Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Brewing Company, Silver Spring

When the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department moved into a larger building, retired firefighter Jeremy Gruber saw an opportunity to combine his two loves. He had grown up with a passion for food—his grandparents opened the New York City restaurant Gruber’s back in the 1930s—so it was only natural that he decided to buy it and open his own restaurant instead.

Though the firehouse vibe lingers with cinderblock walls and large, sectioned windows that resemble garage doors, Jeremy gave the space a modern update with bamboo floors and LED lighting. Inside the transformed dining room, patrons extinguish their hunger with orders of five-alarm wings or firehouse chili paired with cheddar-jalapeño corn bread. In the microwave-free kitchen, cooks also prepare entrees as varied as portobello burgers and seafood risotto. Locals will recognize added treats such as Gifford’s ice cream and craft beers from Red Brick Station.