Chef Neal Fraser has proven he can execute both casual kitchen fare (Fritzi Dog, BLD) and fine dining (Redbird). With Fritzi, which sits next to Arts District Brewing (and even has its own take-out window in the brewery), Fraser finds a comfortable place in the middle. The menu here is both casual and refined: there are the ever-present Brussels sprouts, sure, but also a fantastic steak frites, with meat so incredibly tender that it feels like you're cutting through butter. The Fritzi burger, which is best ordered as a bacon-beef blend, is not full size but certainly larger than a slider—and with a side of crunchy piping hot tater tots, it makes for a seriously satisfying lunch.
Other standouts include crispy shrimp dumplings with a tangy Thai dressing, potato waffles oozing with cheddar cheese, and wood-fired rotisserie chicken that comes with a bit of fried skin for some crackle. Save room for beer, though. Fritzi serves a few kinds from Arts District Brewing, including the sessionable, aptly named Redbird Red Eye IPA. A few cocktails on tap are hit-or-miss, but the Grapefruit Collins is a solid, refreshing pick, and will certainly keep you alert enough for a round of skeeball next door.