The Phoenix New Times Highlights Chef Nick and the Brickyard team’s elevated take on “bar food.”

This is still an eclectic menu of “global tapas”…But The Brickyard has found its foundation. A fun, well-executed menu paired with Bobby Kramer’s killer cocktails and a buzzing mix of speakeasy chic bathed in electro swing make this a great late-night spot.

“Every dish needs to be balanced: it needs acidity, sweetness, salt, fat.  Citrus acts the balancing agent to the plate.  Grapefruit is tart, lime can be overbearing, lemon is right in the middle – you have to figure out what the other flavors bring, and complement them using the ideal citrus.” This new menu includes citrus in quite a few dishes, but don’t underestimate the ingredient:  Chef Rickel utilizes this flavor as a compliment rather than as a foundation.

Most restaurants are lucky to see a menu update every 3 to 5 years. The Brickyard has successfully accomplished a new menu every quarter. And by menu, we mean menus – both their food menu and their cocktail book tout brand-new items. The most impressive part – the new items have stories.

Sure, he’s had a little work done – the circa-1912 former newspaper office was renovated to expose brick walls and concrete floors. And there are red flags such as the “shared plates” affectation (typical translation: tiny servings, full prices) and gastronomy buzz phrases like “lemon foam” and “wasabi-scented.” But despite the hints of cheesy self-consciousness, The Brickyard has a good soul and is definitely worth a repeat date.

Find us on page 35 (print) and page 37 (digital) to read more about the Ahi Tuna dish, as well as other East Valley featured restaurants.

“…It’s been about three months since we told you The Brickyard restaurant and bar would be opening in downtown Chandler. And if you’ve been impatiently wondering when the spot would open, we have good news: The wait is over….”

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To preserve the integrity of the historic building, the owners plan to expose the original brick and raw concrete floors. They’ll also add roll-away garage doors that lead out to a patio. The restaurant will seat about 90 people.

At just under 1,900 square feet, The Brickyard Downtown will be a cozy space with exposed brick walls mural wallpaper, a 30-foot concrete bar, and indoor seating for about 70. Front and back patios will accommodate another 30 people.