First time visiting this neo-soul food esq restaurant and would like to say that I'd return as a patron in the near future.

Black owned business. Plenty of parking in lot and on street available. The venue's decor speaks Black excellence, as there's black art displayed all around, with modern faux suede furniture and bistro area seating. They have sports bar vibes as well with plasma TV's to show any sports games, music videos, etc.

There are a few photo op areas in the venue to memorialize any special occasion (towards downstairs bathroom area). The staff is youthful, inviting and very friendly.

Within an hour of being seated we were served apps and drinks and our main courses were served promptly after.

Would def recommend the calamari, deviled eggs and salmon bites. The firehouse pasta (tastes like Rasta pasta) was good paired with any protein but specifically the lamb chops.

Traditional meal selection prices are average when selected as is, but any change can gouge the selection IMO. For example, i don't think $20 to add 4 baby-sized lamb chops to a $15 pasta entree was warranted. Shrimp, salmon, fish was i believe $11-15.

All entrees were flavorful, tasty!

Cons:

18-20% gratuity was automatically added to a party of 3, which i thought was weird considering usually that's reserved for larger parties (like 5 and up).

Feeling nickel and dimed about adding simple syrup to a non-alcoholic beverage. For example, i ordered a ginger beer and asked for a splash of passion fruit and was charged $2 additional dollars for it, which wasn't told to me at the time of ordering. To me, that's unnecessary and overkill and considering the price of the meals and auto gratuity.

Also the entree portions were a tad smaller than expected. Pics make the entrees seem bigger than they are, so beware. Gives tapas and apps style restaurant vibes with the portions so depending on your appetite order a few apps to start.

Overall, a great place to add to your list to visit. I just hope they work out the end of meal logistics.