I hate writing a bad review, I really do. It makes me feel as though my standards must somehow be set far too high if I find that a place is only deserving of 2 stars. However, my standards really aren't all that different from yours. I expect a clean, friendly atmosphere...good food...good service..and good prices. That's about it. So why the 2 stars for Fireside? Well, here's why....
My first experience with Fireside was take-out. We ordered a couple of pies after hearing a friend's recommendation. Also, this place offers up gluten free pizza crust, and as I can't eat gluten, that becomes a big selling point for me. So, we ordered two different pies to share, and brought it back home. The service while taking out was friendly, and the girl behind the counter was polite and happy to apply a military discount to our order, which is fantastic. Good experience so far. However, once we got the pies home and looked at them, we couldn't help but laugh. We paid $36 for these two small pizzas, which in my humble opinion is completely overpriced. However, they WERE gluten free, and g-free food usually costs more, so I let it slide. The crust (thickness-wise) was laughable. (see picture of hand holding pizza in the photos section). For the extra $3 per pie, I expected a little more substance to this crust. It felt like I was eating a very large cracker. Now, the toppings were delicious, but all in all, I was disappointed with the overall product. Far too expensive for what we got.
My second experience at Fireside was today, and this, my friends, is what sealed the deal with the 2 star rating. This experience is why I will never return, nor recommend this joint to anyone in the area.
Our server was Erica, a young girl who seems to think that appropriate work attire is shorts so short that your rear end is nearly falling out of them. I don't know about you, but if I want to see that, I'll go to Hooters. Anywhere else, I expect a waitress to be dressed appropriately. But I digress. So, our party was seated immediately, as we were the only people there. Odd, seeing as it was mid-afternoon on a beautiful Saturday, but whatever. We scanned the menu (mind you, I'm looking for gluten-free options for myself), and our waitress appears and asks if we have any questions.
Me: "The burgers...is there anything aside from beef in them? I'm asking because I need my meal to be gluten free."
Her: "Uhhh...there's seasonings?"
Me: "Okay..... and what about swapping out the french fries...what can I substitute?"
Her: "We have, uhhh, pasta salad..." (umm. does this girl NOT understand what gluten is?) "Oh, and we also have, like, regular salad...with, ya know, dressing."
Me: "Are any of your dressings gluten free?"
Her: *shrug* "I don't know." (stands and stares at me.)
Now, come on. You're a waitress. Not only is it your job to know the menu, but it's also your job to investigate answers when something like this pops up and you don't know the answer. Telling me "idk" and then just staring at me as if the conversation is over is NOT helpful. I decide not to overload her brain any more and go with a GF pizza (again). My friends place their orders (there were only 3 of us). She then says, "Okay, sooo....you had the pizza (points at friend #1)....and you had a....uhh....umm....pizza? (literally asking what friend #2 ordered five seconds ago because she didn't write anything down.) She then mumbles how she should have written this down and walks off.....completely to our bewilderment.
So we sit there, assuming she's coming back with a notepad, but she never reappears. Instead we wait. And wait. And wait some more. (were the only ones in here, remember?) And finally our food comes out. Luckily, it was correct. However, the chicken calzone that friend #2 ordered was dry as a bone inside. Totally gross.
Our waitress randomly pops back at odd times, asking if we need refills (to our already full glasses....?) and eventually we finish and she collects random plates from our table to take into the back. She returns with the check and doesn't place it on the table, but stands there and waits for my card. Rude.
She asks if I need the rest of mine wrapped, I say yes. My friend tells her not to wrap his because he won't eat it...she brings it back wrapped anyway.
What the heck, girl? Do you NOT listen to your customers? Seriously.
So we grudingly pay the $44 bill and leave....never to return again.
This place has flavor down, but as far as a competent staff who knows how to handle gluten-free options (which their menu boasts)...not so much. I shouldn't have to be told "uhh...idk" from a 19-year-old chick in daisy dukes when I try to order a meal that won't make me sick. Sorry, but that doesn't fly with me.
Fireside, until you get your act together staff-wise, you won't be getting any more business from us...sorry. read more