Restaurant review: Swoon-worthy Fireside Pies sounds simple, but flavors are dynamic

by Josie Singleton of Eat This Fort Worth

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Go ahead. Try to decide which of the 13 pies you want.

FORT WORTH — Fireside Pies. Just the mention of it sends my friends into a little swoon followed by a declaration of their love for Fireside. I’ve been to Fireside several times, and when it comes to good pizza in Fort Worth I’m on Team Fireside.

Fireside Pies came to Fort Worth by way of Dallas about 2 years ago. Before my first visit, I didn’t know what to expect with yet another Dallas-based restaurant anchoring the West 7th development. Initial worries were unfounded because each restaurant tailors its look and menu to the surrounding neighborhood. In the case of the West 7th location, they’ve taken a rustic/elegant approach with heavy doses of wood done in a modern, sleek way. If you sit at the bar, you can take in all the action where you can see the pizzas being assembled and chat with the bartenders.

The menu consists of appetizers, salads, pastas, 13 pies (of the pizza variety), desserts, and changing chalkboard specials. Simple, really. Until you try and choose which of the 13 pies you want.

On my last visit, a group of friends and I started off our night with the Mushroom Arancini appetizer and the Molten Meatballs. Both are “must order” items so either bring an appetite or plenty of friends. Fireside takes an already fantastic food, risotto, and then fries it up which we can all agree makes everything better. A little smoked mozzarella mixed into the risotto adds an extra layer of deliciousness. The meatballs will please just about any palate and I love that they come topped with Dallas-made “Paula’s” Mozzarella.

You wouldn’t expect standout salads from a pizza place, but the salads at Fireside are worth a try. Keep in mind that they are large, though; I generally split mine with my husband or friends. The Fancy House Salad lives up to its name. Red and golden beets mingle nicely with field greens, red cabbage, and for a little Spanish flair, some marcona almonds and manchego cheese shavings.

Now onto the pies. First off, I love that they call them pies. You’ll find 12 choices on the menu and check the chalkboard specials for “13th Pie.” All the pizzas I’ve tried are winners and that’s because of the quality of ingredients and preparation. Their pizza oven does a good job of crisping up the thin crusts of the pizzas they serve.

If you’re looking for a traditional pizza try the “The Good Pepperoni.” It’s got all the basics, cheese and pepperoni, oh and just a dash of truffle oil and fresh basil.

The Garlic and Sage White Pie gives you another solid option with toppings of four cheeses and sage. Even with all the cheeses the White Pie tastes surprisingly light.

If you’re looking for something heartier, I’d go with the House Made Chicken Sausage Pizza, which also comes topped with mushrooms and pepperonata peppers.

I tend to stick to my personal favorite, the Iberian with fennel salami, green olives, provolone, and gorgeous yellow tomatoes. The Iberian delivers a nice blend of flavors and textures that makes it my go-to pizza.

If somehow you’ve still got room, don’t forget dessert. Their Market Fruit Crisp incorporates a seasonal fruit with a side of ice cream. On my last visit, we enjoyed the Cherry Crisp. The blackberry swirled cheesecake is also worth saving room for.

The Fireside Pies dining experience makes it a great spot for dates or nights out with friends. Sharing is the name of the game every time I visit Fireside and that’s part of the fun. However, expect to wait in line during peak times because it’s a popular spot and they don’t take reservations. I do think it’s worth the wait but go early or during the weekdays if lines aren’t for you. Fireside also started serving lunch a few months ago and that’s a great time to check them out as well.

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