The building was actually a real firehouse once. Firefighting tools, memorabilia and iconography adorn the establishment.

There's a patio in the front adjacent to the street and a patio enclosed in the back.

It's a few blocks from Gold's Gym and has a lot of high protein meals (a literal "bodybuilder menu"), so there's almost always a few bodybuilders eating there.

Back in the Pumping Iron days, after most workouts, Arnold, Franco, and the Gold’s Gym gang would head to the famous Firehouse restaurant for their post-workout meal.

Below, modern day bodybuilder Jay Cutler and friend on what must have been a "cheat" day:

There are many pictures hanging on the walls of firemen that worked in the firehouse before it was a restaurant. One visitor sent the following letter and picture (more readable text of letter is below image):

December 30, 2004

Dear Ms. Hamada:

I have enclosed a photo of my Grandfather, John P. Home, who was a Battalion Chief for the City of Los Angeles. At the time of his retirement, your restaurant was one of six fire stations under his command.

I have visited your restaurant about three times and notice that you have a photo of the firemen assigned to this station dated the year after my Grandfather retired. I thought perhaps you might like to add my Grandfather's photo to your collection of historical memorabilia. My family would be honored if you would chose to display his photo.

I have many fond memories of my father telling my sisters and me how the LAFD "driver" would pick up my Grandfather, on summer mornings, to drive him to the Venice station. My father, his bother and sisters would often accompany their father, John Home, to the Venice station to spend the day on the beach before returning to their home in what is now Beverly Hills.

My father passed away three years ago at the age of 84. His eldest sister passed away last year at the age of 91. I so regret that I did not have an opportunity to take my aunts and uncle to your restaurant while they were living. I am certain they would have enjoyed seeing what you have accomplished, and would have been very pleased to see this historical landmark be preserved.

Sincerely,

Madeleine Home-Steinman

Back when it was a firehouse:

And last, but not least, seen in the 90s movie Speed.