Reviews Firehouse Ribs & More

Firehouse Ribs n More. What could I say about this absolute jewel. If baby back ribs were in heaven, this is what they would taste like. The Firehouse Burger 🍔, I would gladly pay them Tuesday, for a hamburger next week if I had to wait! In fact, the only reason I know for sure there is not barbecued food in heaven is because Silvia (the owner/chef) is still thankfully here on earth for us to enjoy. Not to mention nearly every item on her menu is gluten free. Sure, there are a few barbecue places in Orange County to choose from although presently, I can't remember a single one. I believe the real difference at #FirehouseRibs n More and its competitors is simply, food karma. What is "food karma" Gino? Well I'm glad you asked. Food karma is the amount of love and passion you do or don't put into whatever dish you might be preparing. Example: Have you ever had someone (spouse, siblings, significant other what have you) fix you a snack or a full meal that clearly didn't feel like making it for you? Not a very memorable dish to say the least I bet. Now, compare that to when your mother or someone that cares for you very much really wants you to love whatever it is they're cooking or making for you. That dish always taste 10x better than it would if they were in a bad mood or just didn't want to be cooking at a particular time or for that particular person. Well, that my friends is the essence of "Food Karma" It's a small kitchen, visible from any seat in the Firehouse where you can witness and almost feel the love and dedication that seems to emanate from the grill. As sure as the incredible sweet smokey aroma and service that seems to embraces you senses. Hell, I thought I was in my loving home or back yard. Silvie Pudilova, the owner and cheff immigrated (as so many amazing americans before her have) here from the Czech Republic. I thought somebody from that part of the world would have no idea how to light a barbecue let alone create such a fantastic barbecue dish. I will never assume again. Boy was I wrong. I would put her up against any Texan on any day of the week and hopefully twice on Sunday because, I could happily dine there for lunch and dinner. With portions that are incredibly generous, Firehouse Ribs n More could certainly put the hunger flames out 🔥 for even a famished fireman and your taste buds will thank you. Look people, in short, don't listen to me listen to your taste buds and give Firehouse Ribs n More a chance at turning your business and Silvie and her family a place in the community they deserve because with yours and my support, we will make this place sticks around for a long long time and flourish with one of her sensational restaurants in every city. Firehouse Ribs n More, you have my heart and loyalty and I wish you nothing but the best. God bless, thanks for the incredible meal and the meals that are surely to come!! @SilviePudilova

We've eaten here several times. The staff are always super friendly and welcoming. We get the baked beans and bbq chicken each time along with trying something different each time such as pulled pork or ribs and have not been disappointed. Although I'm starting to believe my wife set up this tradition so she can eat most of the delicious chicken and beans while I try the new item. It is unfortunate they don't have their bar set up but they also aren't the only newer business in San Clemente going through that issue with their permits. Its a shame that the city isn't more on top of this because there are great businesses such as Firehouse Ribs & More that are being affected.

Wow! This place is AMAZING!! Best ribs ever, and I lived in Kansas City for years! The ribs fell off the bone so easily I ate them with my fingers. And they were sooo juicy, and meaty, and the BBQ sauce was fantastic. And what's even better is...ALL the sides were incredible too. The cornbread is the good moist old-fashioned like they do it in the South cornbread. (Lived there too so I can vouch for that!) The beans? Excellent, so delicious, with pieces of pork cooked right in. I mean heck even the french fries were very good! My husband had the Chicken, and he was equally impressed. You got a lot of food for the money too. Also the place is adorable, truly a lovely lil place to come for dinner. After we ate we met the owner who was super nice, and clearly a very hardworking woman. I have a feeling she is the 'secret' to this places delicious food! One thing is for sure, if you're anywhere near here...just GO! It's worth it and you will not regret it! We will be back!! 😀

I had the rib combo plate and was very impressed with the quality of the meat. All the ribs are meaty and falls off the bone....the Chef here does a phenomenal job and I love my BBQ. The Chef told me her cornbread is made from scratch and her own recipe and I must say...you can tell....it is very good and light. I can't say enough about her amazing bbq sauce..keep doing what your doing Firehouse...great job

Update: Owner confirmed the smoker and cooking method. Great news! :) The taste was there and my fingers were left with a faint smoke smell to them but good to dispel the uncertainty. Reading the other reviews the burger supposedly is great as well so I will try to make it up one lunch to try it out! Original review: I recently moved from the South and have been around various parts of the country where BBQ is good. I wouldn't say I'm a ribs connoisseur but I feel like I've been around. Cons: 1) My biggest beef is not really having any indication of how the ribs were prepared. It didn't look like the restaurant had a smoker and I couldn't find a woodstack within or without the establishment. It is entirely possible the building wouldn't even have the permit for it. Having said that, there is always the chance the meat was smoked offsite and brought in and kept warm. *fingers crossed* 2) Personally, I'm not a fan when establishments advertise "fall off the bone" because usually that means the ribs were either cooked too long or worse, boiled! Sure, you don't want to pry the meat off the bone, but I believe it should have a decent stick. Pros: So, even with those two red flags, I still went anyway because, let's face it, San Clemente and the surrounding area is extremely lacking in any BBQ, let alone good BBQ. Even if falling off the bone, the taste was still pretty good and the sauce was good as well. Sides we got were cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans, all which tasted great and felt fresh. Portion size was adequate for the price. Another review mentioned that "a half rack felt like a full rack elsewhere." I definitely wouldn't go as far as that. It was still a half rack for sure, but it was sufficient. Basically, the place warrants a 4 star rating by virtue of being possibly the only place in San Clemente that offers ribs as its main offering, and still tasting good. If the restaurant does properly prepare ribs with a wood smoker, I would recommend they advertise their cooking method a little better to dispel any doubts (and to get the extra star).

I got here about 6:30(ish) was basically empty! I got the fire house burger, it was amazingly delicious, best burger I've ever had! Decor is great, The music is lovely, and the emploees are very kind. The restaurant is being cheated out of a 5 out of 5. I would rate 10 out of 5 if I could.

Delicious BBQ ribs and chicken. Usually fast and friendly service. Cornbread yummy. Be advised they only cook a predetermined amount of BBQ and may run out if it gets closer to closing.

The quality of the meat is amazing. Best chicken I've had in my life hands down. The firehiuse burger is delicious as well. I also love the interior. Quite jealous

Had a great dinner with the family. The ribs were amazing (smokey & tender), the kids menu was perfect for my picky eaters & the service was fast, friendly & accurate.