Don’t think of it as starting over or embarking on a brand-new beginning. Take it as an extension of what the team behind The Drunken Chicken has already accomplished since opening the restaurant in 2017. There’s a new name, new menu items, new cocktails, and just as much Pabst Blue Ribbon as they had before.
Earlier this month, the crew parted ways with The Drunken Chicken name and introduced Fourth Avenue to their new concept, The Low Down, at 429 N. Fourth Ave.
The Low Down has been open for a few weeks now, operating from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sunday -Thursday and 10 a.m. – midnight on Friday – Saturday (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.). It’s a team effort, too, between Micah Blatt (co-creator of Drunken Chicken and Mr. Heads), Tim Walsh (Manager and Cocktail Designer), Ben Sattler (co-creator of Drunken Chicken), and Kurt Summer (co-creator).
The Food
Plus, with a new name, it’s now much easier for them to create different menu items— dishes that shy away from chicken — like the appetizer big enough for two people: the Giant Beer Pretzel.
“It was sort of hard for us if we wanted to have a fun special or even have nicer cocktails — branch out a little bit more with that,” said Micah Blatt. “People would come to The Drunken Chicken looking for a chicken sandwich, and in order for us to diversify and add a little more to Fourth Avenue, we changed the name. We’re still using the same chicken from free-range farms and nothing’s ever frozen. Also, the new menu allows our staff to have more fun.”
“We’re trying to do new things but we’re also not trying to push people away — we still have the same things that made us who we are,” said Ben Sattler. “It would be crazy to get rid of certain things like our Chicken & Waffles. We’re not changing it, making a different recipe, or anything like that.”
So, they still do have a few chicken-focused dishes on the menu like the Chicken & Waffles, Chicken Strips & Fries, and wings. Also, they’ve rolled out some new Rolled Tacos, which include an avocado crema, cotija, sour cream, and the shredded chicken is the same chicken used in the other dishes (they’re hand-rolled every day and never frozen).
Food Menu
Shareables & Bar Fare
- Giant Beer Pretzel – deep-fried, buttered, and salted Bavarian pretzel with cheese sauce and spicy brown mustard ($12)
- Loaded Nachos – melted cheese, black olives, sour cream, freshly sliced jalapeño, and refried beans ($9)
- Fries – thick and hearty cut steak fries ($4)
- Get ’em loaded with cheese, bacon, jalapeño, and sour cream ($9)
Handhelds
- The Low Down Burger – Angus beef, brioche bun, cheddar, lettuce, and tomato ($12)
- Add avocado ($1), bacon ($2.50), or fries ($4)
- B.L.A.T. – bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mayo on a brioche bun ($12)
- All Day Breakfast Sando– bacon, fried egg, and cheese on a brioche bun ($10)
- Wings – half ($9.50) or a dozen ($18) (ask about their rotating sauces)
- Rolled Tacos – corn tortillas with chicken, avocado crema, cotija, and sour cream. Available in three ($12) or six ($18)
Entrees
- Chicken & Waffles – two hand-breaded chicken strips, golden waffle, butter, and syrup ($16)
- Chicken Strips & Fries – two hand-breaded chicken strips and choice of sauce ($15)
- Kielbasa & Beans – seared kielbasa served with a medley of beans ($13)
The Drinks
Tim Walsh, who was most recently behind the bar at Good Oak Bar, has been amped to share the new lineup of cocktails since the rebranding of the restaurant. Sure, The Low Down still has the popular PBR for just $2 a pint, but the new cocktails are worth your while, too.
“I’m a gin guy so my favorite is The Low Down Sour,” said Walsh, who’s also making syrups from scratch. The cocktail is made with mezcal, chipotle simple syrup, pineapple amaro, lime cordial, and egg white. “The Ambassador is also great and includes sesame-infused coconut with whiskey.”
Cocktail Menu
- The Ambassador – rye whiskey, sesame-infused coconut, and vanilla brandy ($11)
- The Low Down Sour – mezcal, chipotle simple syrup, pineapple amaro, lime cordial, and egg white ($14)
- Creosote Martini – vodka, prickly pear, and yellow chartreuse ($11)
- Grimlet – rose gin, lime cordial, and pomegranate ($11)
- My Morning Jacket – bourbon, root beer syrup, creme de flora, and Angostura ($12/$14)
- House Margarita – jalapeño, watermelon, or strawberry ($7)
“We’re not the biggest place here on Fourth Avenue and you can go to other spots to get a great cocktail,” Sattler added. “But you can get something here you didn’t know you wanted.”
“We’re a business that’s creating food — it’s all an art form,” said Blatt.
Support Local Artists
Speaking of art, new murals have been added to the space, and the large exposed-brick walls act as a canvas for local artists to hang up and sell their work.
“It’s the same concept as Mr. Heads where we feature local artists,” said Blatt. “We give them space to hang up their art and they keep all the money when they’re sold. We’re also going to try and coordinate art shows here and over at Mr. Heads as well. It’s all just about supporting local art.”
So, pay a visit soon and see how the new concept develops over time because the folks behind it are really excited to share it with Fourth Avenue-goers.
During my visit just the other day, I could already see the support they were getting from the “regulars” who have been stopping by The Drunken Chicken for years now. It’s one of those restaurants and bars that’s perfect for those looking for their own version of “Cheers” — the team looks forward to seeing you every time you walk in.
“We’ve got a lot of regulars here. I mean, these people are literally flippin’ family to us,” Sattler laughed. “We’ve absolutely had moments where we’ve said ‘Where’s so-and-so’ because they haven’t been by in like a week.’ We started sounding the horn and asking family members where they were.”
Fear not, though, because that loyal fan and “regular” has once again made an appearance at The Low Down. Perhaps you should pay a visit to the new concept sometime soon and become one of the new familiar faces.
The Low Down is located at 429 N. Fourth Ave. For more information, follow The Low Down on Instagram and Facebook.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
