Connie’s Brickhouse closed one June afternoon as a bar. It reopened a few weeks later, July 11, as a family diner.

Connie Johnson has owned the Brickhouse at 1213 S. 56th St. for 21 years, most of that time living life as a bar that dabbled very little in food. Now, it's sans the booze, serving things like burgers and $3 kids meals.

“We’re making ourselves over as a family place. We want families with kids in here,” said Erika Kerns, manager. Kerns came to know the bar as a patron six years ago, but wound up friends and then business partners with Johnson. Kerns has a background in restaurants, managing at Tony Romas restaurants, and for other national chains.

It’s a partnership in the kitchen. Johnson makes the specials, Kerns makes the desserts. Kerns, a self-taught cook, said they both like to put a comfort spin on the food. Prices, she said, will be kept recession friendly. Nothing over $9 on the menu, and kids meals are in the $2 to $3 range.

On the menu now: Burgers, fries, fried chicken and daily specials like chicken enchiladas.

On the menu soon: Paninis and wraps.

Restaurant details:
1213 South 56th Street
253-475-2215
Hours right now are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Posted by Sue Kidd, Food Editor