    We ordered take out from here on Friday night. It was really good! Food arrived hot, delicious and fast! I want to eat here sometime but their take out is definitely worth trying if you don't feel like going out!

    (4)

  • Emerson C.

    I usually pass this place up on the way to Andersonville. So I decided to take a chance and see what it was all about. It's very homey and a great place to just hang out, grab some drinks, some quick bites, and a place just to chill. There's a patio that you can hang out at during a nice day. Beware, they might forget about ya. Also a fireplace section that you can chill in. But the best thing about this place is that the kitchen is open late. If you're craving for that late night hunger... and some drinks... this is a definite place to hang out. The prices are very reasonable and it's a place to lay low on those lazy Saturday nights.

    (4)

  • Alex V.

    This is our go to place for lunch at work. They give us good discount because we eat there so much. The cheeseburger is big and juicy and always cooked to my liking. The cajun chicken sandwich is good also. The best thing on the menu is the cajun chicken and pasta with a cajun cream sauce. It always satisfies. Sometimes we will stop here after work for happy hour. The service is always fast and friendly.

    (4)

  • Courtney L.

    What a great find! The place we bought our Christmas tree from in Andersonville recommended this restaurant/bar to us. We'd have never found it on out own, as it's tucked away near a cemetery. It was perfect. Cozy, good music, dim but comfortable lighting. Bartender was exceptionally friendly, and the food was excellent. My boyfriend wanted bar food, I wanted something a bit more healthy and preferrably vegetarian. He loved his meatloaf sandwich, but I think my portabello burger was even better. So, so, so good. We can't wait to go back. I only wish it was walking distance from our Uptown apartment. I'd make this my "home" bar and go-to restaurant for sure. All in all, great menu. Tons of selections and variety. Great beer selection too. If you like a casual, down-to-earth environment with great food and good people, this place is for you.

    (5)

  • rachel p.

    one star for a well versed beer list one star for an all weather patio one star for being open til 4am the food is hit or miss here. the breads can be good: garlic, rosemary ciabatta, tomato foccacia. the apps generally sound better than they taste and the fried stuff is, well.... fried. in terms of a late night place for good beer and bar eats, its a 4 star. for a steak dinner... not so much.

    (3)

  • Christoph B.

    I am reviewing this place solely on the weekend brunch experience. Let's get right to the good stuff. Try the BBQ Pork sandwich, it's AMAZING. I'm also a fan of their Reuben. Eating brunch on their all weather patio is one of my favorite weekend activities. It can get fairly busy with the after church crowd and families/kids. Still, parking is relatively painless. There is one thing that bothers me about Fireside.. every time I come here it's always really awkward getting seated. They apparently don't have a host so people just kind of mill about between the bar and the dining area trying to flag down somebody who can seat them. Annoying. This should be easy to fix.

    (4)

  • Rob L.

    I really like this place. Though what I love even more is coming here in the summer. Sitting out in their covered patio area at night, their fans going, strings of various lights strewn about, candles softly glowing, makes this one of my favorite summertime spots. The menu has a lot. Really a lot. From sandwiches to salads to main dinners and beyond. I've enjoyed the food, always solid but nothing amazing, but my favorite seems to be their simple burger with cheddar washed down with a cold beer. The service has been relaxed and friendly every time I've been there. I seem to miss it during the winter time, but wouldn't oppose going there, but when the weather heats up it is a great place to cool down.

    (4)

  • Asha M.

    my favorite neighborhood spot! it's a sassy little dive..with amazing food and service! the bartenders and servers always remember you face! They have a patio and a dining room, but i prefer the bar and how all the locals congregate here. If you come here enough you even start to make friends! Best pizza up north!

    (5)

  • Carlo N.

    We met out a few friends who were from out of town to eat at this joint. Not bad for decently priced food. Regular bar fare. It's really quite out of the way for the city driven, no-car kind of denizen...I ordered the Reuben Sandwich which was heavy on the salt and the side of fries was enough for...well no one. Nothing real special here, especially if you're going out of the way for a meal...Probably a good place for locals who are in need of a beer and some pub food.

    (2)

  • Elizabeth C.

    Well above average bar food in low key casual environment. A must if you live in the neighborhood. I wish I could move it about 160 blocks south right about now.

    (3)

  • roberto a.

    Well, I've been coming to Fireside since way back when, and it is still my first bar of choice when my friends need to dine and drink. As a long time patron yes, I have seen staff come and go, and the different crowds have come and gone. But the food is still good and despite a few changes, the ambience is still the same. There are three parts to Fireside. A separate, smoke-free dining area, a bar, and an enclosed patio area. The dining area is perfect for relaxed dining or for those who want to enjoy food without smoke. The bar is great if it's not too crowded, and the patio excels at combining a little bit of both. On colder days, heaters scattered throughout the patio keep the place warm, though the person sitting closest to them will get broiled. Everyone should sit in the patio at least once during the fall or winter season. The blackened chicken with pasta is my personal favorite, along with the cajun spiced calarmi, which I think is a must as an appetizer regardless of where you sit. Steaks are hit or miss. If you must, go for the peppercorn fillet and avoid the NY strip. The fish is good. The sandwich selection mirrors the entree menu and should be considered if you don't feel like a whole meal. Avoid the pizza. It's not that great and I don't recommend spending money on it. Once we ordered a pizza and asked for extra cheese. The pizza came with 4 or 5 slices of half-melted American cheese ontop of the pizza. Not sure where our order got lost in translation, but the end result wasn't very appetizing. Drinks are reasonably priced, though depending on how busy it is, sometimes the waitstaff disappears just as you need them. At other times though, you barely put an empty bottle or glass down before a replacement drink is slid infront of you. Like any other place, your night will vary. The clientel ranges from the "just turned 21 group" to the "I'm visiting from Rosehill" group. For the most part, everyone keeps to themselves- and makes the bar perfect if you want to stick out the night with friends. Between the street and their lot, parking in the area is easy to find. Later in the night, there is usually a cab or two that linger around for fares to take home. All in all, Fireside is a solid place to goto. Pros: Laidback atmosphere, appetizers are good, drinks are reasonably priced, decent menu selection. Separate bar-dining area. Parking easy to find. No smoking in dining area. Smoking allowed in bar and patio. Cons: Service and food can be hit or miss. Avoid steaks and pizza. No smoking in dining area. Smoking allowed in bar and patio. Go there long enough and you'll start to nitpick what you don't like and miss what you do. To sum it up: I hold up a Windex shot (some Windex-blue colored shot my friends and I used to close out the night with) and salute to memories good and bad.

    (3)

  • Joe H.

    Was out riding last night and stopped at Fireside for dinner. It was about 6 PM and the place was empty. No problem, better service for me, right? Wrong. I chose to sit at the bar as I would probably be able to see the TVs. The bartender did not greet me but said "You want something". I ordered a beer and showed my ID as she requested. The phone rang just as she was about to pour. From the sounds of the conversation, it was a manager who should have been respectful of the fact that she might have had customers and should have kept the conversation short and sweet. That, or she should have said she had customer(s) and gotten off the phone. I waited quite a while for my beer. I asked for a menu and she initially forgot it. She brought it and I decided quickly but had to wait quite a while for her to take my order, keeping in mind there were two other people at the bar. While waiting for her to take my order I was oh- so-fortunate to hear a conversation between her and another employee about how much she didn't want to work and then proceeded to complain about how few tips she had received. Look, I used to bartend. I know how sucky a slow afternoon is, but don't complain in front of customers. It's weak and unprofessional. The meatloaf sandwich I ordered arrived quickly, delivered by a waitress who was paying me more attention than the bartender. She asked me if I needed anything and offered to refill my beer. It was a little dry, but overall pretty tasty. I received the check and couldn't bring myself to leave a crappy tip. I left a $20 on a $14 tab Between Gio's, Leadway and now Fireside, I'm beginning to rethink my decision to move to Ravenswood as all three places have treated me less like a kick-ass tip leaving customer and more like an unwanted corn on the proverbial toe. The old man bar on Foster, K's Dugout, has been more hospitable than the aforementioned three.

    (3)

  • Marcos L.

    There seems to have been a very welcome change in attitude (management?) here. The music is not as loud, the crowd is more relaxed and friendly (you think there might be a connection?). The food is still solid - pretty much everything is good, and there are a few standouts like the burgers. The dining room is still the best part, but the bar - now that you can actually sit and have a conversation - is cozy enough. Good place to watch a ball game. And it really is one of the only choices if you want some decent food after midnight up north.

    (5)

  • laurie s.

    food is okay - good portions at an affordable price- staff is exceptional- Sunday brunch- we had just left another establishment that had taken bad service to an all-time low so were so pleased to have attentive servers, as much coffee as we could ever drink- water refilled without asking- and a kitchen willing to work with specialr equests ( I hate eggs, my husband likes things really spicy and one of our guests has food allergies that require some deconstruction of dishes) The Crabcake bendict (sans eggs) was a healthy protion of real crab meat and a fresh tasting Hollandaise- go here to hang out and enjoy the company of friends while being taken care of by the wonderful staff

    (3)

  • Jim G.

    We ordered the BBQ Chicken and Hawaiian pizzas for delivery. They took 1:10 to deliver them, and they arrived cold and soggy.

    (2)

  • Pete S.

    I have been going & ordering from here for years, although this past year it has been mostly ordering for delivery or pick-up. Going to eat here is a great experience whether out with friends or just you and your significant other. The atmosphere is great for both. The front is definitely more of the "friends watching the game" experience. The back is more laid-back & good for a date or having dinner with family members. In my opinion, the food has decreased slightly in quality since the new management took over, but it seems that they have been trying to improve that lately. I was also appalled when the new management decided to switch the delivery/take-out containers from the old aluminum/cardboard containers to these huge plastic ones! My recent order came in a cardboard container, so I was happy about that. If I was reviewing based solely on dine-in experience, I would give this place 4 stars, HOWEVER, when you order your food, you almost have to expect there to be something wrong with the order. I really don't get it because the people on the phone speak good English and are articulate, but I would have to say that the order is incorrect 30% of the time! I really wish they would try a little harder to get the orders right. Otherwise, this is a pretty good place.

    (3)

  • Maggie D.

    I've been going to this place for years and my experiences have been either fabulous or average, but never bad. There are three different seating areas that each have a unique vibe. The dining room has a fireplace and is pretty cozy. The old wood floors give it a vintage feel. The bar has plenty of tvs, darts and a good jukebox. Not to mention the stellar beer and wine selection. The enclosed, heated patio is a great place for casual dining and reminds me of summer even in December. The food has been phenomenal, but I have had the occasional overcooked dish. By occasional I mean probably 5 times in the 7 years I've been going there. The soups are to die for. Great salads too. A little history - the place used to be a boarding house for mourners. Rosehill Cemetary is across the street and those attending funerals would stay at what is now the Fireside if their journey home was a long one. If you go, notice how everything above the first floor is divided into two buildings - one was for women and one was for men. There was to be no fornicating while grieving!

    (3)

  • Jennifer C.

    Went here for Mother's Day brunch and was pretty impressed. Then again, it was 9 am and I had been out until 4 the night before, so I would have eaten anything. But the bloody mary's were only $4 and you got to make your own using a 100+ ingredient table that consisted of mostly hot-sauces.

    (4)

  • Jamie J.

    Love this place. Comfortable, great service, great food, and great prices.

    (5)

  • Caitlin S.

    Last night was my boyfriend's birthday. I planned an event here, after hearing good things about it. I invited about 15 people (mostly just family,) and had a reservation since 3 to 4 weeks ago. I was so dissapointed. The food was ehh...okay. Very inconsistent. My portabella burger was solid, but my sister's chicken sandwich was measly, and that's being kind. The chicken was sliced in half so as to use more bread, so each chicken "breast" was about 1/8th of an inch thick. The food wasn't really the main problem though. It was the BAR. We waited over 15 minutes every time we ordered a round of drinks. Eventually we started just walking over to the bar and ordering drinks ourselves, paying cash. We were then scolded by a surly female bartender, accusing us of trying to get free drinks. Other various things went wrong (mixed up drinks, terrible margaritas, they were out of ribs, etc,) and I was overall, just really let down in the place. Not to mention it was FIVE HUNDRED degrees in the dining room. I know its a Fireside Lounge guys, but does that fire need to be blazin' all day long? That being said, our waitress was really friendly, and some people were really pleased with their dinners. (Me included.) Also, after talking to the manager, we were discounted a bit off of our bill.

    (2)

  • Sarah-jayne M.

    Wooo Hooo for half price wine Tuesdays!!! I accidentally came here for dinner the other night. By accidentally I mean that I was headed somewhere else and they ended up being closed. First of all, Fireside has a special vibe because they have a bar at the front (somewhat divey) and then this crazy patio in back that is heated even in winter. Since it was nice out, we opted for the patio. I had a roasted red pepper soup which was amazing. My boyfriend has the chorizo soup which was also good although a little too spicy for me. Then I had the grilled salmon, a good size portion with green beans and broccoli. The man had pork chops with the same veggies. The meal itself was generous and filling. Not overly flavored, nice and light. The wine was indeed half price so we sucked that right up. I really liked this place because they give you a million differant options for sides. The staff was efficient and friendly. The overall vibe is very "local" but not in a snotty way, more of a "Cheers" way. I'm glad I went and will be back!

    (5)

  • Jeff Z.

    This place was a fun night out. Good Food, Good Drinks & Good Company.

    (4)

  • Chris W.

    Very chilled out 4'oclock bar. It can get routy in there but its peak routyness tends to be around 2 or so when all the 2'oclock bar people head in. They've got a medium selection of food to order which they have at small tables on a menu. I'd recommend the pizza, in particular the pesto one.

    (5)

  • Sean Q.

    I've been patronizing The Fireside for about 15 years and have never had a bad meal. 9/ 10 I go there for dinner and always get the same thing. The Cajun Meatloaf with Andoille Sausage crust and Country Mashed Potatoes is to die for! The portions are so huge I have never finished and always took a doggie bag home. Also highly recommended are the Chicken Tenders. Huge batter fried chicken pieces that are so tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. With a great barbeque sauce on the side its a great starter. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is the service. Although I haven't been there for about 6 months the service is hit or miss. My last visit was great (on a date) but I have had to wait over 45 minutes to get my check. Oh well, the food makes up for it!

    (4)

  • Kevin F.

    Great food and outdoor garden

    (4)

  • Justin S.

    Very neighborhood bar-y, but the kitchen is open until 3AM. This alone gets 3*, and the extra star comes from the CHEAP drink prices (5.50 for a white russian? really?!) and the good food.

    (4)

  • Evan L.

    3 stars for food 4our for atmosphere. The food is pretty good. Nice dark and relaxing been the same for a long time. Cozy and comfortable.

    (3)

  • Steve R.

    It's off the beaten path and that's what's good about it. Its kitchen is open late and the food is generally pretty good, there's a very nice selection of taps, and the patio is OK as well. There's no recognizable "scene" here which is always a plus in my book, just lots of different folks hanging out.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    We just came here for drinks and I really liked the atmosphere! The bar side is rather small, but then they have a tented outdoor patio. (Of course, it was cold and the tent was up and there were heaters all over, which was nice!) We did not have dinner there so I can't speak of the food, except we did have 2 desserts. Really, I can't say I was a fan of the desserts. They have a pretty good beer menu and the atmosphere was pretty good. I would definitely go back there!

    (3)

  • Rhonda R.

    This place does not impress initially. I came for drinks and a snack with some friends and winced a little as I pulled up. Parking is usually easy in the lot or on the street. I almost thought they were joking. We got seated right away on a Friday after the work week ready to throw back more than a few. I will tell you that a few is all you need to catch a lovely, relaxing buzz. The friendly, attentive wait staff only adds to the warm fuzzies I get at the Fireside. This is not my kind of place but I find myself a member of their Fireside Club. No secret handshake, but I do get 10% off with my card and something as yet unredeemed for my birthday. There is a fantastic REAL crab and asparagus salad, seriously fantastic. The shrimp and pesto pizza is delicious also. I was not crazy about the burger the one time I had it but I am a bit of a burger snob. I don't think I would order the pasta dishes either. Friends beg to differ on my pasta opinion, tasty, but I make a mean Bolognese. The Fireside is a good time, quiet enough for conversation and bustling enough to feel like you have had an evening out. I would recommend it for "happy hour" and snacks.

    (4)

  • Chandra E.

    I went to this place for the first time Friday night for dinner. It was kinda late to be out with a 5 year old so we called ahead to make sure it was ok. They said it was fine. I would say it has three main areas. A dining hall a bar area and then a indoor back patio. We ate in the back patio it was absolutely beautiful. I would recommend this as a great laid back place to be. It was not too crowded. We did walk through the bar which was starting to get full. The food was ok I ordered the spicy shrimp spaghetti which was a little bland in my opinion... The portion sizes were large. The service was not exceptional but decent. What pushed the rating to a 4 star rating was the red sangria... It was exactly how sangria should taste. I will definitely put this on my spot to go have a great red wine sangria. And try a different dish on the menu my friends salad looked absolutely delicious.

    (4)

  • meng y.

    Very laid back, nice place. I went with a friend, sat out in the patio and enjoyed the Grilled Catfish. It was tart, tangy and tasty. But, overall I'd go back for the ambience.

    (4)

  • Courtney B.

    There's never a weekend morning I wake up not not craving a bloody mary. The good thing about these habitual yearnings is that it gives me an excuse to try lots of different places, recipes and ingredients. I prefer a make-your-own BM bar so I can put all the funky things I love in it. This weekend it was time to check out Fireside which boasts having 180 ingredients on a sign outside. Awesome! Well, I'd say 140 of these ingredients are in spice jars but, all good. I made a creative concoction and liked that they had some meat (pepperoni) and some cheese product. I would have like longer skewers though as it's hard to fit all those different veggies and other items onto a small stick the size of a toothpick. There was a really tasty habenero sauce and several flavored hot sauces that I liked smelling and daring myself to try. I was amused. So much so that the manager came over and asked if he could buy my bloody mary for me in exchange for taking a promotional photo for his website of people (me) making BMs. Done and done. So, look for me on the fireside website, smelling hot sauces and taste testing peppers at their weekend bloody mary bar!

    (4)

  • steve c.

    Build yor own bloody mary bar sundays. O ya. They have a nice tent covered patio area which is relaxing and good to get away frm the bar if you order some food. They have good selection of beer and the food is ok.

    (4)

  • Kate W.

    I went here for brunch and it was surprisingly good. There was a large group of us that they were able to accommodate, and the food was good. I don't remember what everyone had, but there were no complaints. And they had great mimosas!

    (4)

  • Gil N.

    Great little place whether you're just hanging out with people after work or there on a date. The food is above average and the bartender's really hook you up. They have a free buffet on Friday's and they usually draw a nice little crowd. It's not the biggest buffet but it's enough to tide you over while having a drink...or ten. Parking can be a pain at time but you can usually find a spot at a reasonable distance.

    (4)

  • claudine h.

    i had the distinct displeasure of having brunch here. the menu said 3 1/2 stars. that's the biggest overstatement i have ever heard. the server warned us before we even ordered that our food was going to take a while because they were so busy. the place was barely half full. i had made my reservation before hand, they knew we were coming, and there were 7 of us. the server was slow bringing our drinks and had to be corrected on our order multiple times. she took ages to revisit our table. i had to ask for a refill on my coffee, and then never got another. the bus boys spilled water on my shoes twice when refilling the water. after waiting over a half hour for food, our order came out wrong. the salmon salad barely had salmon on it and had cheese when we asked for no cheese. the potato servings were meager on some plates and generous on others. all in all it wasn't worth the 18% gratuity we were charged. i used to be a server, a bartender, and a manager at multiple restaurants. this was a deplorable experience and if i ever have to go back there it will be too soon. do yourself a favor. just skip it and go somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Cassie B.

    Ok i confess i have never been here but we have ordered delivery many times. i hope to go here eventually, maybe in the summer. their delivery food is so good and so different from the normal Chinese, pizza, Italian, etc. they have real entrees like steak, pork, chicken, and rib dishes along with very good sandwiches and salads and pastas. they also have sides like bakes potatoes, veggies, rice, and mashed potatoes rather than the normal fries. the food is fresh and like home-cooking but better. (p.s. they deliver beer and smokes, which we have not yet needed to partake of).

    (4)

  • Cor J.

    I just learned you will soon be able to enjoy al fresco dining at sidewalk tables out front! One more reason to make this a favorite stop for drinks.

    (5)

  • Nick K.

    Nice bar with incredible food! The waitresses are superb with customers especially Marla she always gives excellent service. I am amazed with the taste of the food-wouldnt expect this kind of taste from a bar. Its open late and the patio is nice to enjoy the food whenever its open. Stays open til 5 am on Saturday-(kitchen closes at 4 on Saturday-3 every other day of the week). If you are hungry late definetely go here! They have various food and drink specials during the week as well and free parking as well.

    (5)

  • James T.

    Wonderful atmosphere and good service. One of the relatively new managers Joey) is also working wonders with this place.

    (5)

  • Renato P.

    This place is good , just good. The dining room is pretty nice if not a tad dark. The food selection was decent , even if the food was only pretty good. The ribs tasted good but were too tender , and I'm not a big fan of tender ribs. The pizza is good , not great but good. I also enjoyed the burger. This place had a nice outside beer garden , I went to a Christmas party there and it was surprisingly temperate in climate. Give this place a shot , if you can find parking , the small lot I saw could fit like 5 cars , and the street parking was scarce

    (3)

  • Johanna C.

    I give this place 4 stars for the atmosphere mainly. The back area is really great to sit around, look at the sky, have a meal and drink with your friends. I don't think the food is that great based on what my friends and I have had but I'm sure there is something on the menu that is really tasty. The bar is also nice and the windows give you a clear view of Ravenswood (not that there's much to look at). It's a nice home-y feeling neighborhood bar.

    (4)

  • Christine S.

    perfect for a cold winter night... huddle around the fire with a glass of wine and comfort food including burgers, over roasted pizza and pasta. An easy and affordable pleaser

    (3)

  • Mara S.

    We went to Fireside this morning for brunch. It was really empty, which was great for our group of 8, but after my meal came I could see why people favor other Chicago restaurants for brunch. My meal was ok, but nothing special. I would go back because of the ease of getting a table and the good service, but really, the food is nothing to write home about. Prices reflect the mediocre food.

    (3)

  • JP S.

    Extensive menu that is all available until 3 AM, great waitstaff. Eclectic crowd makes this a fun late night joint.

    (4)

  • Alexandra T.

    Should have been more fun than it was. The food was mediocre. Is a sandwich or a salad that hard to do? The service was friendly, the location and atmosphere are optimal. I'd go back for a drink.

    (2)

  • Shannon S.

    Went here last night, this place was awesome. The food was great and the prices weren't bad at all. We sat out on their patio, there was a great crowd of people there. Everyone, including the staff was very friendly. Our waitress was awesome. It is kind of hidden but if you can find it, you won't be disappointed.

    (4)

  • Nannette P.

    When I think of the food at Fireside, my stomach curls up in a ball, protecting itself from the gut busting grease and fried curls of lard that surrounds most of the food that comes from its kitchen. Blah. I've had better chicken tenders from the samplers at Costco and the fried calamari should only be ordered upon recovery from the hangover from hell, where grease upon grease, upon grease, will be your only hope of betterment. I have frequented this place only because it is literally right around the corner from my place and I avoid it at all costs, unless during the Winter months where I prefer to walk and not drive somewhere. The environment is a weird mix of people, and it's a weird environment, a mix of a local "pub" with random music, Christmas lights almost year round, and a fake palm tree outside (the one my dogs really love, if you know what I mean). One star for the to-go beer option (a GENIUS idea) and another goes to the constant coupons distributed in the neighborhood. Bar food doesn't have to be stale tasting or covered in grease to be good. They could definitely better that food.

    (2)

  • John L.

    Am I the only one on Yelp that gets very annoyed at loud music blasting in restaurants? I never read any reviews complaining about this anywhere but I notice the noise at a lot of places. When I go out to eat, I'm not going for the music to be in my face, I'm going to relax and talk with whoever I'm eating with. I don't know, I guess I hit up the Fireside at the wrong time, late on a random weeknight. It appeared to be more of a bar than a restaurant. There were haggard looking people just sitting around drinking. When we walked in, the first thing to hit me was the extremely LOUD sound system just blasting the hell out of the Black Eyed Peas. No one greeted us, so I walked over to the bar and asked if we were supposed to seat ourselves or what? She couldn't hear me. Gee, do you think it's too loud in here? I asked again. Yelling it this time. She handed me a couple of menus and said something, but now I could not hear her. My girlfriend and I looked at each other and she said something to me, but I couldn't make it out. It was just too damned loud. Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas just blasting louder than ever! Well, we stepped back outside to talk about possibly leaving because of how loud it was. My ears were ringing like crazy at this point. We discussed going someplace else, but it was late, so I decided to just go in and order take out. So, I went back in and back up to the bar to order some food to go. I was holding my ears while looking at the menu and the bartender just kind of laughed. I tried ordering but she could not hear me clearly, so I just began pointing at things on the menu. She said a few things back to me that I couldn't really make out. I handed her my debit card not really knowing how much it was because I couldn't hear her. I didn't care, I just wanted some food to take home. Suddenly, a break in the music for about 5 seconds. I heard the bartender tell me that it'd be about a 15 minute wait. Then Q-tip or whoever it is that sings that annoying song from the Miller Light commercials starts blasting, "there's a party over here, there's a party over here.........." LOUD AS HELL!!!! I waited the 15 minutes outside where it was quiet and gave my ears a rest. I went back in and grabbed the food and took it home. Of course, some of the order was wrong but at this point, so what, it's just bland tasting bar food. Most of it seemed as if it had been just reheated. I'm hoping that they don't play the music this loud all of the time. Maybe it's just something that they do late at night. I won't be back to find out.

    (1)

  • Greg G.

    Perfect little out of the way casual joint to meet up with someone. The food is wonderful as is the low key atmosphere. It's not a polished place--just right when you want to get some good food and a few drinks before or after without having to get all dressed up. Big bar area with a quieter restaurant area adjacent. Also has an outdoor patio that is tented in, but they did a nice job of making it cozy. They have an internet juke and a dart board as well. Plenty of street parking along with their own lot. I'm at this place quite a bit and I meet some of the coolest people around here!

    (4)

  • Lisa B.

    I love this place! The food is good. The prices are fair. Service is great. I love their outdoor seating area. Once in awhile when I feel too lazy to cook and too lazy to go out, we'll order a pizza from there and the delivery is fast and friendly as well.

    (4)

  • Mary C.

    This is a neighborhood gem. It's a great location with a real Chicago feel. The food is hit or miss, but I really like the chicken fingers. The best part is that they have a heated outdoor patio that is open all-year long. They also serve food really late. The staff is friendly and they have a frequent customer program where you can earn free dinners and appetizers. Just ask your server about this.

    (3)

  • Justin G.

    I like it. A nice place to hang out. Food is pretty good too.

    (4)

  • Lynne D.

    Fireside restaurant is a great little Ravenswood secret! The food is pretty yummy and priced nice! There is a great sized menu. They have a bar and an enclosed back deck which is pretty nice too! The service there has been excellent every time I have gone! People are very friendly. They serve food until very late...I believe 2AM. Also, there is a small parking lot, but parking is not usually a problem. Also, I hear that the brunch on Sunday is great!

    (3)

  • Alan T.

    The Fireside, as you will likely learn from a local upon entering this establishment, is a total fixture in the Edgewater neighborhood. It's tucked away on a not so traveled stretch of Ravenswood Ave, directly across the tracks from the Rosehill Cemetery. If you're not out looking for this place, you likely wouldn't find it just driving by. This is clearly where the locals like to hang out, kick back, drink, relax, party, eat Sunday brunch, or...whatever. This place is one of those that try to be everything to everybody and they actually seem to pull it off. There are three areas to dine in. The main dining room, the bar room, and the covered all-season patio. The dining room is more formal than the rest of the place though still very comfortable, the pub is well - pubby, and the patio is cozy, comfortable, and dark. I usually opt for the pub because I like studying the beer selection and it's good for people watching too. The place has a surprisingly good beer selection, with several American micros on tap and a pretty decent bottle selection as well. A good choice for those needing respite from the crowds at Hopleaf, but still have a craving for decent beer. The service here has always been beyond friendly and very attentive. These folks certainly make you feel welcome. The icing on the cake here is their kitchen. Everything I have tried here has ranged from good to excellent. Huge portions, meals that include soup or salad (and a good salad at that), warm bread and butter, and a kitchen that serves the full menu until 3:00 A.M. every gosh darn day of the week. What's not to love about this place? Well.... I suppose the only thing I really don't like is the jukebox. Every time I have been here, someone has hijacked the juke and played nothing but hip-hop and rap all night. I hear that this place can get a bit rough late at night, but I certainly haven't witnessed this first hand. This is a truly unique friendly neighborhood place that you should really check out if you're in the area. Always a great late night dining option when the usual burritos or pizza slices won't do.

    (4)

  • Jen J.

    i give the fireside 5 stars, because it is everything a neighborhood bar and restaurant should be. on the one side you have the restaurant--perfect to bring your family including older relatives and children. on the other side you have the bar--TVs to watch your favorite chicago team, the bloody mary bar on sundays for those who can stand tomato juice and 100 ingredients, the extensive beer list and the hearty, home-style food menu which ranges from calamari to pizza to grilled chicken to pasta. i swear by the blackened steak salad which i probably eat once a month (though i cook a lot at home, i swear!) and my husband is a big fan of their meatloaf sandwich. i can count on them to have a bell's, sierra nevada, or a sprecher on tap and one of the waitstaff actually crashed my wedding. we had our family and friends here for our rehearsal dinner on the casual all-year porch which is complete with removable flaps for the summer and heat lamps in the winter. every neighborhood could benefit from such a casual place that so completely covers your eating, drinking and entertaining needs.

    (5)

  • Ebru Y.

    My experience here was very positive comparing to others'. We went to Fireside on Saturday evening and wanted to sit in the restaurant section, and didn't even have to wait that long, maybe it was just our luck that some people were leaving right when we walked in. I have to say they probably make some of the best pasta around! I had the blackened chicken and pasta, and I don't know which I fell in love with more, the chicken or the cajun sauce for the pasta?! The portions are pretty huge though, so it might be a good idea to skip the appetizers, or if you are super hungry order a salad or something along those lines. Of course getting it to go is always an option. Parking can be little bit of a problem even though they have parking right next door, street parking isn't that difficult. The prices are, I think, pretty reasonable considering how much food you get. I really enjoyed dining at this place and will definitely go back for more!

    (5)

  • Jaclyn M.

    I have been to Fireside 2 times and both experiences were very positive. This seems like a great place to be laid back with friends. The main room with the fireplace is very cozy and smoke free. The menu has a wide variety, from full dinners to burgers, pizza and salads. Just had Sunday brunch there and loved the fresh fruit, several varieties of eggs and a few of the atypical brunch items (pork and cactus, mexican style eggs benedict, grilled salmon).

    (4)

  • Henry P.

    Do not eat here. My boyfriend and I have been here twice. The first time I ordered a steak sandwich and he ordered a ravioli dish. I picked the steak off the sandwich, and he forced himself to eat half of what tasted like microwaved chef-boyardi. Today we ordered pickup. 2 burgers, both of which were tasteless, soggy and undercooked. We didn't eat them despite being starving. Fireside gets 1 star for the random girl in spandex grooving in front of the jukebox to boys II men. Even that seemed tasteless, soggy and a little contaminated though. It's unfortunate that the space is so awesome, but the food and service are beyond repair. I'm convinced that this place is under new management since any review prior to 9 months ago or is either about a different restaurant or a paid advertisement.

    (1)

  • Tommy Q.

    Man I didn't even get the bartenders name but she was extremely helpful and nice. We ordered our food and she was very patient with us even though we kept changing our minds; I mean you never really know what to order 2AM in the morning you know? The food was simply amazing with great portions. I would definitely eat here again, my chicken quesadilla tasted sooooooo wavy I'm actually drooling and craving another one as I write this review!

    (5)

  • Mark H.

    Great service and great food as always.

    (5)

  • Alford L.

    Came here for their father's day brunch buffet. We did not know it was going to be a buffet when we reserved our father's day brunch and was unfortunately surprised. For $23 a head, the food was mediocre at best. I would equate it with a standard hotel breakfast buffet / lunch buffet. Ribs were tough and chewy, eggs were dried out, shrimp cocktail was ok. Overall it was definitely not worth what we had paid. I have not tried the regular menu, but others have recommended this place to me, so perhaps it was the buffet that was the problem. I'll have to come back and try their regular menu, but for now, this place is a meh.

    (2)

  • Greg B.

    I had not been here in many years and asked a friend of mine if he would like to go. the host and server were good, its just we had 3 people coming to or table waiting on us. It was too much checking in and wondered why so many people were at one table. We order the Bruchetta appetizer and it was fair. The tomatoes looked canned and over all not with fresh ingredients. The crostini served with it was soooo greasy and oily tasting. This dish needs for care and please, toast the crostini and leave the oil or deep fried taste off of it. We both order burgers which were just ok. We had bacon on both and took the bacon off as it wasnt cooked fully well. The onion strings were in a small pile on it and were not stings at all. Please do these on here at time of order and not just fried crumbly bits. but the lettuce and tomato on the side of the plate for presentation and put the pickles on the burger than under the bun. Who would put that there? We both had mashed potatoes and that was the star. We both were not happy with the meal and unsure if I would come back. I had hopes this would had been a usual hangout for us and it wont be. My hard earned money went to a bad meal. Disappointing.

    (2)

  • Amy R.

    From the outside, this place looks like it seats three people total. Inside, it seats approx three million. I may be exaggerating, MAYBE, but this place is enormous! We came here on a friend's recommendation for Saturday brunch and the place was dead at noon. Not necessarily a great sign, but our waiter was super friendly and helpful. The coffee was super weak but the refills were plentiful. There wasn't anything that jumped out at me on the menu, so I went with the breakfast burrito. It was tasty, filled with the standard egg, chorizo, cheese, avocado combo and came with a pico de gallo and sour cream. My husband got an omelet with steak and some other stuff, and didn't love it. The atmosphere in here is awesome - a dining room with a toasty fireplace, a bar, and a huge covered patio, each looked inviting. Also they have a 200 ingredient Bloody Mary bar, which sounds fantastic and I will definitely try if I go back. The food I had was a-ok, and I'd come back if a friend or group wanted to, despite the hike up to Edgewater!

    (3)

  • Bradley H.

    A Thursday night, shouldn't be too busy, a nice warm evening. Looking forward to giving them a chance to do better than the teeth-wrenching wreck of a rack of ribs I paid $20+ for after the Pride Parade. I've been coming here since they were in Rogers Park. After we sat ourselves in the dining room (the outside patio was full and I don't usually eat dinner in a bar) we waited until I finally got up to get a menu (about 6 minutes); then our harried waiter Juan finally found us, apologized, and was an excellent server the remainder of the evening. Never again. Ordered the Country Fried Steak that was supposed to be "smothered" in Country Gravy- I certainly hope that treasured DOLLOP in the middle of my hard, dried steak wasn't too costly for them. The small while globule was a joke just waiting to be told in a ribald environment. The Veggie Medley was OK, except for the carrots that can break teeth (Hint- thin zucchini, mushrooms and squash cook in much less time than thick carrots do); But most disappointing was the baked potato- I hadn't one in a long while and I looked forward to smothering it in butter after I cut it open and the steamy center called for it. Except for the lack of a steamy center; the center was cold. The outside skin was warm. It was obviously an old potato that sat until it was microwaved just before serving, most likely (but not provable) along with my CFS. When I pointed this out to Juan, encouraging him to press the interior of the potato (he declined- the un-melted pat of room-temp butter was proof enough for him) he brought it back and in a moment returned with another, split already for me (obviously) so it could be heated better in the microwave. Sorry folks- you've been as bad as the manager you had lounging and on her phone in the empty dining room for a half hour after the 6 policemen left. And getting worse. That's twice now- you're a shell of the fun, vibrant, unique Chicago institute I grew up with (I'm 52). I doubt at this point, even a Food Network rehab show could help you. It's no wonder we were the only two people (except for the lounging manager) to be there, in the dining room. On the bright side, THAT part was kind of romantic. Bradley Honig

    (1)

  • Mikey S.

    This place is horrible, bad service food took over an hour and where dining in. I never wrote a bad review to any business but these guys need to understand what there doing wrong. Been coming for years now. And the fact the manger didn't do anything about the food delaying and the rude servers. Fireside sorry to say but you just lost a long time coming customer.

    (1)

  • Michael H.

    I stumbled upon Fireside while taking a shortcut to Target on Petersen. Vowed to stop in and glad that I did. This place has its fair share of regulars who know what they want. Huge beer selection in a beer cooler that's seen better days. Nice nightly good specials. Tried the Gouda with red pepper burger on a pretzel roll which was tasty. She had the blackened catfish which was a bit salty but flavorful. Fireside has a lot of character (and characters). Be prepared for an experience.

    (3)

  • Bella O.

    First time here and I loved it! It was nice and peaceful, staff is great n friendly, food came out pretty quick might be because it wasn't packed. Highly recommended and I for sure will be back!

    (5)

  • CB L.

    Went to the Fireside after seeing "Spike Heels" at the Raven Theatre. It is a huge plus that this place is open exceptionally late and as an insomniac and frequent late night diner, I was very please to find Fireside. It was around 10:30 and we were able to get quickly seated right next to the fireplace. I was amazed how quickly if filled up and was still packed at midnight when we left. We ordered two apps, bruschetta and quesadillas. Both were quite tasty. Julia our waitress got us our food very quickly and super sweet. Refills came without blinking an eye and we never went thirsty! She is a great example of the waitress you want to have assist you in your ideal restaurant setting. The menu had a good soul food flare with a taste of Americana. I ordered the meatloaf and my wife ordered the mac and cheese. She loved hers. I failed to realize the meatloaf had actual chunks of sausage vs. grounded. This was my oversite, but it messed with the consistency of the meatloaf for me and that really was my only issue. Again, my fault for not reading the menu thoroughly. The meatloaf was good otherwise and if you like sausage I am sure you will love it as others have. I will certainly go back and try more items and give it another shot at the last star! Julia on the other hand deserves all five stars.

    (4)

  • Rose N.

    I had seen this place before because my grandma used to live a few blocks away ... But today we decided to try it. It was a busy Friday night but as soon as we walked in we were seated , better yet we were seated next to the cozy fireplace which felt so good since it's about 30 degrees out. Our waitress came a few minutes later and took our orders. We ordered two burgers , calamari, kids pizza and some drinks. We didn't have to wait too long to get our food. The food was good nothing crazy but good. We were also approached by an older man who was there with his wife. They were regulars there and gave us a $12 off coupon our meal (given to people who are on the mailing list) . Overall the food here was just good but I had such a good experience from the workers and from other customers that I'm giving the place 4 stars. Can't wait to come back and make this one of our usual spots !

    (4)

  • Nicole P.

    I just moved in to this neighborhood and was SO excited to find a place was still open when I got done moving stuff in. Good food, good people watching (think drunk middle aged women hitting on 25 year old gay men-- gold!) This was exactly what I needed after a day of moving to the third floor on a 95 degree day! beers, good food and comedy. I can't complain

    (4)

  • Sid P.

    This place was -- at least 15 years ago -- pretty original in the fact that it has three distinct seating areas, all with different personalities, and the last one, the outdoor multi-level patio, is enclosed in the winter. I've seen more and more of that but Fireside does it really well. There's a cozy dining room that's almost like a lodge atmosphere with a fireplace (hence the name); the other side of the building has a long bar with pub tables and multiple TVs. Again, the patio is the most impressive, with its expansive area of several tiers of tables, many tucked behind the half-walls. Great atmosphere for all three, depending on what you're in for. The food is also surprisingly good if you consider how late they're open. This is not normal bar food. There are clearly chefs working in the kitchen. Sometimes they mess up an order or let something sit too long, but their recipes are for the most part slightly above "above-average" American food while keeping a reasonable price point. Special orders are welcome. They "blacken" their fish extremely well, considering they're not even close to a fish-house. Well, they're not a steakhouse, either or a pizzeria, but they can cook those foods just fine too. Plenty of variety. Also often serving larger tables (8-12 people) and the waitstaff is usually very accommodating. Clearly I must also thank the restaurant (not merely the bar) for being open late. It's comforting to know that, at 11 pm or later, if no other restaurant can be decided upon, Fireside is open and serving great food... not merely warmed over stuff from earlier in the evening, and not just burgers and fries. It's one of the best reasons (and timeslots) to visit.

    (4)

  • Nicole P.

    I like fireside a lot. With that being said, I feel like sometimes it has a prententious vibe. I don't come a lot to be known as a regular but I have been there more than two handfuls of times. Their beer selection is really nice. And the bartenders are really knowledgeable about their beers. But twice I had been treated like because I had to ask about a beer meant that I shouldn't be drinking it. Overall a good experience. Drinks are good and their Mac n cheese is the bomb. And I've tried it sober so it gets extra credit.

    (4)

  • Timothy A.

    The food we got here was generic at best. My wife got the blackened chicken pasta which was ok however it was basic pasta shells with what seemed like an almost flavorless sauce that came out of a can, and a piece of grilled chicken. I got the country fried chicken sandwich which was even more generic. It was a small frozen breaded chicken breast like that out of a bag 8 from target, barely any mayo, some soggy lettuce and a non toasted French roll which at least I can say wasn't stale. Oh and some soggy fries. We were considering dessert when we walked in but by the time we ate our plates we feared more money wasted on a slice of cake out of a box. Food here was waaaaay over priced for it's quality. We were VERY DISAPPOINTED. Our bill should been half of what was in order to reflect the quality. The only good part out of the experience was our waiter who was very friendly and funny.

    (2)

  • Weisun C.

    Three of us were revisiting here after a hiatus of many years. Another two were newly introduced to the Fireside, a fixture of the east-of-Rosehill area. It's a quiet place, being on the other side of the tracks from a cemetery, but that is forgotten in the warm and welcoming interior of this double building. We walked in and turned to the left for the dining room. It features a cozy fireplace befitting its name. A nice, warm feature (all gas-fired, so no fumes) on this stormy night. Drinks of all kinds, mixed, bottled/canned, or straight up, are no problem when there is a full service lounge in the next room. They had a few ciders I was not familiar with and so gravitated to a Washington state one made with the addition of hops, making for a drier taste. The menu is nicely organized into categories that were helpful in deciding based on tastes and pocketbook. At the top of the $ list would be their selection of ribs and steaks, followed by their specialties and pasta plates. Recommended choices were highlighted with a string of Chicago-flag stars before and after the name of that dish. Our newbies especially like the chicken quesadillas, saying they topped ones they had elsewhere. There were a list of tempting appetizers, salads, and sides (next time, maybe something besides the calamari, which had too-crispy breading). As alternates to the dinner type dishes, you could also choose pizzas of various sizes (and prices) or what Fireside is an attraction for, the burgers and sandwiches. The latter are all under $10, which includes your choice of a side dish, like fries, tater tots, chips, broccoli, etc. The room ambience was relatively quiet, so normal conversation amongst five people was easily possible. Add to this, a friendly and helpful waitress, and our evening was a very pleasant one despite the rain outside. Hopefully, next time, no rain, so we can scope out their patio.

    (4)

  • Jaclyn B.

    We were regulars here for awhile, and decided it would be a good place to throw a grad party. Annie, the party planner, was very helpful. She worked with us to plan a meal that fit into our budget. Everything was ready for us when we came in, and the staff was very good about checking on us all night long. Our guests kept dropping in late, but they were tended to right away and the servers even offered to warm up food for them. It was a beautiful, family friendly atmosphere and I would definitely throw a party here again!

    (5)

  • Brooke G.

    The atmosphere here is super great and cute, but the food isn't nearly as good as the atmosphere or the price unfortunately.

    (3)

  • Andrew S.

    Normally when I order from this place the food is pretty good but tonight was just far from anything they normally cook. Food came in a timely manner but the quality was horrible. Burger was way under cooked and my calamari was like soup. Very disappointed and makes me want to find another place to order from.

    (1)

  • Juliana R.

    This is absolutely one of my new favorite spots! It is the most cute, tucked away place I have ever visited. Great service and even greater food. A very relaxing ambiance, I have been taking everyone here! The burgers are cooked to perfection, with great beers on tap!

    (5)

  • Allan M.

    Nice bar and restaurant, that sometimes I can forget about due to its location. But it's decent for the most part, and for having a 4am/5am liquor license, it isn't a dump like certain 4am bars can be(*cough* Carol's). Like others have said, there's a dining room on the left as you enter that's open till 10pm or midnight depending on the day you visit(and have ironically still never been on that half, lol for various reasons), and a bar half on the right, with a patio in the rear. Unfortunately, that heated patio section isn't always open sadly, as I learned on a recent visit a few weeks back. When it is open though during the summer months(and late spring + early fall, and on whatever days they want to open it up with the heaters on), I greatly, greatly appreciate that it has almost no birds and pigeons, unlike the patio at Moody's Pub unfortunately. They recently removed their cigarette vending machine(can't blame them, with the ever escalating city and county obscene cigarette tax hikes), so be advised(if you must get a pack in a worst case emergency) the closest places to now purchase cigarettes is at the Citgo gas station on Peterson west of Ravenswood, J&H Liquors at Hollywood and Clark, and Jewel just south of Clark and Bryn Mawr, if it is unofficially true from some reports that Marathon at Bryn Mawr/Ashland doesn't. Most of the time when I've come here was only for a beer, but a few times in the past I've tried their food. My friend got the chicken quesadillas on a past visit which weren't bad, and not the best or worst quesadillas I've had. I got a po-boy sandwich, which was surprisingly decent, considering that I didn't suspect any restaurants north of New Orleans could serve a decent one. But they did, so cheers to Fireside. And the service isn't the best, but it isn't so terrible you'd never return again. I think it really depends on whoever is working, when you come here. The nighttime bartenders I've encountered here were friendly for the most part, if not always as quick as I'd prefer. But it is a nice plan B, if I'm feeling like going to a bar away from the usual Andersonville bar crowds, and is usually not too bad crowdwise before the late night bargoers arrive from elsewhere. Selection doesn't have some of the unique beers you can find at Edgewater Lounge, Jerry's, Hopleaf, etc., but at least there's always something that works, and it isn't too bad pricewise for late night bar beer pricing standards. There's a parking lot(and owned by a place where they actually spell Allan the same way as my name's rare spelling, yay!) that's free all night just immediately south of here, though I forget after what time you can park there for free(think it's around 7 or 8pm). Also be warned that Chicago Police often hide to bust drivers not doing a full stop at the Ravenswood and Rosehill Dr. stop sign, so you can't say you haven't been warned about that. Wouldn't be surprised if they sat there to bust drunk drivers, as well. It's only about 2 blocks away from the Damen, Clark(runs 24/7), and Peterson buses. Be advised that both the southbound Damen and eastbound Peterson buses end just before 10pm each night, and the last westbound Peterson bus runs a few minutes later. I'd advise getting a bus tracker phone app, to always be 100% sure of the exact bus arrival times.

    (3)

  • Stan P.

    Where do I begin? Here are 4 reasons I will never return to Fireside Bar and Restuant. Reason 1- After coming to this bar 6 times in the past month, maybe remembering your loyal patrons is too much to ask. I personally got offended when the bartender pretended that he had never met me before and tried to make an excuse for it. Reason 2- After standing for 15 mins one of the ladies in my party, (party of 4) wanted to sit. So we saw a table that was open and we sat down with our drinks that we had paid for at the bar. Dispite the fact that we were sitting at the waitress's table, she fail to ask us if we needed anything. She completely failed to acknowledge us. 15 mins went past and after my girlfriend finally got the waitress's attention, she told us "Ill be right back". 20 mins passed before she came back to tell us, "I know that you have been waiting but there are other tables that have priority over you. Once I'm done, then Ill come back and take care of you." WHAT. ..that was so RUDE. I then simply grabbed drinks from the bar. And ordered food from the bar. Since we clearly were thirsty and hungry at this point. Reason 3 After ordering a Chicken quesadilla and two Cajon fries, our food came out wrong. The fries had no Cajon seasoning on THEM at all. We never said anything at all. Never complained about a single item. Then a third order of fries came to our table, that we NEVER ordered. The waitress finally came back to inform us that my bar tab was transferred to her and that she will be talking care of us. We never cared were taking care of us and long as SOME ONE did. Which she fail to do. Reason 4- We watched a women walk towards our table and vomit on the floor right by our table. Almost getting her fluid on my girlfriend's friend. (who had never been to Fireside before) IT then took the bartender 10mins to respond and clean up the mess. Fu$#ing Disgusting. My girlfriend and I were so embarrassed by the service, or lack there of. We brought her friends there because we THOUGHT this would be a good spot for food and drinks. I guess we were wrong. I will never return....

    (1)

  • Bryan T.

    Fireside is fantastic, but TAKE NOTE: they do NOT ACCEPT reservations thru Yelp. Especially problematic if you Yelp for Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. **call in and use the phone** friends. Cheers.

    (5)

  • N. Mary I.

    Beer is good and fresh. Service is prompt. One maybe two options for Vegans. So I wouldn't go here unless I had to again. Pasta was al dente so I was happy

    (3)

  • Carol K.

    What a great place for Sunday brunch! And when that Sunday turns out to be Mother's Day, you can bet that the Fireside puts on a spread that puts all the other's to shame. And the price? Totally reasonable at $22! I met the girls up here for brunch. One in our party had been coming here for years so she was able to score the best table in the place . . .out front on a beautiful sunny day! The food buffet was amazing with all kinds of breakfast and lunch items. But my favorite thing? The build your own Bloody Mary bar! Thank heaven for one of my friends who steered me through the various mix ins, veggies, meats and countless other things I put in my glass so that I actually ended up with a great tasting (eating) drink to go with my amazing brunch! The other great thing about Fireside? If you drive, there is always plenty of parking along the metra tracks. Friendly servers, good food and easy parking! Yep. I'm a fan!

    (4)

  • Cynthia W.

    Going to TRY to keep this brief, but that will be DIFFICULT! As a long time customer, over 20 years, I have to say I am TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED IN THE RUDE WAIT STAFF AND INATTENTION TO CUSTOMER SERVICE! 1. Our initial waitress last night behaved as though she wished we hadn't EVEN stepped foot into the restaurant. 2. Any time she was asked for anything, it was a "hassle." 3. After our meal, my friend and I wanted to continue our stay outdoors, so we went out to the back patio...upon going there, we were told RUDELY by the asshole waiter "um, sorry guys this section is closed." I simply said back, "well, we've already eaten, we just want to sit somewhere quiet and have a few drinks (we were finishing up drinks and PLANNING to order more...) But then he says, "well, I'm here alone, so could you just come up here?" indicating we come to the top of the porch. Reluctantly we did, but we were unsatisfied because there were 2 tables of cackling women and we wanted a more intimate seats g arrangement in order to have quiet conversation. Nevertheless, we sat. Within 10 min, we see 4 OTHER NEW CUSTOMERS being seated in the area WE wanted to sit in and NOTHING was said to them! Then, 2 MORE COUPLES came and gingerly walked down to the lower porch...now I was PISSED! So I quietly say to my guy, "You notice that?" He does and tells me he's irritated and felt it was very rude! I examine the situation to try to decide "what" it might have been to cause this dudes rudeness to us and not to the other patrons...FINALLY it dawned on me! WE had already eaten!!! This f***** was concerned about tips! See, seating us we might not have ordered anything else, right? (I'm SURE this went through HIS mind!!!) In fact, the bus boy was the ONLY ONE WHO EVER APPROACHED US WHILE WE SAT AT OUR TABLE!!!!!!!! JACKASS!!!! Guess what Fireside???? YOU HAVE JUST LOST, NOT ONLY ME, BUT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY FRIENDS (and trust me, I have TONS!!!!) IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!! What used to be a great place to have some eats, drinks and good times with friends is now NOT HAPPENING THERE!!!!! Can't wait to post about this on social media either...FB, twitter, etc.

    (1)

  • Kari M.

    I've been coming here for YEARS and can honestly say that this place is like a second home. When I walk through the door I'm guaranteed to have a great experience with great service! James is the bartender on the weekends during brunch, which is when I'm usually there. Watching him hustle between the customers at the bar and the tables is impressive to say the least! He does everything he can to make sure everyone has a great experience! You would think that I'd be sick of the menu after so many years, but I'm not! I love that I can order from the brunch menu and/or the dinner menu when I come in before 3. I can't be the ONLY person who likes a burger for breakfast! ;) I'm also a HUGE fan of the build your own Bloody Mary bar! If all the ingredients/options overwhelm you, you can have James mix one for you! There is a REASON I call this my second home! Keep up the great work, guys!

    (5)

  • Viet H.

    This used to be the go-to-spot for good eats. I don't know why this place is slacking. Is it becoming the local joint with bar food or worse....a touristy restaurant bar? I love you fireside, but you need to step up your game. Maybe new food items on the menu? You have so much potential to be on top in our ever-growing and flourishing neighborhood. You have to realize you have a lot more competition.

    (3)

  • Katie H.

    Love everything about this place! The food, the atmosphere, watching sports games, the outdoor seating area. I will return again and again!

    (5)

  • Gerry T.

    The fireside has a nice, toasty and huge gas fireplace (cracker barrels have real wood burning). Located on a not well known street, next to a cemetery entrance. What a great place for Halloween. They have a small parking lot which makes it convenient. We had the grilled steak sandwich and banana bread French toast. Excellent, friendly service. My second time here and I'll continue to come to try their other items.

    (3)

  • David S.

    I tried REALLY hard to like this place. It's close to home and it looks good on paper. I went here twice with my wife and 2yr old daughter. My two main complaints are: 1) they are under staffed and 2) the food is basically frozen food that is microwaved. Here are my justifications for these two statements. On my first trip to this restaurant our meal lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes. Because they are understaffed it took forever to progress through our meal. The restaurant was not that busy but 8 tables for one waitress is not good. This second trip to the restaurant was no better. While the meal time was less it still progressed slowly which is not good when you are eating dinner with a 2 year old. They get bored quickly and things get ugly. There were no less than 2 management looking girls in dresses walking around checking on guests but did not lend a hand to the busy waitstaff. I would have expected these women to pitch in and help bring checks to the tables or help deliver food but no, they just meandered around the restaurant. The food came out and my wife and I were very underwhelmed. We ordered stuffed shells in parmesan cream sauce. The stuffed shells looked and tasted like they came out of the frozen food isle at jewell down the street and were microwaved minutes before the food was plated. The 'parmesan cream sauce' was bland and looked like it was emptied out of a jar. My wife and talked about this place on our way home and both agreed this place needs the likes of Gordon Ramsey or Brad Long to come in here and make this place what it should be. As I was eating my food I could hear GR's voice in my head yelling at the owner "What is this, is this out of a can?"

    (2)

  • Mandy B.

    I just wanted to commend Fireside for their above and beyond customer service. Wow! The first time I went to the restaurant was for a co-worker's birthday and I loved the atmosphere. The menu was just eclectic enough to make a lot of old classics interesting, but still reasonably priced. I order the chicken strips, which were good, but didn't blow me out of the water. But I liked the place well enough to go there for my birthday a couple of months later. They were able to accommodate our party of 8 on a very busy Friday night, and the manager was so nice to us. I got their signature cheeseburger (pepper bacon and onion straws - delicious) this time and it was fantastic! When I tried to order the burger again a couple weeks later on a takeout order, I was disappointed when I received just a regular cheeseburger instead, but after contacting the restaurant and telling them about the mix-up, I got a very nice apology and a gift card for more than my order! This really is a great neighborhood restaurant and I look forward to giving them more of my business in the future!

    (5)

  • Paul a.

    This place is a great place to comefor all types of food actually. I celebrated my birthday here this year. Earlier this year I celebrated losing weight here. I have been quite impressed with the quality of their food each time I came. Today I had their spicy shrimp pasta dish

    (5)

  • Mohammad H.

    Ordered awesome food late grill is open until 3. Good food, me and my friends enjoyed the burgers. Sober but we annoyed the waitress with questions. Meal took a little long to come but very good food nonetheless.

    (4)

  • Andy M.

    The wait staff is slow. Bartenders were rude and bouncer put his hands in my face. I don't recommend this bar for any occasion. We came here as a work happy hour many times and this last time definitely was the straw that broke the camel's back. I will not be returning.

    (1)

  • David R.

    Fireside puts on a hell of a Father's Day brunch. The variety of food was stupendous. I counted eight different forms of eggs: scrambled, scrambled with salsa, benedicts (chicken and canadian bacon), omelette quarters (sausage and vegetable), asparagus frittata, and deviled. There was bacon, baked ham, sausage patties, sliced turkey, sliced roast beef, boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, and fried clams; potato salad, pasta salad, five-bean salad; french toast and banana bread french toast; jambalaya; corned beef hash; some kind of beef and pepper dish; macaroni and cheese; home fries; something that looked like potatoes au gratin; plain mini bagels, smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, and capers; pickles and olives; silver-dollar pancakes and smiley-face potatoes for the kids; artfully arranged honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries, and pineapple; muffins and danishes; cheesecakes--plain, raspberry, and with nuts; and chocolate mint cake. I'm sure that I have forgotten several things too. What a spread. Not all of the food was outstanding, but most of it was pretty good and some of it great. In particular I really liked the jambalaya, home fries, and banana bread french toast. I was disappointed that our party of four was seated at a table adjacent to the kitchen door, when there was only one other four-top occupied when we came in. Thankfully it wasn't too disruptive because the buffet was set up on the bar side of the restaurant. But to add injury to insult, the table was dirty. Generally, though, the service was pleasant from everyone.

    (4)

  • Melissa R.

    Beautiful seating area, upscale menu. I recommend it for a quiet day/evening meal. The service was impeccable! I'll be going back once it's summer.

    (4)

  • Jake N.

    We had the Fat Tuesday Blackened Prime Rib special and the Shrimp & Crawfish Étouffée. #nailedit The hurricane drinks blew our socks off. (GO! But board your windows first ) The staff was both dedicated to the customers and each other. It was great to be helped by people who like each other and like what they do. Jimmy. He's the man

    (4)

  • Nicole T.

    Tried to place a large delivery order, but was told that my house was two blocks out of their delivery area. Two blocks? And they stop delivering at a random side street, not a main street. Your loss Fireside, I'll find another restaurant that would like my money. Would have given the driver a nice tip too...

    (1)

  • Emily B.

    Unfortunately, I did not have a great experience here. 2 stars because the food was OK, but I won't be back. The main reason you wonder? A MOUSE SCURRIED ACROSS THE FLOOR! Yes, you read that correctly. Just as we were about to get our food, I see a mouse. Other patrons saw it as well. So, until I know they solved that issue, I will be eating out elsewhere. The restaurant itself is old and cute, has a good vibe. I'm assuming they do their best business in the summer for brunch and the back patio. I came here with my husband and 1 year old son. They were really accommodating. It was a Saturday night around 7 pm and was not at all crowded. There was no music playing which I did not like. Very dim lighting. Food was good, but bland. I had the salmon but my sons mac 'n cheese was better :) I also ordered a lemon drop martini which was very good. So, until next time, Fireside. It will most likely be drinks only.

    (2)

  • Jonathan C.

    First time back here in several years. Menu has changed - for the better. Food was really good before and it's great now. Had the Quiche Lorraine, it was delicious with a rich Swiss cheese. Friend had the banana nut French toast which was also really good. Ever popular Make Your Own Bloody Mary bar still the right thing on a Sunday morning. Highly recommend this place to anyone.

    (4)

  • Ellen G.

    Great food and delicious bloody mary's. I loved the whole Bloody Mary bar idea where we could decide what we wanted in them and how spicy we wanted to go. Plus they started us off with a hefty amount of vodka. I had one of the eggs benedicts and it was very good. Would definitely recommend going for a nice casual breakfast or brunch. Homey atmosphere with a nice warm fire to sit in front of or next to.

    (4)

  • Lenster F.

    I was deeply disappointed with my order off of grub hub - the food arrived quickly enough, but as someone else mentioned the chicken tenders had a strange, burnt breading that arrived cold and soggy. I am not exaggerating when I say these are the worst chicken tenders I have ever encountered, and the sauce left something to be desired, too. The salad was wilted lettuce with a handful of cherry tomatoes (the best part of the meal, those tomatoes), and the vinaigrette was too sweet. Definitely not ordering from here again.

    (1)

  • Daniella S.

    Came here on a Friday night around 1 AM with some serious munchies and I'm glad I did! We ordered some beers, a burger and BBQ chicken pizza. I was surprised by how good the food was and I must say the staff was quite exceptional too. While this place isn't a culinary experience to rave about, it definitely serves up some solid food and service regardless of the hour.

    (4)

  • John M.

    Pretty good not the most amazing place but worth the while to visit. The one thing that stood out was the advice from the waitress. I must say she was able to give good suggestions for me as far as beer choices were concerned.

    (4)

  • mono b.

    We went to Fireside on date night, both of us had heard good things about the place. We stopped by for dinner unfortunately there was a post 5k run party so the place was packed. We waited for a while in a tiny entryway before being seated in the main dining room. We were seated near the gorgeous stone fireplace. The server explained that service was running slow due to the full house. Appreciated the heads up, it wasn't a big deal because we were chatting away. We ordered the bruschetta, blackened catfish and a burger. Large portions. Everything was very tasty. We barely finished our entrees and had doggie bags after- bonus. The cocktails were great and potent lol. Dessert, chocolate mousse was sooo good. This a great hidden gem, easy parking , good food. Check it out!

    (4)

  • Suzy N.

    This is the worst food in Chicago. I have eaten in house and ordered delivery. Every time it's absolutely inedible. Over priced garbage!!!!!

    (1)

  • Jeremy G.

    When we arrived at the restaurant side on a Tuesday night, we had to wait 5 minutes or so to be seated in the vacant room. We noticed there was only one server and the service was extremely slow. The food however was not much more than frozen food warmed up, but after all its a bar type restaurant.

    (2)

  • Caroline B.

    I've been here several times. What i like the most about this place is having a drink in their back area. It's beautiful, romantic and fun. It's a great, relaxing place for friends and also an amazing place for a date. They have 3 eating areas. I like their food, but i don't feel it's mouthwatering, spectacular.

    (4)

  • Rustygirl M.

    None of the food is that great. Bar always has old people sitting, loudly drinking. Def seems like a local hang out for some. Dining room on the other side seems overly boring. Both ends of the spectrum for sure! Patio is awesome in summer but freezing in winter, even covered and w: heaters.

    (3)

  • Marissa D.

    Fireside is a local hang out spot. The food is good but sometimes I wish they had a larger selection for vegetarian options. The bloody Mary bar is awesome because you can pretty much create your Bloody Mary to your taste. The staff is usually pretty friendly. This place does well if you leave in the area and it's a great place to visit if you wanna do a quite brunch without having to wait to be seated. I recommend this place to anyone that wants to have a casual brunch or evening.

    (4)

  • Lise S.

    Great brunch buffet for Mother's Day. Great and tasty selection of breakfast and lunch entrees. The Bloody Mary bar is amazing and it allows patrons to make their own with their favorite vodka.

    (3)

  • Jimmy B.

    I can't even say anything about the food because it never got here. I ordered delivery because we wanted to try out someplace new. So I order and after an hour and a half I'm wondering what happened to our food. So I call, and they told me that the food was already delivered. Well, maybe, but not to me, so I hope someone enjoyed my food. Maybe they can write a better review... Anyway, at this point I'm still very patient because my wife worked in food service and I know, stuff happens. They get the manager on who says they'll cook up another order and have it out to us within a half an hour. Apparently the driver said he couldn't find our buzzer so they asked for my phone number. Buzzer is pretty clearly labelled, but again, whatever I gave my phone number. So another hour, a little more actually, passes and still no food. I call again, and the woman answering the phone, who was very nice and apologetic said her manager had left to bring it personally. Well I still didn't get it. She found him, and he said that he got to our apartment, couldn't find the buzzer and left. I ask why he didn't call when he got here since I gave him my phone number after they requested it... Well he forgot his phone at the restaurant... At this point it's been about three hours since my order, and I'm getting a little upset because he could have at the very very very least called me when he got back to the restaurant and said that he couldn't find me... At that point they must have forgotten to put me on hold because I could here the nice woman, who was talking to me, talking to a man who sounded like a jerk talking about how he guesses they'll make it again. Sorry but after two tries and three hours, I will be going somewhere else... The woman processed my refund, and I was hung up on rather abruptly. I have to say, I thought I showed remarkable patience for someone who waited over three hours to be told no food was coming. Well, needless to say, I will never be ordering from this place again. I have never had an experience even close to this bad from any delivery restaurant. You've been warned. Maybe they'll be able find your table if you go their...

    (1)

  • Becky M.

    Love fireside! So cozy and beautiful back room seating. Food is....GREAT! Try to get something different everytime but I do have my fav's, their build your own mac and cheese is awesome and blackened anything there is great. Love they're open so late too.

    (5)

  • Chara B.

    I've never eaten at fireside so this has nothing to do with the bar or the atmosphere of the actual restaurant this has to do only with food. First off, never order a burger, any of them. Me and my boyfriend each got a different burger from here and it was extremely under cooked and also completely under seasoned. It's hard to mess up a burger! Also, the fries were super limp and had zero salt, I would say that fries that were frozen before would be better (sad). Also, the wings are awful. No flavor and the chicken is just bad. The only thing I would ever order from here is the chopped salad, but the sad thing is that you have to take the time to specify that you want the grapes on there... Cause if you don't... You aren't getting those bad boys!

    (2)

  • Caitlin S.

    Great beer selection, cozy atmosphere good food and service. not sure what else people need in a neighborhood bar.

    (4)

  • Ranay B.

    90 minutes for delivery? Seriously? I live around the corner. The food better be REALLY good.

    (2)

  • Minjee Y.

    I am in love with this place. It's sooooo cute. I enjoyed the breakfast/brunch here too. Perfect portions. Their mimosas are delicious and there are many different kinds to choose from rather than the traditional one. Came in one day after the bucktown 5K race with a rather large group and they were able to hand 15+ of us. The only thing I did not enjoy was being cold. We were in the outdoor/indoor patio part and there was this huge vent over top of me blowing "cool" air or maybe just circulating the air onside and outside. I don't know but that was pretty annoying.

    (4)

  • Mel A.

    Went last night with my boyfriend. Great service... nice atmosphere! We ate out on their 4-season deck. -I had Spaghetti with their homemade meat sauce $9.95+$2.50 (meat add on) and added sausage. I incorrectly assumed that the homemade meat sauce was made with ground beef. It is actually sausage so it was sausage overkill. The spaghetti with sauce may have been reheated in a convection or microwave oven (the food temp was not consistent throughout.) The added sausage was cooked/heated separately. -My boyfriend had the Country Fried Steak $13.95 which he said tasted very good. -Many unique bottled and draft beers to choose from... and we did ;) I found it a bit pricey for the quality but I definitely want to return! Especially to enjoy the deck during the summer months.

    (3)

  • James R.

    Old, stale, outdated, explains everything from the menu, restaurant and staff and many of the customers. It needs an overhaul, unless it's trying to appeal to folks who have lost their taste buds or don't mind continual order mix ups and delayed service. It could own four square blocks of the area since there is nothing around, but I think it relies on that feature in order to maintain the status quo, the status quo of the 1970's that is.

    (1)

  • Judith W.

    I ALWAYS meet friends and clients here -- mostly on the all-weather patio. And most recently, I co-hosted a party of 30+ professional colleagues, all of whom RAVED about the service, apps, and venue. I can't image a more pleasant and accommodating experience. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!

    (5)

  • Jennifer Q.

    Another successful Thanksgiving with the family at Fireside. I got the turkey dinner this time and it was a HUGE portion...and delicious. Everyone was super happy with their meals and our server, Julia, was awesome. This is such a great place. I need to go and hang out more often just to have a drink. It's got such a great vibe and such friendly servers. It's like your neighborhood bar meets a restaurant -in the best way.

    (5)

  • Paolo U.

    I've been coming to Fireside for over 25 years. I am severely disappointed in their food quality in the past year. Their staff is excellent and actually very attentive, but after the last three tries in as many months, the food has been sloppily prepared, ill tasting, and served apologetically at least but with no real change. Example 1: Their chicken tenders have been the highlight of my love for this place for many years - they've gotten smaller and burnt now most likely due to their popularity and change of kitchen staff. I did call back one order several months back and they told that's the way they've always been. No they haven't, I've eaten that and soup and sourdough for many a college student salary to know. Example 2: Pizza that was botched was taken care of with a replacement equally awfully rushed job which had crude cheese in the center of it unmelted. Example 3: The kids spaghetti meal came with the pasta stuck together and cold - did they forget to boil it? All times that this happened is usually during busy hours, which it's always busy and that's a good thing for them, but poor on the customers for quality of kitchen servings. The wait staff is congenial, the bar is great, and watching a game here is great. I hope they turn it around, but I'm done stopping by on neighborhood charm alone to experience such bad food lately.

    (2)

  • Romana Y.

    The space here is far larger than you'd expect from first observation. They have a parking lot next door for convenience, as well. Both times I've been here were for a birthday party, and each party comprised of approximately 20 people. The portions here are robust; the dishes are very traditional American: heavy comfort foods. The drinks are great. The crowd is diverse and incredibly fun. The layout is interesting, but the back patio is a large, open space perfect for hosting gatherings. It appeared family friendly, but the crowds that frequent are far from. It's a fun local spot to lounge over a solid meal, or to grab a drink. Their Belgium beers selection was very limited, from what I can recall.

    (3)

  • Reviewer M.

    Went there on a Tuesday this past week around dinner time. Sat at the bar and waited for at least 10 minutes for one of the two gals to acknowledge us. They looked busy so we were kind enough to let them finaid. When we asked if anyone was sitting at the bar (there were dirty dishes there) the waitress looked annoyed and cleared it for us. Do you think she grabbed us water, offered us menus or even said someone with be with us?!? Of course not, she was more preoccupied with finishing what must have been a disappointing shift (gee wonder why) then to even bother helping 1)a customer and 2) her fellow co workers. The bartender faired no better, she repeatedly walked past us (mind you- we are at the bar literally staring at her) and instead served what appeared to be a regular. We got up and finally left to a nearby better spot. I've been there plenty of times before and the service has usually been fine but this is enough to make me not return. Ever. No thanks- I'll take my 6-figure salary somewhere where it's appreciated. So disappointing.

    (3)

  • Ed P.

    No complaints , my wife and I had chicken dinners, the waitress and the owner of the place were very friendly. cozy place to eat and stay for a few drinks.

    (4)

  • Sara L.

    Remeber that episode of HIMYM where Marshall is in search of the perfect burger he had a burger joint but can't remember the place....well this is my story! I came here one random night while out with my girls, needless to say it was a night where everything that could go wrong does! Luckily, one of my girl's cousins wanted to come here. First, I had no idea where we were at except it was far away from public transportation. Second, all I wanted to do was go home since it was a bad night. Since we were going to be here for a while I decided to order the turkey sandwich. OMG....best turkey sandwich EVER! It was like my perfect sandwich I dream of...huge tender slices of turkey piled high on multi grain with mayo, jack, mounds of spinach and avocado and a side of waffle fries (insert drool.) Forget the deli meat turkey, this was slabs of real roasted turkey breast! After taking that first bite it was like everything in the world was good again and bad night poof! gone due to this great sandwich. The waffle fries were amazing too and seasoned perfectly! So the next day I was asking where did we go...where was this great sandwich that I must eat again??? None of my girls remembered the name of the place...so fast forward two years later, after speaking sooo highly of this great turkey sandwich my sister called me to let me know about this amazing turkey sandwich she is eating. Lo and behold it was the turkey sandwich I've been dreaming about the last two years.

    (4)

  • Neil C.

    Really a tough review to write. My girlfriend and I live just around the corner and the fireside is our go-to place for a late night quiet drink and outstanding pizza. Today we tried brunch there and oh boy. Night and day both literally and figuratively. We waited over an hour for eggs benedict with rock hard, rubbery eggs and greasy, broken hollandaise. The sauce was red hot. No wonder it broke. I have a sneaking suspicion it was microwaved. You can't do that to hollandaise, I guess at least that indicates that they're making it from scratch. Accompanied by soft drinks that came to about $27. Not worth the money, not worth the wait. While we were there, the party at the table next to ours left after waiting over an hour and a half with nothing but appetizers. This place is clearly massively understaffed and the kitchen just can't cope. Please, Fireside, pay attention to all the Yelp reviews saying the same thing. You have so much going for you. Great quiet location, friendly staff, phenomenal pizza. Just a couple more staff and maybe you can capitalize on all those advantages. We'll be back, but only for late night drinks and that awesome pizza.

    (2)

  • Steve S.

    The food was good, the service friendly, and the atmosphere pleasant. A nice little pub to watch a game or hang out with friends.

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    Great place, but they don't handle big groups well. We were 16-strong, reserved beforehand, and thirsty for expensive alcohol. In 3 hours I managed to order 5 drinks and receive only 2. The lone dude serving was probably overwhelmed, but still managed to get my louder obnoxious friends all of their drinks. Maybe I just need to be more of a bitch when I drink?

    (3)

  • Cynthia B.

    You don't go there for the food, or service. I had Eggs Benedict. The eggs were over cooked and the Hollandaise sauce had no flavor at all. I asked the waiter to bring a slice of lemon since there was none in the sauce. It was served with some cubed roasted potatoes. Both the eggs and potatoes were cold. Not warm. Cold. My friend felt like snacking so she got humus and tater tots. The potatoes were also cold. Then our waiter disappeared for an hour. Never came to check on us to see how the food was. Never came to clear the table. We were sitting in the enclosed garden area. When it was time to go my friend had to search to find our waiter. Then when we were ready to pay the bill we got tired of waiting for him to pick it up and went to pay at the bar. This is the second time I've been there and had very bad food both times. So, if not for the food or service, why go? I enjoyed my pumpkin ale. I guess you go there for a quick drink (wait, don't count on it being "quick") and then go somewhere else to eat. I feel like I should say something positive. It was a Saturday afternoon and college football was on TV. They didn't have it too loud so people could still carry on a conversation.

    (1)

  • Fireman Y.

    Went there last night wanted to wait a few hours before I get my review. I've been here before always sat in the bar area. Pretty decent bar. this time we ate at the restaurant area. seating is set up weird. Not a fan of having to sit two feet from a couple you dont know. Waitress was nice, but her excusr for drinks being late was the same for every table, the bar was busy. We walk through the bar the bar was not busy. Ok on to dinner. I ordered a full slab of ribs. Wait time was normal. By far the worst ribs I've ever had. My wife had the lasagna, she said it was very dry. We won't be returning to eat dinner there again.

    (1)

  • Deborah C.

    We're moving to wicker in May and this is the only hangout/bar we will miss. For vegetarians - mushroom burger is delicious :) Sit in the bar or in the back enclosed patio area (heated in the winter) Friendly staff and laid back regulars.

    (4)

  • Andrea F.

    Ordered take out. The food was decent and had a very reasonable price.

    (4)

  • Mel B.

    Ordered food. Waited and waited. Delivery girl brought it to the wrong apartment in our building, and since it was already paid for, or food went to strangers who didn't pay for it. Then we called and sat on hold for 20 minutes. Maybe their in restaurant service is better? Hopefully. Hopefully we at least get our money back.

    (1)

  • Jen H.

    Same experience as previous reviewer. We called and booked a table on the patio, only to arrive and find not only no record of our reservation but patio booked by large party and a long wait while they tried to put some tables together for our party of 4. The drinks took forever to arrive and food was not super well prepared... probably due to overtaxed kitchen. Waitress was apologetic but nothing was comped and to top it off we were told our loyalty card was no longer honored and points could not be transferred. Not to worry - we will not be back!

    (1)

  • Reseda W.

    I hadn't been to Fireside in years, but was going to be in the area and decided to have dinner there. I called to make a reservation at 7 for 3 people, the woman asked if I wanted to be the patio, I said sure. When we arrived we stood in the waiting area for someone to acknowledge my party. After waiting a few minutes we went to the lounge thinking we could find someone there, nope. We went back to the dining area when someone finally came to help us. We were told they were very busy, but when I said we had a reservation in the patio, the server took us back to the area. There we found the entire patio was booked for a party. The server told us that there "may"' be a table in the dining area. That table was in the corner and obviously for 2 people. I then asked if I should go somewhere else to eat. They promptly cleaned off another table for us to sit. Things continued to go down hill from there. It took our server quite awhile to come back and take our drink orders, then even longer to take our food order. An hour later, we got the salad, but our appetizer was nowhere to be found - I told my husband that we weren't going to be getting an appetizer. I was close to being right, it came with the meal. None of the food was good, the calamari tasted like the flour the batter was made with, the spicy shrimp pasta was dry with barely any seasoning and the steak was also dry, even though it was quite red in the center. The country fried steak was tasty, but the mashed potatoes were chunky to the point I wasn't sure they were chunks of potatoes in there. Throughout the experience our server kept apologizing. I realize it wasn't her fault for the problems. There were at least 3 large parties in the dining area plus the party, so I'm sure the kitchen was slammed. A manager needed to be on duty to help the situation. I won't be going back to Fireside anytime soon.

    (1)

  • Jack P.

    I had Thanksgiving dinner here at The Fireside. I think someone else had described it as "serviceable," and I'd have to admit, that hits the nail on the head. Listed on the "specials," Thanksgiving dinner was $18.95. So very reasonable. That included the entree offerings of Roast Turkey, dark and light meat, mashed and sweet potatoes and dressing. (It occurred to me that the president should really pardon a couple of carbs as well as turkeys, since millions of carbs are sacrificed every year, too.) Nothing green was offered. Had to add on a dinner salad for an additional buck. But no Brussel Sprouts, Green Beans or any veggies at all, which I found a bit unusual. Yet the turkey was moist, the stuffing flavorful, and the piles of sweet and mashed potatoes bigger than my head. The gravies were served in those tiny plastic coleslaw-type containers, and were of the cornstarchy, gloppy variety. I did only eat half, and I accompanied it with a pretty bad martini and then a nice glass of wine. No dessert is included just like the regular menu. No pie for YOU! I think given the choice again of a not-at-home Thanksgiving dinner, I would repeat what I did last year, and just hit the hot table and salad bar at Whole Foods and cart it home. While I did take home half of my Fireside meal, I did miss the greenery, and I think if one is going out to a restaurant for Thanksgiving, it's more fun to save your pennies and do something special like The Drake or The Pump Room. Make it more of a special event. The Fireside is nice for burgers and brewskies, but I would skip it for special occasions.

    (3)

  • Dia S.

    If you like great food and terrible service, then this is the place. Was in on Saturday night- server was awful, awful awful! The receipt said her name was Mary. The place was not busy at all, she had about 5 tables and what seemed to be 2 or 3 food runners and 2 bartenders behind the bar. Didn't bring silverware, plates or napkins even after we had placed our order, we had to ask for them...twice! Didn't bring the ranch for our appetizer, yet brought it after we were almost done eating our pasta!!! In a rude sarcastic tone said "oh well, l yeah i know, sorry" after I told her we didn't want it for the pasta dish it was for the appetizer. Did not apologize for it or ask us how our meals were, not once. No refills on my boyfriends drink that was sitting empty for the entire time, and no refill on our waters. We asked for the check and she slammed it on the table. The guy who ran our food out was pretty rude as well- told us he didn't know which dish had less sauce on it and that it wasn't his fault. Maybe you should check what food you are bringing out to the table and communicate with the expo/server better? Just a thought! I've been in the service industry for 10+ years and I can understand that certain work conditions can frustrate a server or what not, but that was not the case here at all. She had no interest whatsoever in her job. If you don't like being nice and making sure your customers are getting the best possible service then maybe you shouldn't be in this industry. You are a representation of the restaurant. This is how you make your money off your tips, I just don't get it. I know that I wouldn't have a job if I acted like this at my place of employment. This experience makes us not want to return to your restaurant/bar, consistently getting bad service here becomes a drag. It's a shame because the food and drinks rock!

    (1)

  • Caryn E.

    Great staff and open late. Always are go to for great and not too pricey steak or ribs. Also they have a tables right by the fireside - hence the name! This time of year, the Mardi Gras specials are delish. Wish they would bring back the bread they used to bring to the table though. It was always tasty.

    (5)

  • David E.

    Awesome late-night. Great all-day...Cajun specials, roast chicken, ribs, meatloaf...wines by the glass, many beers and whiskies.

    (5)

  • S S.

    Love this place. Low key location so there's always been available parking when I visit this location. Also they have a Bloody Mary bar with all types of great ingredients. The country fried steak with gravy is amazing! I go there just for this! The potatoes they serve with most breakfast plates are just okay and the service it fairly quick, but not awesome.

    (4)

  • Andrea C.

    Bloody Mary bar to die for! I normally prefer bacon in my bloody, but this place had turkey, and it was surprisingly delectable. Canadian Bacon Benedict was simply sinful (in a good way). It came with potatoes - mixed in were some purple ones and some sweet ones...delightful! My friend's raspberry (?) mimosa was so tasty, I vigorously fought the undeniable urge to day drink heavily. Patio was one of the most beautiful I've ever eaten on. Flowers everywhere, and no street traffic or hobos in sight! Highly recommend this place!

    (4)

  • natalie v.

    I'd say that most often, I end up here because it's someone's last day at my job (we're right down the street). I happen to be going tomorrow...for someone's last day at work. Whenever it's someone's going-away party, we're at Fireside for happy hour. On Fridays they have a nice complimentary spread of homemade chips, salsa, appetizers and veggies. This is always a nice little treat. Sometimes, they even have fried pickles...I love fried pickles!!! In addition to these happy hours, I've been here many times for dinner. My 2 favorite things to order are the blackened chicken pasta which is nice and spicy, and the chopped salad. In the chopped salad, everything is...well, chopped. That's probably how it's supposed to be, but not how every restaurant serves their chopped salad. And their balsamic is good enough to drink. They have a jalapeno vinegarette that is also great. I have looked at their brunch menu and have not yet been for this. It looks good though. They have a bloody mary bar with, like, eight thousand ingredients from which to choose...ok, not eight thousand. The menu says there are over 180 ingredients from which to choose. Oh, one more thing, their delivery is very quick...and they'll deliver wine and beer. When I'm too lazy to walk to the corner of my block to get a bottle of wine or 6-pack, I can order it with my dinner from Fireside.

    (3)

  • Judy W.

    I had a difficult time deciding if it was A-OK, or if I was a fan. I decided on the latter. I've been to Fireside twice. The first time was with one friend for a quick dinner before a Cubs game. Service was prompt, the food was good (I had portabella "burger"), and the cost was reasonable. The second time was with several friends to watch the Bears game on television. We had no problem getting a seat, the service was FANTASTIC. When ordering my second beer, they found they were out of the one I had ordered earlier. Not a big deal. I ordered a veggie breakfast burrito. Now the bad parts. The pico di gallo on my plate had a large chunk of sausage in it (I'm sure it must have been an accident). My burrito was great, until I got a piece of bacon in my mouth. Unfortunately, neither the accidental sausage or the bacon made me very happy, as I don't eat meat. But I do have to say, the food is much better than what I would expect from a small place like Fireside. It was a great place to watch a game. I'll most likely return. I like the patios out front and in back. The restroom was clean.

    (4)

  • Nicole S.

    I forgot how much I enjoyed Fireside I haven't ventured into the area in a while until I was out with some friends yesterday and we stopped in for lunch. It has a great cozy and casual atmosphere and friendly service. Everything I've eaten in the past has been good, yesterday our table had the asparagus bruschetta which I enjoyed and I ordered the lemon and dill grilled tilapia special which was delicious.

    (4)

  • Lorelei C.

    My Friends took me to Dinner tonight at this Fabulous Place I've never been to before, The Fireside Restaurant and Lounge- Fireside is located on Ravenswood, not far from where I live, Lovely and Inviting Place, Nice Crowd on a Thursday Night- Cool Rock Music playing from the Jukebox, just a very casual, fun place from what I saw- A Great Bar Area as you walk in, tables to the side of the Bar which is where we sat, They also have a Patio area near the back- We opted for Dinner and their Menu, Never- Ending Choices, just Incredible! My Friend had Country Fried Steak with home-made mashed potatoes which she loved and she gave me a taste of her Steak and Potatoes which were Phenominal! :) I had Fish and Chips, probably the best I've ever had, Light, Crisp, Cod Fillets, 3 of them! with homemade Chips, Pretty Close to Heaven! The Bar offers a wide variety of Beers/ Mixed Drinks, There is a Small Parking Lot attached to the side of the Restaurant so parking is nice and Convenient. Tonight, Great Dinner with my Great Friends who I Thank for Introducing me to Fireside- An Awesome Place to hang out, have Lunch or dinner, I believe Brunch is available on the week-ends as well- I Loved my Fireside Experience, can't wait to return!

    (4)

  • Mark R.

    A failure on nearly every level on a recent Saturday night visit. Server was slow, overwhelmed, and receiving no help. Courses were served out of order. Food was cold. The American cheese on my burger had not even beem melted. Soup was salty, burger was greasy, sauce on fish was flavorless. Had to ask for silverware, then wait. Asked for ketchup, but gave up waiting. even the bar service was wildly inconsistent: my first cocobut mojito was delicious, the second awful. Waitress never asked how things were. Saw others leaving in disgust after interminably long wait for table. Why two stars? For the atmosphere, which is cool, the friendly regulars, tasty ribs, and the memories of when this place was good. What happened? Sad.

    (2)

  • BJ K.

    For getting fat (food/dining area/servers)- 2 stars For getting a buzz (bar and outside area) - 4 stars Verdict - 3 stars Food is usually good. Although a little inconsistent. And theyre definitely overpriced especially considering 1. Where its located and 2. It might not be as good as last time. The Inside dining area is a little dated and the service has also been hit or miss so consider takeout. Bar and outside area are very nice and basically save them from a 2 star review. Beer selection is obviously very good. I dont even usually drink beer but the choices make me want to take it up. The staff is nice, maybe a little slow and too relaxed considering people dont like to wait for food and beer. Overall Id say its a nice place but I wish they wouldve spent that sign money on something else.

    (3)

  • Torrie B.

    The Fireside is amazing. James is the greatest bartender ever!!! Seriously makes you feel right at home. The food, the drinks all fantastic. Great neighborhood joint to stop in on a Friday after work, or a Monday, Tuesday or any day. The Fireside never disappoints.

    (5)

  • Peter N.

    Ordered delivery from Fireside after g/f gave her recommendation. Country fried steak was very chewy and overcooked. Gravy was so salty that I had to wipe it off (and I'm a salt-oholic). Crab cake was nearly all breading and packed together too tightly. No crab chunks at all.

    (2)

  • Richie D.

    No need to say much since the two stars does it for me. Needless to say, I was not impressed...at least when it comes to their delivery and food (I have not actually been within the lounge itself). I received a menu of theirs in the mail a while back. While having a movie night at my place I was trying to think of somewhere I could both get pizza and BBQ ribs from in the area. Fireside happened to pop in my head (the advertisement mass mailing was successful). It's a plus that you can get $2 off an order of $15+ by either making your order over the phone or online (coupon name: Be Nice!; coupon code: FRS-$2-OFF). However, it's a problem if their online Order Network website doesn't function and freezes on every other page... When we called up to place our order, the employee was friendly, but our orders were wayyy off: lots of BBQ sauce on the ribs instead of light sauce as asked for, no side of sauce for the ribs, the french fries were greasy and cold; not to mention that the website says lots of fries and I could count them all on three hands, and instead of having the pizza cooked well it was soggy and lukewarm. Blame it on the cook, delivery time, or restaurant as a whole, I'm not pointing fingers just giving everyone else a heads up from my experience. In case you dare to see for yourself, delivery costs $3 and you must ask for plasticware and napkins to receive them (not a bad idea to stop waste and be more green, I must say).

    (2)

  • Dan G.

    I have always enjoyed the food, drinks, and atmosphere of this place. Real friendly staff and good bartenders. The patio Lots of great beers on tap and the bloody mary bar on Sunday is a cornucopia of ingredients that is stacked to look like Mt. Fuji. The food is better than normal bar fare. My roommate insists that the Spicy Blackened Chicken Pasta is the best in the city. I have to agree it is that right amount of heat and the cream sauce is fantastic. The burgers are good and they have plenty of flavors for you to choose from. The Fireside is just a fun place to have some food, booze, and company.

    (4)

  • Gina F.

    I've had delivery, gone to dinner, gone to brunch, and even hosted a birthday dinner for a friend here! The service is always very nice, the drinks are fun, and the food is pretty good. I loved the old portabella sandwich, but they changed it (for the worse, IMO) a few months back and the veggie burger is gone. Still, pretty enjoyable. The atmosphere is very "neighborhood." It's relaxed and chill. The patio is huge, which means there's usually room for you to enjoy a summer night out there, but the have a retractable roof to protect you from the rain & cold if it's not so great out. If you go for brunch, the bloody mary bar is not to be missed. You can be as simple or as crazy as you want. They have a crazy variery of hot sauces. :) If you join the club you get a card good for discounts, which is a great way to appreciate the regulars!

    (3)

  • Hungry M.

    My receipt from here tells me to support local business. I am all for supporting local business - unless it's (at best) mediocre food and bipolar service. I've been here many times since my girlfriend introduced it to me. Three years' worth of visits. It's tucked away by the graveyard, where I'm sure they sourced my latest waitress. This last experience has finally spurred me to review this place from the sheer disbelief at the inconsistent service and unpredictable food. Note: Mediocre food and above average service has consistently been observed during regular hours. Terrible food and equally terrible service typically occurs late at night. They have a full menu until they close in the wee hours of two or three. Maybe they shouldn't try to do a full menu that late. What they do not have is a decent wait staff later at night, as I only observed a single frazzled woman hell bent on maintaining her composure so as not to resort to stabbing her table guests in the eyes. "We all have bad days'" I figured - I want calamari, let's be polite. So in we go into what I will be my last venture here. First, let me state that my waitress glared at us approaching the exterior patio and didn't verbally acknowledge my girlfriend nor myself as we walked towards the outside deck. We passed her by, due to the need to get out of her way as she entered the kitchen. Polite eye contact was met with the "I am upset with being the only waitress for the outside area" look. Fair enough. We get seated. I asked a question about the menu. She must have remembered the Seinfeld episode wherein George gets the middle finger from his waitress delivered through a supposedly innocuous facial scratch. Lady, I'm onto you - but the look in your eyes tells me you already knew that. What the hell is the matter with you? I would've forgiven this remarkable display of continued hostility, even when she later loudly slammed a baby seat atop a precariously stacked tower located directly adjacent to and above our table, were it not for the food. I was mildly amused by her antics actually, as I knew I'd reference it here. But the food was unforgivable. I will tolerate shitty, stupid service for food of quality I cannot be bothered to prep or possibly create with my level of skill. But I could've prepared the meal I paid for by deliberately failing in every basic cooking principle. I paid for fucked up food, and that pisses me off. My rice was loaded with diced tomatoes and it was chewy. Throw diced tomatoes on it! That'll doctor up overcooked rice. I tried to ignore the rice with my vegetables that looked freshly picked from the cemetery nearby. They were tough, cold, and soggy. Freezer burned, or cooked in the microwave. Probably both. Strange mix of soggy zucchini and tough green beans that looked lifeless. Brilliant way to tie in their location I guess. The crowning jewel was the protein: a chicken that was feared to be a zombie evidenced by being cooked twice through. Dry, flavorless, and sad. The hamburger the SO had was also bland, dry (overcooked), and somehow managed to soak the bottom bun, which was evidently toasted. How the hell that was accomplished I don't know. The calamari was the only positive. And it was forgettable. My girlfriend says the ambiance is nice, but she's been there since she was in the sixth grade. So I guess memory flavors her palate - it doesn't mine. Still, she concedes the quality here has steadily declined. And from this most recent experience, the decline is accelerating to a plummet. At least as far as the restaurant portion is concerned - so if you decide to go here, do so for drinks. The people in the bar were having a great time. I was jealous. The music in there was good too. In general, the drinks here are great or just way too strong on the alcohol. Neither of which is a problem given the issues of some establishments banking on the placebo effect. The $30 per person price tag you get for the whole restaurant experience (with drinks) is not OK. I had better deals for similar, if not cheaper, cost near the loop at The Scout and Sable. Jaded with this experience, I went to these places afterwards with the thought that it would be more expensive but have a higher standard. I was half right. l got better value/treatment for my money in River North and SoLo than Fireside; and I somehow spent less.

    (2)

  • Erin E.

    yelpers seemed to overwhelmingly recommend the pesto shrimp pizza and the calamari, so naturally that's what we ordered. in my opinion, both items completely failed. the bites of the pizza that weren't way too salty were just bland. the calamari lacked flavor, with soggy breading and chewy squid. if those were the best they can do, i can't imagine what the rest of the menu tastes like. noooo thanks.

    (2)

  • Ellen C.

    Don't judge a book by its cover! We pull up to this place with our two young children and I'm concerned, on the outside this place looks like a neighborhood bar!!! I quickly turn to YELP for reviews because I'm wondering if this place would be kid friendly...Upon entering, I was charmed and relieved...Nice family environment to the left, bar setting to the right... Had the blackened burger, thanks to the waiter for such great suggestion, and a pear drink from their fall selection, fantastic!!! Everything was delish, reasonably priced...The service was outstanding, our waiter was superb, made our family feel comfortable, definitely 5 star restaurant type of catering, loved our waiter... The fireplace was inviting, and the décor super homey...We are def coming back...

    (5)

  • Matt H.

    What a gem. Personal and intuitive service from Laura - and amazing vegetarian specials from the chef (stuffed peppers) -- all this plus delivered pizza and late night . Plus their own brewery

    (4)

  • Tiffany M.

    I contemplated giving this place one star but given that I went back four times just to be certain they couldn't do better (I was a sucker for their outdoor patio in the back), I think two stars will do. Here is the problem, the wait staff is...well, terrible. Even if they're nice they're still terrible. You wait forever for anything and everything, the orders are always wrong and...it's just bad. It makes me sad to say it but it's true.

    (2)

  • Julie A.

    Ugh. I have been here before for brunch and it wasn't terrible. Today, it was TERRIBLE! I ordered two eggs sunny side up, and they were so rubbery I couldn't even cut them with a fork. My friend ordered the "organic" granola and yogurt, and they brought her pineapple and raw oats, like for oatmeal. No yogurt, and the waitress said, "we're out of yogurt, and the kitchen lied to me." when it was brought to her attention that the granola was really oats, she said "i know, we just sent someone on a granola run." Are you kidding me? It was awful, never again will I eat here. The only good thing is the bloody mary bar - basically just the fact they have one, because the olives tasted like they rolled around the floor.

    (1)

  • Jesse N.

    Patio is awesome in summer and winter. Heaters keep me warm (cozy) Food is always good, fish is great and they have awesome Irish Coffee

    (4)

  • Christopher L.

    "FIreside" Whenever I get that text (which is quite often) I feel like a Thundercat.... I have the urge to drop whatever I'm doing and head there immediately. I love this place! Been going there since I was a little kid. So many memories. From announcing to friends I was having a daughter, to meeting the exwife's new boyfriend (awkward). The food is famazing. Blackened chicken sandwich or pasta with mash potatoes or chicken tenders (especially on half price wednesdays) Open so late, I use to head here after xsport. P.S. The staff is great. thumbs up!

    (4)

  • Michelle F.

    Fireside is probably my favorite restaurant in Chicago. However, I should preface this by saying I always order the same three items every time, so I can't speak to the caliber of probably 96 percent of the menu. But I figure when you've found the perfect combination of appetizers and pizza, you really shouldn't mess with it. For an appetizer, I like to start off with the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. It's creamy, flavorful and not too spicy. It's served with toasted pita bread wedges (be sure to ask for extra pita; there always seems to be more hummus than bread). Occasionally, if I'm with three or four people, we'll order a second appetizer. I recommend the Calamari, which is served with cocktail and tartar sauces, as well as lemon wedges. Fireside recently redid its calamari recipe, and it is definitely an improvement. When I first started going there, the calamari was flaky and had too many access shards of fried stuff and not enough meat. The new and improved calamari uses a different batter that seems to coat the meat better and is less flaky. For the entree, I always order the Shrimp Pesto Pizza and share it with the other people in my party. It's always a big hit. I seriously have dreams about this pizza! It's considered a "white" pizza since it doesn't have any tomato sauce and uses Pesto sauce instead. It has a thin crust that is topped with shrimp and mozzarella cheese. I always like to order a larger (14- or 16-inch) pizza, so we will have some slices to take home with us. The pizza is delicious cold or heated up in the microwave. When I eat at Fireside, I also like to order drinks. They usually have a menu with seasonal cocktails, but I wouldn't recommend trying any of these. The seasonal cocktails are a little hit or miss. The drinks that come in the large goblets are usually pretty good, but the martinis can be too strong and oftentimes taste downright weird. I usually just order a Ketel and Cranberry, or I'll split a pitcher of their Red Sangria. Besides the Shrimp Pesto Pizza, my favorite thing about Fireside is its back patio. It's a chilled atmosphere that's perfect to just kick back, relax and enjoy some cocktails and food. There are Christmas lights strung from railings and well-kept plants in containers on the wooden deck. It's a great place to hang out in the summer, but you can also dine on the deck comfortably once it gets cold outside because the patio area is tented and warmed with heat lamps. There's a small parking lot next to Fireside, or there is ample street parking. I've never had trouble parking there. I definitely recommend Fireside, even though I've only tried a small fraction of what its menu has to offer. Their Shrimp Pesto Pizza and chilled patio atmosphere are what keep me coming back, and I definitely suggest giving it a try.

    (5)

  • David M.

    We dine there every once in a while...especially if the day gets away from us and all of a sudden 'its 10 and we haven't eaten....great since they are open until 3 am most nights always eat out on the rear desk / even in the winter...the heaters make you feel you are 'tricking' winter in some way.... excellent beer menu....decent wine list...and a varied menu...I personally enjoy the cajun meatloaf, but the wife likes a number of the items.... all around a good place for the northside of the city....decent parking / never had to park more than a block away..often in their lot just south of the restaurant

    (4)

  • Danielle C.

    Update- I went here a bit ago for brunch and had the crab cakes. I do not recommend them at all. So much so that the Fireside lost a star. They were all breading and pepper- tiny bits of crab. No thanks. Other than that... *********************** I like the fireside, and sometimes, I even love it. We used to head here after a hard day of teaching, so hitting the fireside at 4 pm- lead to an incredibly long night of drinking. The bartender was always great- and dealt with our drunken fumbling to deal with the tab. You never know who you will meet, you can count on that. Late night dining has been enjoyable many, many times. The fried calamari (they baste it with milk) is really yummy, especially after 5 hours of drinking. On cold winter nights, I have loved the toasty warm heaters in the covered patio, it reminds me that summer is coming! Delivery from the fireside is guaranteed to be good. One of my favs is the stuffed shells... they are fantastic... word to the wise... forget ordering the calamari for delivery. By the time they get to you, the yummy goodness is turned to soggy yuckiness... Writing this is making me want to go back... and soon!

    (3)

  • David B.

    I rate this three stars, but really its a tweener between three and four. Why is it a four star? - Great beer list - Good service Why is it a three star? - Above average pub food. Good but not great. - Solid prices Overall, above average neighborhood pub that has an outstanding beer list. Seriously, there are not many places in the city where you can find that beer list AND find easy and plentiful parking. One half of the place is a restaurant that looks like a diner. The other half is a traditional looking pub and it extends out with a nice beer garden. The garden is enclosed during the winter so it can continue to be used. This is really a great place to check out if you're looking for a good beer list and/or a chill pub environment.

    (3)

  • Cayce M.

    This place is pretty solid. I've only ever been here for brunch. They've had a special on Woodchuck Pear cider for the last month or so! One of my faves. The last two times I've been, I've ordered the build your own Mac 'n Cheese. Excellent idea, not excellent follow through. I was expecting creamy delicious bubbly baked mac, I was let down. Edible is how I describe it at best. The first time I ordered the regular mac with broccoli, mushrooms, and ham. This last Saturday I tried the build you own mac Gouda, with prosciutto, and broccoli. This was much better than the mac I had before, but still not quite up to snuff. My boyfriend's orders are always solid choices (usually the breakfast burrito, or maybe only the BB). But, it is always tasty. I think it's time for me to branch out. But I continue in the hunt for the perfect baked mac! Bring on the Pear Cider!

    (4)

  • Emw W.

    The shrimp pesto pizza was nothing short of amazing. Staff was great and the owner, Rich, came by twice to make sure we had everything we needed. Being a part of a large group is tough on a kitchen but they did a great job with getting the food out at the same time and keeping everyone happy. Everyone raved about their food. Nicely done.

    (5)

  • Eduardo M.

    I hadn't been here in a long time, but it's a good bar, away from the office (yet close enough to visit, assuming, like me, the office is in the ravenswood neighborhood). I found the parking on the train-side of the street easy, and shaded - a good thing on hot days like today. So, easy parking, nestled neighborhood joint? Check and check. Tonight I had nothing but beers here, and honestly, despite the crowd, it was not a problem getting my orders in. A co-worker assured me the ribs were great, but I wasn't there to eat, so I'll take her word on that. So, as a bar, great place. As a restaurant, I'll go by a friend's recommendation and say, good food. Ultimately, this is a place I'll go back to at some point in the near future.

    (3)

  • Barbara P.

    Very first impression: it's a ....... bar? I had never been here before this past weekend, so I didn't know what to expect but I didn't think it would be a bar. Then we actually walked farther back past the bar area and restrooms to the rear of the establishment and everything was enclosed and heated, like a back patio, not too shabby! We had the calamari for an appetizer and I had Italian Chocolate (hot cocoa with amaretto) YUM!!! Then I ordered the Gouda Mac, with mushrooms and asparagus, and for $10 it's the BEST mac and cheese I ever had, and I'm almost sorry to say I will probably never order it anywhere else again, but I also don't think there are many places that will be able to compare to theirs! My hubby had the blackened catfish with mashed potatoes and gravy, and I had a bite - it was very tasty as well! The rest of the menu seemed awesome as well, but I think they have a fancy-pants chef, so it should be! The service was awesome! Our waitress, and the other staff as well, were really nice, and very smiley. She was excellent and made my evening even better! The only reason I dinged them a star was the place is kind of expensive for being so casual.

    (4)

  • Carla F.

    I am definitely a fan of the Fireside. It's very close to my work and there have been many times that my coworkers and I have chose this place as our Friday night location to have too much to drink. It's a great happy hour location as they have lots of free apps set up buffet style for quite a few hours. The staff have always been friendly and very accommodating as far as rearranging tables so our large group can sit together. I've also been here for lunch and dinner and have never been disappointed. Man, how I wish it was 5pm on Friday right now. Edit: I forgot to mention---if you've ever been here, you probably remember seeing a lime green Vespa/scooter with the side car.out front. It makes for a great prop in drunken debauchery. Just FYI.

    (4)

  • Monica W.

    This place is a lot of fun. Good food, fun and nice crowd, and open late. Tough to get a taxi home because of the location. The bartender will call for you or its a little hike to where you might see one. Their food is good and they serve pretty late. One of the best 4am bars on the northside. I've been wanting to try their bunch and bloody mary on the weekends.

    (5)

  • C J.

    I have been to this restaurant many times. The service and food used to be really good but the service especially seems to have gone downhill. Decided to order delivery. What a mistake. Aside from getting incredibly bland burgers and undercooked fries, I think they think they are funny. My fiancé has been put on a gluten free diet by her doctor so we were happy to see the gluten free section of the menu. She ordered a burger, assuming gluten free meant a gluten free bun. She got no bun at all! Viola, gluten free. Are they joking??? I ordered the garlic bread option. It was a crappy gonella style sub roll with a charred tasteless burger slapped in the middle. I don't even think there was any garlic on the roll. In addition we ordered mashed potatoes. Apparently their masher was broken that day as it had very large potato pieces in it. I like chunky mashed potatoes but this was ridiculous. Overall we were very dissatisfied and are pretty done with this place. It's a shame really.

    (1)

  • Annaliza F.

    Been here a bunch of times w/ my school buddies =D I like it not only because they're superdy duper & they have TATER TOTS, but the rest of the grub is purdy darn good too ^_^ Gouda Mac (is GOOOOO-DA, Mac =) & their fish tacos..... Ok, I'm making myself hungry, again.... I thought I told you that we won't stop, I thought I told you that we won't stop =)

    (4)

  • Nick M.

    Listen up!! I'm going to tell you a little somethin somethin (yes, I'm still hurting from last weekend, so just deal with it) about Fireside... it's DANGEROUS!!! Why you ask... well any bar that is in walking distance, has edible food, lots of liquor and is open till 4am (serves food till then as well) is just dangerous. The crowd is ok, the inside is your normal dive so what do you expect, but the back enclosed patio... rocks! The staff is really nice, surprisingly awake and energetic for being 3am. Not a bad juke box either, though you never know what you're going to get with this crowd (last time it was all Spanish music, which was fine with me). The menu is surprisingly huge, sandwiches, pizza, pastas, salads, and ribs. Great entrees like Blackened Catfish, Cajun Meatloaf, and for those of us that can't eat that stuff they have a Vegetarian Stir-fry. After seeing their brunch menu and their Bloody Mary bar, I'm going to be coming here more often!!

    (4)

  • Reema S.

    I always love going to Fireside. I don't understand why people complain about slow service when its normally extremely busy or there's just a lack of employees sometimes but considering the size of the place around the bar, you don't need many. Most of the food is good, just gotta try some things out. The steak sandwich, pizzas, and wings are what I usually get and they're worth the wait! and I really appreciate the Fireside friends and family card they offer now !

    (4)

  • Angie P.

    Love this place! Cozy interior for winter and great HUGE outdoor area. Great variety of beer...I ordered peach and strawberrry beer. Get the pizza...or anything pretty much on the menu. Food is solid. Late night bar, not too many crazies, and staff is nice. Good neighborhood bar.

    (5)

  • Ben K.

    This place is fantastic. I have only been for brunch so I can't speak to the lunch/dinner menu but everybody at my table was extremely satisfied with their meal. However the food is not the only allure here. Fireside's bloody mary bar has to be considered one of the most impressive I have ever seen. You can go back as much as you want and take advantage of the many fixins and hot sauces that they have for your enjoyment/amusement/consumption. Additionally they have an interesting bloody mary alternative for those of us who aren't that into tomato juice (sigh) which is a spicy chili beer that can't really be described well with words but allows you access to the bloody mary bar and is pretty tasty. Finally the venue itself is pretty great, with a monstrous back patio/outdoor area that managed to make me wish I lived a lot closer to this place for when it is warm out.

    (5)

  • Mike F.

    I have not reviewed in a while!! I have been back to Fireside many times since my last review. In fact you might say I am addicted. Stellar beer selections, good bartenders! James and Annie R-O-C-K! and nice food menu. Prices are fair for the area as well. My five star rating remains.

    (5)

  • Carrie R.

    My brother and sister in law were in town staying in Andersonville with their 2 year old and we wanted to find a place that was kid friendly but that wasn't fast food. My boyfriend suggested Fireside for its down home appeal and I'm super glad we went. It was very "neighborhoody" and had other children there but didn't emit a vibe that would turn off folks who didn't have children. Our food was great, waiter was helpful and friendly and we had a nice time there! There was a giant fireplace in the dining area and apparently they get it-a-blazin in the winter. I'll definitely go back - wanna check out the bar vibe next time.

    (4)

  • Erika G.

    Reliably delicious food, OPEN LATE and delivers late, most importantly. Holding at five stars!

    (5)

  • Janna N.

    I have to preface this with the fact that I'm writing about my first (and probably last) experience. I think the people who get good service here are the regulars. We waited over 30 minutes from the time we ordered to the time we got our burgers. The food wasn't fabulous, although I liked that the french fries were cut thick and were super-potato-y. Our waitress was nice, but inattentive. I wish we had gone to Hamburger Mary's for a burger instead. As for the environment: I thought it was strange that there was absolutely no music playing and even though there were at least 10 other tables, the place was really quite. Hmmm...

    (2)

  • Tori S.

    My first mistake was ordering a meal for delivery. I should have gleaned from my fellow Yelpers that the Fireside is an experience best enjoyed in person. My second mistake was ordering Cajun Meatloaf. It arrived at my doorstep as two gray lumps which were dripping water. Huh? A real Cajun would be incensed to know what culinary atrocities were committed in their name. To the right of the blobs formerly known as meatloaf were uncooked fries. A stalk of broccoli and cauliflower completed the meal. Don't make the same mistakes I did.

    (1)

  • Aubrey R.

    Went here for Easter Brunch and overall the experience was okay. We had a large party, 20 people. We had made the reservation about a week before Easter and the manager assured us, it wouldn't be a problem. We get there and we are in a section in the back, the tented area. It was nice that it was semi private, however we were short 2 chairs and it was pretty cramped. Some people had a hard time getting in and out to get to the buffet. What ended up happening was two people in our party had to sit in a separate section. Food, eh...it was okay. It was Easter brunch, so they had a buffet going. Some of the things I liked was the antipasta salad, the popcorn shrimp, fried chicken and the bacon was really good. Super crispy. Things I tried and didn't like - eggs benedict with crab meat. The crab meat wasn't good at all. It had a funny taste to it and I'm not sure if that was actual crab meat, tasted more fishy to me. It was also annoying that for the cocktail sauce, they didn't have small bowls or anything to put your sauce in. Fried chicken, it was mostly thighs and breasts, huge pieces. Would have been nice to throw some smaller pieces in there. Didn't care for breakfast potatoes at all. Selection was okay. They didn't have much in terms of dessert. Brownies seemed stale, the cheesecake bites were good, but it wasn't homemade or anything like that. They were just those bites you could get at Costco. Service was pretty good. We did have a large party, but she kept checking on us, made sure we had drinks all the time and picking up our dirty dishes. It did take awhile for them to figure out our seating arrangement since there was so many of us and after 15 minutes of them trying to get chairs and fit everyone in, my little cousins grabbed a table in another section. Overall, it was an okay experience, I've had brunch/buffet with better food for the same amount of money. It ended up being roughly 28 a person for buffet, drink, tax and tip. I only ate like 4 items out of the selection they had so I didn't feel it was worth it. Had a fun time though because I was with family. The atmosphere is pretty nice though, parking is easy and the place is huge. Maybe it's better to go there for a drink or something, not a meal.

    (3)

  • Michael S.

    Awesome: 1. Their anchovie pizza. They don't skimp on the anchovies, like most places that serve anchovies seem to do. Here there is no reluctance to make you the saltiest, tongue swelling, most eye puffing pizza EVER! I was so thirsty in the middle of the night that I drank a quart of milk - with Ovaltine. mmmmmmmmmm. Yum. I had the anchovie pizza twice this week, and I want more. (but maybe without the quart of Ovaltine). 2. Fast delivery and Frequent customer discount without asking, because they found my cell phone number in their computer from God knows when I last ordered from them, which I'm positive was before I wrote my initial shitty review here!

    (5)

  • Carol J.

    Yet another place that I dig with a dual personality. Actually a little Sybilish to say the least. Great weekend brunch spot. Decent pizza and delivery service. Awesome soups. Nice back yard ( not a patio when the roof is always on sorry folks) and odd late night neighborhood drinking establishment. I've always enjoyed the food, actually decent steaks, good ribs and pizza but sometimes the service is just odd. I don't mean not regular service, I mean someone singing Eagles greatest hits in the bus station and "spacing" on our order when we were one of the few tables there. And a few times service has been less then stellar but for this kind of place it was passable. It actually makes me laugh because I never know what personality is going to greet me.

    (3)

  • Jeanette S.

    This might my new drinking spot! This place is one of the rare 4am bars/lounges in the city that doesn't reek a heavy hipster clientele. Its a little more grounded and casual. The beers were really good. I tried one with beets -yes beets- that was infused into the beer and it was surprisingly sweet and tasty. The metropolitan ones are really good too, as i am a bit partial to the machine works one. And they have flat tire which is one of my favorites available. There was also a bitter pale ale that had a kick and was amazing but i don't remember the name. Possibly it's one of the other metropolitan ones.

    (5)

  • Samantha J.

    Why oh why must have to ask for a clean cup TWICE! This place is nasty! Mystery floating nasty came in my coke. The food was cold and very bland. DO NOT VISIT THIS PLACE!

    (1)

  • Terrence C.

    I've been to fireside numerous times for different gatherings. The great appeal is the versatility of this spot. Tucked in a quiet neighborhood, away from the busy street, this is a great place to escape the traffic. In the front of the house, it is a very traditional bar/restaurant setting, with and admiral beer/wine list. Once you ender the back room, you're in a much more open yet intimate barn like room decorated with high ceilings and frosty white christmas writing. On my most recent visit I tried to blackened catfish entree, while my companion had the blackened catfish salad. At first taste the fish was a bit too salty. I used the provided lemon, and the dish came together. The coconut shrimp is pretty good also(also better with a lemon squeeze) Service is above average, and you get the small family owned hospitality feeling. All in all this is a great spot for a casual night, whether its a date, or social gathering. The food is good, the drinks are great, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Until the masses discover this place, it will be a great little andersonville secret

    (4)

  • Jeff B.

    This is the greatest neighborhood bar I've been into in a long time and they have a parking lot and really nice patio out back. The people in the joint were very friendly and struck up conversations right away. One girl bought us a round....I almost fell off my chair. A strange girl walks up and buys a round, sure it's happened to me before, but I wasn't out trolling this time. Try the food, we got the chicken quesadillas and I'll tell you what, I'm not huge on Mexican food but that was one of the two greatest quesadillas I ever had....and it was half price. BONUS!!! They have regular specials and it just has a real nice feel to it that I can say I may be a regular.

    (4)

  • Diana M.

    I can't believe I never updated my review! After the Monte Cristo incident, we avoided Fireside for about 8 months, but decided to try it again out of curiosity. What. A. Difference! We sat under the tent again, our server was delightful and super attentive. He suggested some apps and they were great (artichokes with marinara, yum!). Our dinners were delivered in no time and they too were tasty! We've also ordered delivery and it's always pretty fast and usually about as good as going to the restaurant itself (though it's never been as warm as it should be, etc.) Overall, no complaints! We'll be back, for sure. We're even thinking of hosting a party/event here sometime next year....so we HAVE to go back to keep trying all the great food!

    (4)

  • David M.

    I just read my old review and I have to say that I've become more of a fan lately. It seems that the owner has taken a more hands-on approach and the quality and food selections have improved. I also like the waitstaff. A lot of them have been here for a while, which is a testimony to the management.

    (4)

  • Jess M.

    Surprisingly good. Not where I would take out of town guests, but when we want a good solid meal my partner and I go here. Always polite and I have a tendency to ask 100 questions before ordering sometimes....

    (4)

  • Mark A.

    This place only gets 3 stars because the bar is decent, but the food is lame. The bar is warm and has a welcome local feel and daily beer specials. The covered outdoor patio is nice and open nearly year round. Jukebox is decent. Service is friendly. The menu is all over the place though. They are trying to be good at too many things instead of really great at just a few. Honestly one of the worst pizzas I have ever eaten (including frozen) (meat lovers was almost void of meat and so thin and tasteless it was unbelievable) Appetizers weren't all that hot either. Best bet is to hang out and drink, then go grab a bite to eat somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Colleen F.

    'Meh. I've experienced better' just about sums it up. The food was not great even when you already know you'll be getting bar food. The outdoor seating areas are just strange. The front cafe area looks over train tracks. The back is covered w/ high walls on all sides so it's really not like sitting outside at all. Service was not bad but not spectacular. I like at least some personality from bar staff and really didn't see much. Just indifferent bartenders slinging drinks. I might have a drink here every so often but I doubt I would eat here again.

    (2)

  • Patty V.

    Oh so many years ago,my coworkers and I would come here after my shift at Edgewater Hospital. We would have a few drinks and enjoy ourselves. Probably violated hospital policy by wearing our uniforms,but we got plenty of free drinks and sparked more than one debate about naughty nurses. I know they have food,but don't recall eating any here...memories are 5 stars!

    (3)

  • Chris W.

    This review is specific to brunch - I have not eaten here for dinner. Fireside is sort of a multi-faceted place, with lunch, brunch, dinner, and a bar, so I qualify this review and say it is specific to brunch. As far as brunch goes, this place is a dismal failure, and I will not be returning. The only reason I give it two stars is because the waitress was nice and proficient, and they have an awesome Bloody Mary do-it-yourself bar. Otherwise, it sucked. I had terrible Eggs Benedict - first, they have four different Eggs Bendict options, and I received a soft boiled egg in place of a poached egg, had to send it back. If you offer four different Eggs Benedict options, your cook should learn how to poach an egg. I emphasize the word "cook" as a noun. Moreover, the Hollandaise sauce was awful - totally tasteless. Bland, completely lacking in the essence of Hollandaise. Really bad. They should have comped us something for having to send the eggs back as well. I tried the veggie egg burrito - equally awful - it was totally bland, consistency of cardboard. Another person had quiche, which seemed to be an exercise in mediocrity. Overall, I will not go back to this place for any meal.

    (2)

  • Julie B.

    From the outside, you may pass by and think " oh another neighborhood dive" but in reality, you would be missing out on a fantastic neighborhood gem!!! The restaurant is great for parties or families, there is a great bar area and bada bing - yep, a Great Beer Garden which is tented during the less than stellar months :). This place seriously has fantastic BBQ Ribs!!! Ribs, mashed potatoes and oh, fantastic fish tacos too!!! I came here with a group of friends and their families (the kids were loving the space and the food), the grown ups, well we were happy the kids were having fun and of course, their great selection of beers!!! Great service, Great neighborhood bar and Excellent Food!!!!

    (4)

  • Eliza M.

    We were trying to think of a cozy restaurant to go to that had comfort food. Of course we didn't have reservations anywhere for Saturday night (we can't plan ahead). Fireside came to mind with its toasty beer garden that has heaters ablazin' during the fall/winter. We walked in, made our way to the back, and easily got a table. It was definitely cozy! My hot toddy was good and heavily poured. Ahhh happiness... I ordered the turkey dinner and it was huge and really good. Dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry chutney and huge slices of turkey = a happy Beth M. The ribs were... not so good. My husband said he would give them "a negative 500." They were dry and chewy like they had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. Gross. Good thing he didn't order the full slab. I want to give Fireside 4 stars because I really like the place and we have been coming here for while. But as we thought about our previous experiences, only about half the time do we leave completely happy. Service is generally iffy on top of that.

    (3)

  • JAMES M.

    I liek this place! I really do. The couple of times We have been here it has been pretty good! I have had good times with my monsta here , ran into someone from my choldhood that I hadnt seen in years, and gotten drunk at this place! Cream of tomato soup is awesome!!! Shake n bake!

    (3)

  • Lauren H.

    Came here for brunch with a bunch of yelpers. I enjoyed a mimosa and a different champagne cocktail (called Lush--raspberyy vodka, chambord, and sparkling wine), both were tasty and reasonably priced, and the bartender and patrons at the bar were friendly. The waitress was friendly, though our order got messed up a little and the food seemed to take a while. Not a big deal though, and everything was fixed with a smile on her face. She also let us take up her table for quite a while, which was appreciated. The spinach and goat cheese omelet was fine, and decently priced. One freaky thing was that a bird was flying around inside. He didn't land on me or our table though, so I guess it wasn't too bad. The place was warm and cozy and a nice place to be on a cold winter morning, and parking there is easy. I would go back.

    (3)

  • Steve M.

    This pizza is mega win!

    (4)

  • Mike P.

    My wife and I were spending Christmas alone this year when we realized we were hungry. I remember reading a flier that said Fireside would be open on Christmas, so we decide to roll out. Overall, I was pleased with my decision. I think the Fireside would be a great place for sandwiches and drinks. We ordered dinners and while good they weren't great. I'm chalking this up to it being Christmas. Everybody gets a pass. I'll head back for beer and sandwiches before I make a final ruling.

    (4)

  • Robert S.

    I've been meaning to review the Fireside for months now, but felt that I needed to visit a few more times. I mean, the place has everything possible going for it in my opinion- late bar, wonderful craft beer and Belgian selection, cool decor, and semi-upscale dining. It's a little on the expensive side, but at least after 2am, there aren't any other quality bars open north of Irving Park. I finally figured out what I don't like about the Fireside. It's the regulars. At first, the people who are there seem like quite a diverse bunch, but they have one thing in common- they're rowdy and loud, and some are quick to start fights. Not the crowd you'd expect at a place that isn't a dive. The Fireside just isn't comfortable, I'm on edge the whole time I'm there with an uneasy feeling. You can't hear the waitress or even the person next to you since the place is so loud.

    (3)

  • holly b.

    I'm not sure how you can mess up chicken fingers....throw them in the fryer and take them out before they are burnt to a crisp and really, really dry. This is the 2nd attempt that I've given the chicken fingers and I've learned my lesson...don't order them again. On a happier note, the staff is great, except for the bartender who didn't believe me when I told her I was allergic to lime, and I caught her mocking me saying something along the lines of "really, lime? who is allergic to lime?" Since she didn't know that I had heard this, I told her I was the one with the allergies and if she'd like the medical report from Northwestern, I would gladly send that along. So, she apologized and all was good. I don't have a high tolerance for people that don't take food allergies to heart. The beer selection is great, and I look forward to sitting outside and having some beers and food, which of course, will not include chicken fingers or lime.

    (2)

  • Chuck M.

    Awful, just AWFUL. Went there tonight, a Friday night. We were luckily seated at a wobbly table that was just in the perfect spot for every server to bump us as they went by. OK, that happens, but it gets better when several tables that came in after us get their orders taken. Maybe the food will save them....NOPE. The following is a direct paste from their weekly specials "Spicy Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Succulent sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon then dredged in our special blend of Cajun spices." Hey, we love scallops. So after 20 minutes of waiting we order our scallop appetizer and entrees Cajun Meatloaf for me, Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli (Another weekly special) for my wife. The scallops finally come out. Holy crap! These things came out on a plate of shredded lettuce and pico de gallo! These weren't just scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, they were pieces of warm ham stuffed with a micro scallop. Did they steam these? Nothing crispy, no spice, except for the wonderful cup of spicy mayo or some garbage like that. I'm still being patient at this point, and just laughing it off while the table wobbles, maybe dinner will be ok. Well after another 20 or so minutes our dinner comes out. Direct paste from their menu: "Two slices of our moist and hearty meatloaf generously laced with smoked Andouille sausage direct from New Orleans. Served with marinara au jus." Its easy to make a moist meatloaf when you cover it with a can of crushed tomatoes, I was unaware it was supposed to be served room temp. Maybe it was a red wine? No sign of sausage. I opted for the side of mashed potatoes with this. You ask yourself, can they screw that up? YES they can! I found a half of an uncooked potato in mine and just as warm as my meatloaf. My wife on the other hand was blessed with what may have been Trader Joe's ravioli thawed out and doused in oil (maybe olive?). While considering placing my dinner near the fireplace to warm up, servers bumped our already unstable table a dozen or so more times. I'm so glad our server did not stop by to ask how we were through dinner. It was just a nice touch at the end. I'm glad we didn't have a far drive home so I can poop this out. Oh, yes I already had to poop. I've lived in this city my entire life and my wife moved here 3 years ago and she said "This is truly the only bad meal I've had since moving here." I understand where she's coming from. Thank you.

    (1)

  • Jerry B.

    Good burgers, good beer, good service. Small town feel in the city. Too cold for patio, but it looks realy nice, so will have to return. Very friendly, family place. Hipster free.

    (4)

  • Carolynne M.

    I am not a fan of the interior - the bar area is dark with uncomfortable seats, and I hate the back outside area with the plastic tarp roof and awful seating. I have only eaten in there once and once is enough. But the takeout is rockin and I have always had good luck with the food being ready & hot when I arrive and everything packaged well. Burgers are pretty stellar, and they give you a bunch of options for toppings. I had a blue cheese and sauteed spinach which was great! The mashed potatoes (less mashed more "smashed") still have the skins mixed in and are chunky & fabulous! I have also sampled their pizza and it is very acceptable as well. Its really convenient to my job so I have to give it high marks. I dont know if I would say the same if I had to travel here though.

    (4)

  • Courtney R.

    Good burgers. Great ribs. Good mac n cheese - usually hits the spot. We have ordered for delivery a few times and takeout once. Each time we've gotten delivery, some small thing was messed up, small enough that you get annoyed, but don't actually bother to pick up the phone to let somebody know.. Once it was getting charged a dollar for a switch out that didn't happen; once was for giving an incorrect side or something. Most employees are polite - not overly nice and accommodating, but not rude either. So all in all - food is consistently good. Service is underwhelming. I was wavering on choosing three or four stars. The deciding factor was Fireside's response to the reviewer below who stated that it was expensive takeout. Catty remark/response from Fireside followed. Ew.

    (3)

  • Chiara H.

    My ex-boyfriend discovered this gem a few months ago. He ordered delivery from them the first few times, and, wow, did he rave about their food! He was in love with their lasagna, their salads, their burgers, and pretty much everything they had. He loved them so much that he was reluctant to go to the actual location. I'll quote him: "What if their restaurant is a dump? That'll force me into withdrawal and I want to keep ordering their food. Ignorance is bliss, you know." So after some persuasion, I got him to accompany me to the restaurant.. And whoah! What a nice little joint! Their backyard patio is just amazing. The servers are so nice. The atmosphere is perfect for a nice low-key Friday evening. This is truly a gem. I think, aside from the food, the thing I like most about this place is that it's so small & hidden. It really adds to the charm.

    (5)

  • Debbie V.

    I have been to this place many times. Always a pleasant experience. Last weekend we went for our weekly friday night get away from the kids and I was really disappointed. Our waitor started out very friendly, the food came out and it was luke warm. The temperature was really cold even with the heaters on. We had asked for our burger to be MW and it came out MR. We hope to try the bar area next time to improve our chances at a warmer climate. Hopefully we will have better luck next time!!!

    (3)

  • Mario V.

    I LOVE FIRESIDE!!!! nice beer selection, awesome late night food, and friendly staff... what more do you need??? laura, the server, is the best!! my recommendation is the blackened chicken pasta if you like spicy...

    (5)

  • Scott H.

    The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Fireside is that it was the very first place I enjoyed Bell's Hopslam! Huge 20-oz glasses of this decadent hoppy goodness for almost no money! In about ten trips to Fireside over the years, the food has always been relatively hit or miss, but the beer selection has always been solid with interesting varieties appearing all the time both in the bottle and on draft. The outdoor area is nice when the weather is agreeable.

    (3)

  • Katherine M.

    the staff here couldn't be any friendlier to me and to my family. cute & cozy restaurant tucked in the most obscure area. love that it's like finding hidden treasure. the mango mojito was yummy too.

    (5)

  • Brandon W.

    What could be more awesome then a bar that's nestled up right next to a cemetary?!? I am honestly surprised I don' t see drunks trying to climb into the cemetery all the time... Fireside is not your typical bar - Fireside has a more then just drinks! It has a very decent sized dining section, as well as an outdoor patio that is opened year round! The menu too, is very extensive. A large selection of appetizers, as well as burgers, sandwiches, pastas and pizza. The pizza here is really good too. I would say it can't hold a candle to most of the other pizza places on its own, but is really good when you are sitting around have some drinks with a group of friends. But not only do they serve food, the kitchen is open late; 3am every night! They also do deliver. The specials they have on food are great, and they always add new specials so be sure to ask about any specials. Since this is a late night bar, it can get crowded in here at times too. When bars are closing at 2am everyone is rushing in to try and get their food ordered before 3! So if you are coming in late for food, get there fast and get your order in so you don't have to wait too long. They also have a sister location - Clark Street Ale House, never been there, but it's on a "must check out" list..

    (3)

  • Hannah D.

    Okay, I have this weird relationship with the Fireside. Being a holder of the "friends and family" card, in which gets you free appetizers with every so many meals...I don't know because I get too embarassed to whip it out and look like a total lame ass. There are many things I love about the Fireside: -4am closing w/kitchen until 3 on weekends -super succulent make me cream my panties pork chops -goat cheese marinara so good I forget I'm eating goat cheese -brie cheese in puffed pastry *insert drool here* The things I not so love: - pretty big turnover rate when it comes to wait service....I've never had the same server twice. What the eff are they doing to them? -location very hard to get cab service -has tendencies to run out of Glogg

    (3)

  • Barry W.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago for American food. I don't understand all these people who react to the decorations, it's the food that matters. I had prime rib today and it was delicious. Mushrooms and demi-glaze were great additions. The mashed sweet potatoes were good too. Loved the pumpkin cheesecake. My partner and I love the coconut shrimp, which being fried, is much better at the restaurant than delivered. We also love the pesto shrimp pizza. 90% of what I've tried is great and the service is great, too.

    (5)

  • Cindy D.

    Went here on a Sunday night and no specials :( Boo, had a great in flux of people coming in. Can't comment on the food so much - just got drinks and tater tots.

    (3)

  • Rocky B.

    I wish I liked this place. The restaurant itself is someplace you just want to like but unfortunately that just isn't the case. The two times I've been to Fireside have just been an all around dismal experience. First off there is rarely anyone manning the door even though there's a sign saying "Please Wait To Be Seated". So you stand there....and stand there and yep...stand there so more until...hey...someone finally walks by and sees customers standing there. Either hire a host or just make it a "Seat Yourself" type restaurant because nothing gets me pissier than having to wait in a restaurant that doesn't even have a line! Menu as I said looks great. They have all these tasty options that you just can't wait to try but when you do boy are you disappointed. Been there twice and none of the entrees that I've ordered or the people that have gone with me have ordered were memorable or even good for that matter. The place is cozy and if you go off the ambiance alone you want to go back and give it another shot...which we did but believe me....you'll still leave disappointed.

    (2)

  • Michelle M.

    Many late noches(nights) at this place. I love this place because its a hidden place to hang out in ravenswood but everyone knows about this place :) I've been here late at night and probably been 1 out of 8 people in the place. They have a cute back area to sit and dine in. Pretty good music and the liquor is good. I've had the goat cheese, burger and a chicken sandwich which all have been good. They don't have onion rings though? huh....kinda bummed out about that. Overall I like this place

    (4)

  • Celine T.

    Step in to french toast heaven! My husband and I finally stopped into Fireside. Although, it sounds as though most people frolic here in the evenings, we were on a hunt for a tasty breakfast. So, we arrived on a Sunday morning around 11am. The host greeted us warmly. (Are people nicer up here?) Then, we were immediately seated. A very nice waitress came to our table immediately and took our drink orders. (People might be nicer up here.) After she delivered our drinks (coffee and what I think was fresh squeezed OJ) and took our orders, she said she'd be bringing out some complimentary muffins. (What?! Free food too? AWESOME!) Shortly after, the waitress serves us a plate full of muffins. The muffins were a nice touch, and so far, I was impressed with the polite and attentive service. Then, our food arrived. My husband ordered a breakfast burrito, which he said was quite tasty and there was plenty of it to fill him up until dinner. I ordered the french toast. It was divine. I gained 10 lbs that morning though because the french toast is flash fried and stuffed with cinnamon apples (I asked them to hold the dairy) and drizzled with maple syrup. I almost couldn't stop eating. As we ate, the restaurant filled up pretty quickly, so go early to avoid a crowd on Sunday. When we left, the friendly host invited us back and told us that they have an outdoor patio perfect for warm summer nights. (People definitely are nicer up here!) You can bet that we'll be back! Thanks Fireside for a great Sunday!

    (4)

  • jarret c.

    The place is good, the service was great and food even more amazing. I just ordered a burger while my friend ordered a chicken sandwich, I enjoyed my food, he on the other hand not so much. ... Excellent burgers!

    (3)

  • Amanda L.

    I was trying to think of how many times I've been to this restaurant, throughout the past couple of years, and there was one constant amongst every visit: One of my closest friends, Lisa, who loves it here. That said, I don't think I'd ever go here without her. I remember when Lisa first came across Fireside, after seeing their menus scattered about the neighborhood's sidewalks throughout the seasons ...The biggest draw was their outdoor seating (like any plus within the city). It's true, their back patio is quite nice, covered (think: circus tarp) in case of rain (or sleet, it's Chicago), well-lit and the seating is somewhat comfy (think: metal/padded chairs). I've never dined inside + I don't think I ever would, it seems sort of cramped. The inside has those framed French ad posters that everyone calls "vintage". I do like the location, though, somewhat secluded + unassuming. Their food, the times I've gone, has always been somewhat consistent ...Considering there's really only two things I can order: the stir-fry + the portabella sandwich, both standard vegan fair + mediocre. Nothing truly memorable either good or bad. Their menu seems to cater to those with the run of the mill palates. It's like the lil TGIFridays that could w/ inconsistent prices. I do like that their stir-fry is light + served on a pile of fresh leafed spinach. They "suggest" ordering the side of "seasoned" rice, which I usually decline but ends up on my plate (like my visit, last night w/ Lisa + her husband Paul, in tow), regardless. It can be a bit bland, I asked for a side of balsamic, it never arrived ...Ah well, not everyone's a pepper. The wait staff is nice but not as attentive given how busy this place can get ...Halfway through our meal, last night, our waitress magically appeared with a tray of desserts or as she put it "the grand finale" (standard: cheesecakes, chocolate cake, something with Kahlua) ...Lisa was still gnawing on her ribs, Paul's mashed potatoes had yet to be touched + I had given up all hope for any balsamic so was dousing my meal with pepper ...Dessert was the last on our mind. We declined, still on the main course. They make an ok martini, though their prices on gin are a little off opposed to other places + the olives are the most standard of olives w/ pimentos. I will give them credit for really trying on their beer menu (I've had wines off of their wine menu, in the past, it's not bad ...Surprisingly somewhat well rounded + larger than you'd think. Equal reds/whites ratio) ...They do offer a mix of drafts, domestics throughout the world but there are a few beers that show someone who knows about beer (or secretly wants to be the Hopleaf) is behind such a list. They were out of my first choice (Two Brothers Ebel Weiss) but had North Coasts' PranQster on special (A very drinkable Belgium, though I've always hated the name + the capitalized Q). My PranQster came in a Delirium Tremens glass which I found amusing. I'll probably eat here again because well, Lisa is one of my best friends + I support her. That said, my birthday is coming up + if Lisa suggests Fireside, it's just not me (It's bad enough my birthday falls on Labor Day, this year).

    (3)

  • Erin S.

    Wonderful patio open 365! (They cover it for the cold months of Winter!) It's romantic out there in the evenings, just like being on your own back porch! Plus great Bloody Mary's!!!

    (3)

  • April W.

    I wish I could do 2 and a half stars for this place. I ordered take out from here and first of all was disappointed that they would not deliver ONE BLOCK past their range even though I offered to pay double. Second I ordered the chicken fingers which I used to LOVE, and a chopped salad. My bill was almost 20 dollars and I has a 2 dollar off coupon. Fine if the food is good. I get home, the chicken tenders were burnt and the chopped salad appeared to be HUGE but was mostly alll lettuce. It has about one chopped up boiled egg, 3 pieces of chicken on it and maybe like 6 or 7 grape tomatoes and some chopped red pepper about a tablespoon., FOR TEN BUCKS! Plus I got one measly dressing for like enough lettuce to feed 6 people. All in all very dissappointing because every other time I have gone in there to eat it was awesome but come to think of it I was drunk and it was late night.

    (2)

  • Rachel Y.

    My previous review was based on brunch and I finally went here for drinks and appetizers with friends to watch the Hawks game. I highly recommend this spot for doing just that! It wasn't overcrowded so we were able to get a table really easily; plus the crowd that was there was a lot of fun. And you must, you must, try the homemade gouda mac and cheese with add-ins. We had it with bacon and mushrooms. Needless to say - yum.

    (4)

  • Dominic R.

    Been here for the apps and food before, which i remember was good. But the main reason i come here is simple.........Local Late night bar!!! Anyone knows this place as "THE FIRE DIVE" It's not a bad late night bar, packed with normal people but you always get that group of obnoxious drunks that can't even stand up and are rude and retarded. I actually stopped going out late night, cause like i always say "nothing good can come out of being out till 4am". But back in the day.....it was a fun place to be!

    (3)

  • Stephen F.

    Comfortable place with a great back patio. They have one of those menus that goes on and on so of course they miss in some area like the pastas, the lasagna is embarrassing. But they do most items well thou not great. Good beer selection thou they could have more taps. Wine selection is OK.

    (3)

  • Tammy Q.

    I had my reservations before coming here. However, when we came here -- I was pleasantly surprised. We were seated in the patio section -- which was so cute and homey. I had the bruschetta, which was sooo good. The tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinaigrette were placed in the middle of the dish with garlic bread around it for us to scoop onto. So sweet and tasty! I ordered the ribs, which were just okay. L. Woods is still the best for me. The best part of the meal was definitely the chocolate banana cake that was oh, so moist! I'd totally come back here to chill and have a couple of drinks. The kitchen is open late for all you night owls!

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    I go there for Saturday lunch a lot with my aunt. The dining room and outdoor area are nice. The food is ok and pretty cheap. The best thing about this place is the mashed potatoes, they are outstanding. I recommend getting them as a side for any meal. Unfortunately, they have switched Saturday's to brunch (was only Sunday I think) and now they have a different lunch menu and don't offer any mashed potatoes. It's very disappointing. I would recommend not going during brunch hours because of the limited menu. On the other hand, the service is usually excellent. The bar is nice if kinda small, but they do serve food until very late at night.

    (3)

  • Kelly D.

    We got engaged here! Never a bad meal and I highly recommend the pizza with sausage and pesto sauce (not tomato). Lovely outdoor back room that you can sit in even in winter (huge heaters and room is closed up). When we lived in the city we ordered delivery at least once a week. Great bar too!

    (5)

  • Arch S.

    I sat at the bar and ordered a beer. Instead of pouring me a fresh beer from the tap the bar tender said oh here's one then grabbed a beer that was just sitting on the back bar. It looked like the brand of beer I wanted but I still thought what the hell. She either gave me a beer she miss poured for another patron or it was the last remains of a keg. Who knew how long it was sitting there. I asked for a fresh beer and then the she gave me a sarcastic, irascible atitude as she reluctantly went to pour me a fresh beer. I told her to forget about it and stood up to leave, while her attitude continued to be sarcastic and annoyed at my desire to drink a freshly poured beer and not one that had been sitting out for who knows how long.

    (1)

  • Liddy L.

    This is one of my favorite bars in the city. Off the bat, the downside is trying to get there without a car so you can sit at the long beautiful bar drinking and eating buffalo wings all night without a thought to conscience. They often seem a bit short staffed so table service can be sketchy, but service has always been friendly enough to make up the difference. My regular routine is a couple of Guinnesses, wings, and apple pie, but they menu is large and the beer selection is pretty impressive. There are usually beer specials, and the weekend brunch brags about a ginormous bloody mary bar. I mean ridiculously huge. I mean you can probably add not only vegetables and hot sauce to your blody mary, but probably also small animals and toy cars. Anything under the sun. Really, there just aren't enough places at which you can drink til 5 AM and then stay up and take your mom to brunch.

    (4)

  • Sue K.

    This is one of those local places where you look and the menu and think "meh", but because someone back there just knows how to cook, you're surprised at how good something like mashed potatoes can be. Stir fry is good too. Excellent, affordable bar. Quality without priceyness or drama.

    (5)

  • kris l.

    I had only ordered takeout from FS once before, and I didn't remember hating it, so I thought I was safe. I was so wrong. First off, if you have a menu in front of you, rip it to shreds, because it's likely that half of the stuff on it doesn't exist anymore. After calling in an order 3 times !!! my hubby and I finally put in an order for food that the kitchen staff could actually make. Getting to the bar to pick it up, asked the bartender for a current menu, and lo and behold it's the same one I had at home. So I ask what gives? The nice lady behind the bar says that the management likes to play rotating menu and change things up all the time, but can't be bothered to print out new menus. So I ask, why don't they just list it as a "rotating menu" so people know to ask what is on special? Or at least keep the website updated? No one could say for sure. Well, even if the owners are flaky the food can still be good. Unfortunately both my "cajun" meatloaf (where is the andouille I was promised??) and my hubby's veggie pizza couldn't salvage FS. Won't be calling there again.

    (2)

  • Judy C.

    Last night I had dinner at Fireside and I was happy with the overall experience. First, I LOVE fireplaces, especially on cold and snowy nights like last night, and we were able to sit RIGHT NEXT to the fireplace. Yay! Warm and cozy is always a good start. The bread was sublime, really. A simple loaf of white country bread, but it was just warm and included chunks of fresh mellow garlic in it. Very nice. The wine selection was sufficient and there were many other kinds of drinks, including many varieties of beers and unusual mixed concoctions. We were intrigued by the special appetizer of fried pickles, but weren't feeling adventurous enough, but we overheard another diner say they were surprisingly good. I ordered the turkey dinner which included 3 very thick flavorful slices of turkey breast, along with generous portions of yummy mashed potatoes and corn bread stuffing, covered with a tasty gravy. (Just realized they forgot the cranberry chutney.) Delicious and generous portions. My good dining mate Paul had the special Mardi Gras pasta, shrimp and craw fish in a spicy white sauce over penne, was reported to be very good (and again, plenty of leftovers.) Desserts looked great but no room! Decor was a bit drabby/shabby before they turned down the lights. The music was an interesting mix of not-too-popular 60s folk, rock and jazz, which I liked, but the volume should have been lower and more consistent. Service was friendly and attentive. That, with the delicious food and cozy ambiance will point me back for a return visit.

    (4)

  • Andy H.

    Solid food and the beer selection is great. The service tends to be pretty slow though, even when it's not crowded.

    (3)

  • Diablo L.

    Really good beer selection,good burgers,plenty of choices on the menu for food,outdoor dining area, nice place to check out if you are in the area...

    (3)

  • Melissa H.

    I live right around the corner from this joint and the thing that best describes Fireside is consistant. I tend to lean towards here for weekend brunch or weekday dinners...never taken advantage of the fact that it is a late night bar. I love their pizzas (the Hawaiian pie, with the parmesan cream sauce substituted for marinara is awesome - albeit not quite healthy!) and I've never been disappointed with the calamari. My favorite thing? The Fireside Chicken - completely simple, and always done right. Service can be a little iffy at times, they tend to go through alot of servers and the bartenders can sometimes be slow - but I'm enough of a regular that I'm never at the short end of the stick when it comes to being waited on. Plus, the delivery service is great - usually doesn't take nearly as long as estimated; but that could be because I literally live around the corner.

    (3)

  • matt k.

    Are you picky about your Bloody Mary? Fireside puts you in the driver's seat. They have a deluxe 'create your own' Bloody Bar. Make it as hot as you want, and garnish it with everything from pepperoni to cheese slices. Also, the brunch has biscuits and gravy that are great. Plan on napping afterwards. Parking during the day is great. At night, it leaves something to be desired. If you can, Bike.

    (4)

  • Karen H.

    Good food, friendly staff and the atmosphere matches what you'd expect for time of day

    (4)

  • Ann Y.

    After my night there last night, I have to knock it down a star. The food is still really good, but our service was lacking. The waitress seemed annoyed with us and didn't inform us of 1/2 price bottles of wine or some of the specials that I heard her mention to other tables. Also, I had water and it wasn't until after my meal was eaten that she came by to fill my cup up. No desert was offered and she was really no where to be found. They were relatively busy, but there were several other servers. Will i go back- yes, the food is good, the hours are great and they are close to home, but I hope I get better service next time.

    (3)

  • Michael H.

    I really do like this place. The bar area is roomy and they have a fantastic beer selection. Order the pizza...it is very good. In the back there is a dining area that is just oozing with atmosphere. It is also pretty cool because it is hidden away on Ravenswood. You kinda have to know it is there to find it.

    (4)

  • Marisa F.

    I was excited to try their "150 item" bloody mary bar. In my mind it was seas of interesting, vodka-soaked vegetables. In reality it was about 145 bottles of myserious sauces and spices and about 5 vegetable items. they didn't even have lemons or limes. Such a good idea, so bad in practice. BUT at least the bloody mary's are only $4.50, so I can't complain too much. oh, and i ordered the vegetarian burrito. and it came with HAM in it. i picked it out, not too worried about it. but it made me sick. booooo.

    (2)

  • John B.

    Fireside is about two things to me: 1) late night delivery (until 3am on weekends) and 2) backyard patio. I can't remember ever eating inside here. Which is fine, 'cause inside is kind of dark and gloomy. But the outside is nice. It's an enclosed beer garden, and it truly does feel like someone set up a bunch of tables in their backyard. The downside is that it can get packed, and packed with people who have been drinking lot of beer, which makes for some touchy situations. I'm amazed that the wait staff navigate it all. The food is not great, but not bad. The menu is huge -- ribs, pizza, burgers, steaks, pasta, salads, sandwiches -- so as you might expect, nothing is truly outstanding. Their takeout menu brags that they have 60 items to choose from, but that's not always a good thing. Bottom line: if I lived closer, I might eat there more often. As it is, it's a reliable alternative delivery source.

    (3)

  • Ryan K.

    Excellent beer selection -- both bottle and draft. Solid menu - - nothing amazing but a couple of items stand out including the fried calamari. Never overcooked. And the aoli accompaniment is fantastic! Easy area to park. Next to impossible, though, to hail a cab. One of the first bars/restaurants that I went to when I moved to Chicago in '97. I've always brought a diverse group of family & friends with me for food/drinks over the years and I have never had anyone say anything negative about this establishment (outside of the occasional blitzed friend getting impatient waiting for the next drink that he or she definitely didn't need). Oh yeah, this is a 4 'o'clock close bar too! In my younger years, so easy to pull off. And so much fun! Now, not so much...

    (4)

  • Meghan B.

    I give it a 4 for delivery and a 3 for the live version. The delivery service never makes a mistake, but that is probably because it is an online ordering service. The food is standard. Salads are good. Service is slow. I think it is the atmosphere that keeps me coming back again and again. I love the patio. It's lovely in any season.

    (4)

  • Jackie P.

    Maybe if I had been a wee bit drunker the food would have been better. This was still consistently a three star place. We waited in the bar area at first for our party to arrive. Our waitress Marla was great. She was quick and efficient and when we decided we wanted to dine outside she took the necessary steps to see that we got our group seated quickly and our initial tab was closed. Once outside the waitstaff was still efficient, quick and really good. The drinks are heavily poured but the food is so lacking. I was not impressed with my stuffed shells and then when one of the people out our table had to send their fish back. They didn't get it a new dish until everyone else had finished. Luckily we were all patient but still it didn't set the right tone. I would come here to drink but not eat.

    (3)

  • Anne R.

    Good atmosphere. But every time I'm here, it takes forever to get any kind of service. What's up with that?

    (2)

  • Kiarash Z.

    After a very long night of carting drunks around town and dealing with bicycle traffic, I was ready to throw my arms up and scream, "I NEVER GET TO DRINK!" Then we showed up at Fireside. It was 3 a.m., and the server told me I could still drink for 90 minutes. A night of hopping around Wicker Park had made me sick of pretense and hipster bullshit, so seeing a room full of people interested in drinking and talking about things other than themselves made me very happy. Our server was a darling, and my whole group of seven (all of whom could grab a stool) had a great time. The drink prices were a little higher than I expected for a place so far off the beaten path, but they were by no means outrageous. And if you're going to stay open to serve me until 4: 30 a.m., a premium price is OK.

    (4)

  • Jean Z.

    I loved every visit to Fireside. I'll go again real soon to refresh my memory. Parking is a biotch - but that's cause its ravenswood ave. Great burgers, great service, everyone usually in a good mood...and a beer garden. ahem.

    (4)

  • Justin H.

    This restaurant/pub is one of my favorite places when I just don't feel like cooking or dealing with the people who cook for me. I love their spicy shrimp Spaghetti and their portabello mushroom sandwich. The outdoor patio geared for year round dining makes me feel like I belong. The servers make you feel like a valued guest and the food is served fast and delicious. I cannot count how many meals fireside has hosted me for. But I love it. They are always able to take my very special request for a swap of the type of pasta. They all know my order now. I am amazed I had not reviewed this place! Enjoy it. I recommend dine in only. Take out and delivery is a tad bit shaky!

    (5)

  • Aesha W.

    This place was ok. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special in my opinoin, and I thought it was pricey. We had delivery, so maybe that has something to do with it. Also, we tried to order dessert, but our first choice was out for the night and the second choice they don't sell any longer... it drives me nuts when businesses don't have up-to-date websites. All in all, it's not a plce I would choose to go to back to, but it wasn't an offensive meal.

    (3)

  • Katie R.

    3.5 stars, a good experience overall. We sat on the back patio (I believe we were at the Fireside Grill). For appetizers, the bruschetta was good and the artichoke hearts were OK. The artichoke hearts were sort of weird...swimming in a vat of tomato sauce. Wouldn't order those again. My caesar was good...the croutons spicy and delicious. I just wish it would have been a touch more garlicky. The patio was really great and the service was outstanding. I'd go back if asked...

    (3)

  • John W.

    I come here a lot but mainly because it's about a block away from my house. I like the atmosphere and I like the beer selection and they have one of those internet juke boxes so there is a lot of variety there as well. The food is definitely a step above standard bar food and I often get the shrimp pesto pizza or the catfish sandwich with chipotle mayo. If you happen to be a misplaced St. Louisan, you may want to try the 4 cheese pizza and tell me what it reminds you of. The problem with this place is that you don't feel like you are in Chicago when you go there. You most certainly don't feel like you are in Edgewater/Andersonville. I always get the feeling that I am back home on the south side of Indianapolis. In other words, it's very likely you will see drunken guys with mullets and white hi-tops air guitaring it to Metallica. It is open late and those same drunk guys along with a mix of other people cram in there for late night food and drinks. Be advised, I once took a date there at 3am and she got hit on 3 times on the way to the restroom. It's not a meat market but just the over abundance of drunk, middle aged, utility employees can be over bearing. Apparently they have a brunch on the weekends but I went for brunch on memorial day and ended up with a bacon cheese burger so that's all I know about that.

    (3)

  • Patrick C.

    As far as the food, my pulled pork sandwich was pretty good, and it definitely has an old fashioned tavern feel to it. However, the reason I am giving it four stars instead of three is because I have a feeling it's haunted, being right next to a cemetery and all.

    (4)

  • Yohsuke K.

    I have a warm spot in my heart for this late-night joint. Although the ever-changing specials list can be hit or miss, there are some great gems hidden there. A nice burger for $7, warm and hearty meatloaf, and the blackened catfish is great there. Drinks are pretty reasonable, and the bartenders are charming and nice. Service away from the bar may get spotty at times, however, so I recommend sitting along the counter and get to know the drink slingers. Serving food till at least 3am is a big plus for all of us who don't work those 9 to 5 jobs. Overall, a cozy place to be, and with winter on its way, why don't ya stay by the fireside and relax the blues away?

    (4)

  • Charlie H.

    This is a middle-of-the-road joint. I give it four stars because every time I've been there I had fun. First time I went I had the pulled pork, second time I had the meatloaf, third time I just drank myself silly. But the food's good. It's funny to be sitting in the bar and see families with screaming kids come through. The Metra runs right outside which is also pretty funny. There are many light-rock listening late 30-somethings in tight jeans hanging around the bar, swaying their drunk hips off. There also seems to be an abundance of disgruntled couples in their mid-forties, apparently on the verge of divorce because they are frowning all the time. But if you find a nice corner and set up a few pitchers, you'll be alright. Plus you'll see that there are probably some people around there who fit in your social group if you like doing that kind of thing. If the Fireside's the only place you like to go, well I don't know about that. But if you go lots of other places and go to the Fireside every once in a while you are already cooler than half the people in there.

    (4)

  • Sarah N.

    I just recently discovered the Fireside Lounge after I changed my route to work - I now ride my bike down Ravenswood. As a native Michigander, I enjoy this street because it has a country-town feel in the middle of the city and the Fireside Lounge seems right out of a Michigan-summer-lakeside town. Everything felt familiar to me, from the dark woodwork to the local art crowding the walls. I'm only giving them 4 stars because I stopped there spontaneously on a Sunday afternoon while on a bike ride with a friend. We only had a beer and an appetizer. They seemed a little apprehensive about letting us sit on the back patio since we were only ordering drinks, basically. But then they did because they weren't very busy. I didn't take it too personally because there was a sign about proper attire and I WAS wearing my biking clothes with grease smeared all over my shirt..... not exactly the nicest outfit. Like I said it was spontaneous. So anyway, I had a Blue Moon with an orange in it and the goat cheese marinara appetizer. Everything was fine! The servers did seem a little busier though, even though the tables were less than half full. They might have been a little aggravated that we didn't order more, but we were fast and easy. The back patio is nice but not too nice. As I mentioned before it has that summer lake/boat crowd sort of feeling. At least it did for me! But I like that. It might seem more elegant at night when they have all the pretty lights on.

    (4)

  • Pauline M.

    Oh Fireside. I wish I could give you 4 or 5 stars. I just can't. :( The Good: Abe the bartender. He is a dream maker. The atmosphere The food is so damn tasty (recommended: their chicken tenders cure cancer and the cream of mushroom soup was made by a descendant of Jesus- true story) the smoking the back patio darts Awesome beer selection The bad: The people can get a wee bit scary Drinks are a little pricey (tip your bartenders ;) parking the juke box is always SUPER LOUD The servers are SLOW. It can take a really, really long time to get your food or even someone to greet you My family has been going to this place for 20+ years. It is an established neighborhood place. People there are loyal and there tends to be a really great cozy feel to it. I do love you fireside, but you always take a little piece of my heart every time...

    (3)

  • Melissa B.

    I absolutely love Fireside. It is one of those neighborhood gems that many people do not know about. I have been there for brunch and dinner many times. The build your own bloody mary bar is just insane! lol It took me like 20 mins just to decide what I wanted to put in it. But it was delicious. The first time I went I had the cajun chicken pasta which was just to die for. I have also had the mac and cheese which was very delicious. The last time I went I tried the buffalo chicken salad which I was not a huge fan of. I have a huge pet peeve when restaurants give you a salad with humongous pieces of lettuce that are overflowing the plate. It makes it so hard to try to cut it up and eat it. You spend less time enjoying your food and more time preparing it. I have taken my parents here for brunch also and they enjoyed it thoroughly. I would have to say one of my favorite things is the patio out back that is open all year. Even during the winter. It makes you feel like you are outside and makes me very happy on cold winter days! I would definitely recommend this place because the food is consistently good and the staff is always so friendly and helpful! They also have something on the menu for everyone.

    (4)

  • Betty S.

    The Fireside is interesting due to its location and atmosphere. It's not intimidating. The drinks are generally good. The food borderline sucks, though. It's just not very great, although I had some nice calamari once and a very good fry I stole from my friend. That said, I have gone for the free wireless and a great bartender who has since moved. Service is definitely hit or miss, but it's a fun atmosphere with the right crowd, and the bloody mary bar is quite lovely. Overall, walking distance + alcohol + wireless = happiness.

    (3)

  • Nicole V.

    This place is right in my stomping grounds...so I end up meeting friends there fairly regularly. It is quite popular and has a lot of space for meeting up with a group. The atmosphere is very relaxed, the lighting is dim and they have a separate section for those just there to dine. In the back of the bar there is a large beer garden type room that is tented which is nice. The food is very good, especially the pizza. I really like the sportsmen style thin crust. On Sunday they offer a brunch with a full bloody mary bar with 100+ ingredients...great for getting over your hangover. The brunch is also a good place to take your family as the restaurant caters to all ages.

    (4)

  • Tim L.

    Great back deck. Huge bloody mary bar. Great service. Great menu. Great food. Well worth it.

    (4)

  • Chatzy F.

    First we called several times to find out what was on the Mother's day Brunch was and they told us there would be a carving station & make your own omelet's station. There was not and to boot the food has gone down hill totally. (Have not eaten here in years now I know why!) There were trays stacked on other food trays not very sanitary to say the least and food was not very presentable. The fried chicken was salty, the "meat" that was was bland no flavor at all, eggs were out to long had formed a bacteria on it. When we called the manager over she knew that they had given us false information. And on their facebook page it says they were going to have Prime Rib. There was none. $19.99 for this ugggh! They are not honest about what their buffet is. We walked out it was horrible. NEVER AGAIN DO NOT GO HERE BAD!!!

    (1)

  • Kristen G.

    This is my first and only negative review as I tend to give places the benefit of the doubt and feel that usually restaurants are actually looking to improve the quality of service for the customers, but I felt that Fireside is the rare exception to this, they don't care about customer experience and I felt like I needed to share this. My first experience in the dining room was mediocre. The service was a bit slow but I was catching up with an old friend and didn't mind so much. I order the chicken fingers because it came with a side and while the salad was fine, the chicken fingers were literally disgusting. I've never in my life had to send a meal back to the kitchen but these chicken fingers were inedible. They were burnt so bad, it looked like they had used oil that was bad and fried these suckers for days. I cannot believe the kitchen staff and then server both looked at that plate and actually put that on my table. I just explained to the waitress that I would not be eating that at all and would prefer chicken wings instead. She agreed with me and said it looked like they over fried the chicken fingers (well...why did you serve it to me if you knew it was disgusting?) and they came back with some much much better buffalo wings. That experience I'll give a B-, the food was inedible but they fixed the problem in a timely manner and the server apologized. My second time was even worse. My family was in town and we decided to stop here for brunch one day. There was only one server for the entire dining room section of the restaurant (it was a bit slow when we arrived but picked up significantly and although they had food runners the server couldn't keep up and frankly looked like she either was hungover or just hated her job). Two guests at my party ordered the mac & cheese with bacon but their dishes came out completely differently. One macaroni came out with the consistency of soup and the other was fine. The one that was gross and runny was very unappetizing. He had to ask for extra plates to strain the macaroni himself. He asked the server for extra plates and while he didn't complain about the dish, he certainly made it apparent that he needed the extra plates to strain his own food. Now, I was a server for years and I feel that a server needs to be aware of problems in the dining room. Something like, "Oh I'm so sorry about that, is there something I can do?" .. or ANYTHING would have helped. She just got the extra plates and threw them down on the table. Normally my friend would have not complained (I've never seen him complain at a restaurant) but the dish was basically like pasta cheese soup and the server was being quite unpleasant at that point so he asked for the manager. The manager came over and said something like "ohh I see. Yes that's not now it should be" and "Can I get you something else?" At this point my friend didn't want anything else but he just wanted to make the manager aware that his kitchen was sending out less than adequate food and the server was impolite. The manager said that he was surprised that the server came across that way because she was one of the best he had and I mentioned to him that he might consider hiring better servers in the future. I do not think he took kindly to that hint but at that point, the whole experience was quite terrible and I was getting pretty annoyed. I've worked at many restaurants and the least the manager should have done was apologize (obviously), offer another dish as a replacement and if the customer declines, offer a free dessert or beverage (as it was brunch, maybe even a fruit plate)... however this guy did none of this and it definitely rubbed me the wrong way. His intention was not to get free food by any means when he asked for the manager, but when he didn't apologize even.. so unfortunate. I will not go back here because of the food (although my french toast was perfectly fine at brunch) but most importantly the staff that clearly doesn't care about the customers or customer experience at all. post review: Was the customer angry? No. Irritated and disappointed? Absolutely. My review was a carefully completed accurate description of my experiences there and please do not try to excuse the shortcomings of the restaurant by trying to negate my credibility. Should I have been more thorough in an explanation to you during the visit? Yes, I apologize, I was a bit put off and surprised by the lack of accountability you seemed to have. But you're aware of the entire situation now and this is how you choose to respond? Again, so unfortunate. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. We paid the entire bill, tipped 10%, as a former server I would NEVER leave a bill unpaid and never not tip because I know the server needs to tip out the bussers, no matter how horrible the service. How dare you say something so untrue and try to label me a liar when it's your business practices, professionalism, and clearly, people skills, that need serious help

    (1)

  • Rey A.

    You can't go wrong with Fireside. This was my usual default bar... Great atmosphere and cool people... They open late! Oh yea one time I left my leather jacket here and nobody took it... Got it back the next day...

    (4)

  • Jane C.

    My friends took me there for drinks/ appetizers and we had such a great time! All I can say is..good food, tasty drinks and welcoming staff. I especially like the cozy cabin feeling. Delightful!

    (3)

  • Tex N.

    Been going here for years...It just keeps getting better. The food is excellent and diverse. Try the buffet's, if the entrees don't run out they replace them with something even better. From crabs legs, eggs Benedict and strawberry waffles to petite fillet's, everything is fresh and good. Outside covered patio is great for summer or winter. Seperate dining room, bar and patio dining. Fireplace in main dining room. Friendly staff. They have an internet jukebox and when it's not being used, the staff plugs in their Ipods and start rocking.

    (5)

  • Meagan L.

    A friend introduced me to this hidden gem the other day. Their kitchen is open till 3am and the food was pretty tasty. Not your typical bar food and especially not typical late night bar food. Great beer and wine selection, friendly service and a decent crowd. If I ever find myself that far north again I'll definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Matt H.

    Ordered delivery from here twice and drank on the patio once. The BBQ chicken pizza is fantastic. The sauce caramelizes around the edges of the thin crust, with nice chunks of grilled chicken. The patio is fun with enough shade and different levels and platforms to give you the feeling of privacy.

    (4)

  • John M.

    Good calamari, ok buffalo wings. I ordered a pizza, and specified it to be pie cut. Order arrived nearly an hour later, and no pie cut. I was a little upset. How hard is it to cut a pizza the RIGHT way. Who in the hell wants to eat finger food? I want a slice of pizza. Anyway, this got sent back. Correct pizza came in about 15 minutes. Pizza was nasty-sauce way too sweet. Attempted to correct with liberal use of hot sauce. Meh. Best part? I looked at our bill and noticed that they charged me for two pizzas, and comp-ed me for one of them. Guys, this is a horse-shit maneuver. Did you think I wouldn't catch this?

    (2)

  • Monica B.

    Open until 5. Enough said! Went here on a Saturday after all the bars in Wrigley closed and had a great time. Sorry I can't give more information such as prices, etc but I really don't remember much except what a fantastic time I had !!

    (4)

  • B. L.

    When I first came across this place I was just driving down Ravenswood which is a side street. There is another two places also just down the street and this area is now a being built up. It's kinda weird becuse they are right across the street from a cemetary and the train tracks are right there for Metra. The food itself is good and it's served in a cozy atmosphere. There is a seperate bar area also. I know they have been here for years. The last time I stopped in the server had quite an attitude. What a waitress with an attitude, how shocking I know. The other times they were friendly.

    (3)

  • James L.

    I've been going to Fireside for YEARS now - and there are times where it is hit or miss. We love going to the bar side at nights - the clientele are always nice and definitely live it up. When we have our daughter with us, we like the quiet dinner room instead. I was there on Sunday for brunch and while it was moderately busy the they seemed to be too lightly staffed. Not to the fault of our waitress who was juggling multiple tables, but I think the staffing could have been handled better. Once again - it's hit or miss - I have been there where I couldn't get our server to stop checking in on us, and I have been there when we couldn't find our server cause they were just worn thin. Food - Like the service - the food can be hit or miss sometimes, especially the steaks. I've been there when they make it just perfect, and I've been there when it's just over cooked, or just doesn't have any flavor. A couple of things that ALWAYS remains constant - the black chicken over pasta (personal favorite) and the calamari (always get that when we're sitting at the bar). Drinks - While the food is good - the drinks are better. They have a good selection on tap, and a very diverse selection on bottle. Their mix drinks are still the best (both in price and potency). Overall - I love this place - even for all their faults because of the memories attached to this place. I would normally give this place a higher rating, but the problem is their lack in consistency in service and food.

    (3)

  • FM G.

    Food - 3 stars... It was ok, not the best, but not awful either. I had the porkchops which seemed at first hard to cut, so I thought, oh great, a dry porkchop...but I think because it was grilled, the outside was tougher than the inside, which was pretty tasty. It came with a baked potato the size of Idaho, some overcooked green beans and a salad, all of which were unremarkable. I can do better at home. My husband said his lasagne was good. Service - 4 stars....our waitress was great and attentive, but not to the point of being annoying....you know, like coming over to ask how everything is reight when your mouth is full. Patio - 5 stars.... I LOVED it! It's cozy, cute and not overcrowded. I really don't like to have to get to know my fellow diners when I go out, with tables crammed together, and this is set up so you can have a nice dinner conversation and not have to listen to someone else's. I also love that you can sit out in any kind of weather because the patio can be covered. Parking - 4 stars....there was plenty of it, not in their parking lot, but plenty along the Metra tracks. Bar - 1 star.... since I'm not a fan of smoky bars I wouldn't want to spend much time here. Walking through to get to the patia was enough. I'd definitely want to go back just for the patio. Oh, and I get airmiles for dining here...hehehehe.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth H.

    Just got back from dinner here, but I've been coming to this spot with my grandmother ever since I can remember (she liked the ceaser salad, which is really only so-so in my opinion). Anyway, it's a nice neighborhood spot for both dinning and drinks. They have a pretty full menu and as far as a restuarant/bar goes, everything is pretty good. The bar itself is my favorite spot. Open late (it's a 4 a.m. but surprisingly un-divey at such an hour) and has a friendly local crowd. The beer selection is pretty good, although mostly bottled imports.The service in the restuarant is sometimes touch and go, but the bartenders are usually really great. The place is off the beaten path and if you weren't familiar with the area, you might have a hard time finding it. I know a lot of people that tell me they found it by mistake. If you are looking to go for drinks but actually have a conversation with the people you are with, this is a great place to try. Oh, and they have a pretty good brunch ont eh weekends as well!

    (4)

  • Diane S.

    This place is quickly becoming a favorite for me & my s.o. The atmosphere, especially the patio (which is heated in the cold weather!) is very nice. The place looks so tiny and dive-y on the outside and is so warm and welcoming inside. I have never had a bad meal here, and their cajun spiced calamari is absolutely delicious. I am addicted to their chopped salad, too. And the wine selection is great!

    (4)

  • Ron S.

    I've been here many times. I love it's out of the way location. Plenty of PARKING! Open and serving food late. Open til 5am on Saturday's Stick with the simple stuff(pizza, mashed potatoes) Rest of the menu is too pricey for the room. No real drink specials to speak of. The advertised specials can be beat just about anywhere. However at 3am who cares about specials? Just feed me, get me one more drink, and call me a fucking cab!

    (2)

  • Andy S.

    I dig it, they make good tasting and decent quality food. I stay up late (really late) often so I'm very happy to have somewhere nearby that can serve me dinner at 11 or 12 or later. I've been out there a few times this summer to sit in the open-air space in the back and it has been very pleasant, a little dark. The Columbian waitress is awesome

    (4)

  • Cheryl M.

    I absolutely love this place!!! I would highly recommend the Mother/Father's Day brunch. I took my mom there for the first time and will be back there to take my dad. Looking forward to stuffing myself until I pop once again! Their Bloody Mary bar is a plus. Although I can't wait to take my dad there so that he can teach me how to make a good one on my own. On the menu... Their breakfast burrito is a must, especially after a long night of drinking. The burrito does that trick and is not at all greasy. Also, try the blackened chicken sandwich with the spicy mayo. Need I say more??? I've also tried their jalepeno dressing and this I would not recommend. Way to spicy even for me. I do have to say that this place does have a bad memory to it. Unfortunately I was here when DA BEARS were miserably defeated.

    (4)

  • Tracy K.

    Fireside really deserves a 2.5, but I rounded up because I think I may just have had a series of subpar experiences and I know this place used to be great. Neither their food nor their service is consistent. And lately, its been on the not-so-good side. They've got a nice bar area, a separate dining area with a fireplace, and a year-round outdoor dining area. Their menu is pretty big, with a little something for everyone. My favorite items? The baked brie appetizer and the Sportsman Surprise pizza (blue cheese, pesto, spinach, broccoli & onions). They offer a bunch of coupons, including a $2 off (order $12 or more) if you are nice. Great way to reinforce good behavior. They also give you the option to order online from their website and will give you 10% off your order for doing so. I'll try 'em again, but if it keeps getting worse, there's no point in going back.. unless maybe its 2am and I really want beer & pizza.

    (3)

  • Andrea O.

    Oh Fireside, why do you disappoint me so? If I could give a separate review for brunch I would, because while there are many things to enjoy about Fireside, brunch is not one of them. What's great about Fireside are their pastas, sandwiches, thin crust pizzas (andouille, onions and jalapenos for me), cajun crawfish, beer selection, bartenders, delivery, and the fact that they are open every day of the year. They also have a "frequent diner" sort of deal where you can earn points towards free stuff on a future visit. However. I've made my third and last attempt at brunch. Most recently I went with friends and was happy to see that they weren't overly crowded. I should have guessed why. While we were seated immediately and were brought coffee, our brunch order was held up in the kitchen for a long long looooooong time. We were eventually told (4 refills of coffee later) that the kitchen was backed up. When the order arrived it was clear that the Cream Cheese Apple Walnut-Stuffed French Toast that a companion and I ordered had been sitting for that long long looooooong time, and what was brought to me was a plate of cold french toast with a slab of cold cream cheese in the middle Erm...no thanks. I almost never send anything back but I decided I'd been waiting long enough that I did want to actually enjoy what I ate, and when it returned it was fresh and melty and perfectly acceptable. Other brunch entrees were perfectly fine, neither good nor bad, just late. This is unfortunately not the first stumble in service or food quality I've experienced during brunch there. Brunch seems to be an afterthought and not a focus at Fireside. It's really not what they do best. Stick to lunchtime and evening visits or delivery (they will also bring you beer), and show up on any day of the year.

    (3)

  • Faith F.

    This is my favorite late night bar. The food is delicious (try the portabello sandwich, mmm) and they have good beer on tap. I always end up putting too much money in the internet jukebox, but so what? I end up there after 2AM for a reason.

    (4)

  • Michael M.

    I hate to give such a low rating but the last 4 times here I left without even getting a drink. The issue here is not the food as it is amazing! It is in the service, it is the absolute worst I have ever seen!!!!!! Stay away until the service gets better!!

    (1)

  • Mandy P.

    I LOVE this place! It is so conveniently located to my house that I can walk there, so that may have something to do with my adoration, but there is definitely more to it than that. I love the atmosphere of this place. I have eaten/had drinks in all three sections of the restaurant and all of them have their own charm. My favorite location in the Fireside is the patio. It is such a cozy, lovely spot that I am always drawn to it first. The patio's downside (or upside, if you're a smoker), however, is that there is some smoking allowed there, but it's not so overwhelming. Worse than this, the service can be painfully slow at times on the patio. You see, the service is Fireside's greatest weakpoint. But, I'll get to that. My second favorite place to eat there is in the bar, because I like the atmosphere there, but it DEFINITELY gets too smokey for me sometimes, so it's pretty iffy. The last place I'll go is the regular dining area. It is quaint and completely smoke-free, which is great. It also feels a little more family-oriented, though, so sometimes it's not what I want -- especially if there are kids there (I don't like eating with kids that are maniacs). The service is best in the dining room, then the bar when it's empty, then the patio. Or, reverse the patio and the bar if the bar is full. The service from the waitstaff is not overly warm a lot of the time, but I haven't found it offensive. It gets the job done usually, but at times the service on the patio is awful to the point that you might find yourself getting up to find someone to take care of things at your table. In fact, that is why I do not give this place a full 5 stars. I get the feeling that the Fireside is not terribly well managed. The bartenders, unlike the waitstaff, are usually really, really nice. The food is good enough and it is served until 3 AM -- hooray! If you want to save a couple of dollars, get the pizza and split it. It's pretty good (not awesome). I think the prices are a little higher (on their non-pizza food) than I'd like, but you do get a ton of food when you order, so I think it's well worth it. In sum, the Fireside rocks my world, but this is primarily the result of the ambience. It's a fun place, with nice bartenders and functional waitstaff. Be prepared to use your patience if you go at a busy time (Friday or Saturday night). DO check out the patio. I think this is a place that everyone should see once.

    (4)

  • Brandon S.

    Not too shabby! The service was friendly, but slow. The drinks were a little too strong to be pleasant-tasting. The patio was charming (and could've used some mosquito repellents). The food was good without being amazing. And it's in a really cute secluded part of Edgewater. In general, I had a good time. I'm told it's open super late (3 am on Sun-Fri and 4 am on Sat), so if the bar area weren't quite so.... straight, trashy beer, and sports-centric, I would frequent it more often.

    (4)

  • Bryan C.

    The best part of The Fireside is the patio. It's big with diverse seating. Their menu is quite large, which isn't always a good thing. I had the chicken breast with red pepper cream sauce once and it was delicious. Another time I tried the cajun meatloaf and it was kind of gross. Its made mostly with sausage. No thanks. The mashed potatoes were excellent though. Good hang over/comfort food, The bloody mary bar is fun, but unless you know what you're doing, you're better off ordering one off the menu. Like I said, you can't beat the atmosphere here. The patio is one of the best I've been on in Chicago. Their food, hit or miss. Worth a shot though. 3 stars Fireside!

    (3)

  • Jesster A.

    We go here with friends who LOVE this place (I think they met here or something) and I usually cave in to their recommendations and usually regret it. Unfortunately, this was the first place I ever tried catfish - and hence the last time I tried it. I might try it again elsewhere if a trusted Yelper has a good recommendation. If we get dragged here again - I will try the calamari and maybe the black chicken over pasta...

    (3)

  • Bill S.

    NOT GREAT ON DELIVERY SERVICE! I ordered online and was called an hour and a half later to ask what we ordered! Then, the order was all wrong! And gave us about 12 fries for our sandwich. Told them didn't want the mix vegs. and to replace it with extra mashed potatoes...NO, got the vegs. and NO POTATOES! Will NEVER order from here again. They are best as dine-in restaurant only (which is the only reason I give it 2 stars!

    (2)

  • Jillian D.

    headed up here on a hangover sunday, riddled with hail. my friends and i cozied up at a table on the "outdoor patio" and geared up for the extensive bloody mary bar. i was like a kid in a candy store. hot damn! i've never seen more seasonings, hot sauces and condiments for your bloody mary! i had to step back and take it all in so as not to become overwhelmed. we played mad scientist, some having better results than others. one of my friends was in from nyc. he asked me to help him spice his up, and he accidentally dumped about a tablespoon of hot sauce into his glass, then stirred it in as i watched in horror. it was a disaster. a flaming hot disaster that no amount of tomato juice could remedy. just one sip and your tongue was on fire...and it just got worse. we devoured the free muffins because they were the only way to tame the flame. we could have made a meal on the bloody mary garnishes alone!! in fact, when i return, i will skip the food and just enjoy the bloodies - our meals were just so-so.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    We ordered take out from here on Friday night. It was really good! Food arrived hot, delicious and fast! I want to eat here sometime but their take out is definitely worth trying if you don't feel like going out!

    (4)

  • Emerson C.

    I usually pass this place up on the way to Andersonville. So I decided to take a chance and see what it was all about. It's very homey and a great place to just hang out, grab some drinks, some quick bites, and a place just to chill. There's a patio that you can hang out at during a nice day. Beware, they might forget about ya. Also a fireplace section that you can chill in. But the best thing about this place is that the kitchen is open late. If you're craving for that late night hunger... and some drinks... this is a definite place to hang out. The prices are very reasonable and it's a place to lay low on those lazy Saturday nights.

    (4)

  • Alex V.

    This is our go to place for lunch at work. They give us good discount because we eat there so much. The cheeseburger is big and juicy and always cooked to my liking. The cajun chicken sandwich is good also. The best thing on the menu is the cajun chicken and pasta with a cajun cream sauce. It always satisfies. Sometimes we will stop here after work for happy hour. The service is always fast and friendly.

    (4)

  • Courtney L.

    What a great find! The place we bought our Christmas tree from in Andersonville recommended this restaurant/bar to us. We'd have never found it on out own, as it's tucked away near a cemetery. It was perfect. Cozy, good music, dim but comfortable lighting. Bartender was exceptionally friendly, and the food was excellent. My boyfriend wanted bar food, I wanted something a bit more healthy and preferrably vegetarian. He loved his meatloaf sandwich, but I think my portabello burger was even better. So, so, so good. We can't wait to go back. I only wish it was walking distance from our Uptown apartment. I'd make this my "home" bar and go-to restaurant for sure. All in all, great menu. Tons of selections and variety. Great beer selection too. If you like a casual, down-to-earth environment with great food and good people, this place is for you.

    (5)

  • rachel p.

    one star for a well versed beer list one star for an all weather patio one star for being open til 4am the food is hit or miss here. the breads can be good: garlic, rosemary ciabatta, tomato foccacia. the apps generally sound better than they taste and the fried stuff is, well.... fried. in terms of a late night place for good beer and bar eats, its a 4 star. for a steak dinner... not so much.

    (3)

  • Pete S.

    I have been going & ordering from here for years, although this past year it has been mostly ordering for delivery or pick-up. Going to eat here is a great experience whether out with friends or just you and your significant other. The atmosphere is great for both. The front is definitely more of the "friends watching the game" experience. The back is more laid-back & good for a date or having dinner with family members. In my opinion, the food has decreased slightly in quality since the new management took over, but it seems that they have been trying to improve that lately. I was also appalled when the new management decided to switch the delivery/take-out containers from the old aluminum/cardboard containers to these huge plastic ones! My recent order came in a cardboard container, so I was happy about that. If I was reviewing based solely on dine-in experience, I would give this place 4 stars, HOWEVER, when you order your food, you almost have to expect there to be something wrong with the order. I really don't get it because the people on the phone speak good English and are articulate, but I would have to say that the order is incorrect 30% of the time! I really wish they would try a little harder to get the orders right. Otherwise, this is a pretty good place.

    (3)

  • Chris W.

    Very chilled out 4'oclock bar. It can get routy in there but its peak routyness tends to be around 2 or so when all the 2'oclock bar people head in. They've got a medium selection of food to order which they have at small tables on a menu. I'd recommend the pizza, in particular the pesto one.

    (5)

  • Maggie D.

    I've been going to this place for years and my experiences have been either fabulous or average, but never bad. There are three different seating areas that each have a unique vibe. The dining room has a fireplace and is pretty cozy. The old wood floors give it a vintage feel. The bar has plenty of tvs, darts and a good jukebox. Not to mention the stellar beer and wine selection. The enclosed, heated patio is a great place for casual dining and reminds me of summer even in December. The food has been phenomenal, but I have had the occasional overcooked dish. By occasional I mean probably 5 times in the 7 years I've been going there. The soups are to die for. Great salads too. A little history - the place used to be a boarding house for mourners. Rosehill Cemetary is across the street and those attending funerals would stay at what is now the Fireside if their journey home was a long one. If you go, notice how everything above the first floor is divided into two buildings - one was for women and one was for men. There was to be no fornicating while grieving!

    (3)

  • Caitlin S.

    Last night was my boyfriend's birthday. I planned an event here, after hearing good things about it. I invited about 15 people (mostly just family,) and had a reservation since 3 to 4 weeks ago. I was so dissapointed. The food was ehh...okay. Very inconsistent. My portabella burger was solid, but my sister's chicken sandwich was measly, and that's being kind. The chicken was sliced in half so as to use more bread, so each chicken "breast" was about 1/8th of an inch thick. The food wasn't really the main problem though. It was the BAR. We waited over 15 minutes every time we ordered a round of drinks. Eventually we started just walking over to the bar and ordering drinks ourselves, paying cash. We were then scolded by a surly female bartender, accusing us of trying to get free drinks. Other various things went wrong (mixed up drinks, terrible margaritas, they were out of ribs, etc,) and I was overall, just really let down in the place. Not to mention it was FIVE HUNDRED degrees in the dining room. I know its a Fireside Lounge guys, but does that fire need to be blazin' all day long? That being said, our waitress was really friendly, and some people were really pleased with their dinners. (Me included.) Also, after talking to the manager, we were discounted a bit off of our bill.

    (2)

  • Sarah-jayne M.

    Wooo Hooo for half price wine Tuesdays!!! I accidentally came here for dinner the other night. By accidentally I mean that I was headed somewhere else and they ended up being closed. First of all, Fireside has a special vibe because they have a bar at the front (somewhat divey) and then this crazy patio in back that is heated even in winter. Since it was nice out, we opted for the patio. I had a roasted red pepper soup which was amazing. My boyfriend has the chorizo soup which was also good although a little too spicy for me. Then I had the grilled salmon, a good size portion with green beans and broccoli. The man had pork chops with the same veggies. The meal itself was generous and filling. Not overly flavored, nice and light. The wine was indeed half price so we sucked that right up. I really liked this place because they give you a million differant options for sides. The staff was efficient and friendly. The overall vibe is very "local" but not in a snotty way, more of a "Cheers" way. I'm glad I went and will be back!

    (5)

  • Jeff Z.

    This place was a fun night out. Good Food, Good Drinks & Good Company.

    (4)

  • Sean Q.

    I've been patronizing The Fireside for about 15 years and have never had a bad meal. 9/ 10 I go there for dinner and always get the same thing. The Cajun Meatloaf with Andoille Sausage crust and Country Mashed Potatoes is to die for! The portions are so huge I have never finished and always took a doggie bag home. Also highly recommended are the Chicken Tenders. Huge batter fried chicken pieces that are so tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. With a great barbeque sauce on the side its a great starter. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is the service. Although I haven't been there for about 6 months the service is hit or miss. My last visit was great (on a date) but I have had to wait over 45 minutes to get my check. Oh well, the food makes up for it!

    (4)

  • Kevin F.

    Great food and outdoor garden

    (4)

  • Justin S.

    Very neighborhood bar-y, but the kitchen is open until 3AM. This alone gets 3*, and the extra star comes from the CHEAP drink prices (5.50 for a white russian? really?!) and the good food.

    (4)

  • Evan L.

    3 stars for food 4our for atmosphere. The food is pretty good. Nice dark and relaxing been the same for a long time. Cozy and comfortable.

    (3)

  • Steve R.

    It's off the beaten path and that's what's good about it. Its kitchen is open late and the food is generally pretty good, there's a very nice selection of taps, and the patio is OK as well. There's no recognizable "scene" here which is always a plus in my book, just lots of different folks hanging out.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    We just came here for drinks and I really liked the atmosphere! The bar side is rather small, but then they have a tented outdoor patio. (Of course, it was cold and the tent was up and there were heaters all over, which was nice!) We did not have dinner there so I can't speak of the food, except we did have 2 desserts. Really, I can't say I was a fan of the desserts. They have a pretty good beer menu and the atmosphere was pretty good. I would definitely go back there!

    (3)

  • Rhonda R.

    This place does not impress initially. I came for drinks and a snack with some friends and winced a little as I pulled up. Parking is usually easy in the lot or on the street. I almost thought they were joking. We got seated right away on a Friday after the work week ready to throw back more than a few. I will tell you that a few is all you need to catch a lovely, relaxing buzz. The friendly, attentive wait staff only adds to the warm fuzzies I get at the Fireside. This is not my kind of place but I find myself a member of their Fireside Club. No secret handshake, but I do get 10% off with my card and something as yet unredeemed for my birthday. There is a fantastic REAL crab and asparagus salad, seriously fantastic. The shrimp and pesto pizza is delicious also. I was not crazy about the burger the one time I had it but I am a bit of a burger snob. I don't think I would order the pasta dishes either. Friends beg to differ on my pasta opinion, tasty, but I make a mean Bolognese. The Fireside is a good time, quiet enough for conversation and bustling enough to feel like you have had an evening out. I would recommend it for "happy hour" and snacks.

    (4)

  • Jennifer C.

    Went here for Mother's Day brunch and was pretty impressed. Then again, it was 9 am and I had been out until 4 the night before, so I would have eaten anything. But the bloody mary's were only $4 and you got to make your own using a 100+ ingredient table that consisted of mostly hot-sauces.

    (4)

  • Jamie J.

    Love this place. Comfortable, great service, great food, and great prices.

    (5)

  • Chandra E.

    I went to this place for the first time Friday night for dinner. It was kinda late to be out with a 5 year old so we called ahead to make sure it was ok. They said it was fine. I would say it has three main areas. A dining hall a bar area and then a indoor back patio. We ate in the back patio it was absolutely beautiful. I would recommend this as a great laid back place to be. It was not too crowded. We did walk through the bar which was starting to get full. The food was ok I ordered the spicy shrimp spaghetti which was a little bland in my opinion... The portion sizes were large. The service was not exceptional but decent. What pushed the rating to a 4 star rating was the red sangria... It was exactly how sangria should taste. I will definitely put this on my spot to go have a great red wine sangria. And try a different dish on the menu my friends salad looked absolutely delicious.

    (4)

  • meng y.

    Very laid back, nice place. I went with a friend, sat out in the patio and enjoyed the Grilled Catfish. It was tart, tangy and tasty. But, overall I'd go back for the ambience.

    (4)

  • Courtney B.

    There's never a weekend morning I wake up not not craving a bloody mary. The good thing about these habitual yearnings is that it gives me an excuse to try lots of different places, recipes and ingredients. I prefer a make-your-own BM bar so I can put all the funky things I love in it. This weekend it was time to check out Fireside which boasts having 180 ingredients on a sign outside. Awesome! Well, I'd say 140 of these ingredients are in spice jars but, all good. I made a creative concoction and liked that they had some meat (pepperoni) and some cheese product. I would have like longer skewers though as it's hard to fit all those different veggies and other items onto a small stick the size of a toothpick. There was a really tasty habenero sauce and several flavored hot sauces that I liked smelling and daring myself to try. I was amused. So much so that the manager came over and asked if he could buy my bloody mary for me in exchange for taking a promotional photo for his website of people (me) making BMs. Done and done. So, look for me on the fireside website, smelling hot sauces and taste testing peppers at their weekend bloody mary bar!

    (4)

  • steve c.

    Build yor own bloody mary bar sundays. O ya. They have a nice tent covered patio area which is relaxing and good to get away frm the bar if you order some food. They have good selection of beer and the food is ok.

    (4)

  • Kate W.

    I went here for brunch and it was surprisingly good. There was a large group of us that they were able to accommodate, and the food was good. I don't remember what everyone had, but there were no complaints. And they had great mimosas!

    (4)

  • Gil N.

    Great little place whether you're just hanging out with people after work or there on a date. The food is above average and the bartender's really hook you up. They have a free buffet on Friday's and they usually draw a nice little crowd. It's not the biggest buffet but it's enough to tide you over while having a drink...or ten. Parking can be a pain at time but you can usually find a spot at a reasonable distance.

    (4)

  • claudine h.

    i had the distinct displeasure of having brunch here. the menu said 3 1/2 stars. that's the biggest overstatement i have ever heard. the server warned us before we even ordered that our food was going to take a while because they were so busy. the place was barely half full. i had made my reservation before hand, they knew we were coming, and there were 7 of us. the server was slow bringing our drinks and had to be corrected on our order multiple times. she took ages to revisit our table. i had to ask for a refill on my coffee, and then never got another. the bus boys spilled water on my shoes twice when refilling the water. after waiting over a half hour for food, our order came out wrong. the salmon salad barely had salmon on it and had cheese when we asked for no cheese. the potato servings were meager on some plates and generous on others. all in all it wasn't worth the 18% gratuity we were charged. i used to be a server, a bartender, and a manager at multiple restaurants. this was a deplorable experience and if i ever have to go back there it will be too soon. do yourself a favor. just skip it and go somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Cassie B.

    Ok i confess i have never been here but we have ordered delivery many times. i hope to go here eventually, maybe in the summer. their delivery food is so good and so different from the normal Chinese, pizza, Italian, etc. they have real entrees like steak, pork, chicken, and rib dishes along with very good sandwiches and salads and pastas. they also have sides like bakes potatoes, veggies, rice, and mashed potatoes rather than the normal fries. the food is fresh and like home-cooking but better. (p.s. they deliver beer and smokes, which we have not yet needed to partake of).

    (4)

  • Cor J.

    I just learned you will soon be able to enjoy al fresco dining at sidewalk tables out front! One more reason to make this a favorite stop for drinks.

    (5)

  • Nick K.

    Nice bar with incredible food! The waitresses are superb with customers especially Marla she always gives excellent service. I am amazed with the taste of the food-wouldnt expect this kind of taste from a bar. Its open late and the patio is nice to enjoy the food whenever its open. Stays open til 5 am on Saturday-(kitchen closes at 4 on Saturday-3 every other day of the week). If you are hungry late definetely go here! They have various food and drink specials during the week as well and free parking as well.

    (5)

  • James T.

    Wonderful atmosphere and good service. One of the relatively new managers Joey) is also working wonders with this place.

    (5)

  • Renato P.

    This place is good , just good. The dining room is pretty nice if not a tad dark. The food selection was decent , even if the food was only pretty good. The ribs tasted good but were too tender , and I'm not a big fan of tender ribs. The pizza is good , not great but good. I also enjoyed the burger. This place had a nice outside beer garden , I went to a Christmas party there and it was surprisingly temperate in climate. Give this place a shot , if you can find parking , the small lot I saw could fit like 5 cars , and the street parking was scarce

    (3)

  • Johanna C.

    I give this place 4 stars for the atmosphere mainly. The back area is really great to sit around, look at the sky, have a meal and drink with your friends. I don't think the food is that great based on what my friends and I have had but I'm sure there is something on the menu that is really tasty. The bar is also nice and the windows give you a clear view of Ravenswood (not that there's much to look at). It's a nice home-y feeling neighborhood bar.

    (4)

  • Christine S.

    perfect for a cold winter night... huddle around the fire with a glass of wine and comfort food including burgers, over roasted pizza and pasta. An easy and affordable pleaser

    (3)

  • Mara S.

    We went to Fireside this morning for brunch. It was really empty, which was great for our group of 8, but after my meal came I could see why people favor other Chicago restaurants for brunch. My meal was ok, but nothing special. I would go back because of the ease of getting a table and the good service, but really, the food is nothing to write home about. Prices reflect the mediocre food.

    (3)

  • JP S.

    Extensive menu that is all available until 3 AM, great waitstaff. Eclectic crowd makes this a fun late night joint.

    (4)

  • Alexandra T.

    Should have been more fun than it was. The food was mediocre. Is a sandwich or a salad that hard to do? The service was friendly, the location and atmosphere are optimal. I'd go back for a drink.

    (2)

  • Shannon S.

    Went here last night, this place was awesome. The food was great and the prices weren't bad at all. We sat out on their patio, there was a great crowd of people there. Everyone, including the staff was very friendly. Our waitress was awesome. It is kind of hidden but if you can find it, you won't be disappointed.

    (4)

  • Carlo N.

    We met out a few friends who were from out of town to eat at this joint. Not bad for decently priced food. Regular bar fare. It's really quite out of the way for the city driven, no-car kind of denizen...I ordered the Reuben Sandwich which was heavy on the salt and the side of fries was enough for...well no one. Nothing real special here, especially if you're going out of the way for a meal...Probably a good place for locals who are in need of a beer and some pub food.

    (2)

  • John L.

    Am I the only one on Yelp that gets very annoyed at loud music blasting in restaurants? I never read any reviews complaining about this anywhere but I notice the noise at a lot of places. When I go out to eat, I'm not going for the music to be in my face, I'm going to relax and talk with whoever I'm eating with. I don't know, I guess I hit up the Fireside at the wrong time, late on a random weeknight. It appeared to be more of a bar than a restaurant. There were haggard looking people just sitting around drinking. When we walked in, the first thing to hit me was the extremely LOUD sound system just blasting the hell out of the Black Eyed Peas. No one greeted us, so I walked over to the bar and asked if we were supposed to seat ourselves or what? She couldn't hear me. Gee, do you think it's too loud in here? I asked again. Yelling it this time. She handed me a couple of menus and said something, but now I could not hear her. My girlfriend and I looked at each other and she said something to me, but I couldn't make it out. It was just too damned loud. Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas just blasting louder than ever! Well, we stepped back outside to talk about possibly leaving because of how loud it was. My ears were ringing like crazy at this point. We discussed going someplace else, but it was late, so I decided to just go in and order take out. So, I went back in and back up to the bar to order some food to go. I was holding my ears while looking at the menu and the bartender just kind of laughed. I tried ordering but she could not hear me clearly, so I just began pointing at things on the menu. She said a few things back to me that I couldn't really make out. I handed her my debit card not really knowing how much it was because I couldn't hear her. I didn't care, I just wanted some food to take home. Suddenly, a break in the music for about 5 seconds. I heard the bartender tell me that it'd be about a 15 minute wait. Then Q-tip or whoever it is that sings that annoying song from the Miller Light commercials starts blasting, "there's a party over here, there's a party over here.........." LOUD AS HELL!!!! I waited the 15 minutes outside where it was quiet and gave my ears a rest. I went back in and grabbed the food and took it home. Of course, some of the order was wrong but at this point, so what, it's just bland tasting bar food. Most of it seemed as if it had been just reheated. I'm hoping that they don't play the music this loud all of the time. Maybe it's just something that they do late at night. I won't be back to find out.

    (1)

  • Greg G.

    Perfect little out of the way casual joint to meet up with someone. The food is wonderful as is the low key atmosphere. It's not a polished place--just right when you want to get some good food and a few drinks before or after without having to get all dressed up. Big bar area with a quieter restaurant area adjacent. Also has an outdoor patio that is tented in, but they did a nice job of making it cozy. They have an internet juke and a dart board as well. Plenty of street parking along with their own lot. I'm at this place quite a bit and I meet some of the coolest people around here!

    (4)

  • Lisa B.

    I love this place! The food is good. The prices are fair. Service is great. I love their outdoor seating area. Once in awhile when I feel too lazy to cook and too lazy to go out, we'll order a pizza from there and the delivery is fast and friendly as well.

    (4)

  • Nannette P.

    When I think of the food at Fireside, my stomach curls up in a ball, protecting itself from the gut busting grease and fried curls of lard that surrounds most of the food that comes from its kitchen. Blah. I've had better chicken tenders from the samplers at Costco and the fried calamari should only be ordered upon recovery from the hangover from hell, where grease upon grease, upon grease, will be your only hope of betterment. I have frequented this place only because it is literally right around the corner from my place and I avoid it at all costs, unless during the Winter months where I prefer to walk and not drive somewhere. The environment is a weird mix of people, and it's a weird environment, a mix of a local "pub" with random music, Christmas lights almost year round, and a fake palm tree outside (the one my dogs really love, if you know what I mean). One star for the to-go beer option (a GENIUS idea) and another goes to the constant coupons distributed in the neighborhood. Bar food doesn't have to be stale tasting or covered in grease to be good. They could definitely better that food.

    (2)

  • Mary C.

    This is a neighborhood gem. It's a great location with a real Chicago feel. The food is hit or miss, but I really like the chicken fingers. The best part is that they have a heated outdoor patio that is open all-year long. They also serve food really late. The staff is friendly and they have a frequent customer program where you can earn free dinners and appetizers. Just ask your server about this.

    (3)

  • Justin G.

    I like it. A nice place to hang out. Food is pretty good too.

    (4)

  • Lynne D.

    Fireside restaurant is a great little Ravenswood secret! The food is pretty yummy and priced nice! There is a great sized menu. They have a bar and an enclosed back deck which is pretty nice too! The service there has been excellent every time I have gone! People are very friendly. They serve food until very late...I believe 2AM. Also, there is a small parking lot, but parking is not usually a problem. Also, I hear that the brunch on Sunday is great!

    (3)

  • Elizabeth C.

    Well above average bar food in low key casual environment. A must if you live in the neighborhood. I wish I could move it about 160 blocks south right about now.

    (3)

  • Alan T.

    The Fireside, as you will likely learn from a local upon entering this establishment, is a total fixture in the Edgewater neighborhood. It's tucked away on a not so traveled stretch of Ravenswood Ave, directly across the tracks from the Rosehill Cemetery. If you're not out looking for this place, you likely wouldn't find it just driving by. This is clearly where the locals like to hang out, kick back, drink, relax, party, eat Sunday brunch, or...whatever. This place is one of those that try to be everything to everybody and they actually seem to pull it off. There are three areas to dine in. The main dining room, the bar room, and the covered all-season patio. The dining room is more formal than the rest of the place though still very comfortable, the pub is well - pubby, and the patio is cozy, comfortable, and dark. I usually opt for the pub because I like studying the beer selection and it's good for people watching too. The place has a surprisingly good beer selection, with several American micros on tap and a pretty decent bottle selection as well. A good choice for those needing respite from the crowds at Hopleaf, but still have a craving for decent beer. The service here has always been beyond friendly and very attentive. These folks certainly make you feel welcome. The icing on the cake here is their kitchen. Everything I have tried here has ranged from good to excellent. Huge portions, meals that include soup or salad (and a good salad at that), warm bread and butter, and a kitchen that serves the full menu until 3:00 A.M. every gosh darn day of the week. What's not to love about this place? Well.... I suppose the only thing I really don't like is the jukebox. Every time I have been here, someone has hijacked the juke and played nothing but hip-hop and rap all night. I hear that this place can get a bit rough late at night, but I certainly haven't witnessed this first hand. This is a truly unique friendly neighborhood place that you should really check out if you're in the area. Always a great late night dining option when the usual burritos or pizza slices won't do.

    (4)

  • Jen J.

    i give the fireside 5 stars, because it is everything a neighborhood bar and restaurant should be. on the one side you have the restaurant--perfect to bring your family including older relatives and children. on the other side you have the bar--TVs to watch your favorite chicago team, the bloody mary bar on sundays for those who can stand tomato juice and 100 ingredients, the extensive beer list and the hearty, home-style food menu which ranges from calamari to pizza to grilled chicken to pasta. i swear by the blackened steak salad which i probably eat once a month (though i cook a lot at home, i swear!) and my husband is a big fan of their meatloaf sandwich. i can count on them to have a bell's, sierra nevada, or a sprecher on tap and one of the waitstaff actually crashed my wedding. we had our family and friends here for our rehearsal dinner on the casual all-year porch which is complete with removable flaps for the summer and heat lamps in the winter. every neighborhood could benefit from such a casual place that so completely covers your eating, drinking and entertaining needs.

    (5)

  • Ebru Y.

    My experience here was very positive comparing to others'. We went to Fireside on Saturday evening and wanted to sit in the restaurant section, and didn't even have to wait that long, maybe it was just our luck that some people were leaving right when we walked in. I have to say they probably make some of the best pasta around! I had the blackened chicken and pasta, and I don't know which I fell in love with more, the chicken or the cajun sauce for the pasta?! The portions are pretty huge though, so it might be a good idea to skip the appetizers, or if you are super hungry order a salad or something along those lines. Of course getting it to go is always an option. Parking can be little bit of a problem even though they have parking right next door, street parking isn't that difficult. The prices are, I think, pretty reasonable considering how much food you get. I really enjoyed dining at this place and will definitely go back for more!

    (5)

  • Jaclyn M.

    I have been to Fireside 2 times and both experiences were very positive. This seems like a great place to be laid back with friends. The main room with the fireplace is very cozy and smoke free. The menu has a wide variety, from full dinners to burgers, pizza and salads. Just had Sunday brunch there and loved the fresh fruit, several varieties of eggs and a few of the atypical brunch items (pork and cactus, mexican style eggs benedict, grilled salmon).

    (4)

  • Christoph B.

    I am reviewing this place solely on the weekend brunch experience. Let's get right to the good stuff. Try the BBQ Pork sandwich, it's AMAZING. I'm also a fan of their Reuben. Eating brunch on their all weather patio is one of my favorite weekend activities. It can get fairly busy with the after church crowd and families/kids. Still, parking is relatively painless. There is one thing that bothers me about Fireside.. every time I come here it's always really awkward getting seated. They apparently don't have a host so people just kind of mill about between the bar and the dining area trying to flag down somebody who can seat them. Annoying. This should be easy to fix.

    (4)

  • Rob L.

    I really like this place. Though what I love even more is coming here in the summer. Sitting out in their covered patio area at night, their fans going, strings of various lights strewn about, candles softly glowing, makes this one of my favorite summertime spots. The menu has a lot. Really a lot. From sandwiches to salads to main dinners and beyond. I've enjoyed the food, always solid but nothing amazing, but my favorite seems to be their simple burger with cheddar washed down with a cold beer. The service has been relaxed and friendly every time I've been there. I seem to miss it during the winter time, but wouldn't oppose going there, but when the weather heats up it is a great place to cool down.

    (4)

  • Asha M.

    my favorite neighborhood spot! it's a sassy little dive..with amazing food and service! the bartenders and servers always remember you face! They have a patio and a dining room, but i prefer the bar and how all the locals congregate here. If you come here enough you even start to make friends! Best pizza up north!

    (5)

  • roberto a.

    Well, I've been coming to Fireside since way back when, and it is still my first bar of choice when my friends need to dine and drink. As a long time patron yes, I have seen staff come and go, and the different crowds have come and gone. But the food is still good and despite a few changes, the ambience is still the same. There are three parts to Fireside. A separate, smoke-free dining area, a bar, and an enclosed patio area. The dining area is perfect for relaxed dining or for those who want to enjoy food without smoke. The bar is great if it's not too crowded, and the patio excels at combining a little bit of both. On colder days, heaters scattered throughout the patio keep the place warm, though the person sitting closest to them will get broiled. Everyone should sit in the patio at least once during the fall or winter season. The blackened chicken with pasta is my personal favorite, along with the cajun spiced calarmi, which I think is a must as an appetizer regardless of where you sit. Steaks are hit or miss. If you must, go for the peppercorn fillet and avoid the NY strip. The fish is good. The sandwich selection mirrors the entree menu and should be considered if you don't feel like a whole meal. Avoid the pizza. It's not that great and I don't recommend spending money on it. Once we ordered a pizza and asked for extra cheese. The pizza came with 4 or 5 slices of half-melted American cheese ontop of the pizza. Not sure where our order got lost in translation, but the end result wasn't very appetizing. Drinks are reasonably priced, though depending on how busy it is, sometimes the waitstaff disappears just as you need them. At other times though, you barely put an empty bottle or glass down before a replacement drink is slid infront of you. Like any other place, your night will vary. The clientel ranges from the "just turned 21 group" to the "I'm visiting from Rosehill" group. For the most part, everyone keeps to themselves- and makes the bar perfect if you want to stick out the night with friends. Between the street and their lot, parking in the area is easy to find. Later in the night, there is usually a cab or two that linger around for fares to take home. All in all, Fireside is a solid place to goto. Pros: Laidback atmosphere, appetizers are good, drinks are reasonably priced, decent menu selection. Separate bar-dining area. Parking easy to find. No smoking in dining area. Smoking allowed in bar and patio. Cons: Service and food can be hit or miss. Avoid steaks and pizza. No smoking in dining area. Smoking allowed in bar and patio. Go there long enough and you'll start to nitpick what you don't like and miss what you do. To sum it up: I hold up a Windex shot (some Windex-blue colored shot my friends and I used to close out the night with) and salute to memories good and bad.

    (3)

  • Joe H.

    Was out riding last night and stopped at Fireside for dinner. It was about 6 PM and the place was empty. No problem, better service for me, right? Wrong. I chose to sit at the bar as I would probably be able to see the TVs. The bartender did not greet me but said "You want something". I ordered a beer and showed my ID as she requested. The phone rang just as she was about to pour. From the sounds of the conversation, it was a manager who should have been respectful of the fact that she might have had customers and should have kept the conversation short and sweet. That, or she should have said she had customer(s) and gotten off the phone. I waited quite a while for my beer. I asked for a menu and she initially forgot it. She brought it and I decided quickly but had to wait quite a while for her to take my order, keeping in mind there were two other people at the bar. While waiting for her to take my order I was oh- so-fortunate to hear a conversation between her and another employee about how much she didn't want to work and then proceeded to complain about how few tips she had received. Look, I used to bartend. I know how sucky a slow afternoon is, but don't complain in front of customers. It's weak and unprofessional. The meatloaf sandwich I ordered arrived quickly, delivered by a waitress who was paying me more attention than the bartender. She asked me if I needed anything and offered to refill my beer. It was a little dry, but overall pretty tasty. I received the check and couldn't bring myself to leave a crappy tip. I left a $20 on a $14 tab Between Gio's, Leadway and now Fireside, I'm beginning to rethink my decision to move to Ravenswood as all three places have treated me less like a kick-ass tip leaving customer and more like an unwanted corn on the proverbial toe. The old man bar on Foster, K's Dugout, has been more hospitable than the aforementioned three.

    (3)

  • Marcos L.

    There seems to have been a very welcome change in attitude (management?) here. The music is not as loud, the crowd is more relaxed and friendly (you think there might be a connection?). The food is still solid - pretty much everything is good, and there are a few standouts like the burgers. The dining room is still the best part, but the bar - now that you can actually sit and have a conversation - is cozy enough. Good place to watch a ball game. And it really is one of the only choices if you want some decent food after midnight up north.

    (5)

  • laurie s.

    food is okay - good portions at an affordable price- staff is exceptional- Sunday brunch- we had just left another establishment that had taken bad service to an all-time low so were so pleased to have attentive servers, as much coffee as we could ever drink- water refilled without asking- and a kitchen willing to work with specialr equests ( I hate eggs, my husband likes things really spicy and one of our guests has food allergies that require some deconstruction of dishes) The Crabcake bendict (sans eggs) was a healthy protion of real crab meat and a fresh tasting Hollandaise- go here to hang out and enjoy the company of friends while being taken care of by the wonderful staff

    (3)

  • Jim G.

    We ordered the BBQ Chicken and Hawaiian pizzas for delivery. They took 1:10 to deliver them, and they arrived cold and soggy.

    (2)

  • Bill M.

    I've only been here when my parents are picking up the check and I'm not embarrassed by it. The food is great and it doesn't look too insanely pricey. You have a choice of either eating in the dining area (which feels like a log cabin circa 1834) or the huge semi-outdoor patio (which is pretty awesome). I'm a big fan of this place and may one day even go in and pay for my own meal.

    (4)

  • Mikey S.

    This place is horrible, bad service food took over an hour and where dining in. I never wrote a bad review to any business but these guys need to understand what there doing wrong. Been coming for years now. And the fact the manger didn't do anything about the food delaying and the rude servers. Fireside sorry to say but you just lost a long time coming customer.

    (1)

  • Michael H.

    I stumbled upon Fireside while taking a shortcut to Target on Petersen. Vowed to stop in and glad that I did. This place has its fair share of regulars who know what they want. Huge beer selection in a beer cooler that's seen better days. Nice nightly good specials. Tried the Gouda with red pepper burger on a pretzel roll which was tasty. She had the blackened catfish which was a bit salty but flavorful. Fireside has a lot of character (and characters). Be prepared for an experience.

    (3)

  • Galen G.

    This place is great -- sitting out front at night with tress in front of me feels like I'm not even in the city. Fantastic beer section, great bartenders. I could sit in the bar out back or out front and enjoy the atmosphere. In the evening it feels like a place where people get a beer and hang out, no rush to drink and leave. All in all glad to have them in the area, worth the walk.

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    My man friend and I came late at night (around 2am) for drinks and half off appetizers. Our server came over about 3 minutes after we sat down (we sat down at a high top table near the bar). We ordered drinks (I ordered a Sauvignon blanc, and my date ordered a blue moon, which was on special for $3 or around there). We also ordered medium wings. We got our drinks pretty fast. Our server actually poured them. Ok cool. The wings, however, took forever to come out. I work at a bar, so I know wings take a while. HOWEVER, when the BBQ wings came out, I was a bit confused. BBQ. We ordered medium. Whatever, still good, ok. The wings came with a nice helping of celery and carrots with ranch. I was happy about this. I love celery and carrots with my wings! My wine sat empty for a while, while our server sat at the bar and talked to the bartender. We were her on table, it appeared, so I was shocked that she didn't at least check on us once. When we finally were done eating, she asked if I wanted another wine. It was about 3am at this point, so we were ready to go. I declined. Being in the industry and also working at a late night bar, I understand that by the end of the night, you're just done. Ready to leave. I'll probably be back earlier in the day for some food - I love sweet potato tots and saw that those are on the menu! Maybe service is better earlier in the day, too. Let's hope because I live a short walk away and will be back!

    (3)

  • Ruth R.

    Wasn't a horrible place. I went on two occasions: The first time, it was a very late night at the bar side. It was filled with regulars who were overly drunk and crazy rowdy and annoying. Couldn't wait to get the hell out of there that night. I like a local place, but the bartenders were just interested in hanging out with their drinking buddies and the regulars there could have kept it down just a tad, for the rest of us who still want to live life without any serious hearing problems. I'll chalk it up to it being in the wee hours of the night and they had a few too many, but these guys are regulars and I'd rather not run into them again :) On the second occasion, I went to the restaurant side during the day. It was quiet, cozy and the food was good and fairly priced. The table settings were great! The center pieces were little flower pots they were growing their herbs out of. I thought it was neat.

    (3)

  • Sean C.

    I made a reservation on Yelp. When we arrived, we were told they didn't honor reservations made on Yelp. Don't set up Yelp to take reservations for your restaurant if you won't honor them. We didn't even get a simple "sorry" for this screw-up. The hostess implied we were at fault.

    (1)

  • Shaun S.

    Food is ok, service is terribly slow. I know how slow the service is, so I phoned my burger in. They said 15 minutes. I showed up in 20, I sat down and said I had a phone Togo order and I'll just eat here instead. You would think that my food would have been boxed up ready to go and they could just throw it in the plate, nope. ANOTHER 20 minutes before I got the food. And there was maybe 10 people in the place. Hire more people.

    (2)

  • Bill M.

    I recently dined at Fireside Restaurant on North Ravenswood. It sort of feels like two establishments in one. If you walk in the front entrance, there is a doorway on the right towards the "bar" area, with music and also a few tables for a slightly more casual dining experience. The doorway on the left leads to the main dining area, with a warm fireplace prominently featured on the side wall. If you sit near the fireplace (such as our party of three), you will definitely feel warm and toasty. There are interesting artworks on every wall for added visual appeal, so you feel like you're in a cross between a ski lodge and art gallery. The food menu is rather extensive, but the drinks menu seemed even more robust. I had previously visited Fireside's bar during a beer trolley tour, and after having inspected the beer list thoroughly I know why Fireside was included in that tour. I must have perused longingly at the beer listings for ten minutes before selecting the Ommegang on tap. There is no complimentary bread basket here, and the menu states NO SPLITTING PLEASE. We each ordered ribs for dinner, as that is one of the featured (and pricier) menu items. I ordered a full slab, with an enormous baked potato (comes with butter and a cup of sour cream) and mixed vegetables. The ribs were splashed with a slather of barbecue sauce across the slab. The ribs tasted fine, the meat was tender, though I admit the ribs are no comparison to the ribs I like at Smoque. I did have about four of the ribs to take home, and enjoyed them reheated the following evening. Should I pop by Fireside again, I'd like to try something else on the menu. The service level was efficient during our meal. There is a small but free customer parking lot adjacent to the south wall of the restaurant.

    (4)

  • Steve O.

    One of Chicago's best local bar/restaurants. The Cajun Meatloaf is awesome as are the Pork Chops. I love the Mashed Potatoes as well. In fact I've never had a meal I didn't like here. The staff is always friendly and works very hard. Tonight, I'm trying the Lasagna for the first time. I've heard good things about it. In 25 plus visits, we've never been disappointed.

    (5)

  • Lord Of T.

    I give the food 3 stars and the outdoor seating area 4 stars. It is a nice place to get "American" food. It has a regular pub crowd.... It is not trendy, pretty relaxed.

    (4)

  • Diana J.

    Not sure where my review went of their horrible service for a party I hosted here...anyway, to summarize: they were unprepared, overpriced, and did not deliver what they said they could.

    (1)

  • Liz J.

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all fabulous here! We love this hidden gem of a restaurant. This place is large and has many different sections to sit in. There is the more formal dining area with the fire place, the bar, and the patio which is open most of the year. All atmospheres are perfect and offer a different feel for whatever kind of meal you are wanting to enjoy at the time. The staff is friendly and the food is just perfect. I definitely recommend fireside to all my friends and family and usually take out of Towners here too.

    (5)

  • Roseann M.

    My friend the Broccoli Queen took me to Fireside in late January for my birthday treat. The restaurant was my choice. I knew it had a large menu, an inviting dining room with a fireplace, and its own parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. Although its menu is heavy on meat and I am a vegetarian, I knew I could find something to eat. Since the occasion was a celebration of my birthday, I also wanted to have a couple drinks with dinner, and I knew that Fireside had a full bar. It all seemed reasonable, and the Broccoli Queen was enthusiastic. She knew from past visits that she could get broccoli. The parking lot is really convenient. If the lot is full, you'll find plenty of free, nearby parking on Ravenswood. The dining room was very pleasant. It was a cold night, of course. We arrived shortly before 6pm, when there weren't a lot of other customers. We asked to sit near the fireplace, and we got a good table nearby. The waitress gave me a drink special menu, and among all the specialty drinks, I saw that they had glugg. Perfect! That's what I ordered. Oops! The waitress told me that they didn't have glugg anymore. In fact, the restaurant hadn't actually carried glugg for a couple months, along with another specialty drink. OK, I don't get my fancy drink -- first world problem, right? Still, why pass out a menu that's incorrect, and has been for a couple months? And why didn't the waitress tell me as she gave me the drink menu, we're out of these two? That's a big bad on the restaurant, and a little bad on the waitress. I ended up with some kind of hot cider drink. It was pretty good, but not good enough to get a second one. I went with a red wine which turned out to be only okay. My friend ordered a pizza with broccoli. She was deliriously happy. I saw that there was a whole section on the menu for macaroni and cheese. You could get it plan, or you could get it with all sorts of additions. I ordered it with peas. I did get what I ordered, which is good. The taste, though . . . what a big nothing. I've seen lots of Yelpers say things like, this food tasted like it came out of a box, and I've thought, oh, they're exaggerating. When I tell you that this macaroni and cheese tasted like Kraft out of the box, I am not exaggerating. Big, big disappointment. I thought, wistfully, of the macaroni and cheese I get at Café Selmarie in Lincoln Square, and I wished we had gone there instead. Bottom line: Ambiance: 5 stars. Parking: 5 stars Alcohol: 2 stars Food: 2 stars Service: 3 stars

    (2)

  • Earlie C.

    Strictly a food review. How to begin how terrible our meal was tonight. Got delivery and my wings arrived cold in a small pool of ranch that had spilled in the container. Paid extra for blue cheese. Got ranch. Wings tasted as though someone doused them in mesquite seasoning. They were sweet. Not spicy. What was ordered. There were 7 of them for $10. Smoked Turkey sandwich should have been called sponge like turkey sandwich. It was horrendous in every aspect. Delivery person with room temp. I.Q. didn't know how to dial apartment number on keypad. Never again. Probably one of the worst meals I've had in the past 6 months.

    (1)

  • Mat M.

    I had dinner this past week at Fireside with a friend and we sat in the bar. The place was much larger on the inside than I expected. I also didn't expect the blue collar atmosphere that is Fireside. The food was good, beer selection extensive and the feel was just comfortable and homey - I really liked it. I'd come back.

    (4)

  • Henry P.

    Do not eat here. My boyfriend and I have been here twice. The first time I ordered a steak sandwich and he ordered a ravioli dish. I picked the steak off the sandwich, and he forced himself to eat half of what tasted like microwaved chef-boyardi. Today we ordered pickup. 2 burgers, both of which were tasteless, soggy and undercooked. We didn't eat them despite being starving. Fireside gets 1 star for the random girl in spandex grooving in front of the jukebox to boys II men. Even that seemed tasteless, soggy and a little contaminated though. It's unfortunate that the space is so awesome, but the food and service are beyond repair. I'm convinced that this place is under new management since any review prior to 9 months ago or is either about a different restaurant or a paid advertisement.

    (1)

  • Tommy Q.

    Man I didn't even get the bartenders name but she was extremely helpful and nice. We ordered our food and she was very patient with us even though we kept changing our minds; I mean you never really know what to order 2AM in the morning you know? The food was simply amazing with great portions. I would definitely eat here again, my chicken quesadilla tasted sooooooo wavy I'm actually drooling and craving another one as I write this review!

    (5)

  • Mark H.

    Great service and great food as always.

    (5)

  • Alford L.

    Came here for their father's day brunch buffet. We did not know it was going to be a buffet when we reserved our father's day brunch and was unfortunately surprised. For $23 a head, the food was mediocre at best. I would equate it with a standard hotel breakfast buffet / lunch buffet. Ribs were tough and chewy, eggs were dried out, shrimp cocktail was ok. Overall it was definitely not worth what we had paid. I have not tried the regular menu, but others have recommended this place to me, so perhaps it was the buffet that was the problem. I'll have to come back and try their regular menu, but for now, this place is a meh.

    (2)

  • Greg B.

    I had not been here in many years and asked a friend of mine if he would like to go. the host and server were good, its just we had 3 people coming to or table waiting on us. It was too much checking in and wondered why so many people were at one table. We order the Bruchetta appetizer and it was fair. The tomatoes looked canned and over all not with fresh ingredients. The crostini served with it was soooo greasy and oily tasting. This dish needs for care and please, toast the crostini and leave the oil or deep fried taste off of it. We both order burgers which were just ok. We had bacon on both and took the bacon off as it wasnt cooked fully well. The onion strings were in a small pile on it and were not stings at all. Please do these on here at time of order and not just fried crumbly bits. but the lettuce and tomato on the side of the plate for presentation and put the pickles on the burger than under the bun. Who would put that there? We both had mashed potatoes and that was the star. We both were not happy with the meal and unsure if I would come back. I had hopes this would had been a usual hangout for us and it wont be. My hard earned money went to a bad meal. Disappointing.

    (2)

  • Amy R.

    From the outside, this place looks like it seats three people total. Inside, it seats approx three million. I may be exaggerating, MAYBE, but this place is enormous! We came here on a friend's recommendation for Saturday brunch and the place was dead at noon. Not necessarily a great sign, but our waiter was super friendly and helpful. The coffee was super weak but the refills were plentiful. There wasn't anything that jumped out at me on the menu, so I went with the breakfast burrito. It was tasty, filled with the standard egg, chorizo, cheese, avocado combo and came with a pico de gallo and sour cream. My husband got an omelet with steak and some other stuff, and didn't love it. The atmosphere in here is awesome - a dining room with a toasty fireplace, a bar, and a huge covered patio, each looked inviting. Also they have a 200 ingredient Bloody Mary bar, which sounds fantastic and I will definitely try if I go back. The food I had was a-ok, and I'd come back if a friend or group wanted to, despite the hike up to Edgewater!

    (3)

  • Bradley H.

    A Thursday night, shouldn't be too busy, a nice warm evening. Looking forward to giving them a chance to do better than the teeth-wrenching wreck of a rack of ribs I paid $20+ for after the Pride Parade. I've been coming here since they were in Rogers Park. After we sat ourselves in the dining room (the outside patio was full and I don't usually eat dinner in a bar) we waited until I finally got up to get a menu (about 6 minutes); then our harried waiter Juan finally found us, apologized, and was an excellent server the remainder of the evening. Never again. Ordered the Country Fried Steak that was supposed to be "smothered" in Country Gravy- I certainly hope that treasured DOLLOP in the middle of my hard, dried steak wasn't too costly for them. The small while globule was a joke just waiting to be told in a ribald environment. The Veggie Medley was OK, except for the carrots that can break teeth (Hint- thin zucchini, mushrooms and squash cook in much less time than thick carrots do); But most disappointing was the baked potato- I hadn't one in a long while and I looked forward to smothering it in butter after I cut it open and the steamy center called for it. Except for the lack of a steamy center; the center was cold. The outside skin was warm. It was obviously an old potato that sat until it was microwaved just before serving, most likely (but not provable) along with my CFS. When I pointed this out to Juan, encouraging him to press the interior of the potato (he declined- the un-melted pat of room-temp butter was proof enough for him) he brought it back and in a moment returned with another, split already for me (obviously) so it could be heated better in the microwave. Sorry folks- you've been as bad as the manager you had lounging and on her phone in the empty dining room for a half hour after the 6 policemen left. And getting worse. That's twice now- you're a shell of the fun, vibrant, unique Chicago institute I grew up with (I'm 52). I doubt at this point, even a Food Network rehab show could help you. It's no wonder we were the only two people (except for the lounging manager) to be there, in the dining room. On the bright side, THAT part was kind of romantic. Bradley Honig

    (1)

  • N. Mary I.

    Beer is good and fresh. Service is prompt. One maybe two options for Vegans. So I wouldn't go here unless I had to again. Pasta was al dente so I was happy

    (3)

  • Carol K.

    What a great place for Sunday brunch! And when that Sunday turns out to be Mother's Day, you can bet that the Fireside puts on a spread that puts all the other's to shame. And the price? Totally reasonable at $22! I met the girls up here for brunch. One in our party had been coming here for years so she was able to score the best table in the place . . .out front on a beautiful sunny day! The food buffet was amazing with all kinds of breakfast and lunch items. But my favorite thing? The build your own Bloody Mary bar! Thank heaven for one of my friends who steered me through the various mix ins, veggies, meats and countless other things I put in my glass so that I actually ended up with a great tasting (eating) drink to go with my amazing brunch! The other great thing about Fireside? If you drive, there is always plenty of parking along the metra tracks. Friendly servers, good food and easy parking! Yep. I'm a fan!

    (4)

  • Nicole P.

    I like fireside a lot. With that being said, I feel like sometimes it has a prententious vibe. I don't come a lot to be known as a regular but I have been there more than two handfuls of times. Their beer selection is really nice. And the bartenders are really knowledgeable about their beers. But twice I had been treated like because I had to ask about a beer meant that I shouldn't be drinking it. Overall a good experience. Drinks are good and their Mac n cheese is the bomb. And I've tried it sober so it gets extra credit.

    (4)

  • Timothy A.

    The food we got here was generic at best. My wife got the blackened chicken pasta which was ok however it was basic pasta shells with what seemed like an almost flavorless sauce that came out of a can, and a piece of grilled chicken. I got the country fried chicken sandwich which was even more generic. It was a small frozen breaded chicken breast like that out of a bag 8 from target, barely any mayo, some soggy lettuce and a non toasted French roll which at least I can say wasn't stale. Oh and some soggy fries. We were considering dessert when we walked in but by the time we ate our plates we feared more money wasted on a slice of cake out of a box. Food here was waaaaay over priced for it's quality. We were VERY DISAPPOINTED. Our bill should been half of what was in order to reflect the quality. The only good part out of the experience was our waiter who was very friendly and funny.

    (2)

  • Brooke G.

    The atmosphere here is super great and cute, but the food isn't nearly as good as the atmosphere or the price unfortunately.

    (3)

  • Andrew S.

    Normally when I order from this place the food is pretty good but tonight was just far from anything they normally cook. Food came in a timely manner but the quality was horrible. Burger was way under cooked and my calamari was like soup. Very disappointed and makes me want to find another place to order from.

    (1)

  • Juliana R.

    This is absolutely one of my new favorite spots! It is the most cute, tucked away place I have ever visited. Great service and even greater food. A very relaxing ambiance, I have been taking everyone here! The burgers are cooked to perfection, with great beers on tap!

    (5)

  • Cynthia W.

    Going to TRY to keep this brief, but that will be DIFFICULT! As a long time customer, over 20 years, I have to say I am TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED IN THE RUDE WAIT STAFF AND INATTENTION TO CUSTOMER SERVICE! 1. Our initial waitress last night behaved as though she wished we hadn't EVEN stepped foot into the restaurant. 2. Any time she was asked for anything, it was a "hassle." 3. After our meal, my friend and I wanted to continue our stay outdoors, so we went out to the back patio...upon going there, we were told RUDELY by the asshole waiter "um, sorry guys this section is closed." I simply said back, "well, we've already eaten, we just want to sit somewhere quiet and have a few drinks (we were finishing up drinks and PLANNING to order more...) But then he says, "well, I'm here alone, so could you just come up here?" indicating we come to the top of the porch. Reluctantly we did, but we were unsatisfied because there were 2 tables of cackling women and we wanted a more intimate seats g arrangement in order to have quiet conversation. Nevertheless, we sat. Within 10 min, we see 4 OTHER NEW CUSTOMERS being seated in the area WE wanted to sit in and NOTHING was said to them! Then, 2 MORE COUPLES came and gingerly walked down to the lower porch...now I was PISSED! So I quietly say to my guy, "You notice that?" He does and tells me he's irritated and felt it was very rude! I examine the situation to try to decide "what" it might have been to cause this dudes rudeness to us and not to the other patrons...FINALLY it dawned on me! WE had already eaten!!! This f***** was concerned about tips! See, seating us we might not have ordered anything else, right? (I'm SURE this went through HIS mind!!!) In fact, the bus boy was the ONLY ONE WHO EVER APPROACHED US WHILE WE SAT AT OUR TABLE!!!!!!!! JACKASS!!!! Guess what Fireside???? YOU HAVE JUST LOST, NOT ONLY ME, BUT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY FRIENDS (and trust me, I have TONS!!!!) IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!! What used to be a great place to have some eats, drinks and good times with friends is now NOT HAPPENING THERE!!!!! Can't wait to post about this on social media either...FB, twitter, etc.

    (1)

  • Kari M.

    I've been coming here for YEARS and can honestly say that this place is like a second home. When I walk through the door I'm guaranteed to have a great experience with great service! James is the bartender on the weekends during brunch, which is when I'm usually there. Watching him hustle between the customers at the bar and the tables is impressive to say the least! He does everything he can to make sure everyone has a great experience! You would think that I'd be sick of the menu after so many years, but I'm not! I love that I can order from the brunch menu and/or the dinner menu when I come in before 3. I can't be the ONLY person who likes a burger for breakfast! ;) I'm also a HUGE fan of the build your own Bloody Mary bar! If all the ingredients/options overwhelm you, you can have James mix one for you! There is a REASON I call this my second home! Keep up the great work, guys!

    (5)

  • Viet H.

    This used to be the go-to-spot for good eats. I don't know why this place is slacking. Is it becoming the local joint with bar food or worse....a touristy restaurant bar? I love you fireside, but you need to step up your game. Maybe new food items on the menu? You have so much potential to be on top in our ever-growing and flourishing neighborhood. You have to realize you have a lot more competition.

    (3)

  • Katie H.

    Love everything about this place! The food, the atmosphere, watching sports games, the outdoor seating area. I will return again and again!

    (5)

  • Gerry T.

    The fireside has a nice, toasty and huge gas fireplace (cracker barrels have real wood burning). Located on a not well known street, next to a cemetery entrance. What a great place for Halloween. They have a small parking lot which makes it convenient. We had the grilled steak sandwich and banana bread French toast. Excellent, friendly service. My second time here and I'll continue to come to try their other items.

    (3)

  • David S.

    I tried REALLY hard to like this place. It's close to home and it looks good on paper. I went here twice with my wife and 2yr old daughter. My two main complaints are: 1) they are under staffed and 2) the food is basically frozen food that is microwaved. Here are my justifications for these two statements. On my first trip to this restaurant our meal lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes. Because they are understaffed it took forever to progress through our meal. The restaurant was not that busy but 8 tables for one waitress is not good. This second trip to the restaurant was no better. While the meal time was less it still progressed slowly which is not good when you are eating dinner with a 2 year old. They get bored quickly and things get ugly. There were no less than 2 management looking girls in dresses walking around checking on guests but did not lend a hand to the busy waitstaff. I would have expected these women to pitch in and help bring checks to the tables or help deliver food but no, they just meandered around the restaurant. The food came out and my wife and I were very underwhelmed. We ordered stuffed shells in parmesan cream sauce. The stuffed shells looked and tasted like they came out of the frozen food isle at jewell down the street and were microwaved minutes before the food was plated. The 'parmesan cream sauce' was bland and looked like it was emptied out of a jar. My wife and talked about this place on our way home and both agreed this place needs the likes of Gordon Ramsey or Brad Long to come in here and make this place what it should be. As I was eating my food I could hear GR's voice in my head yelling at the owner "What is this, is this out of a can?"

    (2)

  • Jonathan C.

    First time back here in several years. Menu has changed - for the better. Food was really good before and it's great now. Had the Quiche Lorraine, it was delicious with a rich Swiss cheese. Friend had the banana nut French toast which was also really good. Ever popular Make Your Own Bloody Mary bar still the right thing on a Sunday morning. Highly recommend this place to anyone.

    (4)

  • Mandy B.

    I just wanted to commend Fireside for their above and beyond customer service. Wow! The first time I went to the restaurant was for a co-worker's birthday and I loved the atmosphere. The menu was just eclectic enough to make a lot of old classics interesting, but still reasonably priced. I order the chicken strips, which were good, but didn't blow me out of the water. But I liked the place well enough to go there for my birthday a couple of months later. They were able to accommodate our party of 8 on a very busy Friday night, and the manager was so nice to us. I got their signature cheeseburger (pepper bacon and onion straws - delicious) this time and it was fantastic! When I tried to order the burger again a couple weeks later on a takeout order, I was disappointed when I received just a regular cheeseburger instead, but after contacting the restaurant and telling them about the mix-up, I got a very nice apology and a gift card for more than my order! This really is a great neighborhood restaurant and I look forward to giving them more of my business in the future!

    (5)

  • Paul a.

    This place is a great place to comefor all types of food actually. I celebrated my birthday here this year. Earlier this year I celebrated losing weight here. I have been quite impressed with the quality of their food each time I came. Today I had their spicy shrimp pasta dish

    (5)

  • Mohammad H.

    Ordered awesome food late grill is open until 3. Good food, me and my friends enjoyed the burgers. Sober but we annoyed the waitress with questions. Meal took a little long to come but very good food nonetheless.

    (4)

  • Andy M.

    The wait staff is slow. Bartenders were rude and bouncer put his hands in my face. I don't recommend this bar for any occasion. We came here as a work happy hour many times and this last time definitely was the straw that broke the camel's back. I will not be returning.

    (1)

  • Ellen G.

    Great food and delicious bloody mary's. I loved the whole Bloody Mary bar idea where we could decide what we wanted in them and how spicy we wanted to go. Plus they started us off with a hefty amount of vodka. I had one of the eggs benedicts and it was very good. Would definitely recommend going for a nice casual breakfast or brunch. Homey atmosphere with a nice warm fire to sit in front of or next to.

    (4)

  • Lenster F.

    I was deeply disappointed with my order off of grub hub - the food arrived quickly enough, but as someone else mentioned the chicken tenders had a strange, burnt breading that arrived cold and soggy. I am not exaggerating when I say these are the worst chicken tenders I have ever encountered, and the sauce left something to be desired, too. The salad was wilted lettuce with a handful of cherry tomatoes (the best part of the meal, those tomatoes), and the vinaigrette was too sweet. Definitely not ordering from here again.

    (1)

  • David R.

    Fireside puts on a hell of a Father's Day brunch. The variety of food was stupendous. I counted eight different forms of eggs: scrambled, scrambled with salsa, benedicts (chicken and canadian bacon), omelette quarters (sausage and vegetable), asparagus frittata, and deviled. There was bacon, baked ham, sausage patties, sliced turkey, sliced roast beef, boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, and fried clams; potato salad, pasta salad, five-bean salad; french toast and banana bread french toast; jambalaya; corned beef hash; some kind of beef and pepper dish; macaroni and cheese; home fries; something that looked like potatoes au gratin; plain mini bagels, smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, and capers; pickles and olives; silver-dollar pancakes and smiley-face potatoes for the kids; artfully arranged honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries, and pineapple; muffins and danishes; cheesecakes--plain, raspberry, and with nuts; and chocolate mint cake. I'm sure that I have forgotten several things too. What a spread. Not all of the food was outstanding, but most of it was pretty good and some of it great. In particular I really liked the jambalaya, home fries, and banana bread french toast. I was disappointed that our party of four was seated at a table adjacent to the kitchen door, when there was only one other four-top occupied when we came in. Thankfully it wasn't too disruptive because the buffet was set up on the bar side of the restaurant. But to add injury to insult, the table was dirty. Generally, though, the service was pleasant from everyone.

    (4)

  • Melissa R.

    Beautiful seating area, upscale menu. I recommend it for a quiet day/evening meal. The service was impeccable! I'll be going back once it's summer.

    (4)

  • Jake N.

    We had the Fat Tuesday Blackened Prime Rib special and the Shrimp & Crawfish Étouffée. #nailedit The hurricane drinks blew our socks off. (GO! But board your windows first ) The staff was both dedicated to the customers and each other. It was great to be helped by people who like each other and like what they do. Jimmy. He's the man

    (4)

  • Nicole T.

    Tried to place a large delivery order, but was told that my house was two blocks out of their delivery area. Two blocks? And they stop delivering at a random side street, not a main street. Your loss Fireside, I'll find another restaurant that would like my money. Would have given the driver a nice tip too...

    (1)

  • Emily B.

    Unfortunately, I did not have a great experience here. 2 stars because the food was OK, but I won't be back. The main reason you wonder? A MOUSE SCURRIED ACROSS THE FLOOR! Yes, you read that correctly. Just as we were about to get our food, I see a mouse. Other patrons saw it as well. So, until I know they solved that issue, I will be eating out elsewhere. The restaurant itself is old and cute, has a good vibe. I'm assuming they do their best business in the summer for brunch and the back patio. I came here with my husband and 1 year old son. They were really accommodating. It was a Saturday night around 7 pm and was not at all crowded. There was no music playing which I did not like. Very dim lighting. Food was good, but bland. I had the salmon but my sons mac 'n cheese was better :) I also ordered a lemon drop martini which was very good. So, until next time, Fireside. It will most likely be drinks only.

    (2)

  • Daniella S.

    Came here on a Friday night around 1 AM with some serious munchies and I'm glad I did! We ordered some beers, a burger and BBQ chicken pizza. I was surprised by how good the food was and I must say the staff was quite exceptional too. While this place isn't a culinary experience to rave about, it definitely serves up some solid food and service regardless of the hour.

    (4)

  • John M.

    Pretty good not the most amazing place but worth the while to visit. The one thing that stood out was the advice from the waitress. I must say she was able to give good suggestions for me as far as beer choices were concerned.

    (4)

  • mono b.

    We went to Fireside on date night, both of us had heard good things about the place. We stopped by for dinner unfortunately there was a post 5k run party so the place was packed. We waited for a while in a tiny entryway before being seated in the main dining room. We were seated near the gorgeous stone fireplace. The server explained that service was running slow due to the full house. Appreciated the heads up, it wasn't a big deal because we were chatting away. We ordered the bruschetta, blackened catfish and a burger. Large portions. Everything was very tasty. We barely finished our entrees and had doggie bags after- bonus. The cocktails were great and potent lol. Dessert, chocolate mousse was sooo good. This a great hidden gem, easy parking , good food. Check it out!

    (4)

  • Suzy N.

    This is the worst food in Chicago. I have eaten in house and ordered delivery. Every time it's absolutely inedible. Over priced garbage!!!!!

    (1)

  • Jeremy G.

    When we arrived at the restaurant side on a Tuesday night, we had to wait 5 minutes or so to be seated in the vacant room. We noticed there was only one server and the service was extremely slow. The food however was not much more than frozen food warmed up, but after all its a bar type restaurant.

    (2)

  • Caroline B.

    I've been here several times. What i like the most about this place is having a drink in their back area. It's beautiful, romantic and fun. It's a great, relaxing place for friends and also an amazing place for a date. They have 3 eating areas. I like their food, but i don't feel it's mouthwatering, spectacular.

    (4)

  • Rustygirl M.

    None of the food is that great. Bar always has old people sitting, loudly drinking. Def seems like a local hang out for some. Dining room on the other side seems overly boring. Both ends of the spectrum for sure! Patio is awesome in summer but freezing in winter, even covered and w: heaters.

    (3)

  • Marissa D.

    Fireside is a local hang out spot. The food is good but sometimes I wish they had a larger selection for vegetarian options. The bloody Mary bar is awesome because you can pretty much create your Bloody Mary to your taste. The staff is usually pretty friendly. This place does well if you leave in the area and it's a great place to visit if you wanna do a quite brunch without having to wait to be seated. I recommend this place to anyone that wants to have a casual brunch or evening.

    (4)

  • Jimmy B.

    I can't even say anything about the food because it never got here. I ordered delivery because we wanted to try out someplace new. So I order and after an hour and a half I'm wondering what happened to our food. So I call, and they told me that the food was already delivered. Well, maybe, but not to me, so I hope someone enjoyed my food. Maybe they can write a better review... Anyway, at this point I'm still very patient because my wife worked in food service and I know, stuff happens. They get the manager on who says they'll cook up another order and have it out to us within a half an hour. Apparently the driver said he couldn't find our buzzer so they asked for my phone number. Buzzer is pretty clearly labelled, but again, whatever I gave my phone number. So another hour, a little more actually, passes and still no food. I call again, and the woman answering the phone, who was very nice and apologetic said her manager had left to bring it personally. Well I still didn't get it. She found him, and he said that he got to our apartment, couldn't find the buzzer and left. I ask why he didn't call when he got here since I gave him my phone number after they requested it... Well he forgot his phone at the restaurant... At this point it's been about three hours since my order, and I'm getting a little upset because he could have at the very very very least called me when he got back to the restaurant and said that he couldn't find me... At that point they must have forgotten to put me on hold because I could here the nice woman, who was talking to me, talking to a man who sounded like a jerk talking about how he guesses they'll make it again. Sorry but after two tries and three hours, I will be going somewhere else... The woman processed my refund, and I was hung up on rather abruptly. I have to say, I thought I showed remarkable patience for someone who waited over three hours to be told no food was coming. Well, needless to say, I will never be ordering from this place again. I have never had an experience even close to this bad from any delivery restaurant. You've been warned. Maybe they'll be able find your table if you go their...

    (1)

  • Becky M.

    Love fireside! So cozy and beautiful back room seating. Food is....GREAT! Try to get something different everytime but I do have my fav's, their build your own mac and cheese is awesome and blackened anything there is great. Love they're open so late too.

    (5)

  • Chara B.

    I've never eaten at fireside so this has nothing to do with the bar or the atmosphere of the actual restaurant this has to do only with food. First off, never order a burger, any of them. Me and my boyfriend each got a different burger from here and it was extremely under cooked and also completely under seasoned. It's hard to mess up a burger! Also, the fries were super limp and had zero salt, I would say that fries that were frozen before would be better (sad). Also, the wings are awful. No flavor and the chicken is just bad. The only thing I would ever order from here is the chopped salad, but the sad thing is that you have to take the time to specify that you want the grapes on there... Cause if you don't... You aren't getting those bad boys!

    (2)

  • Caitlin S.

    Great beer selection, cozy atmosphere good food and service. not sure what else people need in a neighborhood bar.

    (4)

  • Lise S.

    Great brunch buffet for Mother's Day. Great and tasty selection of breakfast and lunch entrees. The Bloody Mary bar is amazing and it allows patrons to make their own with their favorite vodka.

    (3)

  • Ranay B.

    90 minutes for delivery? Seriously? I live around the corner. The food better be REALLY good.

    (2)

  • Minjee Y.

    I am in love with this place. It's sooooo cute. I enjoyed the breakfast/brunch here too. Perfect portions. Their mimosas are delicious and there are many different kinds to choose from rather than the traditional one. Came in one day after the bucktown 5K race with a rather large group and they were able to hand 15+ of us. The only thing I did not enjoy was being cold. We were in the outdoor/indoor patio part and there was this huge vent over top of me blowing "cool" air or maybe just circulating the air onside and outside. I don't know but that was pretty annoying.

    (4)

  • Mel A.

    Went last night with my boyfriend. Great service... nice atmosphere! We ate out on their 4-season deck. -I had Spaghetti with their homemade meat sauce $9.95+$2.50 (meat add on) and added sausage. I incorrectly assumed that the homemade meat sauce was made with ground beef. It is actually sausage so it was sausage overkill. The spaghetti with sauce may have been reheated in a convection or microwave oven (the food temp was not consistent throughout.) The added sausage was cooked/heated separately. -My boyfriend had the Country Fried Steak $13.95 which he said tasted very good. -Many unique bottled and draft beers to choose from... and we did ;) I found it a bit pricey for the quality but I definitely want to return! Especially to enjoy the deck during the summer months.

    (3)

  • James R.

    Old, stale, outdated, explains everything from the menu, restaurant and staff and many of the customers. It needs an overhaul, unless it's trying to appeal to folks who have lost their taste buds or don't mind continual order mix ups and delayed service. It could own four square blocks of the area since there is nothing around, but I think it relies on that feature in order to maintain the status quo, the status quo of the 1970's that is.

    (1)

  • Judith W.

    I ALWAYS meet friends and clients here -- mostly on the all-weather patio. And most recently, I co-hosted a party of 30+ professional colleagues, all of whom RAVED about the service, apps, and venue. I can't image a more pleasant and accommodating experience. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!

    (5)

  • Steve S.

    The food was good, the service friendly, and the atmosphere pleasant. A nice little pub to watch a game or hang out with friends.

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    Great place, but they don't handle big groups well. We were 16-strong, reserved beforehand, and thirsty for expensive alcohol. In 3 hours I managed to order 5 drinks and receive only 2. The lone dude serving was probably overwhelmed, but still managed to get my louder obnoxious friends all of their drinks. Maybe I just need to be more of a bitch when I drink?

    (3)

  • Paolo U.

    I've been coming to Fireside for over 25 years. I am severely disappointed in their food quality in the past year. Their staff is excellent and actually very attentive, but after the last three tries in as many months, the food has been sloppily prepared, ill tasting, and served apologetically at least but with no real change. Example 1: Their chicken tenders have been the highlight of my love for this place for many years - they've gotten smaller and burnt now most likely due to their popularity and change of kitchen staff. I did call back one order several months back and they told that's the way they've always been. No they haven't, I've eaten that and soup and sourdough for many a college student salary to know. Example 2: Pizza that was botched was taken care of with a replacement equally awfully rushed job which had crude cheese in the center of it unmelted. Example 3: The kids spaghetti meal came with the pasta stuck together and cold - did they forget to boil it? All times that this happened is usually during busy hours, which it's always busy and that's a good thing for them, but poor on the customers for quality of kitchen servings. The wait staff is congenial, the bar is great, and watching a game here is great. I hope they turn it around, but I'm done stopping by on neighborhood charm alone to experience such bad food lately.

    (2)

  • Romana Y.

    The space here is far larger than you'd expect from first observation. They have a parking lot next door for convenience, as well. Both times I've been here were for a birthday party, and each party comprised of approximately 20 people. The portions here are robust; the dishes are very traditional American: heavy comfort foods. The drinks are great. The crowd is diverse and incredibly fun. The layout is interesting, but the back patio is a large, open space perfect for hosting gatherings. It appeared family friendly, but the crowds that frequent are far from. It's a fun local spot to lounge over a solid meal, or to grab a drink. Their Belgium beers selection was very limited, from what I can recall.

    (3)

  • Reviewer M.

    Went there on a Tuesday this past week around dinner time. Sat at the bar and waited for at least 10 minutes for one of the two gals to acknowledge us. They looked busy so we were kind enough to let them finaid. When we asked if anyone was sitting at the bar (there were dirty dishes there) the waitress looked annoyed and cleared it for us. Do you think she grabbed us water, offered us menus or even said someone with be with us?!? Of course not, she was more preoccupied with finishing what must have been a disappointing shift (gee wonder why) then to even bother helping 1)a customer and 2) her fellow co workers. The bartender faired no better, she repeatedly walked past us (mind you- we are at the bar literally staring at her) and instead served what appeared to be a regular. We got up and finally left to a nearby better spot. I've been there plenty of times before and the service has usually been fine but this is enough to make me not return. Ever. No thanks- I'll take my 6-figure salary somewhere where it's appreciated. So disappointing.

    (3)

  • Ed P.

    No complaints , my wife and I had chicken dinners, the waitress and the owner of the place were very friendly. cozy place to eat and stay for a few drinks.

    (4)

  • Sara L.

    Remeber that episode of HIMYM where Marshall is in search of the perfect burger he had a burger joint but can't remember the place....well this is my story! I came here one random night while out with my girls, needless to say it was a night where everything that could go wrong does! Luckily, one of my girl's cousins wanted to come here. First, I had no idea where we were at except it was far away from public transportation. Second, all I wanted to do was go home since it was a bad night. Since we were going to be here for a while I decided to order the turkey sandwich. OMG....best turkey sandwich EVER! It was like my perfect sandwich I dream of...huge tender slices of turkey piled high on multi grain with mayo, jack, mounds of spinach and avocado and a side of waffle fries (insert drool.) Forget the deli meat turkey, this was slabs of real roasted turkey breast! After taking that first bite it was like everything in the world was good again and bad night poof! gone due to this great sandwich. The waffle fries were amazing too and seasoned perfectly! So the next day I was asking where did we go...where was this great sandwich that I must eat again??? None of my girls remembered the name of the place...so fast forward two years later, after speaking sooo highly of this great turkey sandwich my sister called me to let me know about this amazing turkey sandwich she is eating. Lo and behold it was the turkey sandwich I've been dreaming about the last two years.

    (4)

  • Bella O.

    First time here and I loved it! It was nice and peaceful, staff is great n friendly, food came out pretty quick might be because it wasn't packed. Highly recommended and I for sure will be back!

    (5)

  • CB L.

    Went to the Fireside after seeing "Spike Heels" at the Raven Theatre. It is a huge plus that this place is open exceptionally late and as an insomniac and frequent late night diner, I was very please to find Fireside. It was around 10:30 and we were able to get quickly seated right next to the fireplace. I was amazed how quickly if filled up and was still packed at midnight when we left. We ordered two apps, bruschetta and quesadillas. Both were quite tasty. Julia our waitress got us our food very quickly and super sweet. Refills came without blinking an eye and we never went thirsty! She is a great example of the waitress you want to have assist you in your ideal restaurant setting. The menu had a good soul food flare with a taste of Americana. I ordered the meatloaf and my wife ordered the mac and cheese. She loved hers. I failed to realize the meatloaf had actual chunks of sausage vs. grounded. This was my oversite, but it messed with the consistency of the meatloaf for me and that really was my only issue. Again, my fault for not reading the menu thoroughly. The meatloaf was good otherwise and if you like sausage I am sure you will love it as others have. I will certainly go back and try more items and give it another shot at the last star! Julia on the other hand deserves all five stars.

    (4)

  • Rose N.

    I had seen this place before because my grandma used to live a few blocks away ... But today we decided to try it. It was a busy Friday night but as soon as we walked in we were seated , better yet we were seated next to the cozy fireplace which felt so good since it's about 30 degrees out. Our waitress came a few minutes later and took our orders. We ordered two burgers , calamari, kids pizza and some drinks. We didn't have to wait too long to get our food. The food was good nothing crazy but good. We were also approached by an older man who was there with his wife. They were regulars there and gave us a $12 off coupon our meal (given to people who are on the mailing list) . Overall the food here was just good but I had such a good experience from the workers and from other customers that I'm giving the place 4 stars. Can't wait to come back and make this one of our usual spots !

    (4)

  • Nicole P.

    I just moved in to this neighborhood and was SO excited to find a place was still open when I got done moving stuff in. Good food, good people watching (think drunk middle aged women hitting on 25 year old gay men-- gold!) This was exactly what I needed after a day of moving to the third floor on a 95 degree day! beers, good food and comedy. I can't complain

    (4)

  • Sid P.

    This place was -- at least 15 years ago -- pretty original in the fact that it has three distinct seating areas, all with different personalities, and the last one, the outdoor multi-level patio, is enclosed in the winter. I've seen more and more of that but Fireside does it really well. There's a cozy dining room that's almost like a lodge atmosphere with a fireplace (hence the name); the other side of the building has a long bar with pub tables and multiple TVs. Again, the patio is the most impressive, with its expansive area of several tiers of tables, many tucked behind the half-walls. Great atmosphere for all three, depending on what you're in for. The food is also surprisingly good if you consider how late they're open. This is not normal bar food. There are clearly chefs working in the kitchen. Sometimes they mess up an order or let something sit too long, but their recipes are for the most part slightly above "above-average" American food while keeping a reasonable price point. Special orders are welcome. They "blacken" their fish extremely well, considering they're not even close to a fish-house. Well, they're not a steakhouse, either or a pizzeria, but they can cook those foods just fine too. Plenty of variety. Also often serving larger tables (8-12 people) and the waitstaff is usually very accommodating. Clearly I must also thank the restaurant (not merely the bar) for being open late. It's comforting to know that, at 11 pm or later, if no other restaurant can be decided upon, Fireside is open and serving great food... not merely warmed over stuff from earlier in the evening, and not just burgers and fries. It's one of the best reasons (and timeslots) to visit.

    (4)

  • Weisun C.

    Three of us were revisiting here after a hiatus of many years. Another two were newly introduced to the Fireside, a fixture of the east-of-Rosehill area. It's a quiet place, being on the other side of the tracks from a cemetery, but that is forgotten in the warm and welcoming interior of this double building. We walked in and turned to the left for the dining room. It features a cozy fireplace befitting its name. A nice, warm feature (all gas-fired, so no fumes) on this stormy night. Drinks of all kinds, mixed, bottled/canned, or straight up, are no problem when there is a full service lounge in the next room. They had a few ciders I was not familiar with and so gravitated to a Washington state one made with the addition of hops, making for a drier taste. The menu is nicely organized into categories that were helpful in deciding based on tastes and pocketbook. At the top of the $ list would be their selection of ribs and steaks, followed by their specialties and pasta plates. Recommended choices were highlighted with a string of Chicago-flag stars before and after the name of that dish. Our newbies especially like the chicken quesadillas, saying they topped ones they had elsewhere. There were a list of tempting appetizers, salads, and sides (next time, maybe something besides the calamari, which had too-crispy breading). As alternates to the dinner type dishes, you could also choose pizzas of various sizes (and prices) or what Fireside is an attraction for, the burgers and sandwiches. The latter are all under $10, which includes your choice of a side dish, like fries, tater tots, chips, broccoli, etc. The room ambience was relatively quiet, so normal conversation amongst five people was easily possible. Add to this, a friendly and helpful waitress, and our evening was a very pleasant one despite the rain outside. Hopefully, next time, no rain, so we can scope out their patio.

    (4)

  • Jaclyn B.

    We were regulars here for awhile, and decided it would be a good place to throw a grad party. Annie, the party planner, was very helpful. She worked with us to plan a meal that fit into our budget. Everything was ready for us when we came in, and the staff was very good about checking on us all night long. Our guests kept dropping in late, but they were tended to right away and the servers even offered to warm up food for them. It was a beautiful, family friendly atmosphere and I would definitely throw a party here again!

    (5)

  • Jennifer Q.

    Another successful Thanksgiving with the family at Fireside. I got the turkey dinner this time and it was a HUGE portion...and delicious. Everyone was super happy with their meals and our server, Julia, was awesome. This is such a great place. I need to go and hang out more often just to have a drink. It's got such a great vibe and such friendly servers. It's like your neighborhood bar meets a restaurant -in the best way.

    (5)

  • Allan M.

    Nice bar and restaurant, that sometimes I can forget about due to its location. But it's decent for the most part, and for having a 4am/5am liquor license, it isn't a dump like certain 4am bars can be(*cough* Carol's). Like others have said, there's a dining room on the left as you enter that's open till 10pm or midnight depending on the day you visit(and have ironically still never been on that half, lol for various reasons), and a bar half on the right, with a patio in the rear. Unfortunately, that heated patio section isn't always open sadly, as I learned on a recent visit a few weeks back. When it is open though during the summer months(and late spring + early fall, and on whatever days they want to open it up with the heaters on), I greatly, greatly appreciate that it has almost no birds and pigeons, unlike the patio at Moody's Pub unfortunately. They recently removed their cigarette vending machine(can't blame them, with the ever escalating city and county obscene cigarette tax hikes), so be advised(if you must get a pack in a worst case emergency) the closest places to now purchase cigarettes is at the Citgo gas station on Peterson west of Ravenswood, J&H Liquors at Hollywood and Clark, and Jewel just south of Clark and Bryn Mawr, if it is unofficially true from some reports that Marathon at Bryn Mawr/Ashland doesn't. Most of the time when I've come here was only for a beer, but a few times in the past I've tried their food. My friend got the chicken quesadillas on a past visit which weren't bad, and not the best or worst quesadillas I've had. I got a po-boy sandwich, which was surprisingly decent, considering that I didn't suspect any restaurants north of New Orleans could serve a decent one. But they did, so cheers to Fireside. And the service isn't the best, but it isn't so terrible you'd never return again. I think it really depends on whoever is working, when you come here. The nighttime bartenders I've encountered here were friendly for the most part, if not always as quick as I'd prefer. But it is a nice plan B, if I'm feeling like going to a bar away from the usual Andersonville bar crowds, and is usually not too bad crowdwise before the late night bargoers arrive from elsewhere. Selection doesn't have some of the unique beers you can find at Edgewater Lounge, Jerry's, Hopleaf, etc., but at least there's always something that works, and it isn't too bad pricewise for late night bar beer pricing standards. There's a parking lot(and owned by a place where they actually spell Allan the same way as my name's rare spelling, yay!) that's free all night just immediately south of here, though I forget after what time you can park there for free(think it's around 7 or 8pm). Also be warned that Chicago Police often hide to bust drivers not doing a full stop at the Ravenswood and Rosehill Dr. stop sign, so you can't say you haven't been warned about that. Wouldn't be surprised if they sat there to bust drunk drivers, as well. It's only about 2 blocks away from the Damen, Clark(runs 24/7), and Peterson buses. Be advised that both the southbound Damen and eastbound Peterson buses end just before 10pm each night, and the last westbound Peterson bus runs a few minutes later. I'd advise getting a bus tracker phone app, to always be 100% sure of the exact bus arrival times.

    (3)

  • Stan P.

    Where do I begin? Here are 4 reasons I will never return to Fireside Bar and Restuant. Reason 1- After coming to this bar 6 times in the past month, maybe remembering your loyal patrons is too much to ask. I personally got offended when the bartender pretended that he had never met me before and tried to make an excuse for it. Reason 2- After standing for 15 mins one of the ladies in my party, (party of 4) wanted to sit. So we saw a table that was open and we sat down with our drinks that we had paid for at the bar. Dispite the fact that we were sitting at the waitress's table, she fail to ask us if we needed anything. She completely failed to acknowledge us. 15 mins went past and after my girlfriend finally got the waitress's attention, she told us "Ill be right back". 20 mins passed before she came back to tell us, "I know that you have been waiting but there are other tables that have priority over you. Once I'm done, then Ill come back and take care of you." WHAT. ..that was so RUDE. I then simply grabbed drinks from the bar. And ordered food from the bar. Since we clearly were thirsty and hungry at this point. Reason 3 After ordering a Chicken quesadilla and two Cajon fries, our food came out wrong. The fries had no Cajon seasoning on THEM at all. We never said anything at all. Never complained about a single item. Then a third order of fries came to our table, that we NEVER ordered. The waitress finally came back to inform us that my bar tab was transferred to her and that she will be talking care of us. We never cared were taking care of us and long as SOME ONE did. Which she fail to do. Reason 4- We watched a women walk towards our table and vomit on the floor right by our table. Almost getting her fluid on my girlfriend's friend. (who had never been to Fireside before) IT then took the bartender 10mins to respond and clean up the mess. Fu$#ing Disgusting. My girlfriend and I were so embarrassed by the service, or lack there of. We brought her friends there because we THOUGHT this would be a good spot for food and drinks. I guess we were wrong. I will never return....

    (1)

  • Bryan T.

    Fireside is fantastic, but TAKE NOTE: they do NOT ACCEPT reservations thru Yelp. Especially problematic if you Yelp for Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. **call in and use the phone** friends. Cheers.

    (5)

  • Neil C.

    Really a tough review to write. My girlfriend and I live just around the corner and the fireside is our go-to place for a late night quiet drink and outstanding pizza. Today we tried brunch there and oh boy. Night and day both literally and figuratively. We waited over an hour for eggs benedict with rock hard, rubbery eggs and greasy, broken hollandaise. The sauce was red hot. No wonder it broke. I have a sneaking suspicion it was microwaved. You can't do that to hollandaise, I guess at least that indicates that they're making it from scratch. Accompanied by soft drinks that came to about $27. Not worth the money, not worth the wait. While we were there, the party at the table next to ours left after waiting over an hour and a half with nothing but appetizers. This place is clearly massively understaffed and the kitchen just can't cope. Please, Fireside, pay attention to all the Yelp reviews saying the same thing. You have so much going for you. Great quiet location, friendly staff, phenomenal pizza. Just a couple more staff and maybe you can capitalize on all those advantages. We'll be back, but only for late night drinks and that awesome pizza.

    (2)

  • Cynthia B.

    You don't go there for the food, or service. I had Eggs Benedict. The eggs were over cooked and the Hollandaise sauce had no flavor at all. I asked the waiter to bring a slice of lemon since there was none in the sauce. It was served with some cubed roasted potatoes. Both the eggs and potatoes were cold. Not warm. Cold. My friend felt like snacking so she got humus and tater tots. The potatoes were also cold. Then our waiter disappeared for an hour. Never came to check on us to see how the food was. Never came to clear the table. We were sitting in the enclosed garden area. When it was time to go my friend had to search to find our waiter. Then when we were ready to pay the bill we got tired of waiting for him to pick it up and went to pay at the bar. This is the second time I've been there and had very bad food both times. So, if not for the food or service, why go? I enjoyed my pumpkin ale. I guess you go there for a quick drink (wait, don't count on it being "quick") and then go somewhere else to eat. I feel like I should say something positive. It was a Saturday afternoon and college football was on TV. They didn't have it too loud so people could still carry on a conversation.

    (1)

  • Fireman Y.

    Went there last night wanted to wait a few hours before I get my review. I've been here before always sat in the bar area. Pretty decent bar. this time we ate at the restaurant area. seating is set up weird. Not a fan of having to sit two feet from a couple you dont know. Waitress was nice, but her excusr for drinks being late was the same for every table, the bar was busy. We walk through the bar the bar was not busy. Ok on to dinner. I ordered a full slab of ribs. Wait time was normal. By far the worst ribs I've ever had. My wife had the lasagna, she said it was very dry. We won't be returning to eat dinner there again.

    (1)

  • Deborah C.

    We're moving to wicker in May and this is the only hangout/bar we will miss. For vegetarians - mushroom burger is delicious :) Sit in the bar or in the back enclosed patio area (heated in the winter) Friendly staff and laid back regulars.

    (4)

  • Andrea F.

    Ordered take out. The food was decent and had a very reasonable price.

    (4)

  • Mel B.

    Ordered food. Waited and waited. Delivery girl brought it to the wrong apartment in our building, and since it was already paid for, or food went to strangers who didn't pay for it. Then we called and sat on hold for 20 minutes. Maybe their in restaurant service is better? Hopefully. Hopefully we at least get our money back.

    (1)

  • Jen H.

    Same experience as previous reviewer. We called and booked a table on the patio, only to arrive and find not only no record of our reservation but patio booked by large party and a long wait while they tried to put some tables together for our party of 4. The drinks took forever to arrive and food was not super well prepared... probably due to overtaxed kitchen. Waitress was apologetic but nothing was comped and to top it off we were told our loyalty card was no longer honored and points could not be transferred. Not to worry - we will not be back!

    (1)

  • Reseda W.

    I hadn't been to Fireside in years, but was going to be in the area and decided to have dinner there. I called to make a reservation at 7 for 3 people, the woman asked if I wanted to be the patio, I said sure. When we arrived we stood in the waiting area for someone to acknowledge my party. After waiting a few minutes we went to the lounge thinking we could find someone there, nope. We went back to the dining area when someone finally came to help us. We were told they were very busy, but when I said we had a reservation in the patio, the server took us back to the area. There we found the entire patio was booked for a party. The server told us that there "may"' be a table in the dining area. That table was in the corner and obviously for 2 people. I then asked if I should go somewhere else to eat. They promptly cleaned off another table for us to sit. Things continued to go down hill from there. It took our server quite awhile to come back and take our drink orders, then even longer to take our food order. An hour later, we got the salad, but our appetizer was nowhere to be found - I told my husband that we weren't going to be getting an appetizer. I was close to being right, it came with the meal. None of the food was good, the calamari tasted like the flour the batter was made with, the spicy shrimp pasta was dry with barely any seasoning and the steak was also dry, even though it was quite red in the center. The country fried steak was tasty, but the mashed potatoes were chunky to the point I wasn't sure they were chunks of potatoes in there. Throughout the experience our server kept apologizing. I realize it wasn't her fault for the problems. There were at least 3 large parties in the dining area plus the party, so I'm sure the kitchen was slammed. A manager needed to be on duty to help the situation. I won't be going back to Fireside anytime soon.

    (1)

  • Jack P.

    I had Thanksgiving dinner here at The Fireside. I think someone else had described it as "serviceable," and I'd have to admit, that hits the nail on the head. Listed on the "specials," Thanksgiving dinner was $18.95. So very reasonable. That included the entree offerings of Roast Turkey, dark and light meat, mashed and sweet potatoes and dressing. (It occurred to me that the president should really pardon a couple of carbs as well as turkeys, since millions of carbs are sacrificed every year, too.) Nothing green was offered. Had to add on a dinner salad for an additional buck. But no Brussel Sprouts, Green Beans or any veggies at all, which I found a bit unusual. Yet the turkey was moist, the stuffing flavorful, and the piles of sweet and mashed potatoes bigger than my head. The gravies were served in those tiny plastic coleslaw-type containers, and were of the cornstarchy, gloppy variety. I did only eat half, and I accompanied it with a pretty bad martini and then a nice glass of wine. No dessert is included just like the regular menu. No pie for YOU! I think given the choice again of a not-at-home Thanksgiving dinner, I would repeat what I did last year, and just hit the hot table and salad bar at Whole Foods and cart it home. While I did take home half of my Fireside meal, I did miss the greenery, and I think if one is going out to a restaurant for Thanksgiving, it's more fun to save your pennies and do something special like The Drake or The Pump Room. Make it more of a special event. The Fireside is nice for burgers and brewskies, but I would skip it for special occasions.

    (3)

  • Dia S.

    If you like great food and terrible service, then this is the place. Was in on Saturday night- server was awful, awful awful! The receipt said her name was Mary. The place was not busy at all, she had about 5 tables and what seemed to be 2 or 3 food runners and 2 bartenders behind the bar. Didn't bring silverware, plates or napkins even after we had placed our order, we had to ask for them...twice! Didn't bring the ranch for our appetizer, yet brought it after we were almost done eating our pasta!!! In a rude sarcastic tone said "oh well, l yeah i know, sorry" after I told her we didn't want it for the pasta dish it was for the appetizer. Did not apologize for it or ask us how our meals were, not once. No refills on my boyfriends drink that was sitting empty for the entire time, and no refill on our waters. We asked for the check and she slammed it on the table. The guy who ran our food out was pretty rude as well- told us he didn't know which dish had less sauce on it and that it wasn't his fault. Maybe you should check what food you are bringing out to the table and communicate with the expo/server better? Just a thought! I've been in the service industry for 10+ years and I can understand that certain work conditions can frustrate a server or what not, but that was not the case here at all. She had no interest whatsoever in her job. If you don't like being nice and making sure your customers are getting the best possible service then maybe you shouldn't be in this industry. You are a representation of the restaurant. This is how you make your money off your tips, I just don't get it. I know that I wouldn't have a job if I acted like this at my place of employment. This experience makes us not want to return to your restaurant/bar, consistently getting bad service here becomes a drag. It's a shame because the food and drinks rock!

    (1)

  • Caryn E.

    Great staff and open late. Always are go to for great and not too pricey steak or ribs. Also they have a tables right by the fireside - hence the name! This time of year, the Mardi Gras specials are delish. Wish they would bring back the bread they used to bring to the table though. It was always tasty.

    (5)

  • David E.

    Awesome late-night. Great all-day...Cajun specials, roast chicken, ribs, meatloaf...wines by the glass, many beers and whiskies.

    (5)

  • S S.

    Love this place. Low key location so there's always been available parking when I visit this location. Also they have a Bloody Mary bar with all types of great ingredients. The country fried steak with gravy is amazing! I go there just for this! The potatoes they serve with most breakfast plates are just okay and the service it fairly quick, but not awesome.

    (4)

  • Andrea C.

    Bloody Mary bar to die for! I normally prefer bacon in my bloody, but this place had turkey, and it was surprisingly delectable. Canadian Bacon Benedict was simply sinful (in a good way). It came with potatoes - mixed in were some purple ones and some sweet ones...delightful! My friend's raspberry (?) mimosa was so tasty, I vigorously fought the undeniable urge to day drink heavily. Patio was one of the most beautiful I've ever eaten on. Flowers everywhere, and no street traffic or hobos in sight! Highly recommend this place!

    (4)

  • Peter O.

    A much beloved standby for us. S. says it's cute, her highest accolade. Our lives would be lessened without it. We're here often enjoying the fireplace room in cool to cold weather and late evenings outdoors in front during warm summer nights. Crickets, the irregular passing of Metra trains, neighbourhood folks walking their dogs, highly satisfying pub food and craft beers and half-priced bottles of wine have led to some of our best, most restful evenings in Chicago. G.-the-dog appreciates its dog-friendly patio. Fireside's owner has a big dog living upstairs when he's around and sometimes drops off a biscuit for little G. He's a good man, that owner guy. Five woofs for him. There's a huge garden room in the back covered with tarpaulin ceiling which is totally unique to my experience. The Fireside has four dining areas, so a space to suit all tastes. Food is very good, sometimes great, usually right about above average in most respects. Their Jack Daniels infused barbecue sauce . . . ahhh, the Jacked Up burger with onion straws . . . big steakhouse fries . . . and S. swears by their steak sandwich with freshly sliced avocado and raw onion. Fish dishes have been hit-or-miss. Their pizzas are pleasantly thin crust, and we recommend barbecue chicken and their pesto shrimp pizza. Mac and cheese! Again! More mac and cheese. Yowsers! A delight. They're rightly proud of it. Many rave about their weekend brunchtime Bloody Mary Bar. Servers are to a person, marvelous and kind and sometimes lots of fun. We've begun to feel as though a couple are nearly family. (That's when you know it's time to start going elsewhere for a while) There are artists among them and often the fireplace room walls display their art for sale. We have always been happy here. We hope you go and are happy as well. With warm regard, Peter O., S. and G.-the-dog

    (4)

  • Veronica M.

    Sat there for 20 min for draft beer!! We left couldn't bear how long it would take for another beer or food.I really want this place to be good been here before food hasn't been so great and service is always questionable like today's. Place is close by home but I'm done having bad service.

    (2)

  • seema c.

    What a find! I'm almost hesitant to write the review, as it may draw too many customers... :) We sat right beside the fire. The food portions were huge and comforting. And, we lingered loooong as the dinner crowds thinned out, never being rushed to move out. Thanks for such an inviting welcome and visit!!!

    (5)

  • Peter R.

    Hello there 2013!!! So how does one celebrate the arrival of the new year...why brunch of course. I have been here several times, and I will do this review based solely on my brunch experience. Let's just say that the service was slower than a turtle with no legs, stuck on molasses. I must have drank 39 cups of coffee, the waiter didn't forget to keep topping off my cup o' joe. Although he probably forgot to put our order in, because it took forever. Forever, ever, forever, ever??? Yea it did, and I was none too pleased. I don't care if the Country Fried Steak I ordered tasted like heaven, the lack of expedient service ruined it for me. My taste buds went got angry, and it didn't give a crap anymore. I will say that our server remained professional, and courteous, going as far as taking away the price of one entree from our bill. I appreciate it, but that service will haunt my dreams for a long, long, time.

    (2)

  • Amanda Z.

    We went here tonight with a groupon. I had always heard good things about this place. So I figured $15 for $30 worth of food was a good deal. It was the least impressive meal I've had in years in this city and it cost us $30 plus tip above the cost of the groupon....so what would have been a $70 meal...I think not. The best part of the food was my daughter's mac and cheese kid's meal. My fish and chips were the most mediocre I've ever had, my husband's burger was bland and seemed like it was a frozen patty. The restaurant was super crowded even though we went at 5:00 on a Sunday. There was barely room to walk through the dining room. The waiter we had was kind, but service was super slow which at 5pm (we got there before the rush when there were only about 5 tables full) with 2 kids in tow (and yes I checked to make sure this was listed as a family friendly place) was shocking. Anyway, I'm sure it's a great addition for the neighborhood. The bar was hoppin'. Probably a good place for drinks and drunken bar food, but we won't be wasting nearly a $100 on the food there again. Sadly. My husband described it best, "You can tell they try, but it just misses the mark on every aspect!:

    (2)

  • Christopher M.

    We have been coming to Fireside for years and have loved the restaurant, but our recent Mother's Day experience left a very taste with all. We had a reservation for 16 for over a month for the family (children included). We arrived 10 minutes prior to our reservation and ended up waiting for over an hour and never ended up being seated. There was another group seated in the area we were to sit in that we were told had been there for over 3 hours. After an hour of waiting, we couldn't contain the kids anymore and had to leave and make do at home, since Mother's Day is near impossible to get a reservation for last minute, especially for a group as large as ours. The entire group was incredibly disappointed in the experience, and we were disappointed that no other accommodations nor apologies were made. This will probably not be on our goto list in the future, especially when looking at special events unfortunately.

    (1)

  • Gabriela A.

    good neighborhood spot, nice and friendly staff.

    (4)

  • Ferdy K.

    Such a nice place. Kitchen is open till 3 am, which is a huge bonus! And the food is suprisingly good. Its a great late night place!

    (5)

  • Mark L.

    Had the Gouda Burger and sweet potato tots. One of the better burgers I've had, but the topper for me was the ambiance. Just a cool place, good beer list. Another Andersonville gem.

    (5)

  • Gia T.

    Great food, good beer selection. Cozy atmosphere. Everything I have eaten here is delish.

    (5)

  • Lindsey A.

    Fireside is charming. I've had the pleasure of dining on the 'patio' as well as the more formal dining room, while also imbibing in a bev or two in the bar area. It's not very accessible via public trans, so plan for a bit of a walk whether you take the red line or bus. I'd say that's my only gripe about the place - location. The outdoor/indoor (covered and heated in the winter) patio is a lovely space. I'd prefer to sit there or in the bar rather than the formal dining room as the formal space is a little bland for my liking... This last visit I split the lemon/pepper chicken with my fiance. We had that and the crab cake starter. The crab cake was OK... I'm not a huge fan so I can't really judge it. The split lemon/pepper chicken, however, was pretty outstanding. Not only was the chicken juicy it was also packed with flavor; two things that rarely happen in my household when I cook chicken. I also found it totally awesome that the restaurant split our dishes for us and gave us each heaping portions of veg and rice. Our server was a great, friendly guy who was quick! He had the whole room under his command and I never felt like I had to wait for him to bring me a drink, etc. I'd really like to go back for the bloody mary bar and brunch!

    (4)

  • Philip L.

    Waited 15 minutes . Three waitresses kept walking by us not one said anything. Lazy? Or discrimination against a interracial couple. NEVER AGAIN!

    (1)

  • b b.

    I was really disappointed. I ordered stuffed shells that were "supposed" to have spinach and three cheeses in them. Not a single spec of spinach was in the shells. Not even a trace, which aside from the cheese was the "main ingredient". There also wasn't 3 types of cheeses. The cheese that was in there tasted like the Kraft Shaker parmesan type. This was my second time eating Fireside. The first time we had side orders of fries and onion rings. The fries were soggy and the onion rings barely had any onion in them and were also soggy. However, the burger was okay, but not great. I will say the mashed potatoes were good which was the only reason I gave them 2 stars.

    (2)

  • Julie P.

    I came her just to eat and I have to say that the food here is really good. I'm glad that they are open very late at night. Try the Eggplant dish. Sooo good!!!! Definitely will come back again!

    (4)

  • Tracey M.

    Popped in here recently for a drink with a friend on a weeknight. Even though I've passed by Fireside fairly often I had never been there before. It's a cute place. Has two sides and a back area as well. When you enter, the side to your left is a dining area and the side to your right is the bar. On the particular night I was there there weren't many people. The bartender was helpful and came to check on us several times. The short time I was there it seemed nice. Definitely a place I'd go back to again. Maybe next time for dinner.

    (3)

  • Anthony G.

    Worst lasagna I have ever had. No Ricotta cheese in it and the noodles were hard. In addition, there was no flavor -- no spices at all and unseasoned meat. Finally, there was tomato sauce poured around the lasagna but it was not cooked with any.

    (1)

  • Shawn M.

    (The way I rate things, everything starts at 5 and then I remove depending on how much I'm annoyed by things) Cons: -2 Stars: Different prices on Eat24/other online ordering sites than on their printed menu that came with my order. Felt a little ripped off as a first time customer. (I was tempted to remove 3 stars but Eat24 was great and gave me a coupon for the difference.). -1/2 Star: Food arrived about 20-30 minutes late and warm, not hot, not cold, just warm. -1/2 Star: Garlic bread wasn't very good and they don't know how to cut a pizza correctly (pie cut requested). Slices were cut in all different sizes, each piece ranged from 2 inches wide at the crust to 6ish inches wide at the crust. It was like they cut each slice separately to the center for each slice rather than the standard 4 cuts across the whole pizza for 8 even slices. Pros: - They included Crushed Red Pepper, Oregano, and Parmesan packets with the pizza! -Open and delivers late (but we didn't order late) - Pizza has a nice thin crunchy crust with a nice balance of crust to sauce to cheese ratio with just the right amount of grease. As an East Coast transplant I prefer a NY foldable type crust but this was good. (Would have been better hot rather than warm.) -Fries were decent, not overly salted or soggy, but still warm. I may order again, I may not. I'm still having trouble getting over the price difference online vs what is printed on the menu that came with my order.

    (2)

  • Leslie C.

    I was invited to Fireside for a group outing to celebrate an out of town friend. I'm sorry this was her special dinner. The menu is generic and the food we ordered was ordinary and flavorless. The Gouda mac and cheese looked like Velveeta and had shockingly no taste. The french onion soup was watery and not hot. The jalapeno vinaigrette was neither a vinaigrette or jalapeno... more of a generic flavorless salsa. They have a fun looking indoor patio except I was getting dripped on all night and it wasn't raining. The servers were fun and nice but the food took a while. It was a little pricey for what we had. Good Beer list, and free parking were some good points. This is not in my neighborhood, but even if it was... I would not go back.

    (2)

  • Issy G.

    Definitely for a place to grab beers and appetizers but not a full on dinner. We ordered the slow cooked pot roast and the roasted chicken. My hubby had the pot roast which came out really dry, dry, and did I say dry? He had to request additional gravy to make the pot roast edible. I had the roasted half chicken with the side of sweet potato taters... chicken was good, not dry (and yes I was worried that it would be dry), with a side of sweet potato taters of awesomeness! And veggie medley was just right; not greasy or over cooked. I gave half of my chicken to my hubby since he couldn't eat half of his pot roast. As for desserts, we ordered several since it was a large group. I was especially happy with my carrot cake....thanks to our waiter who recommended it. They were out of the chocolate cake so our friends had to settle for subs. Avoid the Chocolate mousse ... it had an after taste of saw dust/dirt... tasted like a '2x4' not that I eat lumber but that was the 'after taste'. We had a large group and our meals came in sporadically. Our meal didn't come out together or at least close to together. Those who had their meals in front, we told them to eat since we didn't want it to get cold. So some were eating, some were waiting, and some finished. Saving grace? Our waiter was friendly but he seemed to have a lot of tables and of course our friends who were there made it an enjoyable outing.

    (2)

  • Neal D.

    I go here about weekly for lunch because i work locally. I always get the Blackened chicken pasta or a Blackened steak salad both are very good and highly recommended. They are a bit pricey as far as lunch standards go but they are very tasty and very filling. Outside of the aforementioned, I wouldn't really recommend much I've tried the burgers and various other sandwiches and was always left with same feeling of there was something left to be desired. Service is very friendly and helpful.

    (4)

  • Grace M.

    Several orders, all of them incorrect, incredibly rude guy taking phone orders, veggies taste burnt, food is somewhat subpar, always felt sick afterwards. Steak was the only good/edible item. Most dishes were rather gross tasting. Bad customer service. Will not be giving them my business again. This is more an alcoholic's paradise. *Also, ordered a side of fruit, it was literally a thimble sized mini-plastic ramekin cup,not even the normal small ramekin size like you'd get a condiment in. This after we asked for a large fruit side to act as a dessert for two. It wasn't enough for a child. VERY disappointing.

    (1)

  • Frank T.

    We like it. Close by with plenty of atmosphere. All the rest are good for an institution in the 'hood.

    (3)

  • David B.

    I'd like to preface this review by saying that I have eaten here many many times and this was my first negative experience. This time I chose delivery and what a terrible mistake. The food was COLD! This food just doesn't travel well. Now lets get to the food. We ordered the crab cake appetizer and when they say crab cake they mean crab cake. There was just one burger patty sized cake that was largely flavorless and drenched in tartar sauce. The huge quantity of sauce should have been a giveaway. I also ordered a smothered burger which was again flavorless and a huge disappointment. The Swiss must have been bargain bin cause it added nothing whatsoever to the flavor. The burger had the right amount of mushrooms and onions though again they lacked any flavor perhaps due to either low quality ingredients or products past their prime. The burger itself could be improved by adding some seasoning though there was a pleasant hint of char. The delivery came with one set of plastic cutlery for 2 people (wife ordered her own entree) and zero condiments. This place is on the downslide. Corner cutting has taken this place from a previous favorite to an also ran. I may give them another shot but it will only be because I either don't have other options or I am too drunk to remember how bad it was.

    (1)

  • Geoffrey L.

    Well, I've never ordered from here before, and I thought I'd try it for delivery. Ordered a single pizza, and was told 40-45 minutes. After an hour and five, I thought I'd call to see what was going on, and the person said that they had to make sure someone else 4 miles from my house got their delivery first, and then I'll get mine. It's amazing to me how any restaurant or any business for that matter thinks that shitty service would ever warrant a return purchase. Stay away.

    (1)

  • Christine F.

    Brunchies and boozies. That sums up the Fireside for me. After drinking enough beer to kill a pony at The Hopleaf, we moved onto the Fireside since we felt badly about lingering after dinner. Before the other night, I've only been to the Fireside for brunch, which I've enjoyed. I discovered that I enjoy their after hours fun, as well. They have a great drink selection (including house cocktails) and a nice seating area. I hate hovering on bar stools and The Fireside has some nice tables/booths/etc. DAMN KIDS AND THEIR STINKIN' BAR STOOLS. Anyway, we had a great time, our waitress was friendly and I would definitely come back for an after dinner drink.

    (4)

  • Keith O.

    Solid local joint. Has the feel of a friendly local joint in small town in Wisconsin , with good food and good beer. You really kind of forget your in Chicago for a bit . Went in Saturday night in the winter , no problem getting a table . Good food and beer selection and recommendations hit it spot on. I had the spicy meat loaf and mixed veggies , very good. Feels like type if bar with a Chicago sports game on at all time for sure.

    (4)

  • Dee W.

    Came here for a graduation party and left a fan of the place! First of all, to have your own parking lot in Chicago is a huge bonus for me! Second of all, the back patio was reserved for the party is another bonus with really great wait staff and service. Food was delicious and the drinks were kept flowing. There was a delicious chicken alfredo that was moist and flavorful and another favorite was this grilled vegetable concoction that was fresh and tasty! The kids enjoyed the food and were given crayons and coloring pages so that added touch was also appreciated.

    (4)

  • Lauren H.

    This is a great neighborhood bar. They have epic proportions. I had the chicken fingers and salad. The salad wasn't really chopped properly. But the chicken fingers were amazing. They're battered n like pancake batter. Which is weird but taste really good. My boyfriend had the smoked Mac and cheese. It was really good. Great for hangovers. Not to mention the Bloody Mary bar is epic. Not too many food items but they have like every seasoning and hot sauce you can imagine.

    (4)

  • Mandoos G.

    Just fantastic. This place has the 3 most important things in a restaurant. Cozy ambiance, great service, and outstanding food. The menu is very extensive and the prices are more than fair. I got the turkey club and my bf got the steak sandwich. He said it was the best sandwich he had ever had It's in a quiet secluded hood surrounded by houses. Plenty of parking There is a huge fire and alot of families that were there. Both gave this place a really warm and relaxed feeling. Don't come here expecting gourmet food. It is traditional American comfort food at it's best

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    The bloody mary bar is pretty outstanding, food is good and love the deck in the back, but the service is not good. The waitress checked on us once to refill drinks and it was because we had to flag her down. They seemed to be short staffed so she was probably overwhelmed waiting on all the tables....but being at a restaurant for 2 hours without getting to order drinks regularly through out the visit makes for a lame day drinking brunch. I'd go back if they got more staff.

    (3)

  • Amy C.

    Well, maybe it depends on what you order, or when. I came here with "Reader Real Deal" ($10 for $20), but this wasn't the first time - I ate at Fireside back in 2010 and remember thinking the food was better than what I ate this past weekend. I ordered the "Spicy" Cajun meat loaf dinner. The meat loaf was served lukewarm, and while it was a generous portion and did, as advertised, have chunks of sausage in the mix, was unrecognizable as Cajun (and not spicy at all!). It was served with a red marinara-like sauce. The veggies (corn, carrots and - count them - TWO green beans) were either steamed or poured out of a can, with no salt, pepper, or other seasonings added. I never add salt in my plate, but I did to those veggies. In general, everything was pretty bland. My mashed potatoes were the best thing on the plate. My bf's sweet potato tots were also very good. Maybe potatoes is the way to go if you eat here. The beer list had some interesting, micro-brew offerings and a large variety, including German. We sat in the beer garden, which similar to 2 years ago - was cutely decorated with white lights, colored lamps, and multi-level decks. We came in on a Friday night and it was surprisingly quiet, not the bustle and excitement you'd usually get at a Friday night restaurant in the city. While they did have some interesting things on the menu maybe we should have tried instead (e.g., the gouda burger or the gouda mac & cheese) I probably won't make a point to come back.

    (2)

  • Mike P.

    Have been coming here for 10 yrs for late night fish and outdoor patio and came in last week following a concert. Bartender insisted on turning radio up to 12 playing gangster rap with every other word starting w F. Could not hear the person sitting next to me and then she turned it up to 14. Calamari came out raw, my friend said lets get out of here in sign language since we could not communicate. Asked the server to put the food to go so we could eat in the car but food never came. Felt like Chef Ramsey or Bar Rescue Guy but luckily I don't have to rescue this place just drove off and will never come back.

    (1)

  • Lauren A.

    This place has a great beer list and great food. Beware of the family dining area during brunch as there are A LOT of families with children in there. Other than that, this place is great.

    (4)

  • Barbara W.

    these folks need to learn what a reservation means....we arrived at 6:30 pm on Xmas day and there were at least 20 very angry customers crammed into a very small entryway waiting to be seated, and most of us had reservations, some were waiting for at least 1/2 an hour, several folks were in heated conversations with whom I presume was the manager, it would have been nice to ask for reservations holding people to come forward and be seated instead of taking customers as they walked in, the food was just OK, but the drinks were something a 3 yr. old could drink, hardly any alcohol in them.......might try them again but I won't bother with a reservation

    (1)

  • Carol J.

    While the beer list gets this place from one star to 2, it was a huge disappointment. The server never came to take our order so we went to the bar and ordered. Our food took a long time and then was brought out wrong - my friend was brought the wrong meal, and my Benedict eggs were poached hard. After they remade my Petite Filet Benedict, the "filet" was so tough I could barely cut it much less chew it. My friend's sirloin steak and eggs had a better steak quality than my "filet" but his scrambled eggs were extremely dry. The manager came out and comped our bill. But hugely disappointing Sunday brunch.

    (2)

  • Logan S.

    What an interesting meal! We got great food and a history lesson, too! Yesterday, we stopped at the Fireside for lunch and found the dining room filling with people in military garb, all sorts of military garb, after a Veteran's Day ceremony they performed at Rosehill, just across the street. Our entrees were large and really well prepared. A fruit 'side' was really a huge bowl of cut up fruits/melon and we took most of it home for another one or two meals... The chicken fried steak was good solid home cooking and the gravy was perfect. My quiche was more like quiche/French toast, but it was tasty and had an interesting dipping sauce (with a bit of red pepper, for bite). The 'military' group was representing the history of servicemen in America and had performed at the cemetery (we heard cannons when we parked - awesome) and they all trooped in, along with a hoop-skirted woman. We got to see all the different menu items they ordered and, from breakfasts to dinners, they all looked fantastic and smelled divine as they passed our table. (They were nice to us and told us a lot about military history and let us take photos with them. They said they go to Fireside every year after the ceremony and they seemed to be pretty familiar with the menu, the way they talked.) Service was slow. We asked several times for butter, then for bread, then for another napkin and we waited a loooooong time for our check after asking for it. (It was really, really slow, and despite the uniformed guys, the room was only half full and there were three servers.) One lady was following the waitress around, kind of begging her to take their money so they could leave. But - the food was excellent and the circuses were over the moon. And the mac and cheese is comfort food at its best.

    (4)

  • Karen Z.

    Was at Fireside tonight and their special appetizer this week is Teriyaki Wings with ginger. Not only did we have them at the restaurant, myself and friend took an order home - they were so delicious. As always, the food is wonderful, service great and their Gouda mac & cheese always delightful. I always look forward to their weekly specials (appetizers & entrees) which are always unique and delicious. Have been going to Fireside for many years and have never been disappointed in a meal whether it be dinner, lunch or weekend brunch (with their great bloody Mary bar)!

    (5)

  • Dara O.

    One of the top places to go for late-night bar food. Their kitchen is open late! I've been going here for years. Great tap menu, great bottle menu, and again, GREAT food. Staff are friendly and timely (might be delayed with a crowd). The place really fills up after 2 AM.

    (5)

  • Kristin M.

    I don't know why I love Fireside so much, but I do. It's a neighborhood gem that falls somewhere between cozy and dive-y. I always seem to come back for more. The space is really diverse. When you go in, you can either go left into the Little House on the Prairie dining room (with a fireplace, hence the name!), or right to the dive bar with the regulars. If you keep going past the bar, there's a great indoor/outdoor tented area (complete with heaters in colder months). There's also a front patio in the warmer months. I love all the options! The food is pretty solid, typical family restaurant fare. I love the fish n' chips and make your own mac n' cheese. The burgers are hit or miss. The cajun meatloaf was good, just not as spicy as advertised. The pizzas are pretty good as well. I went for Thanksgiving one year and their Thanksgiving dinner was excellent. "Best stuffing I've ever had" (says a non-stuffing lover). I might even go back this year! The beer list is also quite impressive. The service is usually slow, but for some reason it doesn't stop me from coming. The frequent diner card is a nice perk, you get 10% off your first meal and coupons throughout the year. Note: they offer delivery (including beer!), though I've never tried it.

    (4)

  • Ann M.

    Adorable place. Come here when I am up in the city to visit family. I love the atmosphere, I love the people, and the food is pretty darn good also. And the beer selection.... 5 STARS for the beer selection! There is nothing worse than wanting a good meal and drink and they have nothing but cheap mass produced beer and frozen bar food.

    (4)

  • Nancy A.

    I love this place!! I came here once with my boyfriend and his friend and I loved it so much I decided to have my 25th birthday party in the patio area. It was mid March and even though it was chilly out, they had the patio area heated. The staff is great! I have to dedicate this 5 star rating to our waiter Jimmy. He made my birthday party run smoothly. He took care of 8 tables on his own for my party! He did an awesome job! The place is so cute and Cozy. Drinks and food are great!

    (5)

  • Rich R.

    We have not been here in a while since moving further west in the city. This place has always had great food and tonight was not different. They have a great selection of beers and very good margaritas. The girl serving us was the worst experience we ever had at any place. It took forever to get our order placed, get a beer glass even though I asked twice, get our food, get doggy bags, and finally our check. People around us came in 20-30 minutes after us and got their food before us and had a different server. We complained to the manager and he said the girl was their best server which is definitely a line. The manager did take $20 off of our meal. Lucky our 3 year old was very good but getting impatient after 2 hours. We finally received our check and no apologies from our server. This was the first time we did not tip anywhere and will not be back.

    (1)

  • Jacob J.

    Fireside to me is like that token familiar place you can always fall back on when your clueless about heading out for a meal. At different times in my life, it's been a place to hang with friends or go and find them. As a bar, it's best when you bring others. Since the place is usually filled with couples and parties rather than singles. Since its located within the neighborhood they seldom get walk-in's off the street or at least that's been my experience. When I was in my younger twenties I'd often stop in here with a crew of people I worked with locally. We'd order a bunch of items for sharing. Often ordering a starter with marinara sauce and goats cheese, such a simple combination that tasted divine and the house hummus served with triangle portions of pita bread, celery and carrots. Both items not found on today's menu, which I consider a good thing because it means their menu is changing with the times. As a restaurant I've done Sunday brunch, occasional late night dinners, etc. There isn't any menu item that stands out nor is there any detail about the drinking which is notable. The food & beverage is pretty average. Well, their bloody Mary bar is probably their most notable feature which most Chicagoans on the Northside may have heard about. Also the outdoor beer garden in the rear has a tall ceiling composed of tents I want to say. I can't remember. I'm not a youngin' any longer that finds seating out there "all that". Nowadays if I am here its because my friends dragged me here, kicking and screaming. A seat on their patio out front with a couple pizzas and a few drinks. It's a place we can sit and those that smoke can still be a part of the conversation. Just a few steps away of course. Their sidewalk patio is dog friendly.

    (3)

  • Paul H.

    this is a must stop in place if your ever in town . its great for the whole family and for thos who have a need for a good beer tap they have one of the best and most friendly staff . with prices you can not go wrong with . they have some of the best food in town . you got to try there food . so many things to choose from such a big menu only they could pull off . one of the best places in town for a quick bite .

    (5)

  • Matthew M.

    Really amazed by the handful of negative reviews here... Maybe it's hit or miss. I've been twice. First time for beers and food. Beer selection is incredible, waitress was awesome with recommendations and samples. The food was just to die for. Perfect calamari and flawless fish and chips. Second time was for St Pattys Day. Goat cheese and crostini appetizer was pretty good- Would have been flawless if it were a tiny bit hotter. And the corned beef and cabbage... good lord. I am a corned beef fanatic- I've made my own from scratch many times. This was the best I've ever had, by far. Perfection. And the scotch glaze it came with was to die for. It was so good I couldn't pace or limit myself, scarfed it all down and felt horribly sick for the rest of the day (don't worry, it wasn't the food. My girlfriend got the same thing but didn't eat like a pig at a trough and felt fine). Very rarely to I go to a restaurant like this twice, or rant and rave about the food. I have been THOROUGHLY impressed with the food. This is my new go-to place for beers, food, or anything. Huge fan.

    (5)

  • Brian K.

    The only reason it is one star, the food was phenomenally good. It is thought to be a great place to get a late night bite to eat. Do not sit on the patio, especially when Jimmy is working. 10 min to take drink order. 10 more minutes to get drinks. On a busy night, this would be expected; but with 4 tables on the floor- it's unacceptable. Then it took 45 mins to get the food. Observed two tables get food before my table was served, and one came in 30 mins after my table. Jimmy came up to the table to personally blame the cooks. Then my table was waiting a legitimate 10 min upon completing meals, drinks, & water to try and get a check. I finally had to ask the bus boy for the check. Then asked where the server was, to which he responded " He must be on break." The bus boy was the one who actually helped us the most. The bill was paid in cash and left on the table. Then the table of guests were getting ready to leave and Jimmy finally showed up to accuse my table of "I see you're walking out on your bill." To which was responded, "Yes, I'm walking out on my tab (sarcastically)." And left the restaurant! All totaled, I had 2 hours of my time taken up. In a circumstance that should have been about an hour+. Then I was accused of theft from a person who thinks their attitude is right for the service industry. The service of this restaurant is no worth the hassle. Save yourself the trouble and just go home.

    (1)

  • Mai T.

    I was taken here with a couple of girlfriends or a quick dinner before heading out to our nightly festivities. It's nice that a place like this in the city has their own parking lot. That's a bonus, but it's really small so don't come thinking it can fit 20 vehicles. Upon walking in, the restaurant itself is located to the left with restrooms to the right. Interesting layout. The inside felt as if it was a house converted to a restaurant. Like the living area and dining area were combined I be a general eating area. Our waitress knew that we were in a rush. This place doesn't seem like it would be swamped with customers. The menu was an interesting one. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich on french bread with the country mash. The sandwich was plain, but thank goodness I was able to dip it in the gravy which made it more appetizing. the mash was good due to the fact that it still had the potato skins in there. That's always a good sign that it didn't come from a box. You definitely need the gravy for these though, it's not good standing alone. A girlfriend of mine order the meatloaf sandwich which is interesting to say the least. She didn't care for the meatloaf as it was 'watered down'. Another girlfriend had the broccoli with shells in a Parmesan cheese sauce and it was a huge portion. She said it was good and was not able to finish the whole thing as it was too big of a dish. Our waitress was able to split the bill 5 ways which was very nice of her. Many places don't allow that since your party is considered too big. It was a satisfying light dinner, but I don't think I'd come black here for a real dinner. The patio outside did look nice, so we could come back for some drinks and a light meal.

    (3)

  • Amy C.

    This place gets 2 stars only because I liked the atmosphere and the food was decent. We got seated at a table right next to the fire. It was cozy but I was also really warm in that spot. I ordered the fish and chips, they were good, but the veggies that came along with had no flavor. My husband got the half roasted chicken and really liked it. The service here is terrible. We waited 10 min for someone to even come to our table and must have been there an hour total waiting for our food. We had two small kids with us and by the time our food came, I was so done with the place as were our kids. By the way, my lemonade tasted terrible. How do you mess that up? Luckily, for some reason they didn't charge us for our drinks. This place has potential but we won't be back.

    (2)

  • Nikkie H.

    I have heard from multiple people that this is a great place for brunch, so after I saw a Groupon for it I knew I had to check it out. Went there this weekend with a friend during the Bears game and it was definitely three stars - just a-ok. That is just my opinion though. My friend LOVED it. You see, I am not a fan of Bloody Mary's. I think I've had one in my life that didn't make me gag (at Tweet); otherwise to me they all taste like bile. He was a big fan of the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, so that was his highlight. We both went with a benedict. Me, the crab cake, and him the traditional. Overall the food was decent. My crab cake was a bit on the tiny side. In fact, I couldn't event tell there was a crab cake on the English muffin, because it was completely hidden by the poached egg. Regardless, it had a good taste and the side of potatoes were decent enough. Overall, if you are looking for a bar with a better than average brunch menu, this is the place. Parking is super easy, it wasn't crowded, and the prices were reasonable. Will I go back? Unclear, because there are just so many good brunch places around.

    (3)

  • Dan K.

    The food here is delicious, and their kitchen is open late. Their blackened rub is so amazing. It's a tad spicy but not too much heat. It's just great. I wanna say their ktichen is open till 3. Maybe 4. Check it out.

    (4)

  • Ericka A.

    The bar we were at shut down way too early for our taste on a Friday night. We were still thirsty for beer and starting to feel pangs of hunger. Fireside was relatively close, would still be open and was serving alcohol and entrees. We didn't give it a second thought. I went with the Gouda covered mac and added chicken to it. It wasn't the best mac n chicken ever, but it hit the spot and there was enough for leftovers. It was all washed down with a pear cider in the heated tent patio area. Good food, good friends, warmth and beer. How could I not be a fan?

    (4)

  • Jaz P.

    This place gets five stars for all its emotional associations. It's become nearer and dearer to me over the years. I used to make pit stops to say hello to my childhood friend, who used to waitress here, and I was breezing through town when I used to live in NYC. Back then, it used to be more of a late-nite, after 2am place on the weekends for bar food and drinks. Since then, I'm pleased to say that it appears that the place has "grown up," and rounded out its daytime offerings, and expanded in size even. The all you can eat buffet brunch on special holidays is amazing. So are all the trimmings offered in the DIY Bloody Mary bar. This place's versatility makes it so appealing to stop by any time of the day, even for a drink early on the weekend before heading out for the rest of the evening.

    (5)

  • Monica E.

    If you're looking for a good review don't read this one because it will not be anything nice. I came here late on a Saturday night with two friends. We were not acknowledged at first and sat down ourselves in the middle of the eating area that is located by the bar. My friends and I had been waiting about 10 minutes and were still not acknowledged. Waited about another 15 until I called the restaurant and asked the gentleman on the phone if I can have someone to take my order. Kindly, he said yes. Once we saw that our waitress was the lady who was belligerently drunk and dancing like a fool we knew what we were in for. Our waitress finally came to our table reeking of alcohol and stumbling as she took our order. We had all ordered the Jack Daniel burger not sure what the exact name was. It's sad that such great food is being masked by such inappropriate behavior. We had finished our burgers and now the place was getting pretty busy. Hence it was about 2AM and everyone was coming in from their night. It took us about 30 minutes to get the waitresses attention yet again to get our check. I gladly undertipped the waitress for her shitty service and as I was exiting from the parking lot - the waitress, with a cigarette hanging from her mouth, threw me and my friends a pretty little finger. Sorry Firehouse, you should def look into hiring some new waitresses or I would of gave this place a five star.

    (1)

  • Jelena Z.

    Four stars seem a bit too generous? Well, when comparing against other bars in the open until 4am (5am on Saturdays) category, Fireside is the best of the worst. Know what I mean? Pros: open 'til at least 4am. 365 days a year. Even Christmas! There's a jukebox, plenty of seating, a parking lot (!), a patio, and alcohol (duh!). Cons: the food is... well, it's average. But, the quesadilla is actually decent, and the guacamole is fresh. As far as late-night drinking destinations go, Fireside is it.

    (4)

  • Taylor B.

    This was a great hidden gem that a few of my friends and I ventured to on a hungover Saturday to watch Iowa play Purdue. Well, the only reason they don't get a 5 star is because they said their TV wouldn't change channels and they didn't even the B1G Network. Well that's the only negative. The Bloody Mary bar was fantastic and helped perk us up. I ordered a burger on a pretzel bun and on a snap hungover decision got mashed potatoes. Best decision ever. Burger was tasty and the mashed potatoes had to be the best I've ever had from a restaurant. Next time I'm around, I will for sure be back, as long as there's no games on that is!

    (4)

  • Beth R.

    Color me disappointed. I strolled over to my former flame, Fireside, for dinner on this sultry summer Sunday. I was tossing the usual coin between the veggie burger and the vegetable stir-fry as we approached. We chose to sit inside due to the aforementioned humidity. That's where the choices ended. I opened the menu and began reading, or actually scanning, for my usual suspects. Funny, there's no veggie burger in the burger section. (Okay....) Hmm, not in the sandwich list either. (Worry grows.) Maybe there's a vegetarian section I forgot about? Maybe it's in the fine print? (No. And, whoa.) Well, what about the stir-fry? Where was that listed? (Not in specialties.) Was it in the pasta list? (Oh Jeebus: no.) Fireside has taken my two favorite things off the menu. Our waitress confirmed it and waved a carrot, saying they might be back in the fall. We'll see if I am. In case you think I starved tonight, rest assured that I ate the portabello mushroom sandwich with spinach. It was pretty salty and a little hard to swallow with the lump in my throat. Pour a little of your 40 oz. for my phantom favorites. :(

    (3)

  • Tim G.

    Their pizza alone could make this an excellent review, but I love this place for it's three-part charm. 1) Take your parents to the dining room, 2) dine with groups in the year-round patio, or 3) have a great (and noisy) brunch with close friends in the bar. The menu reminds me of one of my favorite childhood restaurants - modified and appropriated fare for American tastes. While it runs the gamut from Italian to Mexican or Mac & Cheese, they do everything well.

    (4)

  • Grace P.

    Fireside is on our way home. After a long day of work, we get takeout frequently from here. The friendly service, great food & great prices keep us coming back. We also just discovered that they sell growlers of beer! So now I can get my favorite draft beers to go as well. They also have a great selection of specials, new each week, so the menu never gets old. Always a good experience.

    (5)

  • Conly D.

    Just an all-around good hang. I honestly cannot thing of anything bad about this place. The food is great, the drinks are greater and the staff is greatest! Give them a shotsky, you'll be happsky that you did.

    (5)

  • Jerry E.

    I've been coming here off and on for years, my parents used to come here as well,and unfortunately it just seems like it's not as good as the last time,everytime. I will comment that the pizza is still pretty good as well as the blackened chicken w pasta. I don't know, maybe I'm a little to blue collar for this place and it's crowd now,maybe it's me,Fireside,and not you...but at any rate,it's pretty much just one of those places that gets my business late when there's no where else to go.

    (2)

  • Valerie R.

    Good food, friendly service, cozy layout. The vibe here is awesome! I enjoyed the mac n cheese (build your own) and my friend loved her fish n chips. I'll definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Kristina F.

    its really disconcerting reading all these negative reviews that start with "i've been 700 times and this review is for this one bad time that i had so here's one star for my one bad experience out of 700" seems very unfair. but thats neither here nor there this was my first time here, and i swear i felt like gordon ramsey or even robert irvine. i felt i was on a freaking hidden camera show. we got there around midnight/12:30 am. the service, man was the service not fast. we walked straight through the bar to get to the patio where a sign stated a hostess would seat us. no such thing happened and tiresome of standing there looking slow, i found my own seat. a server or busboy finally came to us and asked how many to get the glasses of water, but we instead moved to the bar area. you cant have crayons in the bar area because people slip on them, so there goes that. might i add, i was already annoyed, and i am a pretty easy going person, but it took such a long time for us to be greeted when we got in the bar and an even longer time for our drinks to finally come. the waitress was nice enough tho. now i looooove to eat, but i am no food snob. i didnt get a steak or a lobster tail, i ordered standard bar food (if you would call fried calamari standard, it is sort of a staple) and got substandard food. when i say no flavor, there was like no freaking flavor calamari- chewy and was not fried hard, the crust came right off. and again, chewy wings- seemed to be cooked all the way and were good and not skinny skimpy wings, but the buffalo sauce tasted like buffalo barbecue sauce. too sweet and too thick. fish and chips- the fries were delicious, the fish was salty and good enough, tasted like huge fish sticks. mostly flavorless. also came with vegetables. please read and believe, I LOVE VEGETABLES, but these were almost unidentifiable. they were cold after a few minutes, and the potatoes felt like squash (i was eating with my hands) but tasted basically unidentifiable. i cant even say for sure they were potatoes. i could not finish my vegetables, and unless they are peas, i always finish my vegetables in order of flavor: wings, fish, calamari. one friend who is a bit of a food snob didnt seem to like her food too much. and she was annoyed with the leaf garnish they gave her which was funny. she ordered the half slab of ribs which came with mashed potatoes. another friend, while i did taste his food (he got the eggplant parm) it was underwhelming. eggplant parm is one of those foods i always hear ordered, but never had. i dont think i've even had eggplant before. basically, underwhelming. again, no flavor. i didnt see the big deal, but i wont let this restaurant be the standard for eggplant parmesan if i ever order it because there is nothing else on the menu i would get. the eggplant is fried, but the crust was sooo soggy and again, no flavor. lol. it reminded me of the episode of restaurant impossible where the cook didnt even add salt and pepper to his chicken and said "people love my chicken" no. no they dont. basic spices thats all you need fireside. this was just ridiculous i was eating everything on the table, not out of hunger, but out of a want for taste. something good enough that i could pick on that only. i finally settled to eat all my fish and fries. so sorry veggies on the bright side, our server (who both friends thought might've been drunk) called us a cab and made sure we got in it. that was nice of her, even for slow service, so they get one extra star for her. plus, the bathrooms were stocked (well one stall did run out of tissue) and they had paper towels so no waving my hands frantically as i walk out the bathroom, even tho i'll settle for an air dryer the music was crazily loud. although they turned it down eventually. we werent at a club or a concert yet we were yelling to hear each other. will i go back again? yeah. it was fun enough. wish they had a pool table. will i go when im starving? no. maybe i'll get the fish and chips again. maybe i'll get the wings again (oh yeah, about 6-7 wings for $8, smh) but anything else i'll leave to the pros oh yeah, i dont want to leave anything out COCONUT MOJITO IS DELICIOUS

    (3)

  • Kristen S.

    I really would like to love Fireside. It's a neighborhood place and very sweet. The service is not great and the food is meh! I just don't know what to say. If they re-imagine this place a little, I'll definitely try it again.

    (2)

  • Mary K W.

    I haven't been here in a few years, and probably won't be back for another few. The place was reasonably crowded as it was Game 3 for the Stanley Cup finals. Now, I'm no restauranteur, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out you might be busier than a normal Monday night and might want to have more staff on hand. The poor waitress covering the back was doing the best she could with about 8-10 tables. The food was just average, nothing one way or another. We purposefully ordered an extra beer each because we knew the wait would be long to get another. I saw a few tables get up and leave because of the wait. However, the biggest fail of the evening was when one of the waitstaff was trying to get accumulated rainwater off the ceiling tarps in the back by poking it with a long pole. Instead of the water running off the tarp to the outside of the building, an older couple sitting at another table was showered with the accumulated rainwater. I hope they comped their dinner. And the Hawks lost, too. Boo all around!

    (2)

  • Cat H.

    I have such mixed feelings about Fireside. It's right around the corner from me and is consistently a cozy, comfortable place. But their food is mediocre and their service is disappointing. While their burgers and salads are great, the rest of their menu is fairly boring. I recently ordered their gouda mac & cheese, and couldn't even finish it. While i'll go there, i'll never be wowed by the food. Recently their service has gone downhill; it's taken me 20 minutes to get a drink, and you practically have to put on a show to flag down your server to order. The crowning affair was when my card was charged completely wrong, and after a 10 minute conversation with our server, we still left having paid the totally wrong amount. The bottom line is that Fireside is a great place to go split a bottle of wine with a good friend, or to sample a beer. Their late night delivery is perfect for when you are sick on the couch. But overall they don't live up to their image.

    (3)

  • E K.

    Chicken quesadillas: tacos were burnt. no chicken to be found. won't be back. nice waiter, though.

    (2)

  • Jason G.

    I can not believe this place doesn't have at least 4 stars. I consider this one of the best kept secrets in Chicago. I have been here so many times since I have lived in Ravenswood. The Blackened Cajun Chicken and Pasta with that cajun cream sauce is epic. Their brunch food is also delicious, especially the banana nut french toast. Shut your mouth Fireside! They have great beer specials and a huge variety. The servers are always super helpful and attentive, and last time my server enrolled me in their loyalty program and I keep getting free stuff. Needless to say, Fireside and I are dating now.

    (5)

  • Jayson C.

    Excellent beer selection, excellent food, great service, and all at an affordable price! Their outdoor patio is a great spot to just kick back and drink the night away! This has been my local spot for years and will remain that way for a long time! But what happened to the Hoegarden on tap?!?

    (4)

  • Sarah P.

    Up until our great service by Cala on Friday, I was planning to give this place 1 star. If I was reviewing her service alone, I would give 5 stars but the combination of past poor service, dirty dining environment and so-so food have lowered the review. I've been to Fireplace 3 times in the last 3 months. The first time the food was ok although my ravioli was literally served in a giant bowl of soup. The second time we went for brunch. The service was ridiculously slow, and frankly horrible (took forever just to take an order) and our food came out cold. My boyfriend's food was good once it was reheated, but my steak sandwich literally had zero flavor so I smothered it with steak sauce. The last time we went was Friday. Both our bread plates were dirty with food stuck to it and my water glass has something crusted on the outside - gross. The table on my side was also sticky - double gross. Then along comes Cala (got this name off the receipt so it's possible it's short for something else). This server had the entire dining room and was busting her butt with all 8 occupied tables. She was friendly, helpful and honestly saved what was going to be a fairly negative review of this place based on previous experiencedining there. It's doubtful we will be back but Cala was a phenomenal server and left us with a more postiive experience, So in a nutshell: +5 stars Cala -1 star bad service before -1 star mediocre food -1 star dirty dishware and table

    (2)

  • David G.

    This place has the best "ribs" in town period. They have a smoker in the back that just makes the meat glide off the bone. It doesn't get any better than that. The bb sauce has just the right amount of spice and kick. I think they make it in house. You gotta try this you won't be disappointed. The staff too is on the ball. Bottom line a great experience.

    (5)

  • Carmen B.

    Ventured here for Craft Beer week, otherwise I don't think I would have ever made it this far north. After the drive, we walked up and I felt certain that I was no longer in Chicago - it appeared to be in a residential area and there is a large patio in front of the bar. Kind of reminds me of biker bars from the past. In any case, the bar was pretty crowded, we got seats and began to drink a few of the best beers I've had recently. There was a Founder's focus that evening, but I had specialty Dogfish Head (Saison du Buff) which was outstanding! Great summer feel, quality beer, friendly crowd and staff = repeat.

    (3)

  • Judy M.

    With a heavy heart I take away a star from Fireside. The rest of the food we've tried doesn't meet up to the expectations I had from the time we ordered delivery. The chicken tenders were decent, but the fries and quesadilla, I was not a fan. However, I really do appreciate the fact their kitchen is open so late, they deliver, the drinks are stiff and the servers are great.

    (3)

  • Jose B.

    Great staff, amazing drink list and the food is pretty good, some things are better than others, personally if get anything but the burgers. great atmosphere and like i said, amazing booze list!!!

    (4)

  • Ted C.

    My friend lives in the area here and when we decided to meet up somewhere she suggested this place. She said that it had pretty good food and a pretty good beer selection. The day was nice so I wanted so sit outside which wasn't a big deal, the bartender just transferred our tab out to the back patio. Did I mention that they poured Stone Arrogant Bastard on tap? Well, they do and as my friend said, completely appropriate for me. The back patio was nicely shaded and and comfortable. The soup I had was their special, Chicken Hominy which I thought was really good. A nice twist on chicken noodle , with the hominy bringing a nice texture. I had their Lemon Pepper Chicken breast which is a pretty nice healthy option and I got double veggies no problem. Back porch service was okay, a little slow. We finished up but we waited and waited for our server to come back and eventually we had to get the other server to get our check for us and then had to hand it to someone to run it. Not a bad place but given the other options in the area I may check those out first before returning.

    (3)

  • Mike H.

    I don't get to Fireside often, but when I do, it has been at all different times, even as late as 1:45 AM. Never has the place disappointed us. I think the prices are very considerate, and the drinks are good. The only thing that bothers me is that you have to walk through the bar area in order to get to the patio, and often the patrons are not too accommodating at letting others pass, mostly because they want you to know how incredibly cool they are (spoiler alert: THEY AREN'T!) Nonetheless, that's the only flaw of this consistent and cozy spot.

    (4)

  • Doris D.

    Ever since moving to the hood, I have been here about 5 times. It's homey, with an eclectic crowd, good service and low prices. The staff is really nice, with a pretty decent juke box selection.The menu is surprisingly huge, and their Sunday Bloody Mary bar is da bomb. As far as late-night divey, drinking destinations go, Fireside is definitely cool.

    (4)

  • Michael P.

    Excellent food and service is outstanding. However if they make a mistake on your delivery dont trust them to add a credit in the computer. I had a credit owed requested to use my credit when I placed my order. They delivered as usual and failed to credit my bill. I called and delivery lady called as well and the manager refused to give me my credit. I sent food back in disappointed that they treated a customer of 8 years with such disrespect. I started going back because I do like the food and my delivery lady is outstanding. No problems since. I will give them another chance.

    (4)

  • Dan F.

    Went here last night after a day of St. Patrick's day "merriment." Played Tribe Called Quest's 'Midnight Marauders' album from start to finish. Thus the fifth star.

    (5)

  • Nick F.

    Been coming here for years. Eveything on the menu is great. Kitchen is open late. Drink prices are reasonable. Multiple seating options. a) bar b) dining room c) outside patio (heated in the winter).

    (5)

  • J P.

    Great local place and a rare, 4AM liquor license... what's not to like? Seriously; not a big drinker here but the beer offerings and selection are notable, as is the menu. Gourmet fare? Well, not quite, but most everything is at least decent if not downright great and I'd put it many notches above standard pub grub. The mashed potatoes are a treat (and I'm not a mashed potato guy normally) they leave a bit of the red skins on and whip it up with seasonings and serve with gravy. Yum! Burgers are good and cooked the way you want. If you like blackened food you should appreciate several of the special dishes offered at Fireside. The wait staff tends to be friendly, responsive and there's nothing pretentious about the place. Decor is well worn, Chicago-funky but inviting just the same. The dining room feels a bit like a rural Wisconsin supper club but it's great in the winter as there's a gas fireplace to keep you toasty. The rear garden area off of the bar is open almost year round and a nice place for a family or small group. Rich, the owner, has developed this place into a neighborhood institution and is frequently on-site so don't be shy to say hello.

    (4)

  • Taylor P.

    This review is for delivery. Their food is quite good, but they have serious issues with delivery. I've ordered a couple of times just because the food was great and I was hopeful I'd just been unlucky, but delivery seems to be consistently bad. It takes much longer than estimated (through Grubhub) (closer to two hours than the initially estimated one, even though it is eventually updated, but what good is that to me when it's already been an hour?) The packaging is really not great at all. The drivers have trouble finding my apartment and then have trouble finding my unit. Last time my order got mixed up so a driver arrived having given part of my food to someone else (and my order had someone else's address written on it) and had to return to the restaurant, taking an extra hour to get me everything I'd asked for. Better than average food, but much worse than average delivery makes this a restaurant to avoid for me, super disappointing.

    (1)

  • Jeffrey K.

    Fireside is great for lazy weekend afternoons and the Bloody Mary deal makes my liver twitch. Also, they have a number of really good brewskis on tap and alternate them frequently. The food is large portion but can be hit or miss. The menu may be too large and they could probably trim down and do fewer things better. Anyway, the brunch and breakfast items are generally tasty; the banana bread french toast is great.

    (3)

  • Chris P.

    Fireside is the epitome of a 3 star Yelp review. The service is so-so, I've had decent servers and some that were just horrible. The fact that I've been multiple times shows that it's not too bad of a place. They have a big menu and the dinner portions are great for the price, but I never leave saying "wow, that was great". It is exactly what you'd expect it to be, a serviceable place to have some food and drinks in an area where there aren't a whole lot of options.

    (3)

  • Natalie S.

    I think in the future, when I have a nagging voice in the back of my head that says "BAD IDEA!", I'm going to stop and listen. Our friend suggested we head over for dinner the other day. I vaguely recall eating here when I was in my late teens/early 20s and I also vaguely recall not thinking it was spectacular. However, I'd like to think my taste buds have matured and that I'm always willing to give a place a second chance... so I agreed. We were seated right away on the left restaurant side of the place. Our waitress was helpful when my dude was picking a beer. I ordered the cream of portabella mushroom soup to start... and oh my stars... it was dreamy. Delicious. I could have swam in a portabella mushroom soup lake and been the happiest woman alive. I really, really love a good soup. I LIVE for a really, really good soup. This one was special. However... my entree hurt my feelings. I went with the fish and chips off the specials list and it was just... awful. Clearly commercially prepared and simply thrown in the fryer. The centers of the filets weren't fried enough which left them mushy and gross. The dish came with a side of "daily vegetables" which was a pile of bland, tasteless cooked baby carrots. Fish and chips has been a recent pregnancy craving of mine and after wasting $14 on a terrible version here, I now continue my quest to feed the crispy fish hunger. Will I be back? Possibly. If someone said to meet them here I'd do it. But I definitely will not initiate a return engagement. Unless they sell gallons of that mushroom soup to go and in which case, I'll put them on my speed dial. That soup alone saved this from being a two star review.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth W.

    We love this place! We've been there several times for brunch and the bloody mary bar, and we just hosted a party on the back patio for a very reasonable price, and everything was great! It is a hidden gem!

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    You must dine in the rear area past the bar area, not in the main dining room. It's much better in the back. They have a good wine and beer selection and offer a very intimate setting for daters. Try the blackened chicken and pasta. To die for! The cajun meatloaf disappointed me last time as it was a bit hard and crumbly. I noticed the bar area was a bit blue collar for my taste, FYI.

    (4)

  • Dave O.

    This is not just a good but a GREAT neighborhood bar/restaurant. Wanna drink? Belly up to the bar and sample from their excellent beer selection. Wanna hang with a group of friends? No problem, the back patio is open rain or shine. Just wanna eat? They have a separate dining room for that too. Want somewhere to hang after 2 a.m.? You'll have to ask some other, younger yelper b/c I'm no longer out at that hour. My only beef with Fireside is that the menu is hit or miss. I've had really good and very mediocre food here. But with this place I can shrug off the mediocre because it's such a great neighborhood hangout.

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. They have a huge menu and friendly staff (especially Laura who was an awesome server). There is a separate restaurant and bar area, as well as a back patio area which is heated and enclosed in the winter, and open in the summer. I'll definitely have to go back to try it then. The fireplace in the restaurant area is very cozy but you need to specify you want to sit by it when you make your reservation. They have their own beer- Fireside Ale- as well as a huge list of cocktails and other beers. We ordered appetizers of cajun shrimp, coconut shrimp (don't go here for the shrimp) calamari (go here for this), and chicken wings. I ordered the slab of ribs for dinner which is supposed to be one of their specialties, but were just OK. The best things to order here seem to be the burgers and the pizza. They have various celebrations for holidays- Mardi Gras and St. Patricks Day are coming up, and Sunday Bloody Mary bar. Definitely would go back.

    (4)

  • Edet N.

    This place is a safety choice whenever the night is rudderless. The last stop before I head home but I don't go out too much anymore. If I happen to find myself out past the witching hour (2am) then I will probably be here. Food is decent, drinks are fair and service is prompt and accurate.

    (3)

  • Christopher G.

    Picked up some ribs for dinner. Ribs were dry, chewy and scantily dressed with sauce, which didn't help the dryness. Lacked good pork flavor. Greeted and served by very friendly staff. Sauce pretty good with slight kick. Pairing with a better quality rib would be recommended.

    (2)

  • Jeka M.

    You walk into Fireside, located on a friendly looking corner, up the stairs, and into a welcoming, wooden-floored bar area. There are tall chairs and tables, booths, and the bar; the service is fast and attentive, and servers seem to be knowledgeable about most if not all of their extensive beer list. If you are a beer connoisseur, Fireside has a good variety of local and imported lagers/ales/beers. The dining area is really pretty, and kind of a relief in winter--it's a large white tented area attached to the bar that has strings of lights and grills of wood fires burning to warm and light the area. It's both relaxing and intimate. Bonus: I found free parking easily right around the corner. *Good variety of beer *Romantic signature fire-lighted tent area *Great for a girls' night out or a dinner for two :)

    (4)

  • Adam M.

    this is a great place for lunch and inner. during lunch they have a huge Blood Mary bar, they aslo have a good amount of beers. they have Two patio on uncovered in the front of the Restaurant and one huge Coved patio in the back they are two part to the restaurant one side is more of a dinning room and the other side has the bar and some table . The biggest upside for me is the serve food until 3am and are open to 4 am if you are in the area i would check it out

    (5)

  • Jenny R.

    Everytime I'm in the neighborhood visiting, I like to visit Fireside. Great service, lots of room, wonderful menu with something for everyone. My favorite dish here is the cajun meatloaf. This place is like the TARDIS-it's bigger on the inside.

    (4)

  • Maxim L.

    This used to be my go-to spot back when Tara worked there. After a few months of not going there, I decided to give it another try without her. Oh how things have changed. First off, the service there is terrible now. Walked in and sat down in a pretty empty dining room (maybe 2 other tables were there). It took 10-15 mins for a waitress to even acknowledge us. She took our drink orders and took another 10 mins to return with drinks (we all got beer bottles). A pet peeve of mine is that she gave me a frosted pint glass for a Barrel-aged Barleywine. Anyone who works at a beer bar should know better. We ordered our food after she brought me a room temperature glass (along with a dirty look after I asked politely for a different glass). Food is not at all what I remember. I know I haven't been there in a few months, but everything has really gone down hill. Was there a chef change? I don't know. What I do know is that I unfortunately have decided that I will no longer be frequenting Fireside.

    (2)

  • Alexis A.

    The best part about this restaurant is the do-it-yourself bloody mary bar. I am a big fan of bloody marys, but have never had a knack for making my own until I was able to experiment with their different ingredients. I love being able to make sure that my bloody mary is up to my correct spiciness and taste standards (so many bars serve shitty bloody marys unfortunately). Mostly its just a fun way to spend some lazy Sunday afternoons. The food is pretty good too. I enjoyed their chopped salad, which I would definitely order again. Their gouda burger was a bit overcooked, however. I ordered it medium-rare and got it medium-well and it still tasted good. Next time I will make sure they cook it the way I want it. The decor is simple, but really cute and quaint. A great local spot. The service is attentive and friendly, which is refreshing.

    (3)

  • Dan N.

    I wanted to like this place. The Fireside Restaurant has free parking, ample seating, great beer selection and friendly staff. The problem is that the service and food is below par and not professional. We sat down and had to wait 10 minutes for our drink order. It was a busy night, but was in no way packed, so I cannot provide a pass on our having to wait. Our food orders were missing key ingredients, such as pico de gio on our appetizer. My burger was missing both the cheese and bacon. It also failed to be served with ketchup, mustard, etc. We furthermore had to remind the waiter about our drink order... twice. As much as the order was messed up, I would have given the Fireside a passing grade if the food was worth the wait and aggravation. The food was not good, you get a better meal at Costco. My wife's Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia was below Long John Silver standards. My burger was bland and tasteless. After I returned the burger for the Cheese and Bacon which the waiter initially forgot, it was delivered to me back with a cold piece of cheese casually placed on top. Folks, as I stated when I started this review I want to like this place. Neighborhood restaurants in Chicago are typically great. Even dive bars have decent food. The Fireside just fails miserably in regards to the quality and taste of the food. If you live in the area, stop by for a drink or two, just stay away from the food menu.

    (2)

  • Meghan O.

    Solid bar, solid food - open late (I think...). The crowd is usually a good one at all odd hours of the night.

    (4)

  • Marie R.

    Let me start by saying ... I used to be a fan. But my experience today squashed it. This place has really gone downhill. I came here with the family for brunch. Big mistake. The only option was to have the Father's Day brunch buffet and couldn't order from the regular menu. I was starved (...and hungover), so I went with it. Very few options appealed to me. In fact, the setup was sloppy and reminded me of the dining hall from college. First of all, some of the plates in the stack were still dirty! (gag). All the food was cold. For the record, cold eggs benedict is disgusting and actually destroyed my appetite. You even managed to screw up my coffee. No wonder you were able to accomodate a walk-in party of 6 on Father's Day. I feel totally ripped off. This brunch was an appaling $22, which didn't even include drinks. I want my money back.

    (2)

  • matty z.

    Before you actually eat or drink here, everything about this place seems fantastic. It has a very interesting location in Ravenswood, a huge patio, and a cool layout. The menu is kitschy, and they have specials. Then you try the food. Disappointing, to say the least, for American fare that should be extremely difficult to mess up. Beers and other drinks that were priced too high, and service that, while very friendly, just took a long time. I had high hopes for you, Fireside, but some improvements might be in order.

    (2)

  • Christeria S.

    Best Mac ever!

    (5)

  • Erini S.

    Went here one night with a date. After drinking else where in Lakeview we needed food. Date recommended this place... I got the pulled pork -- because the best way to test if a guy is really into you is when your face is covered in sauce... OMG AMAZING. I inhaled that thing. My date was involved with his salad that he didn't notice. The bartender was great. Really friendly, joked around with us some. They have a cider on tap so major points to them. (I can't drink beer, so it's either cider or hard liquor...) A week later I was with my date again at his place watching a movie. Got the rumblelies, so we ordered Fireside delivery. He got some chicken dish... it looked good... but I topped him (yet again) in food choices. Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese. With ham. I'm melting just thinking about it. SO GOOD. AND OMG HUGE. Like seriously. That could have fed me for a week. It was creamy and not too heavy. Next time I'm going to add broccoli. Best food ever. It's like a hidden gem!

    (5)

  • Susan L.

    Expensive takeout that is average at best, terrible at its worst. Order in from Calo instead.

    (2)

  • Lesley A.

    Who knew that a restaurant existed in the backwoods of Ravenswood. Apparently you should come here for drinks, but I came here for dinner. Since it was my first time here, I figured I should try the namesake entree, "Fireside Chicken," a citrus and garlic marinated chicken, flame broiled and served with melted mozzarella, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. My dish was slightly cold, tough, and lacked juiciness. I should have sent it back to be reheated but oh well. Ambiance is of a typical bar with wooden trim, but with an additional, more family friendly restaurant side.

    (2)

  • Mark M.

    I've been here many many times over the years, its sort of our occasional family place to eat. I came in tonight with my parents and brother, and was very disappointed. We ordered about 7:35ish (Eggplant Parmesan, three Salmons), and at 8:45 the food was still not at the table. Our server (Laura, who was awesome, by the way) apologized, and told us she was yelling at the kitchen. Finally, three of the four of our dishes came out, an we had to wait five more minutes for the last one. When I tasted my food (blackened salmon), i was immediately dissatisfied. It was very dry and overdone. I tasted my mom's (who ordered the same thing), and it was also dry, though she said it was "fine". (as an aside, the mashed potatoes were excellent, and the veggies were bland and cold.) Our waitress (again, awesome) brought me a menu, as I wasn't ready to give the salmon another chance, so I ordered quesadillas, which were just ok. As I was inspecting the quesadillas, a man came over, and introduced himself as Rich, the owner. He personally apologized for the wait on our food. He let us know that our meal would be taken care of (no charge) and apologized again. He said that he hoped we would give them another chance in the future. I was almost in shock. That is just amazing. To comp the whole meal? Wow. We tipped our waitress on what the food would have cost, as, again, she was really awesome (and it turns out, she brought the situation to Rich's attention to let him know, and, we found out later, also stood in the kitchen telling them she was not going to leave until she had our food.) Honestly, this review was going to a be one star, but I upped it to three simply because of the customer service, both by our server, Laura, and the owner Rich. I will come back again for sure.

    (3)

  • Al D.

    Finally got a group to go here this weekend, as I've been wanting to try the Fireside for awhile. I drove, and was overwhelmed with joy upon discovering the Fireside has a parking lot. No, not a parking lot that the Lincoln Park Pirates hover around and mercilessly take your vehicle, but an actual, private lot adjacent to the building. Once I got over that, my friends couldn't stop enjoying the decor and layout of the Fireside. The dining room was immaculate, but we chose the bar area. Service was very quick, and I enjoyed how it was not crowded, even at midnight on a Saturday. I ordered the Hunter's Pizza that contained cheese, onions, broccoli, spinach and beef with black pepper. I realized it was probably the healthiest pizza I ever ate, and it tasted very good. The place is tucked away in a mainly single-family residential neighborhood, so there's alot more locals (adults vs Trixie and Chad from Wrigleyville), plus families dining out together. Also, very good choices of music on the 'box.

    (4)

  • John H.

    Take a pass on this place. While the food is okay the service is terrible. Our waitress was slow forgot to bring soup and when I asked for an extra napkin I never got it.The place wasn't that busy but the staff seemed preoccupied with other things. Aren't they there to wait on tables? Anyway, it's Saturday night, the dining room is half empty, the lights we're very bright, no music and at the next table the wait staff is rolling silverware into napkins. So much for a nice dining expeirence and ambience! This is the third time I have had diner here and it will be my last. BTW all 3 times I tried to order their signature chicken dish and they were out.

    (1)

  • Jay S.

    My fiance, a friend, and I had dinner at Fireside last week. it had been recommended by numerous people, and I had heard about the place for years without stopping by. We'd been looking forward to it. The place was huge. They have a large dining room, a large bar, and a large outdoor tented patio area. They weren't very busy so we got seated right away, and got a pretty good choice of where to sit. The beer selection is grand. There are a lot of microbrews and little known beers. They have all the regular massbrews too. The only problem was that the server was reasonably new and hadn't familiarized himself with a lot of the selection. This was easily forgiven as he was able to get the info we needed from the bartender quickly. The girl ordered ribs. They were okay. Our friend ordered beer. Just beer. It was fine. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. In the darkness of the patio, it looked okay. I wasn't sure, but thought it may be a little off. Indeed it was undercooked (still pink in the middle). I knew it for sure after one bite. The texture was off and the inside was barely warm. I removed the bite I had taken from my mouth and returned it to the plate. When the server returned to our table about five minutes later, I told him of the problem. After he asked me a few questions on how I knew it was not cooked fully and confirmed that I did not want it replaced, he took the plate back to the kitchen with his apologies. I called the restaurant later that evening, and talked to man who apologized, took my information, and told me the owner would be calling me back the next day. That day came and went without a call. I called the next day and talked to a manager who told me matter-of-factly that in sixteen years of working there she had never heard of anyone getting undercooked chicken from their kitchen. This struck me as slightly odd since another friend of mine, who orders delivery from Fireside on a regular basis, was vomiting and had diarrhea for a week after he recently ate one of their Cajun Chicken Sandwiches, and had called in previously as well speaking to a gentleman who didn't seem to care but told him that the information would be told to the manager. The manager apologized, took my information, and said that she would pass it on to the owner who would then call me back. It is now three days later and I have not received a call. I didn't want or expect anything free or such from the restaurant for my problem, but I certainly would have appreciated a returned phone call.

    (2)

  • Yaeko M.

    I think it's a very charming place. They have a big indoor patio!. I I enjoyed the great ambience and great service. It's nice to come with friends, family and co-workders. Pricing are reasonable. Appetizers are around $7-$8, and main are $8-$10. I ordered restaurant recommended - home made crab cake and smothered burger. The food taste were good enough.

    (4)

  • Dallas F.

    I love the Fireside. The food, the service, the atmosphere, just everything! The menu is varied and has lots to offer. They have an amazing appetizer, the cajun crawfish. If you're into seafood and spicy stuff you'll love these little tasty fried crawdads. The vegetable lasagna is also superb and I like to finish off the meal with a slice of their apple pie. Really, no complaints. My servers are always friendly and knowledgeable and if you ask for a recommendation they'll be honest about what they think is great on the menu and what they're not huge fans of on the menu.

    (5)

  • Chip S.

    Let me start out by saying that I have been a longtime fan of the Fireside Restaurant. My experience today, however, will make me rethink visiting again. Getting to a table was quick and our order was taken very fast. That's where the positives end. One of the big selling features of the Fireside is the Sunday Bloody Mary Bar. After paying for two Bloody Marys and receiving our Grey Goose over rocks, we visited the Bloody Mary bar to make our own libations--which normally is a real treat. However, the Bloody Mary bar was a disaster and out of many of the ingredients that are typical to a Bloody Mary, like olives, pickles and a variety of other ingredients. We returned to our table and waited for our food while enjoying our drinks and conversation. Finally, after 30 minutes and no return visits to our table from our server, our food was brought over by another server. We were pretty disappointed as we had been out of water, ice tea and Bloody Mary's for about 15 minutes at least (okay, we drink fast). When the food was dropped off, we asked to see the manager. We ate our food, which was good and consumed our refilled waters and ice teas and sat in front of dirty dishes for about 15 minutes after eating. Still not having seen the manager. Our server asks us if we have received our check, to which I replied no and not sure how she would have expected us to receive a check since she would have been the one to present it. So, we waited about another 10 minutes for the check and still no manager. She finally returns for the check and takes our money, at which time I inform her that we have been waiting to speak to a manager since our meals were served (still have our dirty dishes in front of us). The manager finally makes it to our table and we share our disappointment regarding our service and how we may never return as a result. He did comp our lunch and asked the server to return our money. When returning the money, she told us that she hoped our day got better but did not apologize for us having such a terrible experience. Not sure if we will give them another chance and maybe everyone was having a terribly off day.

    (2)

  • SHERYL H.

    As a gluten free diner, I find it really annoying when a restaurant announces itself as gluten free and has a menu that only separates out the naturally gluten free foods like salad and fish. Now why if you say you cater to gluten free don't you just buy a bag of Udi's hamburger buns and offer up burgers on a gluten free bun?

    (3)

  • Gary B.

    I have been here many times for various occasions. One in fact was after a funeral at the cemetery across the street. Decent food with ok service. The drinks are reasonably priced as well. When you walk in the place seems small but there is a covered patio out back which is used year round and has several tables. I have had odd experiences here though. Once someone with us ordered a beer and then changed her mind on what kind, the server said it was impossible to change at this point so she would have to drink the one she ordered and then she could order another. I thought he was joking but sure enough he came out with the initial selection. Needless to say a 2nd beer was not ordered by anyone and we left. We have never felt that this place was extremely special. They do have (or had) a more formal dining room off to the left when you come in but it is the same menu. Maybe food tastes different with cloth table coverings versus the plastic ones that cover the tables elsewhere in the place. Oh saving grace is that the deliver and deliver late.

    (3)

  • Lee R.

    This place is ever-changing, but still offers the same great bar and great restaurant atmosphere. I used to live in WRP on the east end of CrazyCarPedstrianDevon Ave so this place was a constant source of take-out for us. I recently returned in person to have dinner in the restaurant and noticed a few interesting changes. They now have a DVD player and giant LCD screen taped to the outside of the business' building, covered in glass, which shows a looping video of a fireplace burning. WEIRD. They have an excellent indoor patio in the winter with heat-lamps. In the summer it's open air and fantastic. They have an excellent beer and cocktail selection and I've never had a bad meal or bad service here. I typically go for the pizzas: the bbq chicken and mexican are especially good. Lately I've been trying to branch out to other options on visits because they have a pretty expansive menu and all of their food is home-made. I recently had the brisket sandwich and I loved it. Parking is easy because they have a lot and they're near the Rosehill cemetary entrance, along the Metra embankment. It's truly an awesome neighborhood joint. The waitstaff and the bartenders are chatty and don't just sit there aloof when they're not serving someone. If you are ordering delivery, they have a bunch of "coupons" on their website, including the "Be Nice!" /don't be an asshole coupon that gets you $2.00 off your delivery order. :)

    (5)

  • David B.

    Fireside, oh how I love thee. Unpretentious, fabulous patio, solid beer list and good reasonable grub. These facts I knew. However, now with a brand new 9 week old, I did not know how damn kid-friendly you can be (before 7 pm). Longing for normalcy and the days within which we could have a beer and a drink without hearing loud screaming, or the occasional newborn puke in our hands, we took the family to Fireside last Friday at 6 pm and arrived at 630 or so. We progressed to the patio - a favorite fall destination - and much to our surprise saw other refugees from the new baby war seeking equal solace. And solace we collectively found. Amidst tables of new parents, we befriended our neighbors, toasted with beer and shots and had some super solid burgers to boot. Perhaps it was the brief normalcy, but for some reason I can never recall a Goose Island Green Line tasting that delicous. We left around 8 and were happy to see that the non-parent crowd took over. As the hipsters, neighborhood folks and old men and women comfortably scooched in, we smiled knowing we were once among them embarking on a next day hangover. Cheers, Fireside.

    (4)

  • Kathryn R.

    I use to love this place. The past few times I've been there, the food hasn't been good. It is either cold, strangely spiced, or a poor cut of fish or meat. I don't know if they've changed owners or something, but definitely a change for the worse.

    (2)

  • Holly M.

    I've only been here once and greatly enjoyed it. My friends and I sat in the enclosed back-seating area and pretty much tried all their beers on the menu. I got to sample a little bit of the calamari and quesadillas they have. The food was ok. The beer list was awesome, though, and our waitress was so friendly and nice. I will definitely want to come back to this hidden little bar.

    (4)

  • James T.

    I went here with some coworkers on a Friday afternoon. So the things I've observed might be different on, say, a Saturday night. The beer selection was pretty generous, although most of their better beers are only in bottles. I have a thing about drinking bottled beer when I'm out. Why spend five dollars on a beer when I can go to Binny's and get a six pack for twice as much? I know, I know. It's all about "the atmosphere" but unless there are animated pirates on the walls or the place has a medieval decor wherein the wait staff speaks in "thee"s and "thou"s and refers to your girlfriend as "m'lady", I'm not too drawn by a place's atmosphere. But while their draft selection was dwarfed by their bottle menu, it was still pretty good. Since I didn't feel like shelling out my own money for food, I decided to sneakily nibble off my coworker's plates while they went to the bathroom. You'd think this would be a garden variety pub grub place, but the food menu looked very generous and the value wasn't bad at all. And with their spacious outdoor patio, you could easily take a date there and tell her it's a restaurant. Besides, after enough pints of their Goose Island Green Line you could probably tell her it's Dorsia and she'll believe you. I don't think it would be fair to speak for the entire staff, but our waitress was fantastic. Despite our fairly large group, she was very quick with our orders, and had no problem giving out separate checks. Why only three stars? It's a nice place, but if you're not in the area, it's really nothing that spectacular that would make you want to travel there. But if you're coming back from a Cubs game, or the lake, or you just finished battling some vicious zombies in the cemetery across the street, stop in and relax with a cold pint.

    (3)

  • Jessica K.

    This place is pretty dam hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for. It's on Ravenswood which is pretty much a long alleyway along train tracks so good luck finding parking. Now when you do find parking and get inside (the bouncer cards ALWAYS so don't forget) the place is always packed at night. There's about 20+ seats at the bar and cocktail servers who are pretty friendly and cool with you dining on calamari @ midnight. A kitchen open at midnight? +1 in my book. They've got a huge selection of beers and girly Cider for people who like the sweeter things in life. Last time I was here, I was with a buddy who talked me into Jameson shots. Asian+Jameson=blacking out BIIIIIIG TIME. And now here's where this place gets most of it's stars. I blacked out in the girls' restroom and one of the more favored servers Barb checked in on me personally and helped wake me up. I literally hit my head on the bathroom stall and passed out. She kept poking me underneath the stall till I woke up. Now that's SERVICE!!

    (4)

  • Nona Gayle D.

    Haven't written about this place yet I've been a fan for a while but went here last night for a late dinner after work. The atmosphere is casual with areas for eating outside, an inner bar, and comfortable tables inside. The service is great, they have my fav, woodchuck pear cider readily available. The cost of food here is very reasonable. As far as the menu I suggest trying the calamari, shrimp and pesto pizza, and the pear infused chicken. It's a great place to wind down, relax, and stuff yourself. If you decide to eat here I suggest eating in the back outside patio area, it is more intimate and the loud music from the inner bar area can hardly be heard.

    (4)

  • Lil M.

    The BEST cajun chicken pasta ever!!! I used to live the in area and we would order it just about every weekend. Now that we're 30 miles away, we still make the trip just for this dish. I've tried other things and they're pretty good but nothing compares to the cajun chicken pasta. Oh and the beer selection is really good too.

    (5)

  • Joedel G.

    What else can I say but a good late night bar food. The back area patio/garden has a homey kinda atmosphere. Don't forget to order the Calamari, nice crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A great place to hang out with friends for a relaxing drinking spree. Been here maybe several times on different accassions but I would definitely comeback soon.

    (3)

  • Heather S.

    This place has yet to disappoint me. I have enjoyed everything on their menu so far. Beer list.... AWESOME! Try the pizza.... It really is heavenly. Get the house salad with the aged balsamic vinaigrette. Actually pretty much everything on the menu is great. OH, and their kitchen is open LATE on the weekends too, at least until 1am maybe even 2am!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 4:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : Yes
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner, Late Night
    Parking : Street, Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Juke Box
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Fireside Restaurant

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