Fireside Grille

I had been driving buy the Fireside for a couple of years and it always looked interesting, but possibly a... more

I had been driving buy the Fireside for a couple of years and it always looked interesting, but possibly a little too high end for dinner out with ... more

My husband and I found this restaurant about a year and a half ago. For the first year we diligently went there at least once a month, usually on a Friday or Saturday as a special treat for ourselves. The food was fantastic, never had to wait for a table. Very nice atmosphere and the outside appearance is deceiving as the inside is great, warm and cozy. My husband and I are steak afficianado's, he loves ribeyes and I love prime rib. Like I said, for the first year this was the best steak place in a 20 mile radius of West Aurora where we live. The waitstaff was very attentive, plenty of food and the steaks thick and juicy. I do not know what happened within the last six months, whether they changed owners, managers, chefs, whatever. The food has become low to mediocre grade, the waitstaff is hurried and sometimes rude, they don't read the specials. The food came out either cold, underdone and the steaks hard and thin. Prices went up, understandable with the economy but if you are going to raise the prices then keep the quality of the food. I will pay more for a good steak. Don't sit at the booths by the bar on a Friday or Saturday night, it is so loud you cannot hear anyone at your table. I'm not sure why they do not open the other dining area to patrons that are their for dinner, keep the booths by the bar for bar folks. The last time we went, almost two months ago, my husband changed up and had the lamb chops. Terrible, no mint jelly so we exchanged them for a ribeye. The ribeye was raw, pointed it out to the waitress, she never came back. We paid for my steak and left. Unfortunately former loyal customers who will never go back and will pass the word on to friends and family. more

I made reservations for my family which is a total of 5 people a week in advance for mother's day. When we arrived at the restaurant we were told that the people before us were still sitting at our table and they were waiting for them. We sat there for 20 minutes while other groups of people who also had 5 people or more were seated before us. Some with reservations, some who did not. I don't understand what the purpose of making a reservation is at this place. There were at least 3 empty tables that we could see from where we were waiting! The way the do reservations is absolutely ridiculous. The hostess was not understanding or sincere about her apology so we left. Pros: Nothing Cons: They don't stick to the reservations more

The first time we went here to celebrate a birthday it was awesome. The second time we went it was horrible. We havent been back since. Pros: Cute Place Cons: Service is not Great more

Before you get intimidated by the look of it, the Fireside Grille is moderately priced and a great value. The food is the best around and the service is even better. I would reccomend calling ahead because the place is always jumpin, especially on a friday or saturday night! Closed on Mondays, the restaurant formerly the smorgasbord or something, has now been remodeled by great owners and great servers. They seem to have gotten it right. Pros: Food and Price Cons: Wait time. more