Fireside Tavern reopens under new ownership

CEDAR RAPIDS — A downtown restaurant is trading its Italian chops for a menu from another continent.

The Fireside Tavern, 411 First St. SE, reopened under new ownership Jan. 31.

The new restaurant, led by chefs Cinthia Hatungimana and Cailea Miller, serves a menu of Pan-African classics and American soul food staples. Hatungimana comes to Cedar Rapids from Tanzania by way of Burundi.

Billed as a multicultural sports bar, the restaurant’s menu features African classics including cassava leaf with fufu, goat stew and grilled suya alongside a soul menu of collard greens, catfish, macaroni and cheese and signatures like stuffed turkey legs served with sweet potatoes. Sides include several varieties of rice including jollof, Haitian pilau and dirty rice.

In addition to the food, guests can expect an atmosphere that combines Caribbean rhythms, Afrobeat energy, and R&B soul.

“While the location is rooted in America, the experience is designed to take guests on a flavorful tour of Africa through tradition, storytelling, and bold culinary execution,” said Gerald Seals, owner, in a news release. “Every dish is crafted to honor cultural roots while pushing flavor forward.”

The Fireside Tavern was first opened in February by Mandy Gaud, owner of CityWalk in Cedar Rapids. Its former owner ended the restaurant side of its operations later last summer to focus on catering.

The space was previously home to Chophouse Downtown.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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