The Fire Station Themed Cafe In Michigan Is Truly Wonderful
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published February 15, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
If you’re a fan of firefighters or have a child who’s firefighter-obsessed, boy, do I have a recommendation for you! Aptly named The Engine House, this casual spot in Mount Clemens is a unique restaurant in Michigan— and one that is top-to-bottom firehouse-themed. With touches everywhere evoking a classic fire station atmosphere and a no-nonsense good menu, this small-town gem deserves a place on your dining radar.
Once you discover that the Engine House is the passion project of two retired Detroit-area firemen, John Gusumano and Greg Sisoy, its commitment to its aesthetic becomes far less cliche and far more charming. Located in a former fire station, the restaurant's entrance is flanked by two authentic firehouse doors, heralding the start of your dining experience.
And though the founders don't do the cooking themselves, the menu is utterly inspired by the stick-to-your-ribs fare that fuels the heroism of Michigan's firefighters. Executed by Chef Ryan McAllister, it's a journey through American standards that will surely satisfy even the pickiest palates.
This homey approach to cooking allows various cuisines to slot harmoniously side-by-side on a varied menu. Pasta? They have that. Pizza? You bet. Barbecue ribs? Absolutely!
If you're hunting for a fun night out, aim to arrive Wednesday when local fire station personnel swing by to rub shoulders with the civilian population. Work up the courage to ask them a question with some liquid courage from the bar, where Engine House's nationally-recognized bartenders whip up imaginative drinks.
Engine House fits into a genre of restaurant that's grown increasingly rare in an age of trendy cuisine. It makes you feel right at home, which is a real compliment to owners Gusumano and Sisoy, as well as Chef McAllister, who've managed to recreate the comforting environment of a firehouse kitchen for the whole community to enjoy.
