As Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge approached the decade mark in Pacific Beach, owners Matt Spencer and Tyler Charman decided it was time for a reinvention. While paying homage to the good vibes that Firehouse has provided over the years, the structure and menu underwent an overhaul with an impressive $1 million renovation.
This past weekend, those months of rethinking, reinvention and renovation were on display as the popular eatery reopened for business. The new and improved Firehouse, at 722 Grand Ave., capitalizes on natural light and ocean views. The entrance walls are clad with deep shou-sugi-ban, the Japanese technique of preserving and antiquing wood, which creates a charred effect. The shou-sugi-ban is juxtaposed with intermittent mirror installations that reflect the rising tide.
Seating is varied and includes a cozy fireplace lounge, communal seating near the bar and adjustable- height dining tables located near the new floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass doors, designed to bring the outside in.
Upstairs, Firehouse maintains its patio vibe, with the staple fire pit and the addition of four new private seating cabanas. A retractable awning will provide shade on hot days and warmth in the winter to each ocean-view dining table. There is also a lush, living green wall to create an organic feel against the steel-clad walls.
Firehouse has entered into a new hemisphere in design and cuisine, integrating the old with the new and bringing Pacific Beach what it needs and that which its urbane patrons eagerly await. In an attempt to maintain the local cult classics while adding an upscale flair, Firehouse brought in executive chef Jason Maitland to run the kitchen. Educated at New England Culinary Institute, Maitland was executive chef at Del Mar’s Arterra for 10 years. Most recently, he has led the kitchen at Flavor in Del Mar and was the consulting executive chef at the new Indigo Grill. Guests can expect mouth-watering breakfast items such as the Krispy Kreme Benny, which includes two classic glazed doughnuts, maple-peppercorn bacon, poached eggs, lemon Hollandaise, FH breakfast potatoes and grilled bread. Also, look forward to seafood specialties including Hawaiian Ahi Tostada, Salt & Pepper Shrimp and the Vuelve a la Vida!, which showcases an array of fresh seafood in a spicy sauce. The restaurant will continue to feature classic American favorites, such as a delectable burger with a culinary twist and Epic Buttermilk Fried Chicken, but it will elevate the mainstays with entrees including Hand Made Pappardelle Pasta with wild mushrooms, sherry, Parmigiano-Reggiano, truffle essence, shaved San Joaquin gold and truffle salt. Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge
Where: 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach
Contact: For reservations and hours, call (858) 274-3100 or visit www.firehousepb.com