Sunday 19th of April 2009 03:26:36 PM

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Wound up walking here for dinner from Hopleaf after the 4th annual CTA pub crawl. It was drizzly out but still unseasonably warm. As we walked up Ravenswood, the sign came dimly into view and we knew it was close. Once inside, we opted for the more chilled-out dining room to the left of the entrance. They had a fairly standard beer list with some eclectic options thrown in. Bells, FFF, Metropolitan options, the taps seemed to number 10-12. I tried the obscure Kapsreiter Landbier which probably wasn't the freshest import off the boat. Hopslam was still on tap here, and there were several craft/import options. Atmosphere was homey and kitschy with art on the walls, and little carnations on the tables that evoked Golden Nugget. The bar area was wood paneled, with framed French art prints, giving it a classy Northwoods lodge feel. Apparently they have a year-round enclosed patio, but we didn't learn that until we were leaving. The food was very tasty, and i'd consider it to be the best reason to go here, for a late night meal (open til 4am, 5am saturdays). I tried the ribs, which were nice and smoky, though heavy on the rub. BBQ sauce was homemade and tangy. As we were leaving, Rich the owner or manager came out to ask how we liked everything. It was a good experience, I hear they host brewmaster dinners here on occasion also.

Monday 30th of June 2008 12:23:56 PM

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This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

I've been going to Fireside for about 5 years now. It's a bit out of the way for me, but definitely worth the trip. There's a good 18 draft selection, and about 50-60 different bottles pretty evenly divided between North American and European brews. The Fireside has a very nice, genuine atmosphere. "Outdoor" seating is available year round (there is a retractable roof on the patio) which leads to a good beer garden vibe even in the dead of winter! The staff has always been nice, personable and accommodating during my visits.
I haven't sampled too many items on the menu (I go to drink and hang out usually), but those that I have were great. It's definitely not typical bar food, or even good quality bar food, but just good food period. They do have typical pub eats, but the entrees, salads, and homemade pizza are excellent as well. I recommend the cajun meatloaf and blackened catfish
I also like the location. It's on a quiet mostly residential stretch of Ravenswood, almost directly across from the front gates of beautiful Rosehill cemetary.
I don't recall if it was my friend Jay, or my friend Alain who first introduced me to this place, but I'm thankful one of them did. I love the Fireside.

Open 'til 4am (5am on Saturday, of course)