Behind the Menu: Flatiron Tavern boasts classic pub fare with a twist

After more than a year in business, the Flatiron Tavern continues its mission of being a wallet-friendly destination Downtown.

“We’re still just focusing on good tavern food at good prices,” said Rachel Frye, who owns the spot with business partners Scott Schweitzer and Chris Huda.

The three purchased the former Flatiron Bar & Diner and recast it as an even more casual restaurant amid more upscale choices in the neighborhood.

For sandwiches, the top seller is the Philly cheesesteak ($14), perhaps a little unconventional but still hearty, chef Luke Miller said.

It starts with thin strips of fresh, never frozen rib-eye grilled on the flattop with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and banana peppers served on locally produced bun. Most customers opt for a topping of white cheese sauce, Miller said.

A vegan “impossible” cheesesteak ($14) is another option.

“They’re actually very, very good,” Miller said. “It’s probably one of the better vegan options I’ve had.”

The Cuban ($13) offers roasted pork, ham, swiss, giardiniere and spicy yellow mustard on thick-cut sourdough.

All sandwiches are served with chips; add fries for a buck. Otherwise, a la carte sides are: fries ($3), mac and cheese ($4), onion petals ($3), cucumber salad ($3), side salad ($4) and sweet-potato waffle fries ($4).

For appetizers, Miller suggests the sweet-potato buffalo chicken fries ($9) — sweet-potato waffles topped with cubed white meat, white and blue cheese, buffalo sauce and scallions.

“It’s what I would recommend with anything because it’s our bestseller as an appetizer,” he said.

The soup, which changes frequently, most recently was tomato basil ($4 for a cup, $6 for a bowl), which has a smooth consistency, rich creamy flavor and is flecked with green onions.

It’s the perfect setup with the grilled cheese sandwich ($8) — American cheese, a slice of bread and fried mozzarella between two additional slices of toasty bread.

“They pair very well,” Miller said.

Flatiron’s “blue line” burger ($13), a customer favorite, features two 4-ounce patties, blue cheese, Cajun seasonings and traditional garnishes on a brioche bun, on which all burgers are served.

Frye said the Flatiron is offering specials to lure more dine-in customers. The house burger ($6 for dine-in, $10 for takeout) is a simple 4-ounce smashburger with no frills.

A dine-in menu ($5 each) includes chips and salsa, Flatiron fries (balsamic, red pepper flakes and white cheddar), pretzel bites and mozzarella sticks.

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At a glance

Where: Flatiron Tavern

Address: 129 E. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Contact: 614-525-0091, flatirontavern.com