5260 Pelton Road, Clarkston, MI 48346
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Fireside Kitchen presents a distinctive dining and nightlife experience that pairs a modern, scratch-driven restaurant with a hidden, speakeasy-style lounge tucked below. The overall vibe is warm, inviting, and stylish, with a location that feels thoughtfully curated for a night out as opposed to a quick, ordinary dinner. The entry into the basement speakeasy is part of the charm: a little secret ritual that adds to the sense of occasion, making the whole evening feel like a small escape from the everyday. Even for first-timers, the atmosphere - soft lighting, tasteful decor, and a balance between upscale polish and relaxed comfort - lends itself to conversation and lingering over a drink or two after the main meal.
Service across visits is consistently highlighted as a standout, with staff members leaving a strong impression for their attentiveness and knowledge. Guests repeatedly note that servers are friendly, professional, and well-versed in the menu, with Diamond frequently singled out for genuine, attentive care. The team members - whether delivering drinks, guiding the menu, or checking in at table turn - contribute to a sense that guests are genuinely cared for. On the bar side, Justin and other bartenders are praised for their craft, particularly with classic cocktails given serious attention, while Josh (the chef associated with a newer menu item) earns praise for a well-executed addition to the kitchen's repertoire. The owners also make appearances, with Jake engaging at the table to ensure guests are enjoying their meals, which helps create that welcoming, homey feel.
Drinks at Fireside Kitchen are a major highlight, especially for those who enjoy a thoughtfully prepared cocktail program. The speakeasy portion of the venue gets high marks for quality and craft, with drinks that range from a meticulously balanced Old Fashioned to a hand-shaken Brandy Alexander that arrives with a nod to old-school technique. Guests appreciate the idea that the bar takes cocktails seriously, using non-blender methods and even hand-shaking ice cream for the Brandy Alexander, which elevates the texture and flavor. That said, there is some note of change over time - speakeasy drinks can be pricier than in the past, and some guests feel the current batch is not always as consistent as their peak experiences. Still, the overall sentiment on the drinks is highly positive, especially when the timing aligns with a well-poured, carefully crafted signature.
The food program at Fireside Kitchen earns strong enthusiasm for its ambition and execution. Descriptions routinely emphasize a scratch kitchen philosophy, with dishes built from raw ingredients and crafted to showcase quality. Starters like the Beets & Citrus salad - greens, goat cheese, pistachios, and a bright citrus vinaigrette - are praised for freshness, balance, and sharing-friendly portions. Main courses showcase a range of techniques and flavors: the Berkshire Pork Chop arrives with brown butter and sage polenta, a sweet potato hash, and crushed blackberry & port, noted for tenderness and depth of flavor that can sometimes be hard to achieve with such a cut. The seafood and steak options also land well, with halibut served with miso mushrooms and saut?ed kale and ribeye offerings earning praise for seasoning and preparation, though a few guests mention room for improvement in seasoning or crust.
New menu items and adaptations keep the dining room feeling dynamic. A calamari dish introduced in newer menus is singled out as excellent, non-greasy, and accompanied by a highly complimented sweet chili sauce. Flatbread options like peach and prosciutto receive attention for flavor, with guests noting room for the peaches and prosciutto to be more pronounced but appreciating the overall balance and crust. For mains, the hanger steak and fries pair well, though some guests find the steak could benefit from more aggressive seasoning or a longer rest time to meld the chimichurri and the meat's natural flavors. The short rib gnocchi and other fall menu items show that the kitchen is experimenting with seasonal options and fine-tuning textures and sauces to keep the menu interesting without straying from the scratch kitchen ethos.
The speakeasy itself is frequently described as a must-experience feature, a basement space that feels intimate and cool in equal measure. The secret-entry atmosphere contributes to a sense of discovery and exclusivity, complementing the overall vibe of the evening. Guests often accompany their cocktails with thoughtfully prepared bites, creating a balanced, multi-card evening of dining and indulgence. The combination of a stylish dining room and a hidden lounge gives Fireside Kitchen broad appeal - great for a romantic night out, a date with friends, or a celebratory dinner that can spill into the basement for post-dinner drinks.
As with any restaurant that evolves over time, there are occasional bumps in the road. A few guests report off-nights or slower service, especially when the restaurant is not at full capacity, along with longer wait times between ordering and plating - sometimes up to 45?60 minutes. A few menu items receive critique for seasoning shortfalls or being less impressive than other offerings, and there are remarks about temporary shortages - such as basil or certain beers - affecting drink or dish choices. Yet even with these hiccups, many guests emphasize that the overall experience remains consistently high, with portions that satisfy, flavors that excite, and a welcoming staff that makes adjustments feel heard and valued.
Overall, Fireside Kitchen and its speakeasy present a compelling, multi-layered dining and drinking destination. The combination of a warm, modern restaurant with a secretive, basement lounge creates a memorable night out that many guests declare as a new favorite or a go-to spot for special evenings. The kitchen's scratch-influenced approach, thoughtful service, and a drinks program that earns high praise - even when priced a bit higher for the speakeasy experience - make Fireside Kitchen a place that guests willingly return to, again and again, eager for the next exchange of great food, masterful cocktails, and that distinctive, intimate atmosphere that keeps the secret feeling exciting.
Pelton House in Clarkston, MI is a fully-furnished assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to meet the needs of its residents. The house features a cozy dining room where residents can enjoy delicious meals prepared by our dedicated staff. Housekeeping services are also provided to ensure a clean and comfortable living environment.
For those who love spending time outdoors, Pelton House offers a beautiful garden area and outdoor space where residents can relax and socialize with fellow residents. To stay connected with friends and family, there is telephone service as well as Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available throughout the community.
When it comes to care services, Pelton House provides assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Our trained staff also coordinates with healthcare providers to ensure that residents receive the necessary medical attention. Special dietary restrictions like diabetes diets are accommodated in meal preparation and service, ensuring that residents receive nutritious meals that meet their specific needs.
Transportation arrangements for medical appointments are available for convenience and peace of mind. In terms of nearby amenities, there are several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals in close proximity to Pelton House. Additionally, scheduled daily activities are organized to keep residents engaged and active within the community.
At Pelton House, we strive to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for our residents while offering convenient access to nearby amenities and quality care services.
Pelton House is located at 5260 Pelton Road, Clarkston, MI 48346 in Oakland County, Michigan
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