Phoenix's dining scene has added a fresh face with the opening of Orchard Tavern, a new evening hub destined to become a local favorite. Pairing the comfortable atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern with “upscale vibe” details promised by Luci's Urban Concepts director of operations, Matthew Kelly, Orchard Tavern delivers an inviting blend of casual sophistication.
Taking over the spot previously inhabited by Pomelo at The Orchard, the fresh joint aims to entice with its mix of indoor/outdoor seating enhanced by modish houndstooth booths, a new beer tap, and state-of-the-art heaters and misters. According to a Phoenix New Times report, patrons can expect to sink into plush seating and enjoy the ambiance created by avant-garde elements like midcentury-esque wallpaper, lime green barstools, and eccentric brass bulldog light fixtures.
With a menu that echoes its predecessor Pomelo, Orchard Tavern presents an array of wood-fired pizzas, salads, snacks, and a selection of tavern staples like burgers and fish and chips. The cuisine draws in customers with standout items such as the Figgy Piggy Burger, a rich concoction of bacon, herbed goat cheese, and fig jam, and the Mob Ties pizza, a hearty blend of pepperoni, sausage, and spices — proving that comfort food can be both familiar and distinctive.
The venue has not only revamped its cuisine but also made sure that its cocktails would leave an impression. The Phoenix New Times described their Teddy Raspberry, a whiskey concoction infused with a sweet-tart mix of raspberry puree and Carpano Botanic Bitter, and the tequila-based ‘More Life’ cocktail, a mix buried under passion fruit and lime juices, as drinks that cater to varied palates and preferences.
Beyond the regular dining experience, there seem to be bigger plans for Orchard Tavern. Kelly hinted at possible expansion during an interview with ABC15, mentioning, "We also went ahead and we redid our basement area, which could be something in the future... A lot of places don't have a basement, so we're looking into possibly expanding as well." With such ambitions, it's clear that Orchard Tavern is looking to root itself deeply within the heart of Phoenix's dining scene.
