Double Dutch Kitchen + Cocktails in south Chandler is exactly what the name suggests: a friendly, neighborhood gathering spot that’s all about fun and games. The carefree moniker is a nod to the popular kids’ sport of jump rope, according to co-owner Jason Key, who, along with brothers Tom and Steven Montgomery, opened the elevated gastropub last summer at the northeast corner of Dobson and Germann roads.
Black and white photos of nostalgic urban life don the walls of the otherwise modern colorful bar/restaurant, with decorative touches reminiscent of a 1920s drinking establishment in New York City.
Keys and his partners designed the menu with the idea of offering an upgraded pub experience that wasn’t buttoned-up but focused on using quality ingredients.
“The concept focuses on elevated, yet approachable food—not too stuffy,” he says of the New American lineup, which is inspired by many places including the U.S., Latin America, and fare rooted in Irish pubs.
Braised short ribs, bucatini pasta, and fish and chips are some of the entrée selections, while standard pub picks such as DD wings, Bavarian pretzels, and sweet corn make the appetizer list of the Double Dutch Chandler menu. There are also salads and “between the bread” items including a Rueben and the DD Burger with white cheddar, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato and DD sauce served on a Noble bun. Mac-n-cheese and truffle fries are among the premium sides offered, plus New York lemon curd cheesecake for dessert.
“It’s a melting pot of things, a little bit of everything,” says Keys.
The beverage list is just as universally friendly with wine sourced from all around the world including California, Germany, Spain, and New Zealand, and beer selections featuring local, domestic and international options.
Double Dutch’s specialty craft cocktails pay tribute to traditional pours with a modern take, minus all the pomp and circumstance of trendy mixology styles.
“We offer premium labels but didn’t want to take 15 minutes to create a cocktail,” explains Keys of the no-fuss beverage approach that includes a well-rounded, high-end spirits menu.
Keys, who also co-owns The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub in downtown Phoenix, says the restaurant’s Chandler footprint was the perfect place for his group’s concept. The cheery, light-filled setting has a large indoor/outdoor bar patio where guests can play games such as corn hole, Jenga and Connect Four, and listen to live music every other Thursday night and on weekends.
The restaurants runs daily food specials and hosts different themed customer deals. On Wine Wednesday, for example, diners can order select bottles of wine for half price, and those who check in on social media get their first glass of wine for $4 on Tap into Thursday. On Sunday Funday, brunch items, bottomless mimosas and live entertainment are part of the lineup.
“The location works well with our vibe being a neighborhood restaurant,” Key says. “Customers have been receptive to our concept.”
Plus, Key lives down the street so he’s close to the Double Dutch Chandler restaurant, where he oversees the daily operations. “It was a no-brainer. It’s a good fit.”
