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Jack's Firehouse

Jack's Firehouse, 2130 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia

4
RESTAURANT RATING: 
VERY GOOD
4 out of 5 (2574 Ratings)
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0.5 miles from Ben Franklin Parkway
v5 mins driving
t12 mins walking
About Jack's Firehouse
The Spotlight on Jack's Firehouse

Historic Vibes and Hearty Eats Near the Music Scene

Set in a restored 19th-century firehouse across from the Eastern State Penitentiary, Jack's Firehouse brings rustic charm and elevated American comfort food to Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood. With exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a cozy fireplace, it’s an inviting spot that mixes history with high-quality dining—just a short walk from several popular concert venues.

Expect a menu full of bold flavors, from bourbon-glazed pork chops to crab cakes and seasonal specials, all served with a side of warm hospitality. The outdoor patio is a favorite in warmer months, and the full bar features local craft beers and classic cocktails perfect for pre-show sipping.

Why Concert-goers love it

Quick service and a casual-yet-polished atmosphere make Jack's Firehouse a go-to for concert nights. It’s close enough to major venues to make dining here a no-stress affair, and the staff is known for being fast and friendly—ideal when you're on a schedule. The bar area is lively without being overwhelming, so you can enjoy the buzz without shouting over your drink.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to fuel up before the show
  • Solo travelers catching a bucket-list performance
  • Couples on a romantic music-filled weekend
  • Fans wanting a fun and festive pre-show vibe
  • Budget-conscious music lovers—portions are generous and prices fair

What People Say

Reviewers on TripAdvisor and OpenTable highlight the restaurant’s historic ambiance, friendly staff, and satisfying portions. Many love the mix of upscale flavors and relaxed dining. The location gets constant praise for being close to museums, concert venues, and public transit. Standout dishes include the smoked ribs and cornbread muffins—both crowd favorites.

Areas for Improvement

While many guests rave about the food and service, a few mention that the noise level can rise during peak hours. Since it’s a popular spot, reservations are recommended—especially on concert nights. And if you're expecting ultra-modern interiors, the historic firehouse charm might feel more rustic than refined.

The Bottom Line

Jack’s Firehouse is a flavorful, friendly spot perfectly positioned for a satisfying pre-show meal in a one-of-a-kind Philly setting.

Average Price
$31 to $50
Cuisine
American
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Opening Hours
Brunch
Sat, Sun 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Lunch
Mon-Fri 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Bar
Mon-Thu, Sun 12:00 pm-11:00 pm
Fri, Sat 12:00 pm-1:45 am
Dinner
Mon-Thu 3:00 pm-9:00 pm
Fri, Sat 3:00 pm-9:45 pm
Sun 3:00 pm-8:00 pm

Jack's Firehouse Customer Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Pleasant (3 out of 5)

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3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Ruth, Hyattsville Sun, 24 March 2019

We arrived at 6:10 PM and did not get our food until 7:25 PM. Our show was at 8p.m. so we had to take to go boxes. Also the food was too salty.

Liked: The atmosphere.
Disliked: The wait for food.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Jack's Firehouse is #153 of 5397 things to do in Philadelphia

4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: OneMagicBox, Lighthouse Point, Florida
Sun 27 Apr, 2025
l After a Saturday visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we walked to the 1871 Jack's Firehouse for lunch. It was a brisk 20 minute walk to the restaurant which is directly across from the Eastern...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: RonboNJ, Tinton Falls, New Jersey, Usa
Mon 14 Oct, 2024
l For the most part, we had a very good dining experience at Jack's Firehouse before attending the Eastern Penitentiary Halloween Nights event directly across the street. We made reservations for 5 pm...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: knowsnyc
Sun 1 Sep, 2024
l This was right across from the entrance of the Penitentiary. The block has several places to eat. This one has lovely outdoor seating. The service is a 5. Although we arrived five minutes before...

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Jack's Firehouse 2130 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia

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