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2 people, 1 restaurant, 25 bucks
Meals for people with big appetites and small wallets
After a meticulous restoration, Hose 22 Firehouse Grill has brought the former home of Hose Company No. 2 — which originally opened in 1916 — back to life. My sister-in-law's sister, Alisa, met me there for a Thursday lunch.
The mood
Authentic, with old canvas fire hoses coiled on metal bars overhead, uniforms and gear hanging on the walls, fire poles in the back corners, historic photo reprints and other firehouse-related memorabilia. You can sit in the bar or restaurant (both were busy); each has rich wood furnishings, but I prefer the restaurant side's booths, which have lamps you can dim yourself.
The food
The menu separates it into categories from "1st Alarm" (appetizers) through "5th Alarm" (heavier entrees). I ordered the Rescue Reuben ($8), and they got it right: Thickly stacked, thinly sliced corned beef with Thousand Island dressing and strands of sauerkraut worked into every fold was dressed with melted Swiss cheese (on both sides of the sandwich) and served on hearty, grilled light rye bread. All sandwiches come with a choice of firehouse frites, sweet potato fries or fried pickles, or add a Caesar or garden side salad for $3.
Our server delivered the Reuben and then came back to announce that the White Florentine Pizza ($9) that Alisa ordered had burned, and the kitchen was preparing another, "more presentable," one, which would only take about three minutes. She appreciated the explanation, dubbing the mistake the "Oh Darn Alarm." The thin-crusted, eight-slice pie was "bursting with flavor" compared with the more generic versions Alysa had gotten elsewhere. This one came with artichoke hearts and sauteed spinach, served over a base of garlic and olive oil and topped with a blend of Italian cheeses.
Also on the menu: burgers, salads, ribs and more. Fire House Chicken Wings (mild, medium and arson hot!) start at $8 for 10 pieces.
The drinks
There are 12 beers on tap (including Hose 22's own 22 Amber from Custom BrewCrafters for $4), more than 50 bottled beers and an extensive wine list ($6 to $9 for glasses and $18 to $80 for bottles). Coke served in vintage-looking bottles is $2. We had water.
The damage: $22.36
Next time ... An out-of-character choice: The "Probie" Hoagie ($9) — shaved steak with banana peppers, caramelized onions, sweet-and-sour sauce and melted mozzarella, with sweet potato fries on the side.
