When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
The Collins Small Batch Kitchen
Why The Collins Small Batch Kitchen is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Collins Small Batch Kitchen, located in the vibrant Biltmore neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona, is a beloved restaurant helmed by Chef Christopher Collins. Known as his creative playground, this kitchen specializes in inventive takes on classic American dishes, blending familiar comfort with culinary artistry. The restaurant offers a daily menu featuring long-time favorites alongside a weekly rotating menu inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients. This dynamic approach ensures a unique dining experience that encourages patrons to return frequently to discover new flavors. The intimate atmosphere, combined with the focus on small-batch, thoughtfully prepared meals, creates a warm and inviting neighborhood kitchen vibe. It also features a private covered outdoor patio area for group gatherings, accommodating up to 20 seated guests, making it an ideal spot for celebrations or casual meet-ups. Conveniently situated at 3160 E Camelback Rd, near the intersection of 32nd Street and Camelback Road, The Collins Small Batch Kitchen boasts its own private parking lot, enhancing the overall guest experience. With its mix of approachable yet sophisticated dishes, attentive service, and a cozy ambiance, it’s a perfect place for friends to get together for a memorable meal in Phoenix.
Here's what people think of The Collins Small Batch Kitchen
As of recent, The Collins Small Batch Kitchen holds a 4.5-star rating based on 828 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Collins Small Batch Kitchen predominantly praise the quality and creativity of the food, highlighting it as both flavorful and beautifully executed. Many reviewers emphasize the thoughtfully curated menu that blends comfort with innovation, particularly appreciating the use of seasonal ingredients that keep the offerings fresh and exciting. The attentive and friendly service is often noted, with guests feeling welcomed and well cared for during their visits. Several patrons mention specific dishes, such as the chicken and brie sandwich and the lasagna, as standout favorites worthy of return visits. In addition, reviewers appreciate the convenient private parking and the inviting atmosphere that make dining both enjoyable and hassle-free. On the other hand, some negative feedback touches on minor inconsistencies, like the shoestring fries falling short of expectations in one review, suggesting that some side items may occasionally lack the same level of care. A few comments also indicate that managing reservations during busy times can be a challenge. Overall, however, the positive comments overwhelmingly outnumber the critiques, pointing to a well-loved community dining spot that delivers quality, ambiance, and service. The consistency of positive experiences and community recognition, including a strong 4.5-star rating across over 800 reviews, reflects The Collins Small Batch Kitchen’s solid reputation as a dependable and enjoyable destination for American cuisine in Phoenix.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Theresa Krakauer
We love coming here when we are just too lazy and don’t want to cook. Tonight I had two cocktails so I’m going to be pretty detailed in my commentary… The food was amazing. I am not a french fry person, but when I got the fried grouper sandwich I sort of freaked out and ate all of the match stick fries. They were amazing and that’s coming from somebody, who’s not a big fry person. We also enjoyed the fresh shrimp appetizer and we always get the brussels sprouts because it’s like starting your meal with dessert. It is so darn good. I couldn’t even get a picture before it was annihilated. Great restaurant. Great cocktails (obviously). Great servers. It just feels like home and we live in the Biltmore neighborhood, so this is where we like to go. Enjoy.
John Sheflin
My wife and I tried this place for the first time last night. We had a cocktail at the bar before dining and our overall experience was wonderful. Krista made amazing drinks and was very attentive while Bri and the other dining staff were also super enjoyable. You could tell they really wanted us to enjoy our experience. Thank you to the team for a lovely night! We will be back soon
Stefania Aronin
finally encountered the best restaurant in phoenix! the french dip sandwich was seriously the best i’ve ever eaten. the beef was tender and easy to bite into. the bread was fresh and the fries with truffle aioli were the perfect side. the sandwich didn’t have any extra toppings to mask the lack of preparation. it was simple, pure and delicious.
Ariel
Our first visit to The Collins and… wow. Consider us new regulars. We kicked things off with the artichokes, which honestly gave Hillstone’s a run for their money, and a shrimp cocktail that came with a lemon aioli so good we briefly considered licking the ramekin (we didn’t… this time). We weren’t planning on drinking, but then our server casually dropped the bomb that ALL bottles of wine are half-off for the entire month. Challenge accepted. We snagged a bottle of Merry Edwards RRV Sauvignon Blanc for $34, a bottle that normally that retails for over $50. A deal that good basically counts as making money, right? The wine complimented the artichokes and shrimp as much as we did. For dinner, we split the short rib with mushroom risotto and the NY strip. Both were stellar, but the short rib and risotto combo was next-level, probably one of the best risotto's we’ve had in AZ. Great food, killer wine deals, and service that actually makes you feel taken care of? The Collins is officially in our monthly rotation. Can’t wait to eat our way through the rest of the menu.
Zack
Absolutely loved the gluten-free sausage and mushroom white pizza! The addition of toasted Brussels sprout leaves was an unexpected but delightful twist, creating a perfect balance of flavors. If you’re into pizza, need gluten-free options, and want to try something unique, this one’s a winner. Highly recommend!
How to reach The Collins Small Batch Kitchen
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Why The Collins Small Batch Kitchen may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen offers the perfect blend of a warm atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and a vibrant social setting that makes any meetup memorable. Located in the heart of Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood, this restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a community hub where friends can reconnect and enjoy a relaxed yet refined dining experience. The Collins Small Batch Kitchen boasts a well-curated menu crafted by Chef Christopher Collins, featuring classic American dishes reimagined with seasonal ingredients. This emphasis on fresh, thoughtful cuisine ensures that every meal is a delight, sparking conversation and shared enjoyment among your group. With a strong 4.5 rating from over 800 reviews, the restaurant consistently earns rave feedback for its food quality, friendly service, and inviting ambiance. Whether you want to catch up over delectable small plates or celebrate a special occasion, The Collins Small Batch Kitchen’s combination of great food, welcoming environment, and attentive service makes it a natural rally point for friends or family gatherings.
What activities are there at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen for groups?
The primary activity at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen revolves around the culinary experience itself, which is designed to be shared and savored with others. The menu is an exciting playground of American classics refreshed with seasonal flair, encouraging a group to order several dishes and share, turning your meal into a communal feast. Beyond the food, the restaurant offers a daily social hour (3 pm to 6 pm) featuring happy hour specials on drinks—this is a perfect opportunity for groups to enjoy craft cocktails, local brews, or carefully selected wines while relaxing in a stylish yet informal environment. The bar area offers seating ideal for casual gatherings, allowing friends to socialize while enjoying expertly mixed drinks. Additionally, the restaurant’s cozy and spacious interior layout accommodates both large and small groups comfortably, making it easy to hold lively conversations without feeling crowded. For those who prefer a more private setting, the Collins provides ample parking and a calm ambiance away from the bustle of the city, making it a great spot to linger and extend your meetup beyond just a meal.
Why is The Collins Small Batch Kitchen perfect for a group meetup?
The Collins Small Batch Kitchen is perfectly suited for group meetups due to its thoughtful balance of ambiance, menu flexibility, and outstanding service. The cozy but modern setting strikes an ideal note between upscale and welcoming, ensuring everyone in your group feels comfortable whether you’re reconnecting over lunch or celebrating an evening out. The rotating weekly menu, inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients, means repeat visits will always introduce new flavors and dishes for your group to explore together, keeping conversations lively and meals exciting. Importantly, the kitchen caters to diverse dietary preferences, including vegan options, allowing a variety of tastes to be accommodated without compromise. Hosting a meetup here means that guests enjoy attentive service by a friendly and professional team, who ensure every detail contributes to a memorable experience—from drink recommendations during the daily happy hour to accommodating group seating. Located near the well-known Biltmore area with additional private parking, the venue is easy to access, reducing any logistical stress associated with group gatherings.
What food and drink options make The Collins Small Batch Kitchen special for groups?
The Collins Small Batch Kitchen shines for groups with its exceptional menu that offers both familiar comfort and innovative twists on classic American dishes. Their daily menu features favorites that can please a range of palates, such as expertly crafted sandwiches, fresh salads, and hearty entrees, while the weekly rotating specials showcase seasonal ingredients, introducing new flavors for regular visitors to discover. This approach turns dining here into an engaging experience, perfect for groups who enjoy sharing and sampling various dishes. Their kitchen’s creativity is complemented by a thoughtful drinks menu, especially during the daily happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm. This period offers discounted craft cocktails, beer, and wine selections, giving groups the chance to toast and unwind at a great value. Whether you’re gathering after work, meeting for brunch, or planning a dinner, this variety ensures everyone in your group finds something delightful, strengthening the social and sensory enjoyment of your time together.
How does location and accessibility enhance a group experience at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen?
Location and accessibility play a crucial role in making The Collins Small Batch Kitchen a top choice for group meetups. Situated at 3160 E Camelback Rd in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood, the restaurant is nestled in a lively yet approachable part of the city, close to popular hotels and shopping centers, making it convenient for locals and visitors alike. This prime location means your group can easily combine the meal with other nearby activities or simply enjoy a night out in a vibrant area. The restaurant offers private parking, which is a significant advantage for groups since it eliminates the common hassle of searching for spots, enabling everyone to arrive and depart with ease. The provision of curbside pickup also adds flexibility if some members prefer to carry out or extend the gathering elsewhere. Additionally, the venue’s extended weekend hours until 10 pm allow groups to enjoy a later dining experience, accommodating varied schedules and encouraging relaxed, unrushed get-togethers.
What kind of atmosphere and service can groups expect when dining at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen?
Groups dining at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen can expect a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with attentive and personalized service, which together create a flawless backdrop for socializing. The interior combines contemporary design with cozy elements, striking a balance that feels both trendy and intimate, ideal for heartfelt conversations or energetic celebrations. The layout supports privacy without isolation, allowing groups to enjoy their own space while still soaking in the lively, welcoming vibe of the restaurant. Service staff are known for their professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of the menu, often providing insightful recommendations and attentive care without interrupting the flow of your gathering. This level of service helps groups feel truly valued and enhances the overall dining experience, allowing everyone to focus on the joy of being together while enjoying remarkable food and drinks.
How can The Collins Small Batch Kitchen accommodate special occasions or celebrations for groups?
For groups looking to mark special occasions, The Collins Small Batch Kitchen provides an ideal environment where celebrations feel elevated but comfortable. The combination of creative, high-quality cuisine and an inviting ambiance sets the stage for birthdays, anniversaries, or casual milestones. Though the space is designed to cater to both intimate and larger groups, the restaurant excels at creating a flexible dining experience, with options to customize orders and coordinate with staff for special touches like dessert presentations or tailored drink pairings. The daily happy hour and rotating menu specials also offer unique opportunities to enhance celebrations with exclusive flavors and drink offerings. Moreover, the accommodating staff are willing to work closely with group organizers to ensure the event runs smoothly, handling special requests and making arrangements that suit the occasion's tone and scale. Every detail is focused on making the gathering enjoyable, stress-free, and memorable for everyone involved.
How does The Collins Small Batch Kitchen support diverse dietary needs for group dining?
One of the standout features of The Collins Small Batch Kitchen is its commitment to accommodating diverse dietary preferences and needs, which is essential for group dining where tastes can vary widely. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options thoughtfully integrated into the seasonal rotation, ensuring that plant-based guests do not feel limited or sidelined but rather have appealing and flavorful choices. Additionally, the kitchen’s approach to cooking classics with fresh, quality ingredients allows them to modify many dishes to meet gluten-free or other dietary restrictions upon request. This flexibility helps reduce potential meal ordering friction in groups by ensuring that everyone at the table can find something delicious, nutritious, and suitable for their diet. The attentive staff are also well-informed about ingredients and preparation methods, facilitating clear communication and confidence for guests with allergies or specific dietary requirements, making group dining here safe, inclusive, and enjoyable.
What makes the experience at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen stand out compared to other Phoenix dining options for groups?
What truly differentiates The Collins Small Batch Kitchen from other dining establishments in Phoenix is its unique combination of seasonal creativity, approachable ambience, and a clear focus on community. Unlike larger, more generic restaurants, The Collins feels like an intimate neighborhood kitchen where the chef’s personal imprint is visible in every dish and the staff treat each group as a valued guest rather than just a table number. This blend of professionalism and warmth ensures that group visits transcend ordinary dining to become an engaging social event full of discovery and comfort. Its location also plays a strategic role, offering easy access while being nestled in a lively district that enhances the overall experience without overwhelming it. The consistent high ratings and reviews underline the restaurant’s success in delivering on these promises, making it a dependable choice for groups who want quality food, excellent service, and a locale conducive to making lasting memories with friends and family. This level of attentiveness to both culinary quality and the social experience is what sets The Collins apart as a premier meetup destination in Phoenix.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at why The Collins Small Batch Kitchen is an excellent choice for groups seeking a welcoming venue with quality food, thoughtful service, and a memorable atmosphere, helping readers confidently decide it’s a top spot to rally with friends or family.