The Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is part of a polished casual American restaurant concept that focuses on wood-fired cooking.
Here is an overview based on its location in Pembroke Pines:
What Makes Firebirds Unique
The core unique element of Firebirds is its wood-fired grill, which is often exposed, allowing guests to see their food being cooked over an open flame using locally sourced hickory, oak, or pecan wood. This method imparts a distinctive, smoky flavor to their steaks, seafood, and other dishes.
Other distinguishing features include:
- The FIREBAR$^{\text{®}}$: A signature, award-winning bar area featuring an extensive wine list, craft cocktails (like their signature Double Black Diamond$^{\text{®}}$ Martini), and a unique backlit waterfall display of liquor bottles. It often offers a dedicated “Bar Bites” menu and happy hour specials.
- Scratch Kitchen: The restaurant emphasizes a scratch kitchen approach, focusing on bold flavors, hand-cut, aged steaks, and fresh ingredients.
- Philanthropic Partnership: Firebirds has a significant, long-standing partnership with the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to fight childhood cancer. They donate a portion of the proceeds from every glass of their fresh-squeezed lemonade, and this partnership is a major part of the company’s culture and operations.
History
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill first opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2000. The concept was to offer an energetic, elevated twist on the traditional grill experience. The Pembroke Pines location is one of many locations across the country, suggesting it’s part of the concept’s expansion into different markets. While a specific opening date for the Pembroke Pines restaurant is not immediately clear, its presence reflects the growth of the regional chain.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu at Firebirds in Pembroke Pines centers around the wood-fired grill and includes:
- Wood Grilled Steaks & Seafood: Hand-cut, aged steaks and fresh seafood seared over the open flame. Specific cuts and preparations are staples.
- Signature Cocktails: The Double Black Diamond$^{\text{®}}$ Martini (an infusion of fresh pineapple and vodka) and the Alex’s Fresh Lemonade (for the ALSF partnership).
- Starters/Bar Bites: Items like Lobster Spinach Queso, Bacon Deviled Eggs, and Prime Rib Sliders are often featured.
- Desserts: The 5 Layer Lemon Cake and Creme Brulee Cheesecake are popular choices.
- Weekend Brunch: Available on Saturdays and Sundays, featuring specialized brunch dishes.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback generally places Firebirds in the polished casual dining category, often praised for:
- Ambiance: A modern chic look with a dark color palette, wood floors, and an inviting, fire-centric atmosphere.
- Food Quality: Positive comments frequently mention the quality of the steaks, the distinct flavor from the wood-fired cooking, and a “delicious, hearty meal” experience.
- Service: The dining experience is typically described as elevated, with reservations recommended.
Significant Events
While specific unique community events held only at the Pembroke Pines location are not widely publicized, Firebirds as a whole has one significant, ongoing event/initiative:
- Partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF): This is the most significant company-wide event, where they continuously raise funds. This includes donating a portion of lemonade sales year-round and sometimes hosting special “Lemonade Days” events or promotions for the foundation, which the Pembroke Pines location would participate in. To date, the company has raised millions of dollars for childhood cancer research through this initiative.
Location and Contact Information
