The Firebird Cafe — Restaurant in Essex Junction

I think I have probably been to Firebird for the last time today. I live very close by, and it's a convenient spot so I have gotten food there more than a dozen times since I moved to the area a few years ago. I have mainly had their breakfast food, and it has always been very tasty. Though, it's a 50/50 chance that if you get pancakes, you will get several bites where the batter wasn't mixed properly and you'll get a mouthful of bitter baking soda.

My main complaint is about the wait times never being reported accurately over the phone. I do not mind waiting, and I understand that places are understaffed and busy on the weekends. Long waits happen at restaurants, and that's OK. But if they are that busy, they need to be honest about it when you call to place an order. This has happened every time I've ordered on the weekend: they tell me half hour wait, I show up after 30-40 minutes, and then wait ANOTHER half an hour or more before the food is ready. They seem to heavily prioritize the people who come in to sit down, and let the takeout customers wait more than 2X the quoted time. After waiting that long for a basic order of pancakes and a breakfast sandwich, the sandwich wasn't even what we ordered. Next time I get the craving for pancakes, I'll just make them myself or go to McDonald's.

Updating this review in January 2025, two years after I made the initial post. I figured I would try Firebird again as it has been a long time. We ate in and were served quickly, and they are using real plates and silverware now which was nice to see. However, my pancakes were so undercooked, I was actually eating bits of wet batter. And I got a mouthful of baking soda twice. I didn't finish the pancakes because they were making me feel sick. I wish I had asked for my money back, and I regret giving this place...

My wife and I wanted to check out this local spot, The Firebird Cafe, and we were not disappointed! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance felt warm and inviting, with a relaxed, rustic charm that makes you feel instantly at home. The staff was welcoming and attentive, providing prompt service that made our first visit even more enjoyable.

For my meal, I went with the C.A.B. wrap from their Wraps & Panini section. I customized it a bit, opting for no bacon, adding lettuce and tomato, and choosing multigrain gluten-free bread, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The sandwich was fresh and flavorful, with the garlic mayo adding just the right amount of zest without being overpowering. Paired with salt & cracked pepper chips, it made for a satisfying and well-balanced meal. I washed it all down with a refreshing lemonade, which was the perfect complement on a warm day.

Overall, The Firebird Cafe delivered on every front—from the cozy ambiance and attentive service to the quality of the food. We left feeling satisfied and looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, thoughtfully prepared meal in a...

I really wish I did not have to leave this review. When this restaurant was on Pearl Street my boys would come home from California and insist that we go there for breakfast or lunch. It had a fun vibe busy funky with great food in big portions. I went there today to their new place for lunch with a very good friend who paid and left a $5 bill for a tip. She paid for lunch I had to Demeter omelette. My omelette which was good but I received about 15 home fries that were barely warm. That would have been OK except my friend ordered a Reuben sandwich. It came on a small white plate looking like some thing put on Wonder Bread with very few ingredients inside the sandwich. She got no fries,no pickle, no potato chips....nothing with it. She did not complain but I couldn’t believe it as I had talked up this restaurant to her all week. Also person at the counter who took our money never came over to ask if we needed anything or would like anything else. She was the only person we saw. I never write a review unless it is glowing.and be I like the owner. But I hope that he will read this and make some improvements to his new place in Essex...