The Fire Spot is a community-driven soul food and comfort food eatery located at 2829 River Road, on the border of Riverside and Tonawanda.
The restaurant is owned and operated by retired fireman Rodney Wilkinson, who initially opened on Fillmore Avenue on the city’s East Side. When he was presented with a financial opportunity to sell his building during the pandemic – an offer that he couldn’t refuse – he took it and began looking for another location. That location turned out to be the former Suzy-Q’s Bar-B-Que Shack, which he signed up to rent three years ago. Before opening the doors, he redesigned the interior to resemble a firehouse.
Today Rodney is serving up signature dishes such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fish and grits, and specialty hoagies, with his signature “comeback sauce.” He told me that he learned how to cook at the firehouse, but that he also has a bunch of family recipes from his mother Ernestine, who spends some time helping out at the restaurant when the weather is nice. In true “Rodney fashion,” he adds his own twists to all of the menu items, like the chicken skins – a top selling item (below left). On the right, the haddock and shrimp, fried green tomatoes, hush puppies, and mac & cheese.
Along with the mains, the Fire Spot excels in the classic comfort sides department, with offerings that include mac & cheese, yams, greens, and fried okra. People come from far and wide to get their hands on The Fire Spot’s banana pudding – they only make 13 a week. During a recent visit I was lucky enough to try the banana pudding and can attest to its out-of-this-world deliciousness.
One thing that you should know about Rodney is that he gives back. Over the years, he’s volunteered on a regular basis at Friends of the Night People. He has also hired a number of down-on-their-luck frequenters of the food pantry. And once you’re working for Rodney, you are treated with exceptional grace and kindness. From boat trips to ice cream and movie outings, Rodney regards his staff as family. Even the neighborhood kids have found a home at The Fire Spot. Rodney offers them pops for a buck. So don’t be surprised to find some of them sitting in there doing their homework.
Rodney is handy with a camera too. In fact, don’t be surprised to find your photo on the wall if you frequent his restaurant. On the wall, he has hung framed photos of his fellow firefighters, and tons of customers who have come to love the place.
At The First Spot, breakfast options are served all day long. It’s just another reason that people love the place so much. Or it could be the fish tacos, which some say are the best in Buffalo.
“He invents dishes that are on fire,” one customer told me.
When I asked Rodney what his best dish was, he said, “Close your eyes and put your finger anywhere on the menu. That’s the best dish.”
The Fire Spot does a brisk takeout and delivery. Sundays are their busiest days at the restaurant.
Incredibly, Rodney knows just about everyone that walks through the door by name. When he’s not in the back cooking, he’s on the floor meeting and greeting. Everyone loves him, and they love him right back, along with his food.
The Fire Spot does take credit cards, but you can’t leave a tip on the register system, which means that you have to bring cash if you want to give a tip. I highly suggest that you do just that, because it’s worth every penny. The service is great, the food is excellent, and atmosphere is upbeat and friendly. Go on a date. Go with your family. Just go.
The Fire Spot is located a few doors down from Primeval Forest Nursery, with views onto the Niagara River.
The Fire Spot | 2829 River Road, Buffalo, NY 14207 | (716) 835-3473 | Menu
Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays.
