Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds used to be one of my favorite restaurants in Tucson, but after last night’s visit, I really am not sure if I will go back again. We eat here at least once a week, and the food has always been great, but the service continues to get worse each time. We had a reservation last night for my Mother In Law’s birthday and were promptly seated at 5pm. The waiter, Travis V, came to our table and asked what we wanted to drink. He seemed like he was having a bad night and didn’t want to be there. He was not very friendly and I kind of felt like we were an inconvenience to him. We mentioned that it was my Mother In Law’s birthday, and he really didn’t seem to care. He was more in a rush to get our drink orders. We needed a few minutes to all decide what we wanted, so we advised him that we wanted to look the menu over and needed some time. Within 5 minutes, he was at our table at least twice asking if we were ready to order. I felt incredibly rushed, as did other members of our party. I already felt like the service was bad and we hadn’t even ordered our food yet. We placed our orders and waited for our food. During this time, he brought out some bread with butter, but only gave us one small loaf for 7 people. We noticed another table near us received two and they only had 6 people at their table. Not sure why we only got one, as it maybe would feed 3 people. We asked for another loaf, which he brought to us 10 minutes later. The food came out promptly and was very good, as it always is (hence the 2 star rating). Travis checked on us once after the food came, then we never saw him again until he was ready to bring the bill. He did not ask if we wanted any more beer, wine, cocktails etc… He also did not ask if we wanted dessert. A member of our party asked if he did anything for birthday’s in which he responded yes, and brought out a menu and gave it to my Mother In Law. He never said Happy Birthday or anything. By this time, I was a little upset because my Mother In Law seemed very quiet and upset. I asked her what was the matter, and she responded: «I guess they are in a hurry to get us out of here». Travis came back to the table and my Mother In Law told him what she wanted. She told him to box it up and that we were ready to go. We ended up paying and left, then went to another restaurant to have some more drinks and order dessert. I was really disappointed by the service Travis V provided. Firebirds used to have an exceptional level of service, but it has really started to go downhill. We come here for all different kinds of celebrations, but after last night, I am not sure if we will again.

Firebirds is a good restaurant, with very professional service, but it simply isn’t the top-​tier quality it tries to be. The steaks are in the upper range for pricing (~$ 30+), and I just don’t feel like I received quite that much value from the meal.
I’m very satisfied with the service, but I think the prices are just a little too high for me to feel comfortable returning.

If you are looking for a top notch restaurant in the Tucson area you must check this place out. My family was in Tucson to visit some relatives and we decided to eat at Firebirds. It looked like a high end steakhouse with out the $$$ like the top end places so we went with our group of 8. From the start we were treated extremely well and our server was awesome. I wish we got his name but little things like getting down to my 7 and 9 year olds level in the chair really made him good. He checked on us and always made sure we were in good shape with drinks. The greatest thing here was the food. The lobster dip and onion rings were on point followed with the mains of steak. Not one steak was over or under cooked and the flavor was awesome. I personally can not say enough or thank the staff enough for the unbelievable experience and excellent night out our family had. Thank you Firebirds of Tucson!!!

Alright, so I know I’m a little late with my review, but I never forgot about this place.
My husband and I dined here on NYE, because I was craving steak & a coworker of mine referred us here (as we are still new around the area). All I have to say is that this place was a definite delight!
The place has a trendy atmosphere (of course it’s located at LaEncantada) & the service was on point. Our server Alex was very friendly as well as informative with guiding us through the options for our first time.
I enjoyed the «perfect margarita», as my husband had his usual «jack & coke». As we waited for our entrees, we started on the «coconut shrimp» as our appetizers. The shrimp were fried perfectly and came out hot & fresh atop a cabbage/​vegetable bed. Once we finished, our entrees arrived. My husband ordered the «Chile Rubbed Demonico» & I ordered the «NY strip». Both were an absolute delight! I finally found a steak cooked to my perfection!
The meals were such a delight, once I demolished my 14 oz NY Strip & fully loaded baked potato, I couldn’t help but take another bite of my husbands Demonico & his side of cheesy scalloped potatoes. They were to die for!
Overall, I may not be in town for much longer, but all I can say is that I’ll DEFINITELY be back a second time before my departure.

Service here has always been superb. We visit here a few times every winter when we come to town and have been doing so for years. The menu always has great meat and fish dishes! The burgers are REAL burgers and the bacon is SO good. I’m bummed the big elk trophy is gone this time but I’ll get over it. If you don’t like your salad drowning in dressing, get it on the side (I should know better, really). This place is timeless and we will be coming back as long as it is here.

When we first arrived, I asked for a booth and explained that my son has a phobia about sitting in the middle of a bunch of people. I was told booths are saved for people who have actually made reservations. (There were 4 empty booths when we — the place was ½ empty). Strike 1. Beer selection was very limited, featuring a few «brand» names on draft and some bottles. I opted for wine. $ 9 for a 5 oz pour of a cheap Oregon pinot (I know, because I live in Oregon).
On to dinner. I started with a cesar salad. Probably one of the worst I have ever had. Lettuce was swimming in dressing. Dressing was overly citrus. I mostly tasted lemon juice in every bite. And the salad was spicy. Not sure if it was the dressing or the croutons. And I found a few pieces of shredded chicken in my salad that weren’t supposed to be there. I asked if it was. some kind of «southwest» play on a cesar salad, and was assured it was not. Strike 2. My son and I both ordered the ribeye. I ordered medium rare with baked potato and he ordered medium with fries. When the meal came, my steak was overcooked and my son’s was undercooked. We ended up having to switch steaks. In addition, the potato skin on my baked potato was coated in salt, so I could not eat any of the skin, which I generally enjoy. Strike 3.
Service was good/​average, not overly impressive. Steak was seasoned well. That’s about it. I was somewhat disappointed.

This was our second visit. First being Collierville, Tenn. Loved the food– wonderful steak and green chili mac n cheese. Abby was our server and what a bright, funny, attentive girl. We felt like we knew her for years. Service, food and ambience excellent. They deserve a 10 star in our opinion. We just wish this place would consider the San Diego or Palm Desert area. Love this place

We’ve eaten dinner here several times. Tonight we were guests of old friends. Arrived early when not many customers were there yet. Rock music was LOUD throughout the interior, mostly from the 70’s (Billy Joel, Van Morrison, similars). Asked for music to be turned down, and it was a bit.
Staff is young and pleasant. Extensive menu. I ordered wood fired salmon. Other three ordered trout. I tasted the trout. It was better than my salmon, which was bland. My mashed potatoes were a bit cool and dull. My waffle style sweet potato fries were the best thing I ate, in addition to the trout. My chicken orzo soup was okay; somewhat spicy and rather tasty.
We shared a flourless chocolate cake for dessert. One portion was sufficient. I kept thinking WHY DIDN’T WE GO TO WILD GARLIC GRILL instead? Far superior food and dessert and waaaaay quieter.
I complimented the manager on his staff and food, and asked him if in future he can possibly choose a different genre of music, such as classical or jazz early in the evening, especially for the *old* crowd of early diners. Nope, he said. I’m the only complainer from thousands (his words) of customers over the years. And «it’s part of our concept,» or something like that, meaning they like the classic rock LOUD to attract and retain a certain type of customer.
Not us four. This was our last time here. Food can be good, chairs can be comfortable, staff can be professional, but the music makes it unable to hear or converse for older people.

Went to celebrate wifes bday it was busy but it was excellent. Food is excellent. Steak done just right and sides were excellent too. Got $ 10 off meal when joined e-club…icing on the whole thing.

I’ve been here several times, it is a beautiful restaurant inside of La Encantada. However the last few times, we’ve noticed a crazy odor right as you walk in that sort of engulfs the entire lobby area and beyond. Almost like they have a natural gas leak or something. Though no one seems to be aware or just doesn’t care? Kind of scary and odd all at the same time. Makes my stomach churn and suddenly I find myself not all that hungry. Only after walking through the entire place and being seated across the restaurant on the other side from the entrance does this weird phenomenon seem to subside. Anyway, that’s put a damper on the start of the evening the last few times to begin with. Aside from that, they have the normal big chain menu. The wings are consistently good and I absolutely love that they bring you a warm steamed cloth to wash off your hands after. They have some nice beer and wine selections which I can definitely appreciate, and their salad with a grilled steak is pretty tasty and filling.
Nothing incredible, decent food, good amount, and prices are not bad. Just not my first choice especially until someone gets that problem with the lobby under control.

Came here for lunch with a bunch of my neighbors who all like to get together to catch up on stuff going on. I believe there were about 13 ladies. This was my first time here and was pleasantly surprised by the large menu and choices from salads to burgers all with some interesting side dishes. Prices were a bit steep but I am just a bit of a cheapskate. Several different choices for the burgers. I picked the Durango which was a delicious burger piled high with shoe string onion rings and a great sauce sprinkled on top, tomato and a pickle. You have a nice choice of sides. I picked the sautéed spinach with roasted tomatoes. All the flavors together were a delight to my taste buds. A bunch of the ladies ordered salads and they looked large and packed with lots of goodies. It is a chain restaurant which is not my usual pickings but certainly way better than Applebee’s or Chiles. All the ladies enjoyed the dishes they got. No complaints from 13 woman. I’d say they are batting 1000.

This two star rating is not necessarily about food but about overall experience. The only saving grace was the properly seasoned food we had. The experience takes into account the location of the restaurant location and the price of food. To explain my meal, I’m going to play the «Never Have I Ever…» Game.
Never Have I Ever…
1. Been sat at the worst table in the restaurant after reserving it days in advance
2. Had to carry my own menus to the new table we asked for
3. Sat on a corroded booth seat at an expensive restaurant (can’t afford to replace those?)
4. Had to ask for ice and lemon with my ice tea two times before receiving it
5. Had to clear trash from my own table (ie straw wrappers, sugar packets, etc.)
6. Had petrified mahi mahi (their special last night) for 30 dollars
7. Had Jumbo Lump crab cakes with no lump
8. Had the server trying to close out his area by vacuuming and moving chairs from other tables right in front of our booth signifying his need to «get the hell out of there» even though it was 9 pm… So rude and ungrateful for our large order of expensive dishes, our kind manner, and tip
Needless to say. I would not take anyone else here (like my poor parents who were visiting from out of town and also had to move to a different table while I collected their menus from them) nor would I suggest anyone else to go here. I will be taking my business to Flemings right across the street where you are treated with the utmost class and receive what you pay for. Bottomline: Like a really expensive Applebees

My meal was excellent. I got the early bird package deal — $ 15 for a salad of my choice and main entrée. I am very picky about steaks. This was an excellent cut of meat and cooked to perfection with a wonderful hint of woodsmoke flavor.
The waitresses were great. The guy waiter in the bar area was a pompous jerk. Ugh. We contacted the manager about an grace period for the early bird … he said yes. The waiter lied and said he talked to the manager and it was a NO. So we had to contact the manager again and prove he lied …
Fresh bread comes with your meal. Tasty — made fresh there.
I wanted to try a desert but I cannot eat a whole one alone.
This was great for groups. They have outdoor seating. Impressive place to go on a date.
Enjoy!

Came here for dinner last night. Made reservations for 8 PM and we were seated shortly after. All of the guests in our party went with a steak dish. I opted for the 7 oz. bacon wrapped filet mignon with a side of mashed potatoes. For a beverage I went with the pomegranate sunrise martini and it was absolutely delish. After our meals arrived I anxiously dug in for my first bite. I was a bit disappointed as I had asked for my steak cooked medium well and it was more on the well done side (no pink at all, bummer). Next time I will order it medium. Quality and taste of the steak was delicious. The kids Mac and cheese was also a hit! Overall great food and excellent service. Would come back again no doubt.

Happy Hour is very good. Service Great. Food top notch. Thanks for a wonderfully enjoyable night out with my girl’s.

Our server Ryan did an outstanding job and took great care of us, specially considering we had a big group (11)
We came here around 11:30am for a celebration on a busy day, we did not have reservations because it was a last minute choice (by the person we were celebrating) and I was not familiar with this place.
They were able to accommodate us and we had a good meal. I had the ribeye with sweet potato fries. Others had the meatloaf, filet, club sandwich, etc and as far as I know everyone was pleased with the food.
The only matter was that when I mentioned to our hostess that we had a big group, she had to check with the manager, and he came and said to me something like «we can sit you if you are out of here by 1pm»… well, we appreciate the effort but for a place like this I would think they could convey the same message in a more diplomatic/​friendly way…

Meal in order of arrival: Cucumber Martini… Ranch Rings… Cilantro Chicken… Big Daddy Chocolate Cake. When I tell you, by far the best meal I’ve had during my business visits to Tucson, I mean it! Absolutely a must have and I will absolutely be back again! p. s: Awesome Ranch Dressing!

My son-​in-​law selected this place for all the «boys» to go before he and my daughter married. The service here was excellent. They were set up to handle our large group and did well and taking care of the group.
I enjoyed being here. I liked the atmosphere. I had the Durango Burger:
DURANGO BURGER*
Chile spiced, pepper jack cheese, pickles, fried onions, roasted garlic ranch dressing
It was not too spicy. It was messy (other meals were not messy, but this one was), but it was a very good tasting burger.
Yes, it is a chain. I imagine there are a number of Tuscon people who do not like the idea of a chain being in their town. But, this one did it’s job well. I had fun and would go again.

NO… just…NO!
The place looked like a ski lodge only w worse food. Service was great (as it tends to be in fancy chain restaurants) and that’s why I gave one star.
The tortilla soup was so thick you could stand your fork up in it. The ribs had the flavor of artificial flavoring and were most likely boil-​in-​the-​bag. I don’t even remember what I had but I believe it to have been some sort of sandwich. Who cares.
Please leave or city. You and your bullshit cookie-​cutter types are not what Tucson’s dining scene is about. The shame of La Encatada.

The location is ideal and it is flanked by some pretty good restaurants — RA Sushi, North, Blanco — so although I did not personally select this restaurant, I thought it might hold promise.
We had the wood plank salmon and pork baby back ribs. They were happy to replace the mashed potatoes with a house salad, which I appreciated. However, neither entrée was inspired. Salads and coconut shrimp app were ok. The tortilla slaw accompanying the shrimp was unique and tasty, but other than that, it was just quite average.
It was ok… environment and food reminded me of an ‘updated’ Black Angus steakhouse. I agree with other Unilocalers… it is an older crowd… and in hindsight I’m guessing this place appeals more to certain subset of retirees in the area.
Our server was very nice and probably the best part of the visit. He was right there with beverages and timed our food nicely.
The bar area looked lively but definitely looked like it was all for the ‘family visiting the retired parents’ crowd.
For $ 90 (incl tip and no booze), I’d choose any of the other restaurants nearby.