Behind the Scenes at Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge in Pacific Beach

If you’ve visited Pacific Beach recently, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the construction of the newest addition to the seaside dining and nightlife scene: Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge.

Rumors of waitresses in red suspenders, bartenders in yellow jackets, busboys in oversized black boots, a “flame thrower” house shooter, and a bi-hourly rescue simulation are spreading like wildfire through Pacific Beach. To set these rumors straight, DiscoverSD.com stopped by Firehouse for an exclusive tour and interview with co-owner Brandon Gillum.

Although a tourist-centric, theme-based Firehouse tinged with red and yellow accents is easily imaginable, the men behind the real Firehouse have a different vision in mind. Owners Brandon Gillum, Tyler Charman, Matt Spencer, Kevin Brown, Adam Stemmler, Eric Berman, and DJ Scooter are deeply immersed in the San Diego nightlife scene, with strong roots in Aubergine, DJ Here, and D Town Productions. As a result, this entourage of authority promises to make Firehouse a chic yet delightfully nonconformist destination.

Firehouse formerly housed High Tide Cafe, a run-down, run-of-the-mill American restaurant. But when the downtown entourage looked at it, they saw unrealized nightlife potential. They took immediate action, renovating the Firehouse into a beachfront retreat of unrivaled originality.

As Brandon Gillum keeps an emphatic eye on the upper deck construction, he explains the medley of inspiration and the Firehouse vision.

"It's an upscale house-party vibe of Aubergine meets a mix of Moondoggies and Tower23," he says eagerly. "We’re not trying to imitate the frat row scene on Garnet or the VIP scene Downtown.”

Despite the current scenery of disheveled counter tops and skeleton bars, Firehouse will soon welcome roughly 240 guests, with 30 tables in the downstairs dining room and approximately 10 cocktail tables atop the second floor patio.

The dining room will offer a full bar, plasma screen TVs, chrome and black décor, and a spacious central area for mingling and dancing. Up the staircase, guests will enter a rooftop terrace that features a second full bar, a large fire pit, and glass walls showcasing the ocean view.

Firehouse brings a new wave of class to Pacific Beach without sacrificing comfort or low prices. Although Firehouse offers an upscale atmosphere; the casual, affordable, and inviting core balances Firehouse with its Pacific Beach locale.

"Our American cuisine is completely unique, but never overpriced," says Brandon. "Our breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu ranges from $10-15 and drinks range from $4-8. Happy hour will also feature appetizer and drink specials.” 

Flirting with American culture, the Firehouse menu is a playful caricature of American stereotypes: the good, the bad, and the hysterical. A few buzz-worthy menu items include the Trucker Breakfast and the Nicole Richie Breakfast. The Trucker is a blend of biscuits, gravy, and bacon served with a tall can of Pabst Blue Ribbon. On a lighter note, the Nicole Richie Breakfast consists of your choice of a raspberry or peach bellini served with a delectable saltine cracker.

Firehouse also hosts humorous hors d'oeuvres and traditional American dinner favorites such as the build-your-own burger, the mini corn dog plate, and for dessert, an all-time classic: milk and cookies.

In addition to innovative cuisine concepts, Firehouse will feature exclusive entertainment. DJ Here guest DJs will perform weekly at Firehouse, while the hyped-up Sunday rehab craze will reinvent Sundays in Pacific Beach. While Firehouse will also offer bottle service, Brandon believes bottle service doesn’t have to go hand in hand with pretension.

"If guests want bottle service, they don’t have to be confined to a VIP area," Brandon says. "They can sit at any table in the house and enjoy a bottle of their choice—whether during dinner with the family downstairs or on the rooftop during sunset.”

Although Firehouse staff will not feign firefighter gear or sport fireman paraphernalia, the adjacent Pacific Beach Fire Station is a fan of the new Firehouse renovation. If you want to meet a fireman or lifeguard in Pacific Beach, chances are you’ll find one at their new neighborhood hangout. To show your support, order a specialty Firehouse beer—a percentage of the proceeds from Firehouse beer will benefit firefighters nationwide.

Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge is slated to open the second week of June, 2007. Check back for DiscoverSD.com’s inside scoop on the grand opening party.