I visited the Fireside after reading the Yelp reviews. I really wasn't disappointed. Wonderful friendly staff, outstanding range of local and domestic beers and spirits, and a very inclusive and welcoming set of regulars. Being a lone international traveller, finding a friendly place is essential and this place ticks all the boxes. I will return on my next visit to Alameda. read more

I've only been here once. I was taking a friend home and we wanted a beer before we called it a night. The atmosphere was chill and trendy and...not what I was expecting from the outside. As I sat down at the bar I saw my favorite local Pilsner on tap. Ohh trumer how I love you. I can only really find it in 6packs at bev mo, so I was very excited about seeing it, and that is really the only reason why I reviewed this place. Round of applause to the fireside for having delicious beer on tap! read more

Sunday was the first time I came since six years ago when my best friend's family member owned it. Since it was sold, it has been cleaned up A LOT! It's almost like a completely different place now... IN A GOOD WAY! I like the old divey feel that Fireside once had, but now that it's the Fireside LOUNGE, the name definitely suits the vibe. There's not a lot of rowdiness, the lighting is perfect, the bartender (maybe the owner?) is very knowledgeable about what she serves. They serve local drinks, like Whiskey from Ukiah and Linden St. brew from Oakland on tap, as well as the "normal" stuff. The bartender offered my boyfriend and I a taste of a bunch of different local stuff and even took a shot with us herself. She was attentive, friendly, and beautiful. We will most definitely be returning!! read more

Cool place. Strangely their website says happy hour daily 4-7 but they do not have one nor will they honor it. Too bad

We fell into the Fireside late one night after dining elsewhere in Alameda. My friend is an enthusiastic fan and patron of the place. It was my first time there. After being served some pretty dismal alcoholic concoctions all over Alameda, it was a pleasure to be served by a truly talented bartender who takes his work seriously. I ordered a lemon drop - with gin, not vodka. Friggin' fantastic! I had completely given up on ordering this relatively simple drink at any bar since everyone screws it up so badly. Why is it that all of a sudden every fool thinks he/she is a "mixologist?" NOT!!! But there's a true cocktail artist at work at the Fireside. Add great prices, cool vibe and comfy atmosphere with all kinds of wonderful people, and what's not to love? They deserve to be busier. Hope the word gets out 'cause this place is a jewel. read more

The decor is cool but the music is SO LOUD!!! do not go here if you plan to actually have a conversation with anyone. It's so ear splitting loud, my friend and I were still screaming at each other when we left. Not the best place to catch up with friends or actually want to talk to someone. read more

A wonderful neighborhood bar. Most nights of the week there is live music or some event. Jazz jam, rock, trivial pursuit, etc. If one night doesn't fit your tastes try another. I no longer live in the neighborhood but try to return for the Monday night jazz jam-- some very talented regulars. I wish every town had such a spot. And very fine mixologists at the bar too. read more

Great place, awesome beer selection and really nice staff (Bitsy behind the bar and Justin running the open mic). Went here for the first time this evening to check out the open mic situation- warm and inviting easy going place with a real neighborhood feel. Its not my neighborhood but will go out of my way to get back here soon. read more

We rang in the new year here and it was pretty fun because we were in good company. The bartender here was extremely knowledgable and kind. The vibe was very chill and laid back and the interior was nice and cozy. Great beer and whiskey selection. The focus is certainly on local breweries and distilleries. We will return here when we are looking for a relaxed night out. They also have a pool table which is great, and Tuesday night trivia. read more

Four years later - new owners, new attitude. The place is great. Vintage pinball machines, live music, good drinks at reasonable prices.

I have never felt a need to review a venue, feeling that it is their job to give good service and it need not be rewarded. However, I had to make the exception for Fireside Lounge. I recently had a birthday party here and everyone from the owner to the staff were absolutely fabulous in making my birthday fun and memorable. If you're looking to have a party, I recommend booking with Fireside. Ambiance, drinks and customer service are top! They can even refer a DJ with reasonable pricing. I also recommend you request Claire, Sara and Taylor as your working staff, they are FABULOUS! read more

Still making their awesome cocktails with super fresh ingredients. Still have live music and Salsa dancing on specific nights.

I really, really want to like Fireside, because they have a great focus on locally produced beer, wine and spirits. The beer list includes local faves like Linden, the cocktails feature Hangar One and St. George products, and the wine list is all local. I like tha.t But I can't recommend this bar because the bartender was so hopeless phlegmatic that it made the entire experience excruciatingly unpleasant. On Tuesday night it was trivia night so the bar was busy but not crowded-- nothing a competent bartender couldn't handle with ease. I ordered a Sage Slam from their cocktail menu. And I proceeded to stand there and watch the bartender try to make this drink. And stand there. And stand there. He didn't seem to know how to make the drink, where to find the ingredients or that haste was of any particular import. Mr. Slo Mo could have made a beef wellington in less time than it took to concoct a drink with five ingredients. Meanwhile people are waiting. And waiting. And waiting. Later, I went back to get a beer. And waited. And waited. And waited. I went back three times. Same thing. Then I gave up and left. If you like standing around looking at a bar without a drink in your hand, this will be your kind of place. read more

Nice neighborhood bar with friendly patrons. Good rye selection, chill vibe (went at an off-ish time before the music started), and good board games. The veggie/cheese/hummus plate was actually solid, and I didn't hate that the bartender gave me a wink. My only wish is that there was some more comfy/updated seating. read more

So I went into the Firside last night, it's the second time I have been there and let me tell you the place has changed! new windows some cool jazz music playing and there serving food now. I had the autumn salad and a order of the porcini and buffalo meatballs all washed down with a locally brewed beer. Finally a place in Alameda I can relax, eat a great meal, and enjoy a beer at. read more

My first time here, and I must say the food and the service were outstanding. We ordered the flank steak & risotto, both were yummy. And very reasonable price too. I will definally come here if i'm in the city. read more

This is one of my go to bars in Alameda. They have great beer, spirits and great atmosphere . the only thing that sucks is the wine list. Come on ladies can we get a little more of a selection. read more

I really love the Fireside. It's a great small town, cozy bar type of feel where you can go and have a chat with a friend or just hang out and play a board game while avoiding the late night party atmosphere. Also, their trivia is very fun and well-organized. I also love how they rotate out the drink selections. read more

I love this place! Often overlooked on the West end but this is worth a stop. Great beer selection and amazing cocktails. They get some great musicians in from time to time as well. Check them out! read more

Went here with my husband during our first visit to Alameda and it was great! Good local craft beer, live music, & friendly bartenders. Nice small town vibe. read more

This place blows. There is never anyone there! It has to be because of the douchey staff. I wouldn't mind if they were dumb as a box of rocks if they were at least decent to look at - they are repulsive! And their attitudes don't help them or the establishment. The owner needs to wake up and take some notes from the successful bar owners in the area, such as Lucky 13 or McGraths. Every other bar in town will be packed on a late Sunday afternoon except for this one, read more

I've visited the Fireside lounge on a few occasions. I found the staff to be very pleasant and informative. I also liked the classic films on the flat screens. People have complained about the prices, but they have to realize that the the days of drinking on the cheap are coming to a close. And the products the ladies are serving are quality items. No Popov or Rub of the Brush whisky.(though I do have a freind who wishes they had Captain Morgan) It's good to see Webster St. come back. read more

I lived around the corner from Fireside for about a year. It's a great little bar with wonderful cocktails, trivia on Tuesdays, open mic, and most importantly if you enjoy old movies, you can watch them here over and over (love it!). read more

Went here on my 21st birthday and everything from the drinks to atmosphere was fantastic. With staff that provides excellent service and an open mic night that would blow your mind I would call it a great place to spend any night. read more

Nice place. I get the feeling its run by amateurs. Not open til 4 on football sundays even though they have TV's. Actually most times it seems to be closed. Live bands for cheap or free but bad sound system. Lots of beers but all kinda the same. You get the idea. Very mediocre so though its in my neighborhood I usually go elsewhere. read more

While the place is in fact quite nice, I have given this place a 1 star due to my experiences with one of the bartenders. Rude. Can be a flat out B. I have given this place multiple shots and have come in here thinking that at least she can fix her tone and demeanor. Mind you I don't have to be nice to her with that shitty attitude but yet I have always remained polite and professional. It appears most times there's something stuck up her... I believe her name is Sarah and she's been working here forever. Attitude up the A Hole. I skip this place often due to her and must say that there are other bars in the neighborhood within this strip that are just as nice if not nicer. I have had parties of 7-10 close knit friends and we gather up at 1400 Bar & Grill down the strip. Great food, and live TV as well. When the owner there (Yanni) himself comes out and gives you a hug EVERYTIME you visit, that says a lot. Just cus she's been here for a dinosaur # of years, doesn't mean she owns the place. She needs to work on her rapport building skills and relationship mannerisms. This is coming from a guy that works in a corporate setting himself. I don't hold grudges but service and conduct is critical to my experiences. ESP when you come to a place to wind down. Not to experience a constant shitty attitude or to bite your tongue. That's a stresser itself and I dont have anytime for that really. If I feel I am "bothering" you while placing an order, or ordering something you may not serve (Grey Goose for example), just be cordial my friend. Rest of the crew here are super cool. A few of my friends have also pointed her demeanor out in the past so I know this isn't just me. When she quits (whenever that is), Fireside will earn my $$ then. And I can put down a decent amount on drinks. I hope management can be humble enough to address this and her. Thx! read more

This is mine and my partner's favorite bar. Chris, Bitsy, and Sarah are amazing bartenders. We've been coming here for years. We've always loved the charm and individual experiences that these three give us every time we are here. My partner came home last night upset because he had his first bad experience with a bartender there. Dominic was rude and condescending and gave the worst service my partner has ever experienced. I personally had a bad experience with him right outside the establishment. I had just walked up to fireside to meet my partner and he was immediately condescending to me with me having said anything. He was judging me before I even came inside and was rude and mean. He was clearly intoxicated and not working and used the fact that he worked here as a reason to be mean to me. I've never had a good experience with Dominic and with not come in while he is working or drinking here. Other than him, we love Fireside. As a gay couple, we love coming here because we feel so welcome but Dominic has treated us like crap every time we have been here whether he is working or not. So my recommendation is to come here anytime that he isn't working if you want great service and drinks. Great establishment overall. Still our favorite! read more