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Firebox Restaurant
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good for:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
17 reviews for Firebox Restaurant
Food and ambiance remains outstanding. Commitment to local suppliers great. Recent choices of roasted corn soup and the bar food steak and frites did not disappoint.
Think however we need a little oomph in the bar and waitstaff. Pleasant when you get their attention but not energetic. May be recuperating from the busy lunch traffic but by 7:30 pm should be more interested in their customers than perfunctory order and serve script.
Still a grownup restaurant that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/29/2008
Yes. Yes. Yes. What a find!
Intriguing interior and a bar that will keep away the SAD of winter. … Read more »
Let's see. I had the Farmer's egg, which was a nice salad with a perfectly poached egg on top. And I had a delicious fish, with nice delicate sauces - leek and tarragon and . . . I forget, something fruity. And there was a really great mushroom in there, somewhere.
The food was really good, simple and scrumptious, and I'd eat there again, if I was wandering around Hartford with cash to burn. I liked the decor, which was relaxing and chic and the lighting was particularly beautiful. The place seems huge, but in a good way. The bar scene appeared to be lively.
However, I think the waiter spilled the water everywhere, and the Connecticut wines gave me the worst headache of the year. And, by my standards, I didn't drink much that night. I love local foods - I'm a big farmers' market, CSA booster - but I think I'm too old to drink wines that don't come from Europe. Ow.
Firebox loses a star just for the wait at lunch. I still love it for dinner, their food is amazing, but if I'm sitting at the bar to eat lunch and I'm drinking a diet coke, feel free to assume I don't have 3 hours to spend on my lunch break. No one should wait 10 minutes for someone to run a credit card.
But I still think everyone should go here. I still love it more than most places in the universe, and it's definitely at the top of my Hartford list. GO HERE.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2008
Go here. Now. I went here for lunch with a coworker last Friday then made my boyfriend join me… Read more »
We took some friends here for the first time yesterday. The Firebox has a beautiful, funky setup with great lighting and decor; everything was nicely laid out and super clean (hey, that's important!). The waitstaff were pleasant and attentive. This is the kind of place you come for an in-depth, lingering meal, and as such the servers were professional and energetic, but rather hands-off once we had our food.
We had a salmon entree, scallops, and fettucini, as well as a mid-priced bottle of cabernet (their wine list was incredible). The food was delicious, but overall, we'd come back for the general feel of the Firebox rather than the love of a specific dish. It wasn't the best fish or pasta I've ever had, but the ingredients were quite fresh and well-prepared.
Excellent farm-to-table restaurant, with an eclectic menu and an admirable commitment to sticking it out in a somewhat tough neighborhood. A welcome alternative to the usual downtown Hartford suspects.
I enjoyed the Firebox on Sunday's 5-8 for the Bluegrass music and 1/2 price on bottles of wine. There's free off-street parking and no cover charge.
The food, not so much.
Read lots of good things and all well deserved.
We had a big group (10) and they accommodated us with no problems.
I asked the maitre de on the way in what to eat. He said charcuterie plate and the duck for an entree. Both were excellent. The duck liver pate was buttery - yum. The duck was beautifully seared with a crispy skin. It was served on lemon spatzle with a red wine reduction. Individually each part of the dish was good, but when you had a bite with all three together, it was transformed into something quite excellent.
My friend had the cold mussel salad which she liked, but did not rave about. The skate special, on the other hand, was exceptional. It was served over brussel sprouts and had a side of chickpea puree with pan fried shiitakes. The chickpeas and mushrooms were really the star of this dish, but again a bite with all the elements on the plate seemed to kick the flavors up a notch. Really excellent.
Desserts were good as well. I had a apple cider doughnut with creme anglaise and candied apple. It melted in my mouth and the candied apple was a wonderful addition. There was a warm chocolate brownie sunday that was also excellent, but I only stole a bite of that.
The martinis were good and the wine list was pretty complete (we had a nice pinot noir). The atmosphere is cool and contemporary.
The service deserves special recognition. Jen, our server, was attentive, funny, knew the menu well and made great suggestions. She was especially patient as we had separate checks for ten of us.
Overall a great evening out.
If there is such thing as urban renewal in Connecticut, Firebox Restaurant is certainly affirmation that Hartford is headed in the right direction.
Next time you want to experience simple but delicious fare crafted from fine local ingredients, look no further. The prices are a little expensive, but the menu, starting with its creative drinks, is excellent.
I started with a mushroom risotto and headed straight for the beef ribeye. Though nothing extravagant, a healthy steak was cooked perfectly, delivered in a timely manner, and was well-seasoned. It was accompanied by a rich and wonderful potato and cheese side in a ramekin and bone marrow.
Wait staff seemed inexperienced but was eager to please.
The front waiting/bar room is interesting with exposed brick and rich color -- big cozy wraparound booths make for good conversation over drinks or the raw menu. The extravagant bar gives way to a minimalist dining room with interesting takes on geometric design.
In the summer, Firebox features a farmer's table menu, which I hope to experience soon.
If nothing else, be thankful that you don't have to spend another dreadful meal at a Max's restaurant...
Stop reading reviews, just get in your car and go to this restaurant! I live over an hour away, and it is well worth the drive.
I had heard from friends that I must try Firebox, but for some reason delayed going. I shouldn't have. I wanted to kiss each and every one of them after going. It was simply amazing.
First off, city parking is never fun, but at Firebox, I pulled up, and had the choice of valet parking in their lot, or parking myself. There is plenty of room, but when the lot fills up, as it must on busy nights, there is street parking nearby.
The bar was beautiful with its vaulted ceiling, exposed brick, and glowing orange surface, as Paul so aptly described it. I stayed for a drink, and would have stayed for an extra drink or two, but my table was ready. The remainder of the restaurant was equally impressive. It was sophisticated and comfortable, with a warm, glowing fireplace.
But on to the best part, the food. I started with the Risotto and also sampled several bites of the Roasted Chestnut Soup. Both were delicious. I could have left then and there and been completely satisfied had dinner not arrived when it did. I ordered the Cider Braised Beef Short Ribs and my friend ordered the Duck. I had a hard time concentrating on conversation, because I was so busy sighing in delight. I also had a hard time sharing, but did so knowing that I would get to try the equally appetizing duck. Both were fabulous...
I had no room for dessert, but when I saw the couple at the table next to me oohing and aahing over theirs, I had to order the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee...Wow, it was worth the very full tummy.
I can't recommend this restaurant enough. The atmosphere, service, and food exceeded all my high expectations.
Go!
Firebox was everything I hoped it would be and more. I'm used to hearing Hartford businesses get talked up, partly because one should go and support the city, when the place doesn't always deserve it. These guys do.
This place was quite good and worth going for the story behind it.
On Broad St., just south of Capitol Avenue, Firebox is in an old factory; a space that's cool and serene, but warm and hip at the same time. Parking's a snap; there's a decent-sized lot outside the restaurant and valet parking for when that fills up. There's also street parking.
Enter a bar with a gorgeous, glowing orange surface, surrounded by comfortable tables and private booths. Have a drink served by friendly staff. I didn't go through the whole wine list, but choices by the glass were good. They had the usual suspects, plus two Roses, two Rieslings and a Vigonier among the choices. You don't often get to wander far from Cabernet and Chardonnay by the glass.
The dining rooms in the back are spacious and quiet, decorated in muted, warm tones - very sophisticated.
But the food. That's what it's about. And they do a great job.
Firebox emphasizes seasonal, local products. They offer a local tasting menu that is all-Connecticut in its composition. I didn't have it, but had other local products.
Bread brought to the table was delicious; firm, chewy, with real character.
Two of us had native corn soup. It's a chowder-thick soup that I'll remember when there's snow on the ground and I want to conjure memories of summer. Creamy, rich, piping hot, and topped with a swirl of fresh basil puree with a brightness that made the sweet, creamy corn soup just sing.
We were served a little present from the chef - a single fried oyster (they have a large variety of oysters on the menu), sitting atop a small nest of peppers and chorizo sausage, along with some dots of creamed corn. Fabulous. Perfect proportion and a great "summary" of some key menu items.
We shared a special appetizer: rabbit and pork terrine, which was served with toast points. Quite delicious and balanced by some fresh herbs.
For dinner, I had the pork chop, topped with a tomato jam and served with more of that amazing creamed corn, along with a mild sausage. The tomato jam was unbelievably good; they should bottle and sell it. The pork chop was tender and cooked with just a little pink - exactly as ordered. Others at the table had the scallops with a curry fennel sauce and couscous and the honey and pepper roasted chicken. Both got rave reviews.
The low point was a burger, made with boutique local beef , that was beautifully presented and accompanied with great fries and pickled vegetables, but was dry and didn't have exceptional flavor.
Service was warm and attentive, although it felt like they could use just a bit more practice at keeping an eye on the table and handling problems like the unsatisfactory burger. But at all times, staff was friendly, quiet and careful with service.
We were off to catch a play at Hartford Stage, so we didn't have time for dessert. Rest assured, I'll be back!
Now here's the best part: Firebox is part of a complex that has been rehabilitated with funding provided by the Melville Foundation, which is investing significant money in solutions to revitalize Hartford. The restaurant is part of that investment. Across the parking lot from Firebox is a farm market, which supplies many of the items the restaurant uses and is open to the neighborhood. The Frog Hollow area has not had great shopping options for good, nutritious food, so this is terrific. The project is hopefully going to bring jobs and money to a neighborhood that could really use the investment.
So, while it's all for a good cause, Firebox can stand on its own as one of the better dining choices you can make in Hartford. Go, drink, eat and enjoy.
A surprising [and welcome] find in Hartford's struggling Frog Hollow neighborhood. Firebox first crossed my radar when I read a brief mention of it in Gourmet magazine. Sure enough, it's a smart stylish restaurant where warm friendly service meets locally sourced New American comfort food. And this is one new non-Max restaurant worth the inconvenience of driving into downtown.
This is the former home of the Fox and Hound - but beyond sharing an address, there is no resemblance between the two. Located in a turn-of-the-century industrial building, the designers and architects behind the renovation kept the rough hewn industrial spirit while adding some creative modern flourishes that give this distinctive Hartford hotspot a definite edge over competitors.
A large airy two story bar/lounge in the front greets diners with a stylish dining room in the back. Large booths are perfect for snacking on local sourced burgers, salads and sandwiches. This is one restaurant that says serious stylish dining can be enjoyed downtown.
Firebox is just a few blocks from the state capitol, a bevy of state office buildings and has its own parking lot. [Nota Bene: I'd think twice about walking from the restaurant to the Bushnell at night.]
Service: C-
Food: B+
We had a reservation and were seated right away. Water showed up a few minutes later and then.... I think our wait staff forgot we were there.
Our food took forever. We got bread, but only after 40 minutes of waiting and after I sat there staring at my appetizer plate (also late) that needed bread to eat. And no apology after it did show up. The rest of the meal, including the final bill (2.5 hours later), went the same way.
The food fared better. I would rate it a good, but not outstanding. Presentation was well done and the dishes were flavorful.
Would I go again? Yes, but only if I knew my service would be better.
Would I take some guests? Maybe...
Innovative. Their hook is using local farms while the farthest supplier resides in Vermont.
After perusing through the menu my boyfriend & I arrived at the same destination; the pork loin. He gladly conceded the pork loin and ordered the flounder. The waitress asked how I wanted my pork cooked. I replied cooked all the way through, I didn't think I had a choice. It was prepared with a carrot puree and blood orange reduction, a few cooked baby carrots and onion medallions that were not cooked. The pork was magnificent but dry, I guess I asked for it. I used all the puree and reduction so I wish I had more drizzled on my plate.
I tried the vegetable part of the flounder and for not liking seafood this was pretty freaking good. I also asked for a side of the French fries aiolo. The fries were plentiful and the aiolo appeared to be mayonnaise.
The wine list is amazing and they serve a glass of every style wine imaginable, wines are from all over the world, (that can't have a positive impact on their carbon footprint, even if a local distributing is the supplier). I am curious to see how much of the Connecticut wine they go through as well.
There are three different rooms; a bar room, a room with banquets adjacent to the kitchen and server's station, then the back room that is more open with an elevated fireplace. The decor is warm using exposed brick and lighting. Only a few paintings compliment the painted walls, all of which don a different color.
I wasn't thrilled with the service but we will gladly go back.
GREAT EXPERIENCE, the phantom gourmet would have given it a Platinum Plate. Service 5 stars. Atmosphere 5 Stars. Food 5 Stars. The bar looks like a cool NYC hangout. I had the Rib Eye: succulent, juicy, cracked peppercorns, just enough salt. Anyways if you are in Cambridge, MA you should look up Hungry Mother. Our waiter at Hungry Mother recommended Firebox, I think the owners know each other or the head chef at Firebox used to work at Hungry Mother.
Great restaurant. Nice emphasis on local produce. Fantastic bar. High ceilings, wide windows, exposed brick and wood. Dining room is intimate and stylish. A great place to meet for a drink and stay for dinner.
This place is really pretty - it's a renovated factory building. The ambiance is very strange, though - first off, I don't think I've ever eaten in a louder restaurant. My two friends and i were literally yelling across the table to each other. The lighting is very strange - at the bar, there is a glowing orange light that makes everyone look like some creepy orange-filled ghost. That was a problem at the table too - it was hard to see except for the back-lighting behind our table (also, for the record, i'm in my 30s and have perfectly good vision).
The food was quite expensive and all of it was "fine", except the duck I ordered was tough and stringy (and $28!). I would have sent it back but our server never came back to check on us, not even once during the meal.
When we left, the bar seemed quiet and peaceful, we all wished we had just stayed there instead.
I like the local food concept, but hope the owners start making some improvements, especially to the service.
Solid well prepared local food. Had the "Tasting Menu" with Wine pairings. Fennel and Apple soup was nicely done; very different. "Farmer poached egg" was very interesting; loved it. Seared scallops rocked, Lamb 3 ways were both amazing.
