Located at 722 Grand Avenue, Firehouse was ordered closed on Wednesday, October 28, following a routine inspection by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality. Inspectors documented three violations, including a major vermin violation, a minor food holding temperature violation and a minor consumer advisory violation.
The county's publicly available inspection summary does not specify what type of vermin was discovered or the extent of the problem. However, the major classification was serious enough to result in an immediate closure order, temporarily interrupting operations at the popular restaurant and rooftop lounge just ahead of Halloween weekend.
Firehouse underwent a reinspection on Thursday, October 29, when county officials recorded no violations and approved the establishment to reopen. A separate inspection record from the same date awarded the restaurant a score of 98 and an A grade, with only a minor consumer advisory violation noted.
The restaurant is owned and operated through SDCM Restaurant Group, the San Diego hospitality company led by restaurateur Matthew Spencer. Firehouse was among Spencer's earliest restaurant ventures, opening in 2007 with longtime business partner Tyler Charman, and helped establish what would eventually become one of the region's prominent independent restaurant and nightlife groups.
Corporate records for Firehouse Restaurant, Inc., the company associated with the Grand Avenue establishment, identify Spencer as a director and Charman as chief executive officer, chief financial officer and secretary. The company was incorporated in California in June 2006, ahead of the restaurant's opening the following year.
Over the ensuing years, Spencer expanded his hospitality portfolio throughout San Diego, developing or operating such establishments as Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, Vin de Syrah in the Gaslamp Quarter, The Grass Skirt tiki bar and Captain's Quarters in Pacific Beach, Devil's Dozen Donut Shop in Little Italy, Waverly in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Camino Riviera in Little Italy.
The group also took over the revival of The Whaling Bar at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla and acquired the former Wolfie's Carousel Bar in Little Italy in 2024, reopening it as Wilma's Carousel Bar. Several of the company's concepts have attracted national attention, particularly Kettner Exchange, which earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. Others have closed, including Camino Riviera, Vin de Syrah, and Wilma's Carousel.
Firehouse itself has undergone significant changes since opening nearly 20 years ago. Originally known as a casual beachside restaurant and bar, the establishment developed a following for its rooftop patio, ocean views, weekend brunch and late-night atmosphere.
In November 2014, SanDiegoVille reported that Firehouse would temporarily close for a substantial renovation intended to modernize the aging establishment. The project ultimately involved an approximately $1 million overhaul, transforming the property with expansive glass doors, a redesigned dining room, updated rooftop seating, private cabanas and a refreshed culinary program.
The restaurant reopened in May 2015 following the renovation, with a new menu and an emphasis on more ambitious American cuisine alongside its established bar and nightlife business. SDCM corporate executive chef Brian Redzikowski later became involved in overseeing the restaurant's culinary direction.
Despite its longstanding presence in Pacific Beach, Firehouse has faced previous health inspection concerns. An August 26, 2025, routine inspection resulted in a score of 94 and an A grade, but inspectors documented a minor vermin violation, a minor food holding temperature violation and deficiencies involving thawing methods and warewashing facilities.
A November 6, 2023, inspection similarly recorded a minor vermin violation, along with a minor handwashing facilities violation and deficiencies involving warewashing and premises maintenance. That inspection also resulted in a score of 94 and an A grade.
Additional routine inspections in September 2024 and March 2023 resulted in scores of 98 and 93, respectively, both receiving A grades. Neither inspection resulted in a closure order.
The October 28, 2026, inspection marked a more serious enforcement action because the vermin violation was classified as major and prompted the county to order the business closed. The previous minor vermin findings do not, by themselves, establish that the latest violation involved the same underlying conditions.
The closure came at an especially busy time for Pacific Beach, where Halloween celebrations traditionally draw large crowds to the neighborhood's restaurants, bars and nightlife establishments. Firehouse's prominent location near the ocean and its established reputation as a dining and entertainment destination make it a familiar stop for both locals and visitors.
County records indicate that Firehouse satisfied the requirements for reopening on October 29, allowing the establishment to resume operations ahead of Halloween weekend. The publicly available inspection history does not detail the corrective measures taken or establish precisely when regular service resumed.
Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge is located at 722 Grand Avenue in Pacific Beach. The restaurant remains listed as an active SDCM establishment, with its current hours and dining information available at firehousepb.com.
Originally published on October 31, 2026.
