Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, at the Eastwood Mall, probably has the most colorful bar in town and is among the prettiest. In fact, the entire restaurant facility is among the most attractive in the area. I am a Johnny Come Lately to Firebirds. Many of my friends and acquaintances have been regulars there since it opened. It is easy to see why.
This area’s population is not large enough to support some of the big-name steak chains such as Morton’s, Ruths Chris, Capitol Grill or even some of the regionals such as Hyde Park Grille. I love all those places, but you must mortgage your house in order to walk through the front door.
This area does support many of the 2nd tier steak chains such as Longhorn, Texas Lonestar, and Outback. Based on price, Firebirds is probably in that category. But by ambiance and decoration, it is miles ahead.
Firebirds makes you feel like you have been out for the evening. The folks at the reception desk (my pet peeve is Ta-Da girls who do meet and greet badly) are friendly, helpful and accommodating. Reservations were honored in a reasonable amount of time. All three of my recent visits, within five minutes.
The wait staff is knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Two of the past three times I have been there the service was impeccable. Last time, not so much. The place was packed to the gills and appetizer, salad, and dinner came out all at the same time. I think they were caught off guard and they apologized for the screw up.
The food here is above average and affordable as steakhouses go. I had the Prime Rib on my last visit. It was very good, but the presentation was lacking. Looked like a big old hunk of meat on a plate with the au jus served in a separate holder. My wife’s filet medallions with a port wine reduction were actually much better than I had expected. She took her leftovers home and they were just as good the next day. The Parmesan mashed potatoes were a treat. Too many restaurants mash potatoes today with garlic. Not a good thing!!!
I am generally not a chain restaurant fan. Standardized food, although good, seems to be lacking in character. Going out to eat, however, is more than a food experience. It is a social experience to enjoy the atmosphere, a leisurely meal, a drink or two or a glass of wine or three or four or more!!
Firebirds is a really great place to do that.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Eastwood Mall
www.firebirdsrestaurants.com
330-505-9660
Reservations: Telephone or Open Table (link on website)
Four meatalls out of five!!
