The splendid ambience of The Firehouse is enhanced by its reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. The Firehouse has earned "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator Magazine for nine consecutive years and was voted "Best Wine List" - Best of Sacramento. The Firehouse has also been the recipient of the "Award of Unique Distinction" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. In the Sacramento Magazine's Best of Sacramento awards, The Firehouse earned 10 awards - 7 of which were first place awards - including "Best of the Best."
"I've lived in Sacramento for six years before trying Sacramento's "best restaurant": The Firehouse. If you're judging solely on price of dishes, then yes: it's the premiere restaurant in Sacramento. The food was quite delicious and our server was attentive and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was a bit too stodgy and old-fashioned for me (we were in the main dining room) and the special touches fell short (our amuse bouche for starters and for our dessert were both decidedly chewy and not delectable). The palate cleanser sorbet (lemon & cucumber) was nothing short of delightful. So...this is a mostly positive mixed review, if such a thing exists. Our food was very good, but for a pricey meal, I want to leave the restaurant raving!"
Dined on 6/16/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"Everything was first rate, 4++ stars but the wine list prices were exhorbanant. We are from wine country where restaurants can't charge those prices and stay in business with locals, or business in general. Bring your own and pay corkage. Did birthday/father's day celebration and husband was DELIGHTED overall as we stayed on Delta King, 1 block away."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"The food and ambience were outstanding on the patio. The server kept trying after a few mess ups from the kitchen but bombed with the fake french accent. Just serve the great food!"
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We go to The Firehouse for special occasions. This Father's Day we were treated like royalty and the food was excellent as usual. Well worth the price for an unforgettable dining experience!"
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Lunch in the Courtyard is wonderful. The ambience and service was fantastic. The menu has a nice selection of excellent food at reasonable prices. Our party of nine all really enjoyed their lunch. Service was great and very friendly. I would recommend the Firehouse at lunch as a great way to experience the excellent food at prices that wont break you. Almost all entrees were under $20. The only downside is you will not find a bottle of wine for under $45 on the extensive wine list. In fact most of the wine was $100 or more a bottle. A house wine or less expensive wine selection, especially at lunch, would enable people to experience the Firehouse without having to skimp on drinks. Overall great experience but offer reasonable priced wine!!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Great service from the whole staff, the only mediocre complaint that I had was that it took a couple of pass by's from a staff member to refill our waters and to bring us the check, but that's not even a big concern. Food was great, waiter was very professional and polite."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We've dined here before and this wasn't quite the topnotch experience we've had before, mostly because our waiter, while very courteous, was slow and distracted. We had trouble catching his eye, and waited quite a while for our food, although it was a slow day. The food, however, was delicious, especially my salmon special of the day."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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"My wife & I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary at the Firehouse last week. We sat in the outdoor patio dining area which was quite enjoyable (soft music & low lighting) - Our waiter was good but forgot my wife's drink order (of which finally arrived after our salads had been served) and was slow in delivering other requested items . My wife had beef and I had the King Salmon of which neither were noteworthy (lacking flavor & dry). Overall - it certainly wasn't a bad experience - but for the money, we probably won't be back anytime soon."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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"once again Firehouse excels in all and fails to disappoint! Always a winner, excellent food, service and nostalgia. Ordered the Chef tasting menu-loved all of it as always. Attentive service and fantastic food - so far always a 10 star!"
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We sat in the courtyard for lunch. It felt like a great resturant in Tuscany. Outdoors amoungt beautiful trees and white tablecothes but not stuffy. Service was excellent, from the bar attendant that greeted you at the door ,to the Matre'd, to the servrcers that waited on you, all went out of there way to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Food was very good with lots of choices. Wine list is awesome. All in all, a memorable experience. Thank you all!!"
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"I may be a little biased; I proposed to my wife at The Firehouse & we were married in their courtyard (everyone raved about the food at the reception!). Well, we came back for our 3rd Anniversary, and it was still amazing, from the wine at the bar (what a wine list!!), all the way down to the Gianduja Chocolate Mousse Bombe that was custom-made by the pastry chef to read "Happy Anniversary" on the plate's edge. The hostess was even willing to seat us at the same corner table where I proposed to my wife. The amuse-bouche (duck confit on a crisp wafer with cherry) was a masterstroke, the Appetizer Sampler and Asparagus-Lobster Bisque were delicious and well-portioned, and our filets mignon melted in our mouths. We'll be back soon! THANK YOU!"
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Brought my wife here for an anniversary dinner. Absolutely wonderful evening. The patio area, often reserved for events was available and provided for wonderful ambiance. Food and service were wonderful. Rib-eye appetizer and asparagus bisque were amazing."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We went for my birthday and enjoyed our dinner very much. We had the steak dinner for two and it was amazing! I would like to return and dine outside on the patio, we couldn't because there was a private party out there."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Never disappointed at The Firehouse. My wife and I celebrated our 15th anniversary by having a nice dinner with friends here. There were 3 couples and everyone was extremely pleased with their experience."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This was our first time eating at The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sac and my wife and I were not disappointed. The restaurant was very quiet and the service was excellent. My wife had the Filet Mignon and it was prepared just right. I had the fish special of the evening which was Halibut over Jambalaya and it was out of this world! We will definitely be back."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Has been consistently excellent for many years. Service is impeccable, lots of attention to detail and multi-level waite staff. Entrees were great, filet mignon and pork cheeks, soups and salad and beautiful cocktails. No negatives here, and will come back as always. They also own Ten22, around the corner and very good but different type of restaurant."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"I have had much bette. For a place that was highly rated, I had much higher expectations. The waiter never came back to check on our food, he never told us his name, he had a horrible sense of humor, and it seemed like the ONLY thing he did was take our orders. The backup staff did everything else. The hostess acts like she hates her job. I was VERY disapointed and can say this place has gone dosnn hill. If these were comparaele to dept stores, its definitely not Nieman marcus, or Nordstrom. Its not even Macy's. Its probably sears or borderline jcpennys. The appetizers were better than the main course."
Dined on 5/25/2013
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"Food a little too salty. Filet mignon was pretty plain - cut was really tender though. More for the old school crowd: dark, antique, very quiet. I coukd see taking my parents. Not good food value as very expensive."
Dined on 5/22/2013
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Review 25 for The Firehouse Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding food and service!! Will definitely be vistiting again!!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We had not been to The Firehouse for a while due to busy lives as well as experimenting with other restaurants. We have confirmed...Firehouse is the gold standard in Sacramento area."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"We had a great Mother's Day brunch at the venerable Firehouse. After a very tasty buffet "starter" we each ordered a plated entree. The service is superb and the patio setting was comfortable on a warm Sunday in Old Town."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, special occasion
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"Our mothers felt like queens, reveling in lobster bisque (which was divine), loving the palate cleanser (cucumber sorbet), feeling rich that their swordfish (a tad overcooked ) was accessorized with both shrimp and mussels (a tad undercooked). The amuse bouche (duck on a crust with a dot of aioli on the underside) was playful and delightful. I enjoyed the beautifully cooked rack of lamb, but the olives in the tomato relish didn't seem a good fit. In addition, the textures of the quinoa and greens clashed, though individually they were fine. Curry chicken was very fragrant, the rice very tasty. Service was decent, though the waiter neglected to tell about us about the fish of the day. Expected closer to perfection for a place like this."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We were married in the Courtyard 20 years ago and we had an especially wonderful anniversary dinner. The staff --including Mario, who had been in charge of our wedding details and is still here, was attentive,kind and knowledgeable. Food was great, each course more delicious than the last..but neither of us had ever had a filet prepared so well. It was amazing in both in preparation and in presentation, served over a fat patty of mashed potatoes, rolled in bread crumbs and then deep fried. Worth the calories! We don't go to the Firehouse often enough, the food is fantastic and worth the prices charged in our opinion, but to have such a special gem in Sacramento is a real treat and we will no doubt make more special memories here."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We ordered the Tasting Menu with wine pairings and it was exceptional! We travel and eat out frequently. This was definitely memorable. The Firehouse never disappoints. While it is the perfect place for a special occasion, it is unfortunate that some of the clientele don't dress for one. They note dressy casual attire which shouldn't be that difficult to achieve."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Our server (older hispanic gentlemen) wasn't too good @ listening, he'd rather talk. However, my wife and I are frequent customers and we know its usually much better! Food was great as usual however our overall experience was compromised do to our server. Our bill was a couple hundred $ so we expected a bit more. Overall still 8 out of 10"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"This is a venerable traditional, upscale and very good restaurant in the Sacramento area, with a truly outstanding wine list and knowledgeable sommeliers. It's excellent for celebrating special occasions - and they go out of their way to prepare for you as well - for our anniversary they presented a nicely decorated dessert. For beef lovers, the Delmonico steak is a steak lover's delight (and unless you are a truly big eater you will take half of it home)."
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Thoroughly enjoyed my dinining experience and would highly recomend this place to anyone looking for a great meal. The atmosphere and food was excellent..."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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"What a great restaurant. Very elegant but the servers made you feel so comfortable. The food was delicious. One of the best meals I've had amuse bouche to dessert!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"A wonderfully elegant restaurant in Old Town Sacramento with fine service, outstanding service and an extensive wine list. Dining on the patio on a warm evening makes this a most romantic setting for a relaxing evening of perfect indulgence."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"My wife and I recently had an early date night at the Firehouse. We sat on the courtyard with a beautiful view and fantastic service. The Food was outstanding as always. I feel that the Firehouse and specifically the courtyard area are the best in Sacramento."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"The scallops are to die for! The service is exceptional and the ambiance is like no where else in Sacramento. A group of us meet there once a month and the Firehouse always exceeds our expectations."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Amazing as always! I am never dissappointed. This is the place to go to be treated like a princess!!"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"My daughter and I celebrated her birthday by having lunch at the Firehouse. Absolutely everything was perfect. we were so enchanted, we didn't want to leave. We are planning on returning on a Summer evening, and having dinner in the Courtyard."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Exceptional service! The courtyard is perfect for evening outdoor dining. Definitely worth the price. The menu has great selections and wine pairings. Beautiful setting in historic Old Sacramento."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"The restaurant: I was surprised to see that there was no decor related to the past days of firefighting or related items. I was expecting see maybe some pictures of old fire houses, fire dogs or maybe old fire scenes. Not many. I few scattered about.
The food was excellent.
The service. The service was poor. Our waiter seem to be far more interested in a group across the room. For the cost of dinner, I have has better service at Applebee's.
I will think twice before for going back. Joel's Crab Shack has far better service."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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"We love the Firehouse. We have been 4 times now, 2 outside patio and 2 inside beautiful dining room. We recommend to our friends for romance, ambiance and food! Service is great and drinks are faboulous as well as the deserts."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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