Firebirds Isn’t Your Average Town Center Chain Restaurant

Attention to detail.

These are the words that come to mind when trying to describe the dining experience at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, the newest addition to the ever-growing slate of restaurants at St. Johns Town Center.

It’s what’s immediately most noticeable about the restaurant – and what may ultimately help it distinguish itself amongst the herd of new additions.

The location at The Strand within the Town Center marks Firebirds’ first entry into the Jacksonville market – and just its second location in the state of Florida. (A third Florida restaurant is listed as “coming soon” on the company website.)

The Jax location features a reworked interior design, which was developed with the help of Charlotte-based firm starrdesign. It’s got a very classy, elegant atmosphere to it. The bar area, branded as the FIREBAR, is clearly a major point of pride for the chain and lights up the dining area.

But aside from the carefully sculpted design, the chain’s attention to detail shows up most on the plate.

We were able to sample appetizers, entrees, and a dessert during the restaurant’s training event this past Monday. Simply put, it doesn’t disappoint – from classics like onion rings complemented by a tasty ranch dip, to well-assembled entrees such as our personal favorite, the Firebirds Chicken Pasta.

In addition to what we sampled, the menu features a wide variety of steak, chicken, and seafood dishes. The food is fresh, the portions are generous, and the service – at least on training night – was impeccable.

And for wine lovers, the restaurant has an extensive wine menu, with glasses and bottles both half-off on Mondays as well.

Overall, the restaurant gives off a vibe of an elegant, upscale eatery – something that, for all its strengths, the Town Center has never quite had before. And as much as we love focusing on local business, it’s worth appreciating a national chain that gets it right as well.