Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — Restaurant in Four Corners States

Firebirds is a pretty place inside. The photos show the main dining room. But, the bar, in a separate area is large and seems like a good place to drink. I always wondered why there used to be soooooo many expensive cars parked in front of Firebirds, and now I think I know why!!!

But, unfortunately, as much as I came prepared to be wowed by Firebirds (I’ve been to another of their installations in Gainesville, Virginia about 12 years ago), I wasn’t.

It is not that the food is bad. It isn’t. My wife’s 7 oz filet, was, she said, excellent, as were her garlic mashed potatoes. And, my other two companions’ hamburgers looked very good, and they said they thought they were excellent … although from my vantage point the amount of french fries they got with the burgers was a bit on the chincy side. Mind you they were large french fries, so maybe that is the reason they seemed a bit light.

I should also point out that this is not a “$10-$20” place. Yes, you can get a cheeseburger/hamburger (without bacon, which is extra) for $18.00, and it even comes with french fries (unlike their steaks which are a la carte). My steak was $42.00 (9 oz filet) BEFORE I added a (shockingly sweet) bluecheese & mushroom topping, and BEFORE I added a ‘loaded’ baked potato.

I don’t know how much the total bill was, for us four, because I was treated, but, two cheeseburgers and two steaks were right in the range of $125.00 … and that is without drinks.

Leaving the prices aside, since I expected Firebirds to be pricey, a couple of things, though, led to my less than enthusiastic review.

First, although polite and cordial, the staff … all of the staff … seemed to be not expecially happy to see us. I don’t mean they should fawn over us like celebrities, but, unlike North Italia (next door to Firebirds) where the staff were pretty uniformly uptone and welcoming, the staff at Firebirds just seemed to be going through the motions. Nice people, but I suspect their manager does not set a ‘helpful’ tone.

Second, again leaving aside the fact that for $42.00 I had to buy both my baked potato and my blue cheese topping separately, the bacon wrapped filet (bacon included), while done exactly as I ordered it (medium rare), it was only lukewarm in the middle. Now, I don’t know how it is done, but I’ve been to a steak house in Ft. Worth, where the outside of the steak was properly singed/charred, and the middle was medium-rare, and the middle was piping hot. So, I ate around the edges, and took the middle home to heat up and cook a little more.

The other thing about my filet was that there was some kind of SWEET brown sauce on it, which surprised me, as nothing in the menu suggested it would be sweet. I would have ordered something else if I had known. I asked the waitress what made the sauce sweet, and she didn’t know. She thought it might be the port-wine reduction (I think that is what she said) in which the mushrooms were sautéed. Again, if the description had mentioned anything that made it likely the mushrooms would be sweet, I would have had them removed. (I realize that the current fad is to put jam on hamburgers, and I like that trend. But, dousing a $42.00 filet in a syrup that really had no taste except sweetness didn’t set well with me.)

In any event, Firebirds is a good place to eat, and has lots of choices, and you shouldn’t avoid it just because of this one review. I’d go there again, but probably I’d choose the $18.00 cheeseburger.

By the way, the ‘crème brûlée cheesecake’ was superb. I’d go there...

Firebird Restaurant

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Firebird Restaurant is an upscale dining establishment that truly excels in delivering a memorable culinary experience. Located in the foothills, the restaurant offers a sophisticated ambiance, attentive service, and a menu that showcases a fusion of international flavors with a contemporary twist.

Upon entering Firebird, guests are greeted by a stylish and elegant interior. The decor combines modern elements with warm tones, creating an inviting atmosphere. The seating arrangements are comfortable, allowing for intimate conversations while still maintaining a sense of privacy. The restaurant also boasts a well-stocked bar, offering a wide selection of premium spirits and expertly crafted cocktails.

The menu at Firebird is a true delight for food enthusiasts. It features a range of innovative dishes that beautifully blend different culinary traditions. Whether you're a fan of seafood, poultry, or vegetarian cuisine, you'll find plenty of options to suit your preferences. The ingredients used are fresh and of high quality, resulting in vibrant flavors and visually stunning presentations.

One standout dish at Firebird is their signature prime rib. The menu also offers a variety of other delectable choices, including succulent steaks, creative pasta dishes, and flavorful vegetarian options.

The service at Firebird is commendable. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience. They are well-versed in the menu offerings and are more than happy to offer recommendations or accommodate special dietary requests. The pacing of the meal is well-orchestrated, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

However, despite the overall excellence, there are a few areas where Firebird falls slightly short. The pricing can be considered on the higher side, making it more suitable for special occasions or those seeking a luxurious dining experience. Additionally, due to its popularity, the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.

In conclusion, Firebird Restaurant is a top-notch establishment that offers a remarkable dining experience. From the elegant ambiance to the creative menu and attentive service, it ticks many boxes for a memorable culinary outing. While it may be on the pricier side and occasionally crowded, the quality of the food and overall dining experience make it a worthwhile choice for those looking to indulge in a refined and...

Maybe an off night? We've had great food many times here. However, No excuse for demeaning the guest when your kitchen makes mistakes. It took 3x's to get a Med Rare steak with a side of plenty of condescending treatment and being Ma'am (ed) as if . Kind ruined my our meal, not the errors but the managers attitude and lack of interest in making it right. It so happened to also be my Birthday, which my companion had mentioned to the server. I Ordered Fillet Mignon 7 ounces, ordered Medium Rare, first time came out Medium-well done. Waitress straight away acknowledged immediately,"let's get you another steak". No attitude just apology. No problem. Next try, Manager brought the 2nd steak, asked me to cut it open to check: rarest of rare, he knew immediately it was raw and wasn't med rare, took it back again ( my companion has totally finished their dinner). The manager brings back the same steak cut in half . I question this, wait this is just the reheated steak, if it's my error totally understandable, your error? Bring me what I order properly cooked. Mind you I am calm and just asking for what I ordered, Manager got uppy called me Ma'am several more times said we ARE removing the charge from your bill Ma'am, I said yes, I appreciate that however your chef in a Steak place should know how to cook a med rare steak? Begrudgingly he said oh you want a new steak, we don't do that. I said yes, I would like what I ordered. The manager was was visibly annoyed as he took back the 2nd steak. My companion was so upset by the treatment and said this is so wrong to treat you so rudely. The manager then appeared with what looks like a flattened out steak,different cut of meat, certainly not a filled mignon however the meat was cooked med rare. The entire back and forth left a bad taste all our mouths. My companion said I will never be back after how they treated you. Mr. Manager, comping your error is the least you do, you also try to fix the problem with a smile and contrition, not imposition. I was never rude or unkind to you, or to our server, we infact spoke with her and said this is...