Firetop Bar & Grill, An Atmosphere Unique For Harrisonburg

Firetop Bar & Grill, located on Evelyn Byrd Avenue, offers both Hookah and delicious Eastern dishes. (Photo: Sunil Dick)

Firetop Bar & Grill not only has great food, but it delivers an atmosphere unlike any other in Harrisonburg. Firetop is located across the street from Rocktown and just down the road from IHOP at 1971 E. Evelyn Byrd Ave., a convenient location if you’ve been shopping at the mall or at a movie at Regal Cinemas. The owners are usually at the restaurant and like to sit down and talk with customers. They are very open about explaining how and why they decided to open the restaurant, but to actually go there and hear it from them is the best way to get the story.

The outside of the restaurant may be a bit deceiving due to its plain brick and glass makeup, but once inside, the smell of delicious food and the sensual ambiance prevails. The atmosphere is Moroccan and Middle Eastern in nature, with relaxing, dim lighting and finely dressed tables of dark wood. The walls are painted deep red and have oversized pictures of camels and other desert scenes on them. A variety of music plays, ranging from some underground hip-hop to sitar.

One of Firetop’s signature features is a variety of hookahs to try, ranging from cappuccino to watermelon (cappuccino is not listed on the menu but can be requested). Hookahs are a traditional Indian device used to smoke shisha. Many Middle Eastern countries have also picked up the tradition. The smoke filters through cool water at the base of the hookah and can give a smooth, relaxing sensation. The flavors come out strong and are easily tasted. Hookahs can be enjoyed by a group of people after a meal or just to relax with a drink. Firetop Bar & Grill has two areas with couches that sink like quick sand for one to relax on while they eat or “kick back” with a hookah.

Going to Firetop does not mean that the hookah is the only thing to do. For those worried about the smoke, Firetop even has an excellent ventilation system that can keep even the purest lungs happy. Their variety of Eastern dishes offers a lot of food to try. One menu item is the Butter Chicken, which is served with a salad and rice. Firetop also has a very tasty Steak and Cheese, for those who prefer a more American meal. Everything is prepared fresh, and their Golden Bag appetizer is a great option for a large appetite.

Firetop makes a great place to go on a Friday or Saturday night when looking for something fun and new to do. The atmosphere is unique, enough to break through the comfort of a typical Ruby Tuesday dining experience. Firetop is a great place to bring friends and sit back and relax together in a place where you can stay for hours. Firetop Bar & Grill delivers a great time that will keep customers wanting to go back time and time again.