(For clarification, the rating for this restaurant is a 2.5)
It’s time for lunch in Silver Spring. You walk into the newly opened Fire Station 1 restaurant. If it weren’t for the tables and chairs sitting out front, you might actually think it was a fire station, and at one time, it was.
After a fire hit Silver Spring in 1915, the community gathered to create a volunteer fire company. Years later, in 1919, the Silver Spring National Guard Armory was purchased to house the fire department. That building, renovated and now almost a century later, is now Fire Station 1 Restaurant & Brewing Company.
The owner, Jeremy Gruber, is a retired Montgomery County firefighter and paramedic. It’s very fitting, given the history of the building and the fact that it’s not far from the area’s police and fire departments. During the lunch hour you can find tables of first responders dining as well, almost as if they were placed there on purpose.
The interior is open and airy. The space is large and includes a loft area with more seating. You have time to take in your surroundings as you wait for a waiter to service your table. It takes a few minutes, but when service does come, it’s friendly.
The menu isn’t gourmet, but it’s a step above the standard. Fire Station 1 is an acceptable lunch selection or somewhere to go when you’re craving a sandwich and a beer at an affordable price.
The shrimp appetizer is steamed in beer with onions and Old Bay, a Maryland staple. Station One Chili can be served with 5 alarm, 3 alarm or rookie heat. Pizzas range from veggie to prosciutto & arugula to the one loaded with sausage, bacon, ham and beef.
Chicken in the California wrap is dry, but the creamy texture of the avocado is enough to keep you content. Sundried tomato adds a nice, tart touch. The crab cake sandwich is filled with more crab than you’d expect for the cost that you’re paying. Old Bay seasoning is present but not overpowering.
For someone who might not regularly make that order for french fries, it is advised that you disregard that decision in favor of your tastebuds. There’s no skimping on potato here. The outside of each thick slice is crisp and buttery, the inside light and fluffy. Is there a such thing as a perfect french fry? This one is up there.
Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Brewing Co. has the potential to be Silver Spring’s newest hangout spot, with a bar that serves wine and beer from 12 taps and 20 bottles, including offerings from the local Hook & Ladder. With televisions behind the bar to support your sport watching habits, there’s no pressure to leave.
The building has history and appeal, but table service could use work and the food isn't anything you haven't seen before. It all melds to make a satisfactory experience, but nothing more than that.
Fire Station 1 is located at 8131 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, just across the street from the community’s working fire station and a block away from Pacci's pizzeria.
Comments
I went and will not go back. In addition to them not making beer despite their name, the service was unacceptable and the food was inedible. The reviews on yelp suggest I'm not the only one who has a bad experience. I've been waiting two years for this place, and it's such a disappointment.
This place is awful. I got food poisoning from them, I have read on yelp have other people. I am so sick. I was already less than impressed with the cookie cutter decor, the lack of personality, the mediocre staff, and the lack of actually brewing any beer, despite the name. But my calamari came out half-fried and mushy and my mahi sandwich was cold, and my beer was warm, and next thing I know I am stuck in bed all weekend. I like the idea of a restaurant here, but this one needs to close down!
"" i WAS looking forward to trying Fire Station 1... however it didnt work out that way..
no one greeted me as entered, i had to ask about a gathering there.... as it turns out i was late.. and it was over.. so i sat down at a table with 3 of my friends..
after trying to get the waiters attion 4 times.. i just gave up.. with no plates or cups in front of me.. it took the staff 1 and 1/2 hours to ask if i wanted anything!! i said no, not now.. i will eat some place else as i am VERY hungry. they clearly dont want my money..so i will not be giving them a second chance.
this deserves NO STARS!!
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