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American, Bar, Barbecue
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Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
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Reviews (249)
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Traveler rating
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Reviewed April 23, 2023

Founded by the Quakers in 1806, nestled on the east fork of the Whitewater River, off I-70, the seat of Wayne County, bordering on Ohio, the town of Richmond, Indiana is known as "The Cradle of Recorded Jazz" because the earliest jazz recordings were made...at the studio of Gennett Records. It also is the home of the Wayne County Historical Museum, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame and Firehouse BBQ and Blues, East Central Indiana's most unique dining establishment. Located at 400 North 8th Street, Firehouse BBQ offers hickory-smoked meats and classic sides, plus live entertainment and hand-painted murals in a restored 1860 fire station. Open from 11 to 9 Monday through Thursday and 11 to 10 on Friday and Saturday, Firehouse BBQ is recognized as one of the finest BBQ restaurants in Indiana. On weekends, live blues music attributed to Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington attracts visitors from as far away as Dayton (46 miles to the east), Cincinnati (67 miles to the south) and Indianapolis (92 miles to the west). How about a bowl of Firehouse chili with cheddar cheese and onion served with jalapeno cornbread? Or the house's top seller, Brunswick Stew, a tomato base with smoked sausage, pork, brisket and chicken? Or a pulled pork sandwich with tender pork smoked for 10 hours with seasoned hickory? Or the smoking hog, smoked sausage stuffed with pulled pork, cheese, onions and BBQ sauce? With sides of coleslaw and baked beans. Lunch never tasted so good.More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed April 5, 2023

We enjoyed the pulled pork and Brunswick stew! Robin, the server, was always attentive and did an excellent job. We will definitely return.

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed October 14, 2022

I had been longing to try this place for ages. Afterall I love blues and love BBQ. I thought it would be good and worth a ride just short of 2 hours each way. It was not. It was Great!. Meat smoked to perfection ,killer...sides (sweet potato casserole was out of sight) and an amazing sweet BBQ sauce, I am guessing made there. The old fire barn is dripping with charm and there is simply nothing not to like. I had the sampler and was amazed that a full rack of ribs was on the plate. Actually they needed two plates to serve the sampler. I thought I had passed on and was in heaven with this find.More

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed October 13, 2022 via mobile

Overall a good experience, well staffed and they were very attentive. Food came out almost too fast (3 min.), Although I was sitting by myself at the bar.. barbecue was okay, but the baked beans were really good.

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed September 27, 2022

This was my first time in this restaurant and I was so disappointed. I told my waitress twice, twice, that I would like a diet coke. I received a coke and when I took it back up, she looked at me like I was crazy...and said she gave me a diet coke. I DO know the difference and even one of the staff commented that it is easy to tell the difference. Then I was unfamiliar with the menu as I had never been there before and I pointed to the Kelly's Chicken but I said I wanted the chicken sandwich. Since I was pointing to the Kelly's chicken, I thought that is what I would receive. Again, did not know the menu. As an experienced waitress, she did not clarify so I must say, I was disappointed when I got just a pulled chicken sandwich. No offer to get me what I had actually wanted. In all fairness, I did say the wrong thing though I was pointing at what I thought I was ordering because it was all new to me. Waitress was not friendly and now I am not certain that I want to try this place again. So disappointed because I had heard such good things.More

Date of visit: September 2022
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Reviewed September 1, 2022

Decided to enjoy lunch on the outside patio, which is located on the north side of the building, providing ample shade. Service was great and the food was delicious.

Date of visit: August 2022
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Reviewed November 4, 2021 via mobile

Visiting family from out of town. The food was Great. Had the black and bleau salad. The lettuce tasted fresh. Service was the best. Atmosphere was terrific.

Date of visit: November 2021
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Reviewed November 1, 2021

While researching interesting things to see/do for a 700 mile trek along I-70, I came across the name of this place. I decided to stop here for an early dinner on a Saturday night because Firehouses are near & dear to my heart being the...daughter of a lifetime volunteer firefighter. This place did not disappoint me at all, and I was able to wander around snapping photos of the murals, memorabilia and fun music facts throughout the multiple rooms because it wasn't very busy yet. While I enjoyed my food, I was lucky enough to be entertained by a lone guitarist singing cover songs in the Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel groove. The atmosphere was welcoming, my waiter Alex was friendly & kind, and the food was absolutely delicious. I truly loved the murals all over the exterior of the building and the nearby buildings as well. The outdoor patio looked cozy, but the weather was not cooperating for those that wished to be there. And, being October, they added a nice seasonal touch... the exterior of the building was literally CRAWLING with skeletons!More

Date of visit: October 2021
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Reviewed October 16, 2021

Stopped on a Saturday night and they were busy. It's a seat yourself kind of place. Found a table and waitstaff greeted us shortly after. Menu is BBQ, sandwiches, salads, and pizza. Good tap beer selection including several local brews. Food and drinks were served...after a surprisingly short wait on such a busy night. We had the smoked sausage, some firehouse chili, and a brisket and bacon pizza. All were delicious. A local band was playing blues and rock music during our visit. All in a restored historic firehouse!More

Date of visit: October 2021
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Reviewed September 9, 2021 via mobile

Your place came recommended. Not sure why. We tried calling for take out and the phone message said we reached the restaurant but the mailbox was full. Thought it was a good sign. Nope. We went there to place takeout order. Husband ordered brisket sandwich...with cheesy potatoes. No sauce came with the sandwich Dry as a bone. His potatoes tasted like a potatoes ah gratin box mix. Bleah. I ordered a Cobb salad as we are road travelers and need veggies. The only redeeming quality was the tons of cheddar cheese which seemed fresh. The salad was browned and wilted, the chicken breast on top was as dry as carpet, the avocado was turned dark, and it was a huge disappointment. We had already driven to our digs for the night so no use going back. Out $22 for crappy food. Sorry.More

Date of visit: September 2021
Helpful?3  
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Reviewed August 10, 2021

We recently went to Firehouse for a late lunch. The place had an almost full dining area. When the unmasked waiter came to take our order, I ask him if he were vaccinated. He said “no.” We got up and left. It is shameful that...management allows unmasked staff, and especially unvaccinated staff, to interact with customers. There evidently is not a policy that customers be masked. We will not be back. “Your choice, my body.”More

Date of visit: August 2021
Helpful?2  
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Reviewed August 9, 2021 via mobile

Very good BBQ. We started with the BBQ Nachos. This is a huge plate of nachos. We followed with BBQ pulled pork and BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches. Both were very good. Only complaint was the timing of service. Right after our BBQ Nachos appetizer was...served, our sandwiches were also served. They need to give you time to work on the appetizer, before serving the main course. But, we'd eat here again.More

Date of visit: August 2021
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Reviewed July 26, 2021

I had both the pulled pork and brisket sandwiches for lunch. I wanted just sandwich, but was told sandwiches come with a side [at same price]. I had the baked beans and the cheesy potatoes. The beans were above average. The potatoes can only be...described as decadent or maybe very caloric, which may mean the same thing :>) I found the pork to be a bit dry. The brisket too much like pot roast. Smoke flavor was missing. Rolls need an overhaul, very dry. But, they have three sauces, all of which are good.More

Date of visit: July 2021
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Reviewed May 29, 2021 via mobile

Great food, friendly staff. I travel past Richmond nearly every year on my way to Indianapolis and stopping at the firehouse has become a tradition. Never disappoints.

Date of visit: May 2021
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Reviewed March 24, 2021 via mobile

Cool place for lunch. Locals report a band every weekend which would make it even more awesome but we were near for work. Food is EXCELLENT and we highly recommend.

Date of visit: March 2021
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Questions & Answers
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hal9000hd
February 18, 2016|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from Rae Ann H | Reviewed this property |
I think they could handle the group size but if the ladies want to talk I would suggest something else. It is very noisy there. I would suggest the candle outlet off 70 near Richmond. Warm Glow is the name. They have a... More
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FIREHOUSE BBQ, Richmond - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Firehouse BBQ

Yes, Firehouse BBQ offers takeout services.

Firehouse BBQ is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5