Kosta's Fireside Restaurant & Pancake Inn — Restaurant in Hendersonville

I have changed, but this place has not. The things that I now look for, which can't be found here, are: local/"all natural"/organic ingredients, real maple syrup, integrity. I ate here a few years ago and loved it. Since then, I have adopted a more "earthy" lifestyle which has me seeking out restaurants with similar priorities. Fireside did not advertise any such tendencies. They consider some of their specialties to be pancakes, french toast, and waffles; all of which most folks eat with syrup. I was disappointed to find out that they only offered a "maple flavored syrup" option, not the real thing. Some restaurants charge extra for real maple, and this place could do the same. They do supposedly make their other type, a "sugar cane" syrup, which is a more local/southern product, so I shouldn't complain too much (I doubt they are using local sorghum/sugar cane, though). I think the thing that bothered me most and got me feeling negative about the place was their lack of integrity. The waitress recommended that I order the blueberry pancakes, which have blueberries inside and on top. The menu reads that these are "FRESH" blueberries and I chose this item based on that description. What I received were previously frozen, mealy, hard blueberries in and on top of my pancakes. When I asked about this, she said "I don't know [if they were frozen]" and all she offered was "I'm sorry" [not genuinely concerned]. I then asked her to find out for sure, and she asked the girl next to her, who responded "Yes, I think they're frozen". I then explained that the menu stated that they would be fresh, and she didn't care either, mumbling something I couldn't quite catch and walking over to a booth to sit down with some friends. This lack of customer service and care is enough to have me not go there again. If you want different, yet not very quality (natural/organic food) and don't care whether what the menu says is what you really get, then you will be fine with this place. Personally, I was very bothered by their indifference towards my concerns. All they had to do was offer a slight discount, explain that fresh blueberries weren't available that day, or say that they would change their menu to reflect their current practices, or _? Anything except a false "sorry" would have made me feel...

This is a solid breakfast joint. Not exceptional, but very dependable. I can't recommend the lunch though. I've eaten breakfast here (a lot) and lunch as well (several times). While morning fare is totally reliable, the lunch is hit or miss. I ordered a cheesesteak yesterday (what was I thinking?). It was tiny, totally unseasoned and lacking in flavor, and was on the weirdest little sub roll I've even seen. It came with chips, which were the cheapest and most forgettable type. Got a bowl of the chili too. I guess they do have to cater to the local palate, but I found it to be incredibly bland. If you order chili, you have to ask up-front that they not include a pile of elbow macaroni in it, if that is not your thing. But if you do find yourself there in the noon hour, go with the pot roast. It is absolutely stellar. They have a breakfast option with pot roast and eggs as well...bring your appetite, and plan not to be hungry for the next several hours. Service here is excellent. Another heads up - they do not take AMEX. Also worth noting...the downstairs seating can be a total nightmare, as they have the tables jammed very close together in order to increase capacity. If you are not at a booth, you may find yourself almost in your neighbor's lap. If you wish to avoid the tight quarters, be sure to ask to wait for a...

We came here because we try to avoid chain restaurants when we go on vacation. My three stars is an overall impression. They were aspects I get four stars to and others two stars. I had a Reuben sandwich. I was born and raised in New York City so I'm hyper critical. However that really wasn't a Reuben sandwich by anyone's standards. There was no air conditioning, however, it's the middle of summer so I have to believe the air conditioner is broken. It would be ludicrous to think they don't have the air conditioning. But it was not working when I was there. They do you have a novel way of signaling to your server that you are needed something. There's a little plastic plaque you put on the side of your table. I did like that. My granddaughter got the cheeseburger. Again, nothing to write home about. Our sides, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and applesauce actually look and tasted canned. All in all I think I was still come here as opposed to McDonald's. But I really really really don't like to go to chain restaurants. Perhaps you may want to head up the interstate another exit. And give me the number choices in the vicinity I doubt I...