ANNOUNCER: Just four short months ago, An American Tavern filled the void of what was once Black Kettle Bites and Brew. Boasting a small menu that includes, salads, dogs and tacos -- An American Tavern feels very, well ... American. Dutch and Jackie decided to pop in for a bite and brew.

DUTCH: Walking in and surveying the place, very little was changed from the previous Black Kettle. A comfortable assortment of both high and normal height tables are available throughout an open space alongside some window bench seating. There are still board games stacked up near the doorway, and a few TVs playing sports throughout. I liked it before . . . and I like it still.

JACKIE: The space is just as charming as ever -- the potted plants lining the walls is a nice touch as well as a jukebox and some buck hunting game in the corner. Black Kettle certainly had an impressive canned beer and wine selection, which has been pared down considerably here, but An American Tavern has a little bit of everything, including the hard stuff, so there is a little something for everyone.

DUTCH: With a few greens available, I opted for the Wedge Salad Sliders advertised as Iceberg wedges drizzled with blue cheese dressing and topped with bacon, tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles. What I was served was a large tossed salad with all the ingredients. It was as tasty as one would expect when you have crispy bacon and blue cheese together, but I was really looking forward to a unique presentation and new twist on a favorite salad of mine.

JACKIE: There were no tacos upon my visit, but I'm a fan of the dogs so I double-fisted it with the Pizza Dog and a Cheesy Dog. The Pizza Dog boasted a generous layer of pepperoni, melted cheese, red onion and a slathering of marinara. The buns set a solid foundation for the big juicy dog, and my only complaint is a minor one as the marinara left the bun soggy and hard to eat. I can't help it, I'm a texture girl. The Cheesy Dog was loaded with melted cheese and loads of salty bacon. The only thing to be improved upon could be the funky housemade condiment -- but a touch of ketchup and hot sauce did the trick. Normally, I'd devour two dogs with ease but these big meaty fellas left me feeling stuffed.

DUTCH: Clearly, I was craving bacon and blue cheese on my visit as I also gave the Bacon Blues hot dog a go with my ice-cold beer. The bun was soft and fresh, and held the quarter-pound hot dog perfectly. As advertised, my dog was topped with tons of bacon and blue cheese crumbles. There isn't any need to add any other ingredients as my dog was plump, juicy and flavorful all on its own so that the bite of the cheese crumbles and the smoky taste of the bacon simply added to an already flavorful combination.

JACKIE: I mean, bacon and cheese? What's a more perfect combo?

AN AMERICAN TAVERN, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday-Sunday, 744 Market St., Tacoma, 253.625.7818