Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar

New American restaurant · Dubuque

Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar

New American restaurant · Dubuque

1

955 Washington St #101, Dubuque, IA 52001

Photos

Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar by null

Highlights

Seasonal New American fare, craft cocktails, and an exposed-brick interior  

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955 Washington St #101, Dubuque, IA 52001 Get directions

brazenopenkitchen.com
@brazenopenkitchen

$30–50 · Menu

Information

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955 Washington St #101, Dubuque, IA 52001 Get directions

+1 563 587 8899
brazenopenkitchen.com
@brazenopenkitchen

$30–50 · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Aug 26, 2025

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Who Are the Chefs on the New Kentucky Season of ‘Top Chef’? | Eater

"A three-year-old farm-to-table restaurant in Dubuque, Iowa, run by a Midwestern chef who trained at prominent national restaurants." - Greg Morabito

https://www.eater.com/2018/12/6/18129491/top-chef-kentucky-cast-season-16-bravo
View Postcard for Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar

Larissa Wilming

Google
Every single dish & cocktail, every single time I visit, is delicious! Hands down the best place to eat dinner or just grab a cocktail and dessert, in or around Dubuque. Cannot recommend this place enough!

emily

Google
I could be biased since I’m very poor, and it was my first time ever ordering at a restaurant with a menu item over $30 except family-size combo meals in drive thrus..but this is the best food I have ever tasted. I accompanied my mother here for my 8th grade graduation, and browsing the menus online I originally thought the menu changed seasonally…and it does, but the items also change regularly. Originally for the spring menu I found online, my mother was interested in the bucatini (sort of Thai dish with peanut sauce) and I was going to order the gnocchi (which had an edible flower in it that sounded intriguing) But when we sat down, there was no gnocchi and the bucatini was completely different! I embraced this change well and I actually really enjoy it, because now I was pushed to broaden my ideas and order a different item than “planned”. This helped me loosen my grip on always planning things when going out to a sit-in restaurant and instead I could accept just going with it. The service was amazing. We were greeted (even welcomed) within a couple minutes of sitting down and asked of any dietary restrictions. We did not end up ordering any drinks (I am 14, my mother’s not too big on alcohol, and each drink was $7 for non-alcoholic) So I ordered the salmon (medium well because I’m a wuss) and my mother ordered the “vegan” since she’s a vegetarian.. The salmon was amazing. I don’t know if it’s because I ordered medium well but it had some crisp on the outside, which basically melted in your mouth. The sauce underneath was surprising upon first bite, pretty lemony and a little creamy. I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t know what vegetables were underneath aside from dill which I’m sure of, it looked like an asparagus head, cubed potato pieces, and one other thing I’m a bit unsure of. I enjoyed the caviar (as my first time having caviar) and I found it to be buttery (???) but also a bit bitter. I had a couple bites of my mom’s vegan order (it was gigantic compared to mine) and it was great. Large pieces of crispy tofu(?) in an ocean of this nice almost tangy tomato-based sauce with other greens, some dill and large beans. I do want to note that the complimentary bread and butter was interesting, I really enjoyed the simple presentation and the whipped butter, but the bread was very hard and difficultly crunchy on the crust, and a little squishy on the inside. Despite this I had 2 pieces… Onto dessert. I found the short dessert menu to be simple and I wasn’t overwhelmed with what to choose. A few were $10, one 14. Not overpriced by any means. I ordered the crème brûlée (a classic that I have never had before) and my mother the vegan (see a pattern?) chocolate red velvet cake. The crème brûlée was to die for. genuinely, I would die for that crème brûlée. I enjoyed the presentation of the blueberries and I felt it was perfectly sized for a dessert. The custard underneath was still cold so condensation formed on the outside! The vegan chocolate cake was also phenomenal. I have no idea how they did it without milk, I’m usually not a big fan of buttercream but the frosting on this was so rich and tangy (a bit tart) I could not resist stealing a couple bites. An amazing dining experience overall. I’m hopping to return here after my first day of 9th grade to try the summer menu! Maybe next time, I won’t be the only minor dining..

Adriana Franco

Google
If you’re in the mood for elevated, locally focused New American cuisine served in a stylish but friendly setting, Brazen is one of the top dining experiences in the region—even earning high praise as “hands down” the best in Dubuque We started with the crab cake and Asparagus Soup. Both excellent. The soup was silky and vibrant, this asparagus soup is elevated with a hint of chive, a touch of black pepper heat, and a drizzle of olive oil for depth. Clean, comforting, and expertly balanced. The crab cake was delicately crisped jumbo atop a buttery beurre monté, with fresh pea and cucumber relish for a bright, balanced finish. Rich, refined, and full of flavor. Continue with Salad and Salmon The Brazen Salad is a fresh, colorful mix of maps greens tossed in a maple vinaigrette, this salad balances sweet, crisp apple with earthy beets and shaved fennel. Toasted walnuts add crunch, while Parmigiano brings a savory finish. Bright, seasonal, and beautifully layered. The Salmon was a bit dry but it melted-in-my-mouth tender, the salmon is elevated by a velvety velouté and fresh spring peas. Asparagus and potato add texture and heartiness, while smoked caviar brings a luxurious, briny finish. Elegant, seasonal, and beautifully composed. Cocktail Review Both cocktails I had were absolutely delicious and showcased creativity and balance. The Carrot Cocktail was a standout — smooth and bright, with Wheatley Vodka and Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur bringing warmth and depth. The fresh carrot and lemon added a refreshing, earthy-sweet twist that felt both unique and perfectly seasonal. The Old Fashioned was classic done right: rich Elijah Craig Bourbon, just the right touch of raw sugar and bitters, and an aromatic orange twist. Simple, strong, and flawlessly executed. The service was outstanding — attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu and cocktails, and genuinely warm. Every interaction felt thoughtful and effortless, adding to the overall experience and making the evening feel truly special. If ever in Dubuque and want an exceptional gourmet experience this is your place

Steven Syler

Google
This place is fantastic! I was eating alone so didn’t need to wait at all, just grabbed a seat at the bar. I got a couple of margaritas, and they were fantastic. Then I got the pork chop and it was out of this world! 10/10 recommend. Also, the bread is wonderful. I’ll be back! Thank you!

Raychel R

Google
We had an amazing pizza at Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar. Good drink. I really enjoyed my side salad as well. Really cool atmosphere.

Isabella Limbert

Google
We absolutely loved our experience here! Our waitress Lindsey was incredibly kind and catered to our needs - she recommended what to get in terms of both food and drink, and we’re so glad we went with her choices as they were spot on. She was accommodating to the hearing impaired individual in our party and chatted with us about where we were from (Michigan) and why we were in Dubuque. It’s experiences like this that make us realize we could live in towns like these and that we’ll definitely want to return. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we loved the leek fondue, miso noodles, the porchetta dish, in addition to the date bread pudding and lemon dessert. Yum!

Solomon Feucht

Google
I have been here many times over the last 4 years. Every dish I have had was excellent. The drinks have all been excellent. The service is always impeccable. They are the only restaurant I have seen pull out a printed out excel spreadsheet for allergies that is updated regularly for each dish. Incredible. Eat here.

J C

Google
Good food , VERY good drinks ! over priced overall & not that many options but the pasta I had was good . was it worth $35 no.
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Maddi V.

Yelp
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.
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Mark G.

Yelp
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.
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Caitlin L.

Yelp
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.
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Olivia B.

Yelp
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!
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Nataliya Z.

Yelp
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.
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Ashley J.

Yelp
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.
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Aspen K.

Yelp
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.

Thomas W.

Yelp
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.
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Heather S.

Yelp
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.

Adolfo A.

Yelp
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.
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Tod C.

Yelp
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.
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Amy A.

Yelp
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.
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Daniel E.

Yelp
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.
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Maria E.

Yelp
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!
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Todd B.

Yelp
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
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LeeAnne M.

Yelp
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.

Fenton B.

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

Yelp
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.
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Jeffrey D.

Yelp
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.
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Jessica W.

Yelp
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.
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Stephen B.

Yelp
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.
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RC R.

Yelp
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!
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John M.

Yelp
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.
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Charity S.

Yelp
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
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Jim J.

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

Yelp
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.
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Rosanne B.

Yelp
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.
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Aliké S.

Yelp
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.
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Rachel F.

Yelp
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.
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Ryan P.

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

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

Yelp
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.

Teresa S.

Yelp
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!
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Karen B.

Yelp
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!
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Jeff M.

Yelp
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
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A T.

Yelp
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.
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Ben S.

Yelp
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.

Bailey S.

Yelp
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.

Tammy F.

Yelp
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 .

Louise D.

Yelp
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 !
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Stacey A.

Yelp
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!
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Sean M.

Yelp
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!
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Brittany R.

Yelp
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.
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Chels I.

Yelp
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 !

Joseph W.

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

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

Yelp
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.
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Tanya A.

Yelp
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!

Amy C.

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