Downtown Phoenix dwellers with a penchant for pubs now have new place to eat and drink. Well, ‘new’ as of January 8. The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub opened their (bright) red doors at First Street and Washington just in time for the College Football Playoff National Championship downtown. Offering food with an Irish-American flair in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, The Kettle Black is already popular among locals.
Less than a month after opening, The Kettle Black is consistently seeing a bustling lunch crowd, and if you wander in on a Tuesday night, don’t be surprised to also find the place buzzing. It’s somewhat of a phenomenon, really. Because not all restaurants catch on so quickly. This means they must be doing something right.
Neither the atmosphere nor the menu at The Kettle Black feel forced or pretentious. The space itself has a somewhat familiar feel, as if it’s always been there. And despite its decidedly Irish roots, the pub doesn’t really feel Irish. Owners Jimmy Culleton and Tom Montgomery, both Irish, want to keep it that way.
“We want to be in the urban area,” Montgomery said. “That’s why the Irish thing is subtle.”
Aesthetically, The Kettle Black is reminiscent of the kind of pub you might find on the east coast. It has dark wood table tops, booths and bar, Victorian-style tin ceiling tile accents, and modern industrial bar stools and chairs. The elements evoke a kind of rustic old world feel with an urban hint. Utensils rolled in crisp white linens are stacked in sets of two on each table along with small glass jars filled with sprigs of fresh flowers – accents that add a subtle sense of European sophistication.
Another welcome accent to the space is an abundance of USB-port power outlets. No really. When was the last time you saw a pub (or coffee shop for that matter) with nearly as many power outlets as seats? This decision shows thoughtful consideration to the downtown clientele – a decision that will not go unnoticed. Hopefully this will also inspire other downtown establishments to follow suit.
As for the food menu, it’s still being finalized.
Burgers and sandwiches dominate the temporary menu. The First Street Burger – complete with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and an onion ring – has become one of their signature items. Along with other burgers and a blackened chicken sandwich, The Kettle Black also brings a southwest chicken wrap, as well as a black bean burger and Reuben. Once the official menu rolls out at The Kettle Black’s grand opening Feb. 12-14, you can expect a few more traditional Irish items (think shepherd’s pie).
The menu also offers a range of lighter fare including crab cakes with wasabi mayo and salad, honey hot kettle wings, a house made bavarian pretzel and more. A short list of salads are available, as well as entrees including fish and chips, peppercorn steak and a chicken kabob.
For those in search of beer, The Kettle Black has eight beers on tap including Guinness (of course), Stella Artois, Angry Orchard hard cider, Coors and more. Local beers will also be featured, including North Mountain Brewery (7th Street and Dunlap) and Four Peaks Kilt Lifter and more. Wines, cocktails and Irish Whiskey are also available.
If You Go
The Kettle Black
1 N 1st St
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
602-451-1185
thekettleblackpub.com
Photos by Lauren Potter.
