The Fireplace Restaurant and Lounge has been a local favorite for a very long time. We reviewed the The Fireplace two years ago after it had changed owners. We liked it…but it apparently it didn’t work out. It is now being operated by the original owners.
When we moved back to town in 1975, EVERYBODY went to the Fireplace on Friday nights. At the time it was located on South Avenue next to the old Point Market. You walked in, and it was pandemonium. Tables were jammed around a fake fireplace which faced a dance floor. Up until 9:00 you waited in line until you number was called: “ Number 22. Your fish is ready!!!” It was the quintessential fish dinner that hangs off the plate for $3.99. After 9:00, the tables were pushed back and it became one of the hottest night spots in the area.
I’m not quite sure how successful the move from the South Avenue location to Western Reserve Road at Five Points was. We followed them there, and on Friday nights they were lined up out the door. As the restaurant choices in Boardman began to build up, maybe that Western Reserve location was a mile too far, and we noticed the crowds weren’t as big, then a little smaller, then a little smaller some more. Then it was sold.
I am thrilled the Campana’s are back running the place. It is still has some of the best food around. It still has the best fried fish around. It still hangs off the plate, although those $3.99 days are long gone. Throw in some cole slaw and some delicious mac’n cheese…that’s good eating.
For those of you who have never been there, you walk through the door and there is a large bar to the left. To the right is a two story arrangement with booths on the lower level and tables on the upper level. The main dining room is in the back. Look straight ahead you will see a fake tree overhanging an area where there is seating part of the time, and where the band plays the rest. The faux fireplace is in the main dining room in the back. There is a patio towards the back and along the side for seasonally appropriate seating. The Fireplace has an aggressive entertainment agenda with top quality bands playing on Friday and Saturday nights.
We go for the food. This is classic Youngstown cuisine with the usual spaghetti, wedding soup, veal parm, sausage sandwiches…you get the picture. Tips Italiano are terrific. All of it is good, which is why I like to go there. But the fish is still the best around. They serve cod as opposed to haddock, and I ALWAYS prefer cod to haddock, but that’s just me! It is delicate and flaky and the breading is good and not overpowering if you get it fried. The Mac n Cheese is like Mom used to make, but it’s better on a Friday as opposed to a Monday (not unusual for any restaurant).
I miss the good old days when the Fireplace was at its old location. Sit at the bar and sooner or later you would see anyone who was worth seeing come through those doors. But I have grown accustomed to the not so new location over the years…and it is still Friday night comfort food. I hope it is there for a long time.
Four Meatballs
The Fireplace
2075 East Western Reserve Road
Youngstown, OH 44514-3275
(330) 757-4042
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