Inside: Roc's Firehouse Grille

You know a restaurant is really good when patrons follow it to a new location.

Such is the case with Roc's Firehouse Grille, formerly on El Paseo. If the name doesn't sound familiar, then the little red fire engine which was displayed out front should spark your memory.

The new location at the corner of Cook Street and Gerald Ford Drive (including the signature fire engine) is much larger and even more fun than the original, which opened in 2001.

The firehouse theme, including artifacts going back to the 1800s, was a natural for owner Roland "Roc" Cook, who is a retired Palm Springs firefighter.

Firehouse Grille believes in serving abundant fireman portions at reasonable prices in a casual and fun setting.

The ribs (half rack $15.95/full rack $24.95) are so tender and juicy that the meat practically falls off the bone.

All of Firehouse's soups, sauces and dressings are homemade, including the smokin' chili served by the cup or bowl ($5.95/$7.95) or the terrific nachos ($9.95).

Roc's Wedge, served with a traditional vinaigrette, ice cold creamy bleu cheese dressing and sprinkled with tomato and bacon bits ($7.95), is one of the all-time classics done right.

One of the most popular items are the sliders, which can be ordered four ways. The mini chiefs feature 2-ounce burger patties with melted Swiss cheese and grilled pastrami topped with thousand island dressing ($9.95).

Firehouse has a wide variety of sandwiches.

The Battalion Chief is a generous 8-ounce rib-eye topped with American or Swiss cheese, green chilies, mayonnaise and served on a grilled garlic baguette ($15.95).

On the lighter side, try the Engineer served on wheat bread with cream cheese, romaine lettuce, sunflower seeds, an assortment of fresh veggies, avocado and Swiss cheese ($8).

Firefighters love their carbs, and Firehouse dishes it up right with such selections as the Sunburst Pasta, penne pasta with grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes and broccoli in a creamy pesto sauce ($14.95).

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