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The Fireside
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (New) Nightlife Bars Lounges Canadian (New), Lounges [Edit]
1500 Brunswick StHalifax, NS B3J 3X9
(902) 423-5995
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 12 pm
Thu 11:30 am - 1 am
Fri 11:30 am - 2 am
Sat 4 pm - 2 am
Sun 4 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
33 reviews for The Fireside
Review Highlights
"Try the baked goat cheese - it comes with a tower of bread..."
(in 5 reviews)
"Martini Mondays is a citywide hit."
(in 4 reviews)
"...coves to sit, bit comfy chairs it is very comfortable place..."
(in 4 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Jene S.
Halifax, NS
9/10/2011
The goat cheese. 'Nuff said.
But there's more! Great atmosphere, yummy chocolate martinis. Just an all-round comfy place to go with friends. -
Review from Sarah B.
Halifax, NS
2/1/2012
The sweet world of pretty little martini's. This place has a loooooong list of sweet delights that will make you feel oh-so-pretty at the time and not so much tomorrow, and has fantastic appetizers. However, the drinks are standard but you'll feel like a rockstar drinking out of those fancy glasses.
Their app's are good-- favorite being the Baked Goat Cheese. I think you, yes you, should try it. I've had a few salads for main dishes and haven't been impressed in the least. They use frozen strips of chicken that tastes like tofu, and are very sparse when it comes to dressing up the salad. Another no-no I've encountered is the length of time it takes in which to get your drinks, which makes getting a buzz mission impossible unless you're ordering multiples at a time.
It's a cute place to go and feel important, even if it is only because you're drinking martini's!Listed in: Martini Mania
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Review from Tiffany T.
Halifax, NS
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I hadn't been to The Fireside in years and never for food only for Martini Monday.
I met my friend who was leaving town, who I will not see until May :(. We opted to go to The Fireside for dinner and drinks since it was Monday for martini's. We ordered martini's and they were brought promptly. We chatted for a while while we browsed the menu. It took what felt for forever for our order to be taken. Service was terribly slow throughout the evening.
I had a tremendously hard time trying to decided between the Seafood Crepes and the Portobello Burger, ultimately I decided on the Crepes, my friend got the bello burger and we decided on the Potato Skins for an app.
I sometimes utterly fail at ordering the perfect meal, and this is the perfect example. The potato boats were only ok, they lacked any kind of sauce/condiment therefore although cheesy they were dry (not to mention not skins but a 1/4 of a potato). We ended up scraping the sundried tomatoes and goat cheese off with our forks and ate only that.
The Seafood Crepes were accompanied with a Spinach Salad. Once again, only ok. The Seafood was fresh and the creamy dill sauce was fine but for the most part, it was not what I wanted. In fact, what I wanted was that damn Portobello Burger that my friend had sitting in front of her. She gave me a bite and I instantly had wished that's what I had ordered. WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME??
The martini's were decent and for $5 for 2 ounces; that's a pretty fantastic deal.
As for decor, it is tired and in need of some modernization. The fireplaces are a nice touch and lounge chairs for dining is nice (but again, old) What we found surprisingly funny was the music, a pecular mix for the kind of feel The Fireside seems to be going for. I would expect some loungy music; jazz, classical, something mellow but instead Black Eyed Peas and Britney Spears... You get my drift.
So in conclusion, next time I will get that Portobello Burger. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Halifax, NS
9/19/2011
I have a love/hate relationship with The Fireside. Mostly love though! So here we go:
Love:
- Cheap martinis. $5 on Monday nights. This place is my go-to as far as martini nights go. AND they post their martini drink menu on their website so you can try them at home! I always start with the banana split.
- I saw another Yelper mention the seafood crepes. This is the best thing on their menu as far as I'm concerned. Shrimp, scallops and salmon in a creamy dill sauce with mussels. It's amazing.
- Prices. All meals are very reasonably priced. I usually recommend The Fireside to anyone who has family in town they want to take out (but not to a pub), but don't want to break the bank.
- The theme. I'm a big an of being warm while I'm eating and even though the fireplaces don't emit that much heat, you feel as if they do. The furniture is very comfy (although it could use a turnover) and overall the ambiance is quite nice.
Hate:
- This place used to have the BEST seafood chowder in the city. As someone who tries the chowder at every restaurant I go to, I am frequently consulted for chowder recommendations and this was my #1 for a long time. About two years ago, they changed the recipe and they ruined it. I was heartbroken. I now recommend Your Father's Moustache which I like to refer to as "how The Fireside's chowder used to taste before they screwed it up."
- You can't make a reservation. It grinds my gears when restaurants do this. We've tried to go there for birthday celebrations before and it turned into a mess of thieving spare chairs from other tables. I wouldn't recommend this place for anyone going in a large group.
- The entry-way. There is no way to inconspicuously enter The Fireside. There is a large staircase leading down which puts you on display for everyone to see. (I notice myself staring at patrons as they arrive.) This is especially bad if the place is full and you're meeting people and have to have a few quick looks around first.
Regardless of some gripes I have, I find The Fireside is the place I recommend most frequently in Halifax, maybe not because it's the best, but because it seems to fit what people I know are looking for at the time - a nice, classy looking restaurant with at least a few great things on the menu that's reasonably priced. -
Review from Ben B.
6/29/2011
The Fireside is what I like to call Halifax's scrappiest cocktail bar. Known for its Martini Monday (more than any other location that does the same, in fact), it manages to lure university students away from the usual suspects for a night of getting sloppy on Spring Garden.
Is it the trendiest bar? The swankiest? The best service? The best drinks? Well, no. Not at all, in fact. But it makes it work and people love them for it. While it can't go toe-to-toe with your favourite uppity watering hole, The Fireside has got cheap martinis on lock.
The decor is pretty dated (although I do give them props for rocking the comfy armchairs), a lurking system is in place for nabbing chairs which can make things pretty uncomfortable as people circle you like a pack of hyenas (or vultures...or vulture hyenas), and honestly - the drinks remind me of what we used to make at home when we first turned 19.
I know that sounds harsh and maybe I'm becoming a cocktail snob, but when they're trying to whip off thousands of martinis in a night, there's really no consistency. Sometimes they're really strong, other times they're seriously watered down, but you know what? That's kind of okay when they're five bucks.
Want mixologist-made martinis? Go spend $15 a pop somewhere else.
Pro tip: If you can nab seats upstairs, it's really gorgeous, a little quieter, and generally has more attentive service. Plus you're in a glass atrium that comes to life at nighttime. Highly recommended!Listed in: Spring Garden State, Making Every Night Martini…
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Review from Ashlee F.
This is my favorite place to eat for many, many reasons! Wanna hear them??
#1. It is sooo cozy, comfy and cute! They should rename it 3C and C3... maybe not. I love sitting next to the fireplaces (well, it is the fireside!!) I do believe it was also voted best first date spot in Halifax by Faces Magazine.
#2. Super fast and friendly service; I can't remember a time when I did not receive this.
#3. SEAFOOD CREPES! They have fresh scallops, shrimp, salmon and muscles wrapped in a thin crepe and smothered in a delicious creamy dill sauce! I'm making myself drool writing this, they are just so yum. I usually, actually always, pare it with a spinach salad. There is just something about the garlic dressing they use that I cannot get enough of.
#4. Martini Monday! They are only $5.00 and you have lots to choose from; only another reason to keep going back.
#5. Happy Hour! Monday-Friday 4:30-6:30 (when you really need a drink) you can get well shots (rum and coke, vodka lime etc), beer and wine for only $3.50!! WHAT! They're crazy.... or you are for not going :)
#6. Overall the prices can't be beat. They range from about $7.00 - $20.00 a dish; most of the main courses are around $14.00.
#7. The desserts are very inexpensive price wise, max $6.00, but expensive in taste! They do offer two sizes, a single dessert, and one to share! Try the raspberry kuchen; it is a warm butter cake covered in raspberries, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream!
Now that you're done, what are you waiting for? GO TO THE FIRESIDE and enjoy :)Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Leslie F.
4/27/2011 3 photos
Sometimes you just need to not cook, and when the not-cooking urge strikes you, The Fireside is a pretty solid destination.
To forewarn you - I will reiterate Joel K's statement that their staff are armed with a wide range of temperaments. So if you are hoping for warm fuzzies from your server, then perhaps you should look elsewhere. But if a semi baditude can be mitigated by good food, then the Fireside should suit you just fine.
Moving on, we sampled 4 menu items:
Uptown Goat Cheese Potato Skins - I don't know what qualifies these potato skins for the 'uptown' descriptor, but they aren't bad. Not quite cheesy enough, but there were lots of sun dried tomatoes and capers so they aren't short on salt or flavour.
Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich - Tasty. Chickeny. Saucy. No complaints here.
Burger and Fries - The burger was good, and came with lots of condiments. The fries were a bit shy of being crispy enough, but we ate them all, so they couldn't have been that bad.
Chocolate Concoction - This is basically chocolate cake doused in ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. So it's good.
All-in-all dinner for 2 with an appetizer and a dessert (but without drinks) came to just over $40. So that's pretty good bang for you buck. Just don't expect your waitress to say goodbye when you leave.Listed in: Along the Garden Route
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Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
6/14/2011
Class and Elegance meet Relaxed and Affordable. I'm so glad we could all come together at one of my favourite dining spots, The Fireside.
Join me, won't you, in perusing the ever palate-pleasing menu? I can personally recommend the baked goat cheese appetizer, the raspberry and brie stuffed chicken, the grilled chicken fusilli, as well as their creative array of salads.
If any of you experience the urge to indulge a sweet tooth, their chocolate concoction is incredibly satisfying.
Their martini menu may be of interest as well. My personal favourites are the Melon Ball and the Big Kid Kool-Aid, but they have plenty of choices available.
And the prices are just right, especially for the variety and uniqueness of many of the dishes offered (special thanks to you Affordable, you always come through here).
Isn't the decor inviting as well? The big comfy chairs, the cozy home study feel, and the low lighting which all help create a casual yet intimate setting perfect for a romantic date or an evening out with friends.
And so, my companions, I have to say that I always enjoy our time together, and I hope we can meet again soon. Same place as always. There's not another quite like it in Halifax.Listed in: Good Eats!
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Review from Jennifer G.
Halifax, NS
9/19/2011
Lovely and cozy setting. Great drinks and food. I use to go there a lot and like their martini menu a lot. I would go more often if I still live in Downtown
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Review from Nicole M.
Halifax, NS
6/6/2011
Yum yum yummyy, service is usually pretty speedy even during dinner rush and the drinks are cold, fast and cheep.
cozy, dimly lit moghogony-sudy/lounge-esk atmosphere where you can snuggle down with a date on a couch or laugh until you cry with a group of girls.
Try the amazing baked goats cheese with house-made breadsticks --appetizer and linger a bit longer and get hungry for a portobello mushroom sandwich.
Purple-haze is my drink of choice here but they make all the classics well and there is plenty of variety for those who want to mix things up. Martini mondays hotspot. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
4/30/2011
I've been to the Fireside numerous times, and each and every time they are jam packed! Perhaps that's because I'm a sucker for the $5 Martini night?
What I love about the Fireside, in addition to the delicious drinks, is the service. Yeah, it's probably not the fastest restaurant in the city, but who cares about that when the Servers are courteous, attentive and really look after you? And, although I've not really sampled much on the menu, I can say the warm spinach salad was fantastic, and I'll be back again just for that dish.
Reasonable prices, great service, and a really cool place to hang out in either a big or small group.Listed in: Date Night!, Night on the Town
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Review from Joel K.
3/17/2011
Fireside is a decent date place and is pretty good if you're meeting some friends for after work drinks. But the food isn't spectacular and the staff can range from friendly and helpful to downright apathetic or even rude.
But it's nice to have a reasonably quiet, low-lit place to drink a martini and chat with people you like.Listed in: Drink Your Face Off (or on?)
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Review from Laura O.
Halifax, NS
The Fireside is an absolutely fantastic place to have a drink with friends in a cozy atmosphere. Yesterday my co-workers and I chose a great spot directly by a large fireplace, complete with comfy chairs and couches, for our yearly holiday sociable.
Our first round of drinks came painlessly enough. After a short delay, during which we were anxious to get our food orders in, a new waitress came over to greet herself as our server for the evening (there must have been a switch in shift). She was lovely and I give her props for serving a super awkward table situation (picture being blocked from the main coffee table by the couch with three of us, with two high tops on either side of that with three comfy chairs each).
We ordered an array of dishes, as there were eight of us all together. Three members of our group who ordered seafood crepes were disappointed to find that their food was ice cold. Not just cold... ice cold. We guiltily brought this to our server's attention who apologized profusely and replaced their meals with fresh (hot) ones as soon as she could. Great customer recovery. The kitchen also sent out a small bowl of steamed mussels as a gesture. I think I was the only one who sampled these - they were large, colorful and flavourful.
I ordered my usual Portobello burger, as I really enjoy this dish, topped with pesto mayo, greens and goat cheese. The menu at the Fireside has an adequate selection of vegetarian and seafood options, which for me ranks it higher up on my list as an easy place to stop in and grab a casual bite. I opted to sub a spinach salad (hold the bacon) in for the sweeet potato and beet chips that usually accompany the Portobello (I have a couple times in the past found them a bit over-done). After reading a couple tips on FourSquare that the spinach salad is one of the best in the city, I was happily anticipating it's arrival. It came - drenched in creamy garlic dressing - with lots of shredded jarlsberg (my favourite), croutons, and a quarter of a boiled egg. It was indeed tasty, especially if you like garlic, as for the rest of the evening I had to avoid speaking directly at other peoples' faces.
The food is nothing to rave about - it's tasty, pretty consistent, and there's a lot of goat cheese on the menu (which scores points from me). The quality is somewhere around higher-end pub food or tasty casual restaurant dining. One thing they do well is keep their stars on the menu, and I am pretty sure that because of this, as well as their consistently enjoyable drinks (and drink specials) they have a very loyal following. The Fireside: it serves its purpose in the Halifax food and drink scene, and I hope it never goes away!Listed in: Best Cocktail Lists
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Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
10/5/2010
I'm on a mission to sample every martini on Martini Mondays -- so far I've cleared Mr. Freeze and Monk Chocolate. Don't drive even after drinking one of these babies because they're lethal.
The Fireside has a great ambiance with lots of low-lighting, intimate table settings and neutral colours. I'd woe a date here over a platter of nachos, or take a gal pal and scope out the men dressed in suits. My friend and I literally watched two men pick up some girls in about five seconds flat here. Apparently the romantic setting really works wonders on the ladies.
Come early on Monday for cheap drinks -- seats get filled quickly! -
Review from Philip Y.
Halifax, NS
5/23/2011
Very nice place, although food wise could have faired betterfor that price.
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Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 4/20/2010 1 photo
The Fireside is growing on me. After a recent visit with a larger group of friends, the service and great food could not go unnoticed.
There were about 12 of us, and to have such a smooth flowing bout of service was notable. From entry onwards, the staff succeeded in kind regards and accommodating an evening out. Our hostess offered a choice of several seating options to suit our preference. The arrivals of our dinner guests were a bit staggered, but this didn't throw off the staff in the slightest. Everyone was seated and served promptly, despite our scatter.
Drinks, appetizers, main dishes for 12-- I can't stress the efficiency of this service enough. Drink refills? Right away. Another minute to decide? Sure. The timing was impeccable, and this was a busy Saturday night.
I decided to try the Blueberry Maple Salad this time. It was very tasty, with a tossing of greens topped with blueberries and shredded peanuts. A huge nugget of baked goat cheese topped the dish, which was a little bit much for one salad. I would've like a little more greens to even things out. None the less, it was quite delicious and well worth the $8.95.
It can be tricky going out in a large group, but The Fireside proved standup service and a real professionalism. With the great prices and yummy food selections, I certainly have their respect.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/11/2010
The Fireside is a bit of a trade off. I've found the food to be quite delicious and at reasonable… Read more »
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Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
5/14/2010
The Fireside smells like something that Engels, in the mid 1800s, identified as the living conditions responsible for social class differences in health.
It's not historic, not in that sense at least. However, i can't shake the impression of amateur baby-boomer basement reno - circa 1980s.
Servers earn tippage for good service; plus/minus change depending on how you see their choice to work such a dark, dank, damp dwelling. -
Review from Deirdre L.
Halifax, NS
11/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Fireside is pretty much famous for its five-dollar Martini Mondays. Although I appreciate the alliteration, I have to dispute the title: most of the drinks are not martinis at all, but various cocktails served in a classic martini glass. Which is fine, because there is is fairly wide selection, and a two ounce beverage for five bones is a heck of a deal.
I've also dropped in on other nights of the week, when it tends to be much less crowded. The food is good, if somewhat unpredictable (what was fabulous last time you ordered it might be slightly meh this time 'round). Reliably delicious dishes include the baked goat cheese app, the Asian pear salad, the raspberry Brie stuffed chicken ... and for dessert, listen to Lacey - the raspberry kuchen is divine and comes in two sizes!
With a space comprised of multiple rooms and floors, chances are good you'll find the right spot - whether you want to sprawl out on a couch, or take a seat at a more traditional table. Service varies - I've had hilarious and fantastic folks, and more hurried waiters - but the latter tends to be on the aforementioned night o' cheap cocktails, and if you had tonnes of thirsty folks waving empty glasses around, you'd be hurrying too.
Note: I do not wave my empty glass at servers, ever, but I have seen it happen ... I guess that's what they call Monday Martini Madness! -
Review from Wayne L.
Halifax, NS
4/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great place to eat and a great atmosphere. The artichoke dip is a great starter. Also it is a place that serves Guinness on tap. You cannot go wrong with that.
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
11/19/2009
One of the only reasons to head to Fireside: Martini Monday. Two ounce cocktails for $5! Doesn't get much better than that.
Other than the martini's, I don't find there's much of a pull to get me into Fireside on a regular basis. Disingenuous is a good descriptor for this restaurant and lounge. Despite the fireplaces (obvious touch), this restaurant doesn't really seem to have much of a vibe. The food is pretty typical with items like steak and fries, fish and chips, baked haddock with a few bizarre items thrown in: seafood crepes and the brie and raspberry stuffed chicken.
Fireside has added an upstairs (loft) portion in the last several years, which looks out over the bustling intersection of Spring Garden Road and Brunswick Street. Overall, head in for the baked apple dessert and Martini special. Not much else at this restaurant to draw you from one of the hundreds of other delicious dinner spots in the city. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
3/13/2010 1 photo
The Fireside is one of those restaurants where you go when you want to feel pampered. The lighting is low, there's a buzz of conversation all around you and yet you can manage to feel as though your table is an island.
The menu is varied both in offerings and prices. Try the baked goat cheese - it comes with a tower of bread straws. Prices for the "Kindling" (appetizers) are in line with other similar establishments and, in some cases, even less expensive.
Of course, if you go to the Fireside you have to have a martini or two. I recommend the Melon Ball - so smooth you'll feel as though you're sipping a fruit drink rather than the martinis - and that can be dangerous!
The Fireside used to offer a Saturday brunch, which is a shame because they did a wonderful job with it. Nevertheless, the Fireside really is worth visiting. Expect a bit of a wait to be seated but have no fear: your patience will be rewarded. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
5/9/2010 1 photo
When I think about dining beside a roaring fire a few words come to mind, comfortable and warm being the obvious ones. Whenever I dine at The Fireside I'm left wanting more and I'm convinced that it's because despite all their best efforts to be inviting this restaurant feels a little stuffy.
For a place to advertise that they provide "...what casual dining should be" I didn't expect the menu items to be so pricey. Fifteen dollar entrees (and even the five dollar martini promotion) is too much for me to pay for a casual meal as a student.
I had a little laugh at the "Fireside Reading" label on the cover of all the menus, it was a clever touch but not enough to make me forget during the course of my meal that my chair wouldn't pull all the way into my table. I'd never been so dependant on a lap napkin in my life.
The Fireside has some good things going for it, but in order to achieve that casual dining experience that they are promoting then they should focus more on the atmosphere than promoting overpriced martinis. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
6/11/2010 1 photo
Fireside is a place where you take someone on a first date. With quite and hidden coves to sit, bit comfy chairs it is very comfortable place to relax. When I went we did not go for supper we actually met some people from the BF work for some drinks. With this being my first time here I really liked it.
Appetizers filled the low coffee table that was surrounded by people talking and really enjoying conversation, yes talking. Music was playing but not enough that the next morning you could still hear it. We were seated in the lower part near the back so maybe that is what made it quiet who knows.
Service was great and efficient as I don't think anyone had a dry drink in hand. This is a must go back for me and this time for supper! -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2009
Cozy and relaxed environment. Great for dates!
The Fireside has always been there for my friends and I. Whether I was on a blind date or with a big group of friends, the Fireside was there to accommodate my needs with a smile on the faces of their staff. Their food and service could be described as casual upscale. Lucky for them they do have fireplaces or else I would question the name. The upper level of the restaurant has a nice dining area with a smaller amount of customer's. If you can get close to the window, you have great seats that overlook a small, but nice part of Halifax
But onto the food! They do have some amazing dishes if you know what to order. I would, right off the bat, skip their nachos. They are simply chips with cheese and a few other items. But for what you pay for you can get almost double the amount and quality elsewhere in the city. However their soup's are amazing! And I hate soup in general. But they have an incredible French Onion Soup I highly recommend. It has a very nice layer of cheese along with a very thick soup texture.
Other runner-ups are their Lemon Pepper Smoked Salmon and their Pecan encrusted Salmon. They definitely know how to do salmon in both dishes and the best part is, I have never seen their food quality lose its consistency.
On Monday nights, they have $5 Martini's and they are quite popular for good reason. The variety of Martini's are good and there are more then enough choices even for the picky Martini drinker. I would suggest one but I am pretty much addicted to any of their Martini's that are chocolate based. So just get any number of those.
The Fireside has been around for a while but they have kept their consistency. No one goes to the Fireside fearing that it has gone, "downhill." Their Wait Staff are all professionals with years of experience in the food service industry and you can tell. They are fast, friendly and efficient. This is one of my favorite restaurants and I am a picky critic. So that should say a lot. -
Review from Lacey H.
4/1/2010
Baked goat cheese, you say? Don't mind if I do. Cheap drinks on a Monday night? I'm interested, do go on...
Martini Mondays is a citywide hit. People love the $5 bevies - but be warned, they're not exquisite creations by any stretch. They're pretty standard and uninspired, so the $5 price tag comes with a price of its own - drinks lacking zest and creative genius.
Nevertheless, the mood at this establishment can be nice, especially if you're seated upstairs in the atrium area. I prefer it up there, especially during the day, so that I may soak up any rays of sun that just so happen in my direction.
Their appies are pretty good, and the prices ain't so bad. If you have a group of people and it's a busy night of the week (Monday / Friday / Saturday) head in early so that you can get enough seats for your whole crew. The service is fine - not a wow experience but also not a "boo" experience, either.
Finish off your night with a Raspberry Kuchen - a fresh and creamy dessert creation, that's not too heavy and tastes like a summer afternoon. Yum. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
2/2/2010
I have, on numerous occasions, been dragged out the the Fireside for their Martini Monday promotion and most of the time we end up leaving because we can not find a seat.
On the few occasions we have been seated I can't say I've been especially impressed. Sure, the $5 Martini's are a nice touch, but I'm not much of a martini guy. After one, I'm ready to move on down the line. The layout is cramped and not especially appealing. It feels as though they are trying to prove they are a comfortable establishment. Warm, cozy, etc, but it just comes off as disingenuous, especially when you're scurrying around looking for seats!
If you're a big Martini fan then this is a great stop. If you're just looking for a spot to go with some friends...eh, not so much. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
2/24/2010
The Fireside is one of the nicer places to go in Halifax. The atmosphere here is nice and the food is good.
The place is not huge, so even if it is not busy, you won't feel out of place.
I like the window tables, to people watch. We had a girl's night out here, it was fun, and the staffs are great.
Martini Monday Cheap! -
Review from Joe B.
Bridgewater, NS
4/16/2010
Didn't enjoy. Waitress was confused. Poor thing. Really. Bad night for her.
Food was terrible. Burned nachos and dry fried fish.
Nice atmosphere, but I won't be back. Sorry. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/13/2010 1 photo
It would seem that the consensus for Fireside is that there isn't anything too great about it besides the $5 martinis. However, I don't find them too great either.
A martini is an art, in my opinion, that most people need to learn. For the most part, I find the proportions they use to be a little off. There's either too much vermouth or too much vodka... never a perfect mix.
The place inside is tiny and crowded. It might be nice for a couple date drinks before heading elsewhere for dinner, but I can't see myself staying here much longer than that. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/21/2009 1 photo
If you're looking for a cosy place to sit with your girlfriends and enjoy an evening of martinis around the fireplace, the Fireside is a great place to go. With lots of comfortable plush chairs and sofas, it's easy to relax and enjoy a casual evening.
I say 'girlfriends" because the Fireside does seem to have a distinctly feminine appeal, and is particularly friendly to group events like wedding and baby showers ... or maybe it's just where all the women I happen to know like to hold their baby showers.
The food, however, is nothing to write home about, or at least it wasn't the last time I was there. I had the warm spinach salad, which was drenched to the point of swimming in its very acidic dressing. A friend had the Greek chicken pita, which was, in her estimation, "Meh." The french fries, artily stacked, seemed like just about the best bet of the night.
Still, the martini menu is extensive and colourful. And if you have enough of those, and enough good girlfriends with you, the food can become just an afterthought, anyway. -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
9/23/2009 1 photo
Perhaps one of Halifax's fineset cozy dining establishments. The Fireside is one-of-a-kind, and is perfect for a first date or special occasion. With an elegant fire-place, dimmed lighting and extra-comfy chairs and sofas, you can dine in comfort while listening to soothing music.
The Fireside offers a great menu, with moderate proportions at reasonable prices. -
Review from Darren G.
Lower Sackville, NS
2/28/2010
Love this place. I eat here all the time. I love the atmosphere and people. Food and wine are very good. Very cozy spot to meet friend. Service has always been good.
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Review from Allison K.
Halifax, NS
10/23/2010
I have been to the fireside on many different occasions. I love the warm fireplaces and the food is great. Recently we have been having dinner somewhere and walking around for a bit then coming to the fireside for deserts and a few drinks before we go home. It's a very busy place but I have never needed to wait more than 15 minuets for a table of four which isn't bad since we usually go out on fridays and saturdays. I also love the upstairs which has a different feel but maybe more of a chic feel. Long time favorite for sure!
