On a stretch of Georgia Avenue once lined with auto body shops and paint contractors, a new chapter in West Palm Beach dining has taken root. Mr. B’s Tavern—the latest creation from Matt and Aliza Byrne, the husband-and-wife duo behind Kitchen and Kitchen North—is a place where retro nostalgia, neighborly spirit, and weekend revelry converge.
Officially opened last December, the tavern is a laid-back Old Florida spot with just enough polish — a place to grab a beer, a burger, or a dance under the disco ball.
From Dream to Destination
The idea wasn’t meticulously planned; it fell into their laps through a trusted partner. Their seafood purveyor owned the space and asked if they knew of anyone interested.
“It used to be an old Spanish bar,” says Aliza. “The second we saw it, we immediately jumped on it. It’s always been a dream to open an Old Florida tavern.”
The building carries its own history. For years it was a seafood market, its faded red lettering still etched into the concrete above the entrance. Inside, the walk-in freezer has been reimagined as a billiard room.
To capture the right spirit, the Byrnes enlisted designer and neighbor David Lucido, and sourced much of the décor locally. The wood bar came from Bloomer and Stanton. Bar sconces were handcrafted by Massimo Frank. Furnishings were pulled from Show Pony and Eclectic Patina. And above it all hangs a bold painting of a tiger. “It’s kind of perfect,” Aliza laughs. “We randomly named him Frank the Tiger and later learned a ‘blind tiger’ was actually a Prohibition-era euphemism for an illegal bar.”
The Byrne Legacy
Matthew Byrne started cooking at 13 alongside his grandmother, later honing his craft in Philadelphia’s top restaurants before spending more than a decade as a private chef, including for Tiger Woods.
In 2013, he and his wife Aliza opened Kitchen, conceived as an extension of their home—intimate, seasonal, and ingredient-driven. Kitchen North and now Mr. B’s Tavern followed, with a fourth spot set to open soon just down the block.
“Kitchen will always be more seasonal,” Matt says. “But Mr. B’s is about this neighborhood, about the people who live here year-round.”
Food & Drink
The food at Mr. B’s stays true to the Byrnes’ roots: fewer dishes, done exceptionally well. It’s tavern fare—hearty and familiar—but executed with the same integrity that defines their fine dining. Think onion dip with sand-dollar chips, Florida-style fish dip, wings in classic Buffalo or the sweet-heat “Grandma Haan’s,” and tavern staples like schnitzel, burgers, and rigatoni vodka that regulars already rave about. Even the vegetarian eggplant burger has real heft, proof that care extends to every plate.
And because this is a tavern at heart, the menu lives alongside a lively bar. Cocktails like the Las Brisas, Georgia Ave, The Stanton, and Mr. B’s New Fashion nod to the neighborhood, while the beer list bridges craft culture with throwback classics—everything from local drafts to Coors Banquet stubbies, Miller High Life, and PBR tallboys.
By day, Mr. B’s feels like a breezy neighborhood tavern, easygoing and relaxed. By night, especially on weekends, it transforms. A DJ spins from 7 to 11 under a glowing disco ball. Locals play darts and pool. Families stop in for dinner, while younger crowds gather for cocktails and dancing.
“People love the concept,” Aliza says. “They can come how they want—bring their kids, watch football, play pool, or celebrate with friends. On weekends, they come for brunch from 11 to 2, maybe for a breakfast burrito, and then they’re back at night to dance.”
The Spirit of Georgia Avenue
Mr. B’s is more than a tavern—it’s part of a transformation. Georgia Avenue, long industrial, is fast becoming a hub of creativity and design. Nearby showrooms, antique dealers, and studios—from Danielle Rollins to Renny and Reed—have given it a new identity. Soon, the street will add textile shops, a gluten-free bakery, a coffee shop, a gallery, and a home store.
“We tried to keep as much local as possible,” Aliza says. “Every house around here has been kissed by Georgia Avenue. Designers are sourcing everything from right here. It’s very local—driven by local people, for local people.”
That energy inspired the Byrnes to look beyond Mr. B’s. At the far end of the block, they’re developing Aleeza, a Mediterranean restaurant named for Aliza. Designed for the younger, health-conscious crowd moving into the neighborhood, it will highlight high-quality proteins and seasonal vegetables.
They love the symbolism of it—Mr. B’s on one side of the street, Aleeza on the other. Near and complementary, the pair are a reflection of Matt and Aliza themselves: an enduring partnership built on vision, craft, and love.