Kettle Black Kitchen

Highly recommend. The food and cocktails were amazing. I am eager to come back to try the rest of the menu. The empanadas were delicious. They could be a meal or shared appetizer. The poblano cream is very mild. I would have liked a little more heat, a little more of the pickled onions, and a little more brisket. I'd order this as an appetizer to share, so you can try more than one menu item (because everything is so good), but it's also filling enough as a meal.My husband got the duck pot pie and was only willing to share one bite. He was very happy with his choice. The duck was delicious.A friend enjoyed the Potato & Cheddar Soup with Fried Chicken. The crispiness of the fried chicken was a perfect contrast to the soup which is a delicious sauce to dip each bite of crispy chicken. The only feedback is to serve this with a spoon, so people can enjoy every bite of the soup.They have a great cocktail menu.Service was great. Our server was kind and attentive. We were seated near the door, so they turned on a small space heater to ensure we didn't get cold when the door opened.

Another place on our list of restaurants to try so with their participation in the winter restaurant week we booked a reservation on a Friday night. One caution in winter this small place does not have a vestibule to trap the cold air so the front of the restaurant can be cold when people come and go. Fortunately we had a table near the back.Our server was delightful and on top of things. We started off with different glasses of wine. All were good. They were only offering the restaurant week menu but that is why we were here. Coincidentally KB was reviewed in the local paper earlier in the week and the two items they really liked were on the menu.Two of us tried the cheddar biscuits and they were excellent with a touch of heat. The pasta starter was good but it was no cheddar biscuits. All three of us got the salmon and were pleased with the choice - very good. For dessert two carrot cakes - just OK and a mousse which was tasty. One downside was that at $50/ person this menu was no bargain. Actually the biscuits are normally $9 for three and we only got two and the salmon $32 (according to the newspaper article) so in some respect even with the dessert we might have paid more than if we came here when it wasn't restaurant week. Many of the participating places during restaurant week while perhaps serving smaller portions price their menus such that it is a deal to come out in winter!

Kettle Black Kitchen is an absolute gem! Their French-inspired comfort food is nothing short of incredible. The Potato and cheddar soup with fried chicken is a must-try--rich, flavorful, and unlike anything I've had before. And don't get me started on the cheddar biscuits with smoked chili butter--they're warm, flaky, and downright addictive!The atmosphere is charming, with beautiful decor that feels both elegant and welcoming. It's a bit on the smaller side, which adds to the cozy vibe, but it does mean it can get crowded. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours--it's totally worth it! I recommend making a reservation, especially on a busy Friday or Saturday night. If you're a fan of comfort food with a refined twist, Kettle Black Kitchen will not disappoint. Can't wait to go back and try more of their menu!

Read good things about this place in r/madison and decided to check it out. So glad we did! We did five (vegetarian!) appetizers and every one was a hit! Top of the menu was smaller plates, bottom is fuller entrees. Faves were the fingerling potatoes and arugula salad but really couldn't go wrong with any! We had two delish mocktails. Place is brightly lit with great art and just right (for us anyway) music. Waitstaff was super knowledgeable and helpful. 10/10 all around - thanks to Reddit for the push. We will be back!

I stopped by for a quick lunch on a weekday. The place was not too busy. I got a seat right away. I went for a croque madame. It was a good cheesy dish with a poached egg. On that day I got metered parking right in front of the restaurant as well.

KBK is definitely a little sleeper of a gem on Monroe Street. We had 6:30 reservations on a Friday night and were seated a tad early, which was nice. The food was delicious - we had cheddar biscuits, street corn, and split a smashie and the empanadas. The whole thing was delicious and well portioned. Drinks were tasty and our server Nicole hit it out of the park. We'll be back!

10 oz Prime Flat Iron Steak was perfection. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Cute and clean dinning room. Amazingly thoughtful Chef made desserts. The Carrot Cake, phenomenal. Great job guys! Eat Local! 10/10 would recommend!

My husband and I came for date night and had an overall great experience. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. I appreciated that she gave her honest opinion (don't worry, it was still positive) when I was debating between two menu items. They also had just tapped their new draft cocktail, a French 75, which was delicious. For dinner I had the salmon and my husband had the pork shank. We also tried the oysters for an appetizer. I have always said I hate oysters until I tried these. Delicious! Both my husband and I agreed we would come back for exactly what we ordered again. There is a lot of hype with some other restaurants on Monroe Street, and from our perspective Kettle Black is underrated. Forget the trendy influencer restaurants in that neck of the woods and check out Kettle Black. You'll be glad you did!

Terrific experience here-one of the best restaurants in Madison. Food here has been outstanding every time I have eaten here. Friendly, knowledgeable servers.

Looks like we're the only people who were completely disappointed with the new Kettle Black. The ambiance was lovely, our server was pleasant and helpful. Things went downhill when our food was served. I ordered the tortellini and my husband ordered a menu special of pasta with duck. The presentation was uninspired. I had 10 tortellini served in a small bowl, nothing to make it look appetizing. The tortellini was dry and undercooked. I left 3 in the bowl and left hungry. The pasta with duck was served on a small plate and the portion was the size of a fist. It was good but had a few small strips of duck. Our bill with tip was a bit over $100 (includes only 1 cocktail). We went home and ate. Wish I had more positive things to say.