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Restaurant Reviews for The Fireplace

The Fireplace

1634 Beacon St.
Brookline, MA 02446

The Fireplace is a sophisticated New England Grill. Locals Jim and Chef Toby T. Hill have created a stunning menu rich with the bounty of New England shores and gardens.

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Street Parking
Cross Street: Washington St.

See more The Fireplace details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		4.1 out of 5 (124 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem (74)
fit for foodies (54)
special occasion (46)
romantic (41)
notable wine list (20)
good for groups (16)
great for brunch (15)
late-night find (12)
hot spot (11)
great for lunch (9)
great for outdoor dining (7)

+ see more special features/tags

The Fireplace Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Dinner was fantastic, however service was spotty: when we arrived at 6:00 pm, the restaurant had four or five tables booked and service was attentive. As the hour progressed, more tables filled, the delays in seeing our waiter at our table, and those around us, lenghtened. It's not a large venue to have such inconsistency - especially on a family friendly Sunday night."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/15/2009

(review submitted 11/18/2009)

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Review 2 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Wonderful food siting in a great room."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/15/2009

(review submitted 11/17/2009)

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Review 3 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"My first time at the Fireplace, but it won't be the last! The haddock on the light menu was
absolutely delicious, and my dining companions loved their meals too.Service was wonderful."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/12/2009

(review submitted 11/16/2009)

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Review 4 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Good)

"I was excited when I first walked in because the ambiance was awesome. The food was delicious but the service was very poor. There were times where we'd wait 10-15 minutes before the server came back to our table to either ask if we wanted anything else or give us the check.

If the service is not usually like that I would recommend it, otherwise, stay away unless you enjoy waiting absurd amounts of time for food."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/10/2009

(review submitted 11/12/2009)

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Review 5 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Having this being our first time at The Fireplace, we went for our Anniversary. It was wonderful. The food was excellent, waitress was very attentive and met our every need without even asking. Our table was right in front of the fireplace, very romantic. We would without a doubt be back."

Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/06/2009

(review submitted 11/08/2009)

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Review 6 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"A delight, as always! Once again, we brought guests from out of town and they were blown away by the fantastic food. We also particularly enjoyed the spooky-yet-tasteful Halloween decorations this time."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/30/2009

(review submitted 11/01/2009)

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Review 7 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Truly a creative menu! This was our 4th time dining at The Fireplace. Every time we've been there it's been a fabulous dining experience. In fact, when we visit our daughter, who's a student a Brandeis, this restaurant is a MUST!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/23/2009

(review submitted 10/27/2009)

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Review 8 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Good home cooked food and enough of it. Great deserts."

Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/25/2009

(review submitted 10/27/2009)

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Review 9 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Meal was great as usual, server was very knowledgeable and helpful with offering recommendations. Ambiance was very nice, we sat next to the fire which we requested with our reservation. Only criticism is that they should have a specials menu because of the fairly small main menu. Definitely a fantastic meal and a place we'll be going back to again and again, its the perfect place for a cozy fall or winter meal."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/23/2009

(review submitted 10/25/2009)

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Review 10 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Found this restaurant while surfing the Boston restaurant scene on the internet. It had great reviews from critics and diners. We were not disappointed. The selected cheese appetizer was very good. An excellent way to begin an evening. I had the fire grilled duck which was very good. My wife had the turkey which she enjoyed. The portions were substantial so you did not walk away hungry. The wine list was extensive and the prices were not outlandish. (As sometimes can be the case)."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/16/2009

(review submitted 10/20/2009)

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Review 11 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Located right off the Washington Street T stop.
Very friendly, excellent service
Food was both delicious and presented aesthetically"

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/16/2009

(review submitted 10/19/2009)

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Review 12 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Good)

"My husband and I have been to the Fireplace several times and have loved it. We love the atmosphere in general and had a cozy table in the corner. Both of our meals were wonderful- i had the scallops and he had the brisket. But the service was definately sub-par. the waitress was unattentative and abrupt- we had to ask for the special and bread, she didnt offer suggestions or inquire about our meals."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/17/2009

(review submitted 10/19/2009)

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Review 13 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Always consistent. Excellent comfort food. Great neighborhood spot to drop in and catch dinner at the bar while watching sports. Live jazz on some evenings nice touch. Food is VERY GOOD!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/15/2009

(review submitted 10/17/2009)

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Review 14 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I love the location of this place, and really enjoyed the cozy and warm ambiance. One thing that everyone in our party noticed was that staff were not the friendliest that they could be. Our waitress was rather serious, although she attended to our drinks and our food was served hot and in a reasonable time. It was my daughter's birthday, but no one commented to her about it, despite viewing her gifts at the table.

Otherwise, our visit was very pleasant, food was delicious, parking was convenient and we all had a very nice time!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/11/2009

(review submitted 10/13/2009)

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Review 15 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"This restaurant has deteriorated since the previous times we visited a few years ago. The menu is rather boring - nothing standing out from dozens of other restaurants. The food was not much more than mediocre (the "signature" chicken was dry and many of the side dishes were unmemorable. This is not acceptable, especially given that the dishes and the wines tend to b e overpriced. The service was friendly and efficient. But service isn't enough. I doubt that we will return to this restaurant when there are so many better choices in the Boston area."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/09/2009

(review submitted 10/11/2009)

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Review 16 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The food & cocktails were great! My friends and I have consistently great food and very interesting & tasty cocktails.

I alerted the restaurant of the birthday of one of my friends & she was feted well with a lovely dessert. We will be back!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/08/2009

(review submitted 10/10/2009)

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Review 17 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The meatloaf, a recession special, was absolutely delicious. One of the best meals I ever have had at this restaurant."

Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/04/2009

(review submitted 10/06/2009)

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Review 18 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"we enjoyed out meal tremendously. service was great, the scallops were incredible, so tender, cooked perfectly. crab cakes were very good, loved the baked beans and brown bread."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/03/2009

(review submitted 10/05/2009)

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Review 19 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Excellent food. Wine list is interesting a well-priced. Atmosphere is pretty good - it doesn't feel like a busy corner of Beacon St. Good service from Drew."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 10/03/2009

(review submitted 10/05/2009)

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Review 20 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Always a great experiance. The food is good and varied and the service was helpful."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 09/18/2009

(review submitted 10/01/2009)

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Review 21 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The prices seem to have gone up a lot in the past couple of years....."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 09/25/2009

(review submitted 09/27/2009)

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Review 22 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"I have visited the restaurant many times for their chicken....we have tried other dishes but always never up to the broiled chicken that they feature.....I guess if I want chicken I will go to the Fireplace...for anything else, I will go toanother restaurant"

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 09/23/2009

(review submitted 09/25/2009)

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Review 23 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I am never disappointed by The Fireplace! Great food, fresh ingredients, and consistently wonderful service combine to make this my go-to place for out-of-town visitors."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 09/14/2009

(review submitted 09/18/2009)

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Review 24 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I went here for my birthday, I put it was my birthday on the Open Table remarks when making the reservation, and the host called to confirm the reservation and wish me a happy birthday. It was really sweet!
They sat us next to "the fireplace". It was just lit with candles for the summer, but the only set back would be the place was fairly cold.
They were offering a cheese made locally by a women who makes small batches at her home. It was delicious, and a great find."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 09/09/2009

(review submitted 09/11/2009)

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Review 25 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"love their commitment to local vendors and ethically raised animals"

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/20/2009

(review submitted 09/06/2009)

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Review 26 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Excellent service. Food was delicious. We were 1/2 late due to getting stuck in a parking garage after a show and they accommodated us without a problem. Also gave us a nice corner table for our anniversary. Great evening. Great food"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/29/2009

(review submitted 09/01/2009)

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Review 27 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Good)

"This restaurant is located just down the road from where we live. Everything about the restaurant is wonderful except that their entrees are a bit on the sweet side for us. It seems like this is kind of a recent trend so many people would not find this problematic. However, we would love to be able to stroll down the block to a place who offered the menu they have without all the sweetness."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/28/2009

(review submitted 08/30/2009)

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Review 28 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Always a pleasure! I'm sure I've reviewed a million times!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/27/2009

(review submitted 08/29/2009)

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Review 29 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We came with our three young kids (1, 5, 7), and everyone enjoyed, including kids!"

Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/20/2009

(review submitted 08/23/2009)

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Review 30 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The food didn't live up to expectations, therefore, too expensive. I did like the wine list and the service was excellent. It is more appealing as a jazz/wine spot for late evenings than a dinner restaurant."

Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/20/2009

(review submitted 08/22/2009)

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Review 31 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Amazing find ... the food was awesome, the waiter amazing, and the beverages outstanding ... highly recommend it"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 07/30/2009

(review submitted 08/21/2009)

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Review 32 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I love this restaurant--great food, service, and atmosphere. I always jump at the chance to go there!"

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/18/2009

(review submitted 08/20/2009)

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Review 33 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I chose the restaurant-week menu with the wine pairings. The food was very good and overall this was an excellent value. Importantly, the service was simply flawless. I have been here several times and the food and service is consistently of high quality."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/18/2009

(review submitted 08/20/2009)

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Review 34 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The steak I ordered was tough and chewy. I asked for medium well and got rare. The baked beans were the best part of the meal."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/17/2009

(review submitted 08/19/2009)

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Review 35 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The food was not impressive as I had expected, given the pricelist and Fireplace's presence in the Restaurant Month line up. The fish was fresh and cooked well, but the dessert was something I could have made better at home. I want desserts and restaurant dining to impress me, and not be something I could make at home. The service was excellent, and the ambiance was nice, but food is most important."

Special Features: notable wine list

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/16/2009

(review submitted 08/19/2009)

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Review 36 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"A friend and I went for restaurant week but now that I have been I think that I will be back. The menu is a little bit pricy for me but it would be worth it for a special occasion. I so enjoyed The Fireplace and will/have recommended it to my friends."

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/12/2009

(review submitted 08/14/2009)

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Review 37 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The food was absolutely delicious and the waitstaff was attentive without smothering."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/11/2009

(review submitted 08/13/2009)

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Review 38 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Try the cheese platter with some wine...DELICIOUS!!!"

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 07/31/2009

(review submitted 08/08/2009)

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Review 39 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"A favorite: we've gone there for brunch, New Year's, graduation celebrations and anniversaries as well as a simple night out. A great wine list with many affordable selections--not always a given in restaurants of this caliber. We enjoy the seasonal emphasis of their menus and usually have a hard time choosing what to order because there are many appealing options."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/06/2009

(review submitted 08/08/2009)

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Review 40 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Restaurant week fare enjoyed. Always great salads and a tasty corn chowder with corn fritter. Great steaks and cod done perfectly. Cookie platter needed some help - very cakey approach. A snickerdoodle should be crisp!!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 08/05/2009

(review submitted 08/07/2009)

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Review 41 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Excellent food and atmosphere. Casual and elegant. Great for a date night or out of town guests."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 07/26/2009

(review submitted 07/28/2009)

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Review 42 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We took a friend from Israel to the Fireplace and had a great dinner. One of the things that impressed me the most was that the food was served piping hot. Great meal. Somewhat limited menu choices but all us enjoyed our dinner very much."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 07/24/2009

(review submitted 07/27/2009)

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Review 43 for The Fireplace

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Best mussels ever! Don't miss them when you're there."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 07/21/2009

(review submitted 07/23/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Fireplace

Based on the average of (81) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level