I’ve been going here since they opened as it’s about two minutes down the street from me, it’s always been spectacular food-wise, service is hit or miss, they’re either great or rude. Regardless, I keep coming back because I love the atmosphere and the food is great. However, I went recently and I was told by what seemed to be a manager or owner of some sort that they were under new management… and it was extremely obvious. Last I knew it was run and managed by local firefighters, but that no longer seems to be the case. I had called three times already attempting to order takeout; no answer. I showed up to the restaurant and there was a live band playing so it was completely understandable, but never the less, I work at a restaurant and if I missed 3 calls from a customer trying to place an order, I’d be severely punished. It was very busy and I was extremely understanding because as I said, I do understand what it’s like to work at a restaurant. The bartender with the ratty ponytail was nothing short of extremely rude from the moment we walked in, I understand it was hectic and busy, but don’t take it out on the customers. When it came time to pay, he asked if I had any smaller bills, and when I said I unfortunately didn’t he walked away rudely shaking his head as if I was a nuisance because god forbid I was paying in cash and it was my fault he had to make change, I was extremely unimpressed and that was extremely unprofessional. The saving grace of this visit was the previously mentioned gentleman who seemed to be a manager of some sorts, was VERY kind and apologized multiple times informing me of the new management and that things were hectic and I was more than understanding. I’m really hoping this was just a mishap because I do love this restaurant, but if this is the type of service I would continue to receive while going there I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way to go back.
Tammy C.
Place rating: 3 South Portland, ME
I’ve been here s few times, and I like the atmosphere. It’s relatively laid back, good lighting, personable wait staff, and the food is good. They do a good job of accommodating dietary restrictions though depending on what your dietary needs are, the menu isn’t extensive enough to provide a lot of choices(if you’re gluten free, vegetarian or have other allergies — your options are quite limited). The waitstaff manages to keep the flow steady during busy times, which is good news if you’re hungry and don’t want to wait an hour. My favorite dish here is The Jake(Angus beef burger with blue cheese), and the fries are above par. I likely won’t order another Bloody Mary, as it was far too spicy and heavy on tomato flavor. Overall the restaurant is a nice choice for pub-style fare, but parking is a bit of an issue during their busier times. I gave this a three star(though I would have gone three-and-a-half if Unilocal had half star ratings), because while I enjoy it here, it is rarely the first place I consider when I’m out in the area.
Sally M.
Place rating: 4 Portland, ME
Had a great dinner here last night. Lots of good local beers on tap, got there in time to have one at Happy Hour prices, $ 3.75 My dinner was great, but what stood out were the German fries. Garlicky and delicious they are yummy! I will definitely eat here again when I am in Auburn.
Greg F.
Place rating: 5 Stoneham, MA
I was in town for a business trip and stopped by the Firehouse Grille for lunch. I tried to access their menu online but the website wasn’t working. I looked at a couple of pictures of the food and the reviews and thought I’d give them a shot. The bar isn’t too large and has some great firefighter nostalgia and pictures on the walls. I ordered the garden salad and bowl of chili. I was expecting the salad to be your typical bar style — iceberg lettuce, 2 cucumbers, 1 tomato, and some red onions. I was completely surprised when the bartender brought out a huge garden salad beautifully put together with an array of cucumbers on the outside, carrots, tomatoes, croutons, onions, and a variety of lettuce. It was about twice the size I expected. My first thought … I should have ordered the CUP of Chili. Shortly after, my bowl of chili came out with a great big hunk of corn bread. The chili was scrumptious with kidney beans, ground beef, sausage, and a not to thick layer of cheese on top. Definitely worth it if you like a hearty chili. There was a little kick to it as well. The corn bread was warm, moist, and full of flavor. It complemented the chili quite well. I ate about ½ the salad and ½ the chili and I was stuffed. I would have taken it home but I wasn’t going to be near a fridge anytime soon. I’d definitely go to the Firehouse grille again if I was in the area. The prices are reasonable and the kitchen definitely takes pride in their food. The staff was friendly and the service was great. Can’t go wrong…
Liz M.
Place rating: 5 Fort Myers, FL
Great food, cute little bar. Prices are really reasonable. Love the people. They have local talent on a weekly basis which is nice.
Fred G.
Place rating: 4 Durham, ME
Dropped in for a burger and beer and left happy. Juicy and hot. Cooked to temp on a quality well buttered roll w fresh l, o, and t. Fries were warm, but soggy and unseasoned. But for 8.95 I can’t complain. Pretty small place but 20 + beers on tap. I went w the trusty Baxter stowaway($ 4.5 pint). Baxter brewery is undoubtedly the best thing to come out of the Dirty Lew since Rene Rancourt s birth. Nice place. I’ll return
Tim M.
Place rating: 5 Lisbon Falls, ME
Stopped by for lunch and ordered The Sparky. Its an amazing grilled hot dog(¼ lb) topped with spicy chili, sauerkraut and cheese. Nice décor, good music and the staff is fast and friendly. 21 beers on tap. Couldn’t enjoy one though. Had to go back to work.
Anthony M.
Place rating: 4 Gray, ME
Great food, staff and atmosphere. I had a simple but tasty chicken tender meal with fries and a Pepsi. The server was very friendly and prompt. I highly recommend Firehouse Grille for its good food, fair prices and fun atmosphere.
Rose U.
Place rating: 5 Lower East Side, Manhattan, NY
Food was Delicious! Had the Philly cheese steak quesadilla with a side of German fries, OMG I was in heaven and so stuffed I wanted to take a nap lol. The service was great! The décor of the restaurant was cool. Tons of cool things to look at while your waiting for your food. Will be definitely going again and again Lol. next time if I have any room left in my tummy I’ll try there dessert Lol
Douglass K.
Place rating: 4 Sabattus, ME
I love this place, but I have only ever tried their burgers and German fries which are fantastic and Gluten Free.
Frank B.
Place rating: 4 Durham, ME
Burgers very good. Lots of interesting variations. Some creative chicken entrees. German fries were delicious. 21 beers on tap. Service was very friendly. We will definitely be back.
Jaime S.
Place rating: 3 Pittsburgh, PA
I’ve been here nearly three times now. I usually give places a chance, and wasn’t entirely disappointed. The waitstaff is consistently cheerful and sweet. The first time I had the pulled pork sandwich. The meat was reheated and room temperature(you grow up without a microwave, you learn to acquire a taste for these things. That and meat is one of the few things I don’t eat reheated. Ever.). The second time I had a burger that was burned on one side(the side that was down). The third: the firehouse dog with chili, kraut and every other thing you can think of – by far the best thing I’ve had. The cornbread is good, the beans from a can, I suspect. The only drawback is that sometimes they get busy, and there’s nowhere to wait, other than to awkwardly stand near the door. We were offered the small table right next to the door, which we declined, considering it was –20 outside and opted to come back another day. All-in-all, not a bad place with reasonably priced food. Much better than the fast food chains nearby and worth a try.
Jim B.
Place rating: 4 Portland, ME
Decent neighborhood bar in New Auburn. I was meeting an old work buddy for beers, so I didn’t sample the menu. I’ve eaten here before and the food is decent and priced fairly. A good number of taps and beer choices, including local beers like Baxter’s, as well as the usual IPAs that everyone favors, but me. Lewiston-Auburn doesn’t have an abundance of places that are comfortable for having a beer or two and perhaps a sandwich or burger when you are just passing through. Each time I’ve ever dropped in at the Firehouse, I also felt welcome – the regulars are a friendly group and the waitresses are, too.
Zack S.
Place rating: 3 Shrewsbury, MA
Had a solid if unspectacular lunch here today. Firehouse chili: tasted fine, lots of meat in the chili, but unlike their buffalo wings, they had no spice levels. The chili had absolutely no heat whatsoever and benefited greatly from a dozen shakes of tabasco. I also had a cheeseburger with fries and slaw. The burger was a bit overdone at medium, but was still relatively juicy while the fries were good and hot and the coleslaw was very creamy.
Crystal T.
Place rating: 1 Lewiston, ME
It doesn’t matter how great the food is. If the service isn’t great, it won’t work. I have been customer here since they opened. Food is great and everyone is friendly until recently. A new employee, that I have never seen in there, was extremely rude and disrespectful towards me. She was a waitress and I wasn’t her customer and I was sitting at the bar. Although the bartender didn’t have anything to say she felt the need to embarrass me anyway. I left after and I called to speak to the owner. I spoke with the co-owner on the phone who seemed to not care that I left in embarrassment and stated he would speak to his partner about the issue at hand and get back to me. He never inquired on my phone number nor did he state a turnaround time for a call back. I obviously haven’t heard back from anyone at their facility. I feel that this situation was not handled to the best of it’s ability and I will not be going back. I honestly would have reviewed this establishment completely different two weeks ago prior to this incident, as they have been nothing but pleasant.