Fireside Lounge

07/29/10

Not impressed at all

by EPMN at Citysearch

I recently hosted a group in the party room downstairs. I contacted Mike 2 months in advance to find out what type of facilities he had and if he would be able to accomodate our group of about 50 for breakfast. After emailing and speaking on the phone we confirmed a date for 60 days later. I told him I would call a week in advance to reconfirm. When I called a week in advance he wasn't available so I left a message. A couple days later he hadn't called back so I called again. He hadn't put our reservation on his calendar and now there was a big baseball tournament that would have several teams eating breakfast there and his concern was that his griddle wouldn't be able to handle it. Well, it didn't. Neither could his staff. After arriving it took over a half hour to have our order taken and another hour to an hour and a half (no exaggerating either) to get our food. The food was great but little kids that arrived at 9:30 waiting for breakfast they didn't receive until well after 11 was not acceptable. The staff wasn't helpful or apologetic and there was no staff in sight for much of the time. The plus? Ice water and cups at each table and the food was really good once it came. Would I go back? Probably not. Sorry to say it was probably the worst service I've received ever.

• Pros: Outdoor seating, downstairs party area, food great
• Cons: worst service ever

07/19/10

Inconsistent is the most consistent thing!

by MDunn at Citysearch

We've been here at least 7 to eight times now. Several meals were very good and several were very bad. 50% success rate doesn't cut it with me. When we have mentioned our dissatisfaction to the staff, we were treated as if we were free meal scammers. So bottom line, if you want a good fish sandwich, probably a good bet. If you want good prime rib or breakfast, look elsewhere. There are much better contenders in this city.

• Pros: Great fish fry, burgers are good and good "bar" food atmosph
• Cons: Inconsistent quality, disregards complaints,

03/29/09

wonderful place/wonderful people

by nickynu at Citysearch

a wonderful place in general - great people (mike), great food and fantastic atmosphere. would highly recommend to anyone. Thank you mike for all you have done for me and my family! it is not often you find people like the ones who work here and own the business bending over backward for complete strangers!!!! thank you FIRESIDE!

• Pros: all
• Cons: none

03/29/09

Meet Mike - The Man with the KInd & Generous Heart

by mcjag at Citysearch

I recently was involved with planning a benefit. I noticed a beautiful Sweatshirt & cap donated by Fireside Lounge. Also, a letter with a very large check (I mean hundreds) from Mike the owner. The letter moved me to near tears - a very compassionate message from parents to parents. The benefit was for a 3yr old handicapped boy (my grandson) and Mike has a little boy also. I felt it was wonderful that he made a donation

but to take time and write a letter like that was something else. We wanted to meet this guy.

We went down on a Sat. evening and he was not in yet. When he did arrive I noticed that he greeted his bartender, went out to the dining room, spoke with the customers and even bussed some dirty dishes. He then went and spoke with the pull tab lady. We went up and introduced ourselves and he immediatly knew what we were talking about and asked all kinds of questions about our grandson and his family - we were so impressed with this man. I told him I meant to bid on the sweatshirt at the auction but someone else got it and he went and got me one - no charge - can you believe that? We plan to bring our grandson in to meet this great man and have lunch at his place.

I feel some of the other comments printed on the blog really attack the character of Mike and I wish to tell you they are wrong. This is a wonderful man who we wish nothing but success and he will have it because of the great person he is. I told his bartender, "that Mike is a nice guy". Her response "We're fortunate to work here". Perhaps you people with the negative comments don't know the whole story and made judgements without knowledge. Anyway, we intend to go to Fireside often and tell everyone we know about how great it is. Mike, you go guy, witha heart and personality like yours you will succeed. God Bless You.

• Pros: Mike & Staff
• Cons: None

09/09/08

Bad Business

by customer08 at Citysearch

This has to be the worst place to go. The owner has no business style and is rude. I have seen him get into fights with customers and employees. Recently a friend of mine and her friends were in there, the had a waitress that was new and actually told them she would not comp a meal she forgot because she was in college and had kids and that money would come off ehr paycheck. The owner then took the meal off and bought a round of drinks, nice right? WRONG. They paid with a card and come to find out when she checked her statements, he went in hours later and put an additional $50.00 in charges on her account. She called and was told it was for unpaid charges that needed to be covered, something they found after the fact. The person was not contacted in anyway this was taking place, it was not an adjustment, it was an actual additional ring on another slip. Who signed that slip? Not the customer. When calling to speak with the owner the bartenders are covering for him stating now they have no idea what they are talking about. She has since disputed the charges, contacted the police and is filing a report. Hope he gets what is coming to him.

• Pros: Nothing, other than the bar makes free money.
• Cons: Everything, dishonest owner