It had been a number of years since our last visit. Still reminds me of a River North Chicago loft setting. Lots of brick and wood yet the sound quality for conversation was good. Server very engaging and attentive. She recommended non alcoholic drinks for two of us, one being a cucumber infused the other had a grapefruit base. My dark stout was tasty. My date's red wine as well. The sour dough bread was baked fresh and it "kept coming." Leek and cheese fondue appetizer addictive. Famous fried chicken did not disappoint. The jalapeño corn bread had a great kick. My Sopressato pizza was outstanding as the shrimp pasta. Locally sourced foods. My dessert of a classic Brandy Alexander... Yum. The bar for quality, uniqueness, and service hasn't lowered. It's the testament to Brazen's longevity, something very rare today. Forgot to add it's a great value for the $ in today's market! read more

Finding insanely good restaurants is my jam when I'm traveling with friends and this one is up there with some of the best! Our server, Abbe, did her thing and I ordered the Amish chicken based on her rave opinion of it. She wasn't wrong! It was out of this world! It was marinated with black truffle and brown sugar and the smashed potatoes had a black garlic vinaigrette. To. Die. For. Lest I forget, the peach and burrata with sourdough was also divine and the leek fondue- yeah, just take my money. Even though I couldn't finish my dinner and was definitely taking it home, I couldn't pass up the vegan sticky date cake. This was melt in your melt delicious. This was truly a meal to remember and I'm so glad we got to experience it! read more

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we remembered Brazen from a previous visit to Dubuque. They made us wait at the bar this time though there were obviously tables available, in spire of our reservation. No problem, a chance to have a couple old fashioneds and get some local tips from the bar lady. My wife enjoyed her soup, and we shared a decent caesar-like salad (trying to recall from photos). The shawarma pizza was a nice try but not a win in my book. The fried pork belly were overfried though still edible. We would still return if were in the neighborhood to see what they're up to. The bar was pretty busy and it was nice to see regular people mulling over this semi-gourmet food! read more

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Maybe they were having a bad day but 1 hour to get Luke warm catfish tenders. An hour and 1:15 minute to get all our appetizers. Beers good avoid the food. read more

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 read more

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Ambiance; simplistic & softly lit, appreciated the bar crowd & dining were separated so we could hear each other having dinner & conversation. Food; Good but not great. Carbonara I was leery to order as I make it at home & have been making it since I could cook. Sauce was very dry, I felt that maybe the chef was afraid to make scrambled eggs (naturally) and that maybe the dish sat under the heat lamp for a little really drying it out. Otherwise; appropriately flavored. 35oz. Bone in ribeye- server stated it was prepared sous vide style at medium rare & then finished on the grill. It was well done. For $100 my fiancé felt I could have made better steak at home. Creamed spinach was fantastic, super flavorful! Mashed potato was simple & nothing to write home about. Dessert; save room for the crème brûlée, it is chef's kiss!! Service; attentive & knowledgable about the food. Craft cocktails; tasty & unique read more

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - Brazen side salad, walnuts/Parmesan/and beets all delicious - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

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Food was inventive yet familiar. Service was friendly drinks were served with precision and ambience takes you out of Dubuque. Overall a great place for a Date night or a quick meal at the bar. read more

Visiting the city on business, and everyone I asked for recommendations said I had to go, so I went. They did not disappoint. From the ambience, the positive energy, the buzz from the patrons enjoying themselves, and the excellent service, I am telling my colleagues. Before even mentioning the food, they nailed it in that department. You MUST try the shrimp appetizer. Must! read more

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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. read more

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - mushroom bucatini - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

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. read more

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. read more

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We had a an overall wonderful experience at Brazen. We did not have a reservation but were able to grab two seats at the bar. The service was excellent! The bartender gave us great recommendations, it was a new menu for the winter, and our food did not disappoint us. read more

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - Dan Dan noodles - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

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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! read more

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

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DELICIOUS! If you are in town this is a must do dinner plan. I was very impressed with how unique each dish was and the mixture of flavors. Ben was are waiter and was very patient with our group as we debated the menu. He gave excellent recommendations and we eventually decided to share the broccoli appetizer, the pear pizza and the Dan Dan. We also were given the Pork Belly appetizer which we did not know how much we needed - the contrasting mix of salty pork belly and sweet apple caramel was truly unforgettable. For dessert we split the fall galette and again, it did not disappoint. We left extremely full but very happy. read more

Excellent food, great drinks & chill vibe. Highly recommend! Everything we tried was cooked perfectly - great service

This place never disappoints. Our server was great, food was even better, and the dining area felt warm and familiar. If you swing through Dubuque without eating here you are missing out! read more

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. read more

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 read more

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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. read more

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - Vegetarian pizza - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

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. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - Roast Chicken - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

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. read more

We were visiting Dubuque and what a treat we found! The food and cocktails were delicious, well-balanced, and familiar with a spin. The service was top notch! Highly recommend- if we are ever back in Dubuque this will be a certain stop! read more

We ordered the Brussel Sprouts, Amish Chicken, Ribeye, Fried Chicken and Orecchiette. We really liked the Brussel Sprouts but everything was pretty ordinary. Of the four enters, the fried chicken was the worst. It was tasteless. We were very disappointed. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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The service is really good. The interior looks really good. My favorite dish there is the fried chicken cause it's really good.

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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 read more

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - Crème brûlée. - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

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. read more

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

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar - New American Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa