Fireside By The River

The staff is professional and efficient. The menu is complete, great desserts, great dining experience

We held our mom’s surprise 60th birthday party in October, upstairs at Fireside and everything was perfect from start to finish! Joanna was wonderful to work with, and made everything seamless. She guided us through the planning process with professionalism and ease. The upstairs space is beautiful, food was raved about and the bartenders/ servers had great customer service. We have also been for dinner quite a few times including my birthday dinner in July and I couldn’t be more impressed! Food and the ambiance is amazing. I can’t recommend them enough! If you haven’t been yet you’re truly missing out!

Amazing food and amazing ambiance!!!

Most places get one or the other right, this place got it all right. Every bite was fantastic and the servers were fabulous!!
Thanks so much, we hope to be back soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife and I drove here from Raleigh, NC, to visit family in the area. Forty years ago, while I was attending college, this was the place for Prime rib. This return visit was amazing. The new owner was very friendly and proud of his restaurant. He had every right to do so. Everything was excellent, and the Prime rib was even better than I remember! We had an exceptional evening. Thank you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Fireside by the River: A Dining Experience to Remember

As someone who takes dining seriously but doesn’t claim to be a professional critic, I always appreciate when a restaurant surprises me in the best possible way. This past Thursday evening, my wife and I dined at Fireside by the River, a newly renovated gem under the ownership of Brian Holmes. From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear that Holmes has breathed new life into this space. The interior now feels modern yet cozy, creating the perfect ambiance whether you’re there for an intimate dinner or a large celebration.

Adding to the atmosphere was live music by Ronnie Lee, whose gentle melodies provided a pleasant backdrop to the evening. It’s always a bonus when live music enhances a dining experience without overpowering it, and Lee’s performance hit the right note.

One of the most pleasant surprises of the night was the oyster special. Every Thursday, Fireside offers oysters on the half shell for just $2 each, and I have to say, these were some of the best oysters I’ve ever had—fresh, briny, and an absolute steal at that price.

We started with a bottle of Highlands Forty One Black Granite Red Blend from Paso Robles, California. At $32, it was an incredible value. Vivino ranks this wine in the top 2% globally, and I can see why. It paired beautifully with our meal, and was a delightful discovery.

For appetizers, my wife ordered the shrimp cocktail, which was perfectly cooked and served with a cocktail sauce that had just the right amount of bite. It was a wonderful start to her meal.

For the main course, my wife ordered the crab-stuffed haddock, and it did not disappoint. The haddock was as fresh as you could hope for, with a perfectly seasoned crab stuffing. Each bite was a testament to how seafood should be prepared—simple, fresh, and expertly cooked.

Brian himself came by our table, and in conversation, he convinced me to try the hand-cut 14 oz Prime NY strip steak. Now, I’m not usually one to order a NY strip, but I’m glad I listened. I ordered it medium rare with the bourbon maple bacon compound butter, and it was, without a doubt, one of the finest steaks I’ve ever had. The sear was perfection, the temperature spot-on, but that compound butter? It elevated the steak to new heights. It was rich, flavorful, and complemented the meat in a way that left me savoring every bite.

Now, I have to talk about the French fries. Yes, the fries. These skin-on beauties were perfectly crispy, seasoned to perfection, and honestly, one of the biggest highlights of the night. I never thought fries could impress me this much, but these would win any competition they entered.

The service throughout the evening was exceptional. Our server explained the specials in detail, ensured our wine and food were expertly timed, and even brought out warm bread with another flavorful compound butter. The bread, with its crispy crust and soft interior, was the perfect way to start the meal.

In short, Fireside by the River delivered an unforgettable dining experience. From the ambiance and live music to the expertly prepared food and attentive service, it’s clear that Brian Holmes has created something special here. Whether you’re a steak lover or a seafood aficionado, this is a place you don’t want to miss!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a wonderful dinner tonight!! Food was phenomenal, service excellent! We highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a great meal with a warm, friendly and upscale atmosphere. And, we discovered there is also live music onThursdays and possibly weekend nights with a dance floor and stage. Great place!!! We will definitely return!

Fireside by the River: A Dining Experience to Remember As someone who takes dining seriously but doesn’t claim to be a professional critic, I always appreciate when a restaurant surprises me in the best possible way. This past Thursday evening, my wife and I dined at Fireside by the River, a newly renovated gem under the ownership of Brian Holmes. From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear that Holmes has breathed new life into this space. The interior now feels modern yet cozy, creating the perfect ambiance whether you’re there for an intimate dinner or a large celebration. Adding to the atmosphere was live music by Ronnie Lee, whose gentle melodies provided a pleasant backdrop to the evening. It’s always a bonus when live music enhances a dining experience without overpowering it, and Lee’s performance hit the right note. One of the most pleasant surprises of the night was the oyster special. Every Thursday, Fireside offers oysters on the half shell for just $2 each, and I have to say, these were some of the best oysters I’ve ever had—fresh, briny, and an absolute steal at that price. We started with a bottle of Highlands Forty One Black Granite Red Blend from Paso Robles, California. At $32, it was an incredible value. Vivino ranks this wine in the top 2% globally, and I can see why. It paired beautifully with our meal, and was a delightful discovery. For appetizers, my wife ordered the shrimp cocktail, which was perfectly cooked and served with a cocktail sauce that had just the right amount of bite. It was a wonderful start to her meal. For the main course, my wife ordered the crab-stuffed haddock, and it did not disappoint. The haddock was as fresh as you could hope for, with a perfectly seasoned crab stuffing. Each bite was a testament to how seafood should be prepared—simple, fresh, and expertly cooked. Brian himself came by our table, and in conversation, he convinced me to try the hand-cut 14 oz Prime NY strip steak. Now, I’m not usually one to order a NY strip, but I’m glad I listened. I ordered it medium rare with the bourbon maple bacon compound butter, and it was, without a doubt, one of the finest steaks I’ve ever had. The sear was perfection, the temperature spot-on, but that compound butter? It elevated the steak to new heights. It was rich, flavorful, and complemented the meat in a way that left me savoring every bite. Now, I have to talk about the French fries. Yes, the fries. These skin-on beauties were perfectly crispy, seasoned to perfection, and honestly, one of the biggest highlights of the night. I never thought fries could impress me this much, but these would win any competition they entered. The service throughout the evening was exceptional. Our server explained the specials in detail, ensured our wine and food were expertly timed, and even brought out warm bread with another flavorful compound butter. The bread, with its crispy crust and soft interior, was the perfect way to start the meal. In short, Fireside by the River delivered an unforgettable dining experience. From the ambiance and live music to the expertly prepared food and attentive service, it’s clear that Brian Holmes has created something special here. Whether you’re a steak lover or a seafood aficionado, this is a place you don’t want to miss.

Nice place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great good and great people

Beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff, amazing food! The clams were delicious, The bone in ribeye was 24oz of bliss, The baked potato was huge. Worth stopping in for a relaxing dinner sure to fill you up!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Steamed Clams

Excellent service. Very modern design that looks really nice. Food was excellent. Stake was cooked just right. You can’t ask for more. Staff was above and beyond!

Thank You !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fireside is warm and welcoming. The service has been on top of their game. If you go on the day their lobster and shrimp bisque is available you should get it. It's delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Loved it!! I haven't been there in a few years since a friend's wedding, it's beautiful inside!! The food and drinks are fantastic

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow, has this restaurant changed! The atmosphere was modern and enjoyable. The staff was very attentive during our dinner and the food, ? amazing! The raw oysters were SO good. I look forward to going back ✅

Dietary restrictions: Some gluten free options

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beautiful inside!❤️ amazing food, service, drinks. The staff’s as extremely attentive but not overwhelming, highly recommend and we will be returning!