Fish Fry We Love: Firehouse Grille & Pub

A fish fry should be all about the fish. But we can’t stop thinking about Firehouse Grille & Pub’s sides hustle. 

Great Lakes Brewing Co. Dortmunder Gold-battered or broiled Icelandic cod ($16.99 regular) comes with two sides such as house-made coleslaw, beer-battered Brew City french fries or onion straws. Even the mac ‘n’ cheese, with its from-scratch cheese sauce, has us daydreaming of meals at the Willoughby restaurant long after we left.

“People usually get the french fries and coleslaw,” says owner Marty Graham, “but a lot of these other sides go great with the fish. The mac ’n’ cheese is the perfect comfort food.”

The Lenten event, which is all-you-can-eat on Fridays, usually packs the 7,000-square-foot restaurant — a spacious, converted firehouse. This year, due to the pandemic a few adjusts have been made. While dine-in is available, tables are more spaced out to allow for social distancing. For those preferring takeout, online ordering (call for all-you-can-eat) and curbside pick up are offered.

They’re so focused on knocking each dish out of the park, Graham designated a staff member to oversee most menu items.

“In the kitchen, there are stations added just for fish. There’s a guy who just does coleslaw,” Graham says. “Everyone works so hard and really enjoys it.” Fridays during Lent 11 a.m.-midnight. 2768 Stark Drive, Willoughby Hills, 440-943-4983, firehousegrilleandpub.com