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Fireplace Inn
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Fireplace Inn
7.9
An Old Town tavern that earns its keep with long-running barbecue ribs in a classic, sports-bar setting. Come for the rib-and-sides comfort meal and treat everything else as supporting cast to the core BBQ order.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ baby back ribs, Courtyard potato, Onion rings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A ribs-first Old Town institution with a true tavern rhythm.
Who should go: Rib loyalists and game-day groups
When to visit: Weekend afternoons or pre-game evenings
What to order: Baby back ribs, Courtyard potato, onion rings
Insider tip: Go ribs + one side-heavy add-on instead of stacking multiple mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town is limited and competitive, especially evenings and weekends. Nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, hoodies, and game-day gear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during games; quieter earlier in the day or between sports windows.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak sports or dinner hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mostly sides like baked potato, salads, and onion rings
Vegan options: Very limited — a few sides may work but not a focus
Gluten-free options: Limited — ribs without sauce may work, but cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones — it’s lively, informal, and conversation can get interrupted during games.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during the day or early evenings, but expect waits during games or weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy ribs and pub food; the sports-bar energy may be loud for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, no-frills ribs in a classic tavern setting with TVs and a neighborhood crowd
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale BBQ, quiet dining, or strong vegetarian/vegan options
Fireplace Inn
7.8
An Old Town institution where ribs are the point—classic, saucy baby backs in a sports-bar setting that runs late and leans casual. Treat it like a straightforward ribs-and-drinks stop: one rib order, one salty side, no menu sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old Town ribs mainstay with decades-long neighborhood presence.
Who should go: Groups watching games who want ribs
When to visit: Late night after shows or weekend afternoons
What to order: baby back ribs, cheese curds, fries
Insider tip: Go ribs-first; skip ordering multiple mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding Old Town blocks; can be tight at night and during games, so rideshare is often easier after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and team gear all fit in.
Noise level: Lively to loud during games; conversation is easy off-peak but raised voices are common when TVs are on.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours or major sports games
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mostly sides like fries, cheese curds, and salads
Vegan options: Very limited — fries and basic sides only
Gluten-free options: Limited — ribs themselves are often gluten-free, but sauces and sides may contain gluten; ask before ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet or intimate first date, but solid if you want something casual, low-pressure, and sports-forward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly walk-in friendly, though waits can build during peak sports hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes earlier in the day; evenings skew more adult once the bar crowd and late-night energy take over.
Best For
Better for: Classic, no-frills ribs in a true sports-bar setting that stays open late
Skip if: You want upscale BBQ, a quiet meal, or broader menu depth beyond ribs and bar food
Fireplace Inn
7.6
An Old Town standby that’s strongest for relaxed happy hour comfort—hearty bar-food classics in a familiar, neighborhood rhythm. Order the signature comfort items, split something substantial, and it becomes an easy, low-drama after-work landing pad.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baby back ribs, Chicken wings, Mac and cheese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Old Town comfort-food happy hour with a steady neighborhood feel.
Who should go: Coworkers and locals who want classic bar food
When to visit: Midweek happy hour
What to order: Ribs, wings, one cocktail
Insider tip: Split one big comfort plate instead of ordering across the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Wells and nearby side streets; easier earlier in the afternoon, tougher after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sweaters, and relaxed workwear all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak happy hour but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few comfort-style options and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited — expect to rely on sides or simple modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but cross-contamination is possible; best to ask the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a romantic one — the vibe is friendly and relaxed, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during midweek happy hour; weekends are busier but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening, and the menu has familiar, approachable options.
Best For
Better for: Comfort food, group-friendly happy hours, and a no-frills neighborhood atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for a trend-driven scene, creative cocktails, or a polished date-night experience.
Fireplace Inn
7.7
An Old Town standby where the taco play is comfort-forward rather than delicate—best for a relaxed happy hour that leans into hearty, familiar flavors. Keep the order tight and treat tacos as the main bite before drifting into classic bar-food territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash Tacos, Ribs, Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A long-running Old Town bar where smash tacos hit the comfort lane.
Who should go: Groups who want hearty happy hour food
When to visit: Midweek happy hour into the evening
What to order: Smash tacos, wings, one drink lane
Insider tip: Treat it like tacos-plus-one—don’t sprawl across the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby but fills up quickly after work hours; several paid garages are within a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during happy hour but still workable for group conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — limited options, mainly sides or simple taco modifications.
Vegan options: Very limited — requires custom ordering and isn’t a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be adapted, but no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meetup than an intimate first date — the vibe is relaxed and social rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during weekday happy hour; arriving early makes it much easier to grab a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening, though it skews more adult as happy hour rolls on.
Best For
Better for: Comfort-forward tacos, hearty portions, and a relaxed neighborhood-bar feel that works well for groups.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined tacos, a trendy scene, or strong dietary-specific menus.