(firehousegrill.net) – Evanston, Illinois

How I heard of this place: I’ve got friends in…great places! Local and fun, a wonderfully unpretentious and easy space to share a final meal with our friend in Evanston on this glorious spring day.

Type of cuisine: Sandwiches, burgers, salads, and creative entrees including Adobo Pork Chops, Korean BBQ Skirt Steak, Jambalaya, and Potato-Crusted Salmon. Yum.

Ambiance: “Firehouse Grill in charming Evanston is setting the town on “fire”!  This historic old firehouse has been meticulously restored to its original luster. The private party room features pressed tin ceilings, hardwood floors, a private bar, 3 regulation size pool tables, shuffle board, foos ball and other gaming. The private room will comfortably seat 60 people for sit-down dinners, and accommodate up to 120 people for cocktail gatherings, corporate functions, rehearsal dinners and more!”

What I ordered: Still feeling full from our Walker Bros extravaganza, and knowing that our table would share the Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos ($6),

I opted for a bowl of Firehouse Chili ($5) served with sour cream, cheddar and green onions.

My husband chose the Chorizo Burger ($12), a ground chorizo patty, chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo and tortilla strips, served with fries (substituted for mashed potatoes).

My sister-in-law and my favorite food companion chose the Potato Crusted Salmon ($16) drizzled with a tequila lime butter sauce and served over a bed of spinach.

Our local gourmand selected the Pulled Pork sandwich ($9) with house-smoked pork in BBQ sauce, served with a side of fries and cole slaw.

What I loved: The chili was fabulous, the fries amazing, but the potato crusted salmon easily stole the show!

Why I loved it: Friendly service, a great one-room space with tall ceilings and fun, tasteful decor, and excellent food!

Cost: Average ($9 – $14 per entree)

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