Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar

One of the must try restaurants of the Midwest. Everything was delicious. Not big portions like everything else in Iowa...but refreshing superb quality, refinement, and subtlety. The blackberry bourbon was strong in bourbon and blackberry flavor. Looking forward to trying every seasons menu.

Great flavors, great service. We had the fall menu, and ordered the fried chicken meal which was good but not great. We also ordered the beef short ribs, and that was where the money was at. Spot on flavours were very satisfying. The Brazen salad was amazing! The leek fondue was was interesting and quiet good. Kid friendly, as they had colouring and kids snacks. Server was delightful! This place is a treat, and prices reflect that, but we would say it is worth it. Would recommend and come again!

They have no freezer. Everything is so fresh….as it should be. Brunch was great. Quality ingredients. Try the pastries. Come hungry. I had the quiche, bacon, potatoes. Drinks were just as good. They locally source as much as they can. Care goes into everything, that includes the staff. Would totally recommend. We shared a Pop-tart….so good. Nothing like your memories.

Visiting a restaurant that feels like it's straight out of a movie is a rare treat in Iowa. With an acclaimed executive chef, a menu full of incredible dishes, and a unique ambience, this place stands out. The food, service, and atmosphere were all outstanding. Thanks to Kevin and the team at Brazen!

One of the best meals we have had!! The homemade sourdough bread is phenomenal!! We ordered the corn cakes, the elote pizza, bucatini and ricotta gnocchi- PHENOMENAL!! The server was great, but the service was slow. However, it was worth the wait. I would give 10 stars- highly recommend!!

I love coming here and I make sure to visit a few times every year because the menu changes with the season. The service is impeccable, and I appreciate the knowledge that each server has spent time acquiring. The kitchen is beautiful and I would highly recommend coming with three or four friends so that you can order almost everything on the menu and share. I think my most distinct memory from this restaurant was a potato soup that they had in the winter a few years ago that was topped off with fresh grated horseradish. It was silky and comforting and changed my mind completely about an ingredient I thought I hated. This is one of the best restaurants that Iowa has to offer.

Traveled through Dubuque for the weekend and this brunch place in the Millwork District did not disappoint. Great food and drink options, and a decent kids menu. The service and atmosphere were great and we were quickly seated without a reservation. Had the Egg Tacos and Overnight Oats which were both really good! The Bloody was excellent! Highly recommend. Wish we would have tried for dinner. A bit higher priced but well worth it.

Coming in from Nashville to see family and friends, we always try to get to Brazen at least once. Our visit this past weekend was fantastic. The food and cocktails are top notch. Our server, Renee, was outstanding. Can’t wait to return.

We stopped in here for a brunch over a weekend getaway in Galena with a quick stop in Dubuque. This was a charming little spot in an industrial neighborhood that seems to have converted into a higher end residential area. Our iced coffees (a latte of some variety) were delicious, and the homemade pop tart was very sweet but a great treat to share at the start of the meal. Lots of items on the menu were tempting, but the biscuits and gravy were calling for both of us - they were a great brunch choice and huge portions. The space was beautiful inside, and if I ever end up in Dubuque again, would consider stopping by for a nice meal.

One word comes to mind....nope. The handmade orecchiette was doused in so much pungent olive oil that it was not enjoyable. The fried chicken was so salty it tasted like it had been brined for a week. Now, let's talk service. Absent is the word that comes to mind. It was our anniversary and they knew that. No service til the end in which we were offered a crème brûlée. We declined as we were so frustrated with the lack of service. We receive better service at Texas Roadhouse for Christ sake. Do better.

Could not speak higher of the food and service!! They have a rotating menu, so you have to stop in this fall to try the mushroom bucatini (recommend adding chicken to make it a bit more filling). Portions were large enough to let me enjoy my meal for a second night! The ambiance is dark and moody and a great spot whether you're having a girls night or a date night.

Brazen open kitchen was the perfect spot for a little date night. The restaurant is super cute and has a nice cozy romantic feeling to it. They have tons of seating inside, a large bar, and some outdoor seating. The drinks were excellent and our food was also very tasty. They have a cool open concept kitchen space in the back part of the restaurant and I really enjoyed watching the food come together. Service was also excellent and attentive. I was celebrating an anniversary here and they brought us a tasty cream brûlée to celebrate which was so thoughtful. Would definitely stop in here again!

It was a very lovely dinner. I really enjoyed my salmon and crème brûlée which was rich and full of flavor. My husband loved his fried chicken. Cocktails were well executed. The service was nice and the ambiance was cute.

A good spot but they are very, very few options if you are vegetarian. They seem to conflate vegetarian and vegan and all together there was only around 4 options. While I understand, not doing replacements or substitutions, it would also be nice to have options for vegetarians, like the mushroom pizza which had sausage in it, and could not be made vegetarian because the sausage was in the sauce. Maybe that changes with the menu, but I would've loved to see farm to table options that were vegetarian other than salads.

Best chicken I've ever had in my entire life. I am fulfilled not to mention the drinks are a perfect compliment. Service is incredible, too.

First time eating there for wife's birthday. She'd been there before. Leek fondue was awesome! I ordered the 20 oz ribeye w/ mushrooms and onions. Steak arrives and looks delicious. First bite with some mushrooms and onions, and the mushrooms and onions were cold, steak not very warm. Took a second bite of just mushrooms and onions and cold. Ok then. Scooted them off the steak and took a bite. It had become cool from the cold mushrooms and onions but the worst part was that it had NO flavor, no seasoning, just bland. Waitress was great and very friendly. I waited until after I got the bill to tell her that I appreciate her service but the steak was not good, and I won't be back. She removed the cost from the bill for the onions and mushrooms, but that's not the point. If I'm going to pay you $80+ for a steak with toppings, at least get it to me hot.

The service was absolutely spectacular!! I cannot express how amazing the staff and service is. It's a rustic looking decor that makes you feel calm. The food is ok, I'm a person that loves flavor. I want the POW of flavor which isn't something I experienced.

This was, without exaggeration, the most exceptional meal I've ever had. The menu is thoughtfully curated, with every cocktail, small plate, entrée, and dessert designed to complement one another seamlessly. Each dish struck a delicate balance between innovation and familiar flavors, and Chef Kevin + team's attention to creativity and restraint. The apple-tamarind Amish chicken was a revelation and its texture tender and precise. The crab cakes were beautifully fresh and flaky, and the sweet potato custard was f*****g ethereal. Every bite felt like perfection. The staff were genuinely kind and every rec was spot-on. I can't emphasize how much their sincerity elevated this experience even further. Never in my life would I have expected to find a meal of this caliber in Dubuque, Iowa, but here we are. If you're ever even remotely close, this place is worth every mile of the journey.

I went to Brazen and did a mini tasting. The great (secret) tip my server gave me was you can order one piece of Fried Chicken with whatever else you order. Much has been said about the fried chicken and it is crave-worthy for sure. I had a broccolini app that was like nothing I had ever tried and was delicious. The absolute star of my meal was a cold sweet corn soup, I have no words. Amazing, sweet, velvety...crazy good. I look forward to returning and trying all the seasonal variations. Their prompt, knowledgeable staff in a setting that is perfectly suited to the food makes it all feel elevated and relaxed at the same time. A wonderful experience.

The food was interesting and delicious. Service was perfect, great way to celebrate our anniversary. They even brought out a mini-crème brûlée as a nice touch to make our night special. I'd go back anytime I'm in Dubuque.

An excellent option for dinner in the Tri-State area, just a half-hour from The Field of Dreams in Dubuque's Millwork District. My second time visiting, and it was even better this time. Great setting in an old brick building that oozes good vibes, Brazen begins with a fun entry and keeps getting better and better due to its high-end combination of excellent customer service and an exquisitely executed unique menu. Our server, Renee, was elite, a joy to work with, and truly knew her job. So pleasant and aware, she was golden. The Brazen salad is superb, so we split one, and there was plenty to enjoy. Fresh greens and excellent tastes abound. We both selected the Spring Lamb Gnocchi as our entree, which was tremendous, a luscious mix of perfectly cooked lamb and ricotta-laced gnocchi. It was even better on Day Two! This place rocks and works whether you're dressed up from work or a special occasion or in nice shorts and summer wear. It's a vibe can you seldom find in a restaurant. Brazen is one of my two favorite places in Dubuque County.

What a way to close out 2023 with another great meal at Brazen! We can't wait for what is in store in 2024 from this wonderful restaurant. The food is so good but the people from back of the house to the front are the difference makers. You can feel the love in every bite. Thank you for your hospitality and delicious food. We are fans for life! Chef Kevin, Chef Kasey and all of those in the kitchen, keep working your magic!

4.75* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 5* 06/06/2023 We were determined to have a steak tonight while in town on business travel and several other places that we checked weren't open on a Tuesday night. This place is quite an impressive venue - wide open atmosphere that highlights the chefs in the kitchen and their work. The only thing holding this place back from a full 5* in my book is the value...as the pricing was quite high - but when you come here, it is probably for a special occasion! Due to the fact that we had already stopped at another venue for appetizers, I ended up going light and splitting the Ribeye (see picture) with a fellow employee. As you might expect in a restaurant of this quality, it was fantastic and one of the better ribeyes that I've had. As long as you come prepared for your meal being quite expensive, you definitely will be happy with the food, atmosphere and service. I would highly recommend a stop here for your next special occasion - just don't forget to make reservations, as they are VERY busy. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

Amazing food .. the service was attentive and my roasted chicken was so flavorful! We had to try it because of the rave reviews and fame of the chef, and it did not disappoint. And as the name indicates, an open and beautiful kitchen, and you can tell it's well-kept and your food is going to be created in an open and clean kitchen. Highly recommend. Prices aren't cheap, but they're really not so bad, considering the fare.

This drink is a bomb, I don't think Ive had a better drink than this... it's delicious, it's phenomenal!

Ambiance is The food was just okay. One of the dishes has burnt bread as a sauce and our whole table thought it was pretty interesting to have such dark/black sauce from using burnt food which is not the healthiest. The atmosphere is nice, service was fine, but wouldn't come back for the food.

I've lived in Dubuque five years and never ate at Brazen. I've missed out on amazing food. We had a few appetizers: Leek Fondue, Brussel Sprout Salad, and Pork Jowl. Don't let the simple names fool you. Complex flavors and professional presentation all the way. I had the lasagna as a main course. Noodles handmade. Sauce handmade. The dessert was pumpkin crème brûlée. Service was impeccable. Great vibe.

We enjoyed our supper so much that we returned for Sunday brunch. Their service was attentive and friendly. Brazen offers a unique dining experience with their open kitchen concept and rustic-chic elements. However, none of this compares to their food. The ribeye was cooked and seasoned perfectly. This steak melts in your mouth! Their house steak sauce is full of flavor but you truly will not need it with this steak. The spicy margarita was a 10/10 and highly recommended. The brioche French toast with vanilla butter is wonderful but the pancakes were a fan favorite at our table. The Bloody Mary is on the spicier side. Don't leave without trying dessert or taking one home with you. We will definitely be back.

Disappointed with the opportunities in Galena, I took a drive west across the river to Dubuque. Online research and some personal recommendations suggested Brazen was the place. It was! I exchanged messages with the owner on Yelp to ensure my timing (late) wouldn't be a problem. Super responsive and super professional. Ate at the bar and enjoyed everything. If you are a brown liquor fan, TRY THE BLACK MANHATTAN which is terrific and a nice variation on the theme. The bartender was accommodating when I asked to sample a couple of wines, deciding on an Italian white that was a nice move away from the usual by the glass selections. Two apps for me: the tuna (after I ordered the bartender said that's her favorite) which was interesting and delicious, and the Vietnamese crepes, which were unique and delicious. I have every reason to believe the rest of the menu is just as good. I'm a Chicago and New York restaurant snob. This place could compete successfully in either town. Great room and vibe, too.

Forget Dubuque, this is one of the best restaurants in Iowa. It is fantastic, which that adjective doesn't do it justice. The space is nice, a bit of a modern, refurbished factory type building with a great atmosphere. One of the surprising pieces is that for as great as it is, the tables are nicely spaced and provides for a great dinner evening without feeling like you are right on top of the table next to you. As with any great restaurant, the food is the absolute superstar of the evening. The menu changes with the seasons is what they shared so what we had may or may not be on the menu if you go (which you should). We started with the leak fondue- think the best spinach dip you ever had and then imagine it 10 times better and that it had been whipped lighter than the best whipped cream. We also had the Vietnamese crape. The duck basically melted into the pastry with a sauce that bursted with flavor. For the main course, my wife had the beef and broccolini pasta which was more of an Asian noodle dish and one of just top top quality. It was excellent. I had the fried chicken. 4 pieces of the juiciest, crispiest and most flavorful chicken I can remember. If you live within driving distance, this chicken is worth it. It's worth it, even if you live farther away. And the cornbread with hot honey - oh my!!! You have to taste it to really appreciate it. Like I said, one of the best meals in the state. The night was great and we had an excellent time. Based on the quality of the food, the price point is extremely reasonable. We've paid more for much less quality food so don't worry, you won't break the bank. Brazen is a great night out!

I started with the leak cheese fondue and it was excellent! A mixture of cream cheese and pecorino cheese. The cheese was tasty and you spread it on crusty bread. The bread itself tasted great. Enjoyed it! Then I had the cream chorizo pasta. Good chorizo flavor but too salty for me. I don't add salt to my food anymore so I don't enjoy salty foods anymore. Service and ambiance were great.

We went there last night and heard they are changing the menu next week since their menu is seasonal. The pork belly was amazing. Flavorful and delish great sauce and greens. The wedge salad had loads of toppings and was plenty to share. We saved some of pork belly to add to the wedge but wasn't really necessary bc they had plenty bacon already on it. I had the miso short ribs that were fantastic. A mix of sweet crunch topping and savory puree. My hubs had the salmon which he was perfectly cooked. Ended the dinner with crème brûlée

Always one the best places in Dubuque. We come here for most of our special occasions.

We got to Galena every year and met up with a coworker/friend who had since moved to Dubuque. At this recommendation, we met for dinner at Brazen and got to sit outside under their covered patio. The area this place is in kind of reminds me of Milwaukee since it is industrial. Service was excellent and we very much enjoyed our dinner. Their cocktails were intriguing and mixed well. My husband got their fried chicken and it was massive! My friend got their fish, which looked super flavorful and had a very nice presentation. And I opted for their seasonal pasta which was fresh and full of flavor. I definitely want to come back here again.

Third visit to Brazen. We gray haired ladies got the best service from Ben . Peppered him with questions and requests and he did not falter! The chicken is the best. The pork chop was very juicy but the sauce was a pleasant element to the taste buds. Nice selection of alcoholic beverages. The cucumber fizz has vodka in it but Im sure that it would be just as good without. Kevin added a living wall for ambiance. Worth the visit.

This was a random stop after a light sightseeing excursion. And what a delight! The food was delicious. If I were in town again, I'd definitely return. The menu was very eclectic & a mix of different flavors/cultures (my husband ordered some Asian-style noodles & a Caesar salad to start, while I also had a - different - salad and fried chicken). The food was well seasoned. Not at all bland. Additionally, they served bread and (SOFT) butter - just the way I like it! Please pay them a visit, I think you will enjoy.

My mom, sister, and I went to Brazen yesterday for dinner for our belated Mother's Day/girl's trip to Galena and Dubuque. They had both been to Brazen prior, while this was my first trip. The service was extremely friendly, and there was a lot of various staff running around busing tables and bringing drinks. It was a little hard to figure out which was our actual server because so many different people were coming to and from our table. We order two appetizers for the table: the strawberry and Spanish ham salad and the pakora fritters. Both were incredible, don't get me wrong, but that salad was the best thing we ate the whole night. It was absolutely mind-blowing and a big enough size to share with all three of us (but I could have absolutely had it for my main and been content). We each ordered a different entree. My sister had the duck, my mother had the beef and broccolini, and I had the vegan option of cabbage and chicken curry. I am not personally vegan, but the description of this dish leapt out to me from the menu. The entire meal was absolutely incredible. We shared bites with one another throughout the meal and couldn't decide who had "ordered the best." We ended our meal with a rhubarb bread pudding with a rhubarb sauce, fresh blueberries, and a cheesecake ice cream that was absolutely UNREAL. Frankly the whole dish was unreal to the point we were all fighting over bites. This was an incredible meal and a noteworthy experience, possibly one of the best dining experiences I've had in 2023. This was a standout experience in Dubuque and the rest of the area should take note.

Lovely scratch kitchen - good service - great for conversation and ambiance. And well crafted cocktails!

Food was amazing! Drinks were unique . I would highly recommend dining at Brazen while in town!

Food is the best in town, the menu always changes and everything is delicious. They have the nicest servers in town and best drinks by far. Our favorite place for date night or brunch. Can be fancy or casual, whatever you're feeling! Best place in Dubuque.

This was definitely a highlight of our anniversary weekend. The ambiance was so relaxed and the waitstaff were very personable and accommodating. The food was phenomenal- leek fondue, New York strip and the side of gourmet fries was some of the best you could ever find!

Brazen was a great place for a night out. The service and food were both of very high quality! We went on a Friday night and made a reservation (highly recommended). For drinks, I had a lemon drop and my husband ordered an old fashioned- both were the best we've had in a long time! The dinner menu was high-end and featured foods that you don't normally find in the more rural areas of the Midwest. I had a fantastic Creme Brûlée for dessert and felt like I was dining off in a big city far, far away!

One of my favorite restaurants in the area!!!! No matter what you get it is made from scratch with more ingredients that you can fit in the description. I really enjoy the fish dishes and whenever they have a special it's amazing. I do hope they bring brunch back, but trekking over to Ottos in galena has been working for us. I would also suggest some branching out at their bar and trying some of the craft cocktails. The wine and beer list is also well curated

This is a great place! It has unique and delicious food. Drinks are also fantastic. A must try if you are in the Dubuque area.

Amazingly good fried chicken! Seriously, this place fed me one of the best fried chicken meals I've had in years. I've long said that my favorite fried chicken comes from Harold's on the south side of Chicago. That still hold true but only because the fried chicken at Brazen is a completely different take on yard bird. The Brazen version is incredibly juicy and delicious. The breading is a bit lighter in color but offers plenty of those crunchy bits that makes really good fried chicken such a treat. The meat itself is juicy and fork-tender. Chicken in this country can be bland but that's not the case at Brazen. They locally-source just about everything and that includes yummy birds. Of note: the picture may not do the 4-piece chicken justice. It's a lot of food! The bread and butter was a nice start. Great assortment of adult beverages (I had a McCallan 12 and a Eagle Rare Manhattan) from the bar. Service was impeccable. Call ahead for a reservation if you're comfortable dining-in. I'm usually not but they are strictly following the Covid restrictions so I felt comfortable enough to enjoy a great dinner.

One of the best brunches in my opinion. Short menu with plenty of options for lunch and breakfast. My favorite was chicken and biscuits. The desserts are great and the bartenders/mixologists have excellent taste. Reasonable price for a fresh place to eat, nice place to treat yourself.

Fresh and delicious food and the atmosphere is energetic and it's a great location in the mill work district with other options for entertainment and shopping .

This has been a FAV since day 1... but due to Covid I'm guessing menu was extremely limited and tends to be seasonal, the food is AMAZING, but I don't do spice(heat) so didn't go for awhile! Happy to report we are back and the nutritional yeast fried chicken is the BOMB! , Geminelli DELISH! The Hubs got the Rigatoni he said it was LIKE HOME ( NY ).. so next time in Dubuque, make resv. Give Brazen a try , Chef Kevin lives up to his great reputation !

Excellent service, menu is fancy... we were referred here by colleagues on a business trip. I got the shrimp and grits.. it was good, portion was average. Overpriced in my opinion. Would definitely return just for drinks, bar and patio has a good vibe. Neighborhood is cool!

Just flat out the best option for dinner OR brunch in Dubuque. The team is the best and takes great care of us. It's an awesome experience each and every time we go. Have the old fashioned. They're unbeatable!

One of the best meals ever. Went here for my bachelorette party and they made us a special tasting menu and it was so special! So memorable, great service, excellent food, truly phenomenal experience.

I've only been here twice but it's been great experience both times! I sat at the bar both times. They asked if I have a reservation so I'm assuming if you want a table that you should make a reservation :) super friendly staff, attentive, but they are busy. if you sit at the bar, prepare to be patient. It's definitely not the typical "Iowa" restaurant type food. But they don't have those items if you have a picky person who doesn't like "fancy foods".... Like myself LOL. I had the burger+cheese, it was good! If you're looking for a nice BIG juicy burger, then you found your place. I personally don't LOVE the thick burgers that I can't fit into my mouth, I had to cut it up. Fresh bread and butter they give you is amazing. My friend got the vegan miso polenta was REALLY GOOD. Surprisingly, two other vegans were at the bar and they got the crust+ vegan and vegan miso and both were raving, so that's 4/4 people saying it's good so just try it! Other time I went we got the filet and potatoes- very good and just like you would expect it. Fried chicken was massive portion. It looked good but I didn't try it. My fiancé said it was "okay" but he doesn't tend to give a response other than that unless it's mind blowing good :) I've had the chilled corn soup, I soooo badly wanted to love it but it is topped with lemon grass and that really ruined it for me. It was too much flavor. If I were to get it again I would request no lemon grass. I had the spicy marg both times and great both times. Lastly- I had the creme brûlée! YUM. It was delicious. 10/10. Get the brûlée !

Everything was wonderful. Food was great and creative mix of flavors. Server was appropriately concerned about our bladders.

Great atmosphere and service. Ribeye was superb. The salmon was also very good. Highly recommend for a great dinner or drinks.

Stopped in for a quick dinner on our travels. Was lucky enough to find an open table on the covered patio so we could include our pooch with us. First of all, our waitress Alicia was fantastic! She was very helpful and recommended the perfect items for us to try. Started of with the ribs for appetizers. They were delicious and fell right off the bones. He had the fried chicken. 4 huge pieces of absolutely juicy and tender fried chicken with a delicious crust. I hade the pizza with prosciutto arugula and peach. The crust was absolutely perfect. Not too thin and not too thick. Light and crispy. I would highly recommend you trying this place. Oh, definitely get the crème brûlée! It's so delicious. We also took the cheesecake. Will update after we tear into that.

Walk in and order anything off the menu. You simply can't lose here! I've experienced the general menu and special catering...nothing disappoints. I would recommend the pork belly when it's available. Not everywhere does this well, but it's fantastic here. Just order 1 of eveything!

Everything about this place was amazing. Food, drinks, service was top notch! Beautifully presented, and great atmosphere.