Butcher Shop

09/28/09

what a disappointment!

by emmiandv

Do not waste your time or money. The atmosphere was dreary and quiet. A few girls and I met in Boston and had dinner at the fabulous restaurant Stella and headed over to the Butcher Shop for drinks and we were greeted by the hostess/manager Amanda who immediately said they were at capacity. She was unfriendly from the very start and after they treated us horribly, to which I must thank them as they actually did us a favor and we ended up across the street and a much better place.

• Pros: if you like quiet!
• Cons: the manager Amanda

09/21/08

Food, service and wine outstanding!!!!

by HYBondDude

Simply outstanding food, wine and service. I was impressed how the manager and staff are real foodies and love discussing the food. The wine was paired nicely as well. For what you get, the price was not bad at all. If you want to pay dog food prices, you'll get food that tastes like dog food. This is the real deal and well worth the moderate price and wait!

09/09/08

Have a drink there and move on to somewhere else for dinner.

by mcwil19

This place was so cool. Great atmosphere in a great area. Good wine list. But then they raised the prices of the food to an absolutely absurd level for the portion sizes. Have a drink there and move on to somewhere else for dinner.

• Pros: Great wine list. Lively atmosphere. Great neighborhood.
• Cons: Absurdly poor food value for the price.

Curious carnivores and stylish South End couples rub shoulders at the city's top spot for gourmet, house-cured meats.

by Eric Grossman

The Scene
After providing Boston with a nationally acclaimed dining destination (No. 9 Park) and a cutting-edge raw bar (B&G Oysters), culinary maven Barbara Lynch opened this full-service butcher shop that doubles as a sleek wine bar and eatery. By day, most patrons swing by to take home venison sausages and veal cutlets, while nighttime sees well-dressed couples huddling around the butcher's block, waiting for a seat at the diminutive, candlelit bar. Ultra-knowledgeable waiters eagerly discuss the exceptionally adventurous wine list's intricacies.

The Food
From popular charcuterie plates that seemingly top every table to indulgent "sweet plates" of eclectic desserts, quality is off the charts (not surprising, since everything is prepared in-house). The tapas-like menu (there are no entrees) features meats and cheeses from local farms. After nibbling on the charcuterie plate's tender rabbit and savory boar, discerning palates note the freshness. Even non-meat dishes (honey-poached figs with earthy Marcona almonds) manage to inspire.

Photo courtesy of The Butcher Shop

09/30/07

Very good food

by travelgirl727

I went here with a friend and I really enjoyed it. It is quite small, but has a nice crowd and good ambiance. The food was delicious. My only complaint would be that our waiter wasn't the best. I expected a little bit better service since it isn't the cheapest place around. We may have just fell on a bad waiter or perhaps he was having a bad night. The food was great though. My wine was average though--they need a better wine menu. But, I would check this place out, as the food is wonderful and different.

08/04/07

Awesome food, beware the prunes!!

by quixotic28

I've loved Barbara Lynch's places for a while and was excited to try out the Butcher Shop. A friend and I went in for lunch at 3pm and immediatley sat at the bar. Our bartender was very nice (Brian?) and knowledgable about our wine questions. We had an Antipasto to start, which was great... however, it leads to my only complaint. When I bit into one of the "pitted" prunes, I chipped my molar on a pit that shouldn't be! Other than that, our appetizer was great. Now to the best, while my rabbit dish was very good, my friend had a corn and duck lasagna that was possibly one of the best dishes I've ever tried... And I eat out a lot... So, despite the bit of tooth I lost at the Butcher Shop, it is a fabulous place, and I plan on returning again and again. A tooth is a small sacrifice to pay to the food gods... And if you find the wait too long at night, check it out as a lunch hot spot.

• Pros: Amazing Food, Great People

04/07/07

Love the place!

by zigglet

Seriously one of the best spots in the south end. Steak tartar is fabulous. Fries are outstanding. A little bit pricey but worth every penny. It's also one of the best spots in the south end to while away a romantic evening while watching the snow. Love it!!

• Pros: Ambience, food, everything!
• Cons: None

03/30/07

Love the Meat

by anine

Barbara Lynch knows how to do restaurants very well, and the Butcher Shop has a unique concept in Boston. The semi restaurant/butcher shop serves wine and meats to hungry Bostonians, in a fairly small and busy space. I love the atmosphere and the decor, and despite being very busy, this is a great hot spot in the South End.

• Pros: space and food
• Cons: busy

11/12/06

Best Casual Dining in Boston

by collegeincambridge

The Butcher Shop is the perfet place to end or begin an evening. The staff is among the best in Boston and will recommend some of the finest wine and food from master chef Barbara Lynch. Let them be your guides and I promise, you will not go wrong. The short ribs were DIVINE.

• Pros: Casual Atmosphere, Food, Service
• Cons: The Wait for a Table

10/21/06

nice neighborhood place

by foodnwineandy

we had a nice time there, the pasta was actually very good, nice wines and great cold cuts and cheeses to choose from. we especially liked the organic vegetables.

we'll be back