BY KAREN YOUNG
I’ve driven by the Firehouse Restaurant with its huge GYRO sign in caps on numerous trips across the San Fernando Valley and never gave it much thought — until now.
Located in Tarzana on Victory Blvd. just east of Reseda Blvd. Parking in back. Photos: Karen Young
While the exterior has a tired, divey Disneyland-like façade, the interior took me by surprise. It is small and clean with walls covered in kitsch Greek memorabilia as well as framed black and white photos posters. Faux green vines crawl over the ceiling while Greek music plays quietly in the background. Bricks cover the counter wall area attempting to give it a “this is what it’s like in Greece” feel.
The Gyro sandwich is huge for $7. Add fries and a soft drink for $1.45.
Firehouse is a fast casual eatery — meaning counter service. At first glance the prices seem high for this type of service, but once you receive your meal, you’ll see you do get your money’s worth.
Sandwiches are the best bet for a quick lunch or dinner. The Firehouse is known for its gyros (beef, lamb, chicken or a combo) which are cut thin and juicy. For $7, you’ll receive an abundant amount of meat wrapped in a delicious olive oil flatbread with tzatiki sauce on the side. For $1.45 more, add thickly cut fries and a 24 ounce soft drink.
This Meze Combo can be shared.
Plates run $10 to $12 and are served with a big plate of Greek Salad along with fries or rice and hot, thick pita bread. If you want a sampler, try the Meze Platter with chicken souvlaki, gyro and hummus. I’m not usually a gyro eater because it tends to be dry, but I preferred this particular gyro over the chicken. The plates are huge and good to share, especially if you want to share a smaller salad or side.
Greek Salad comes with all the plates.
Specialty plates include traditional Greek cuisine like Mousaka (eggplant, zucchini, potatatoes, beef and béchamel sauce), Pastichio (Greek style macaroni with gorund beef, béchamel sauce and cheese), Falafel and Spanokopita (spinach and feta in a puffed pastry).
There’s also large salads with gyros and chicken, as well as a surplus of authentic side dishes. Homemade baklava is offered for $1.75 to give a sweet end of your meal.
Counter service in a kitschy, clean environment.
If you’re in the neighborhood and need a quick bite or trying to find a central meeting place, definitely check out The Firehouse for traditional Greek cuisine in a casual environment. It’s an original.
Firehouse Restaurant.18450 Victory Blvd (just east of Reseda), Tarzana, Ca 91355 (818) 881-3118 Open 7 days 10:30 am – 9 pm. Catering available. Parking in back and on the street.
Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find. Email: Karen @mydailyfind.com
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