Kitchen 56 Experience

He Said

It may have been a gas station at one time but it deftly doesn’t continue to give you the options that the shell once did. No corn nuts or candy bars anymore, the owners have turned it into a casual and friendly restaurant with some enjoyable food and atmosphere. Turning the garage doors into big windows keep with the history of its origination and add to the open and airy feeling. The bar serves both outside and inside adding to the open feeling.  My lunch selection consisted of a turkey avocado Panini that was just phenomenal and included a great little side salad with a very light vinaigrette type dressing. It was one of those perfect days outside where it was 70° and there’s a light breeze and we were shaded by the umbrellas outside in the patio area. While it’s a little small in size, it adeptly provides some great seating and a nice water feature that adds a little relaxing ambiance to it. If you can get there for a very early dinner or very late lunch they start serving street tacos one with brisket and one with fish. It is part of their happy hour menu that is perfect for a mid-afternoon snack. We came back after lunch having really enjoyed the service and the food to try out it out. I had heard so much about from some other local Arcadia neighbors. Luckily for me, the bar also serves a dark and stormy. The ginger beer really hit the spot on this beautiful day. We ordered both the tacos and out of the two my favorite definitely was the fried fish. It was very flavorful and did have a lot of heat to it. The brisket tended to have more of a spicy kick to it and I don’t prefer as much kick.

It’s definitely one of my new spots I hope to continue to enjoy. It didn’t hurt that the service was a bit relaxed but so very friendly. They make you feel like a regular even on your first visit. I never wanted for another drink without someone asking me if I needed one.

She Said

Beep Beep! In 2010 this old Enco gas station was converted into Kitchen 56. The owners fused old and new to create this fun neighborhood restaurant.  The original garage doors have been replaced with glass and these windows help give Kitch 56 an open/relaxed vibe.

This joint is great for lunch, happy hour or dinner. The bar always seems to be buzzing no matter what time of day. They have creative adult lemonades in six different flavors and a fabulous wine list. Bartenders are always friendly and quick to give suggestions.

When it comes to food, I’ve had the slow smoked pulled pork sandwich. The pulled pork was tender and had wonderful BBQ flavors. The onion strings were the perfect salty side. The menu offers a great variety of American quality food.

The side patio has both tables and couches which add to the casual atmosphere. It is the perfect place to kick back and take in the surprising view of Camelback Mountain.  So head over to Kitchen 56 and Fill ‘er Up…your stomach of course!