I was in town and caught a few seconds of a random newscast where it was mentioned that this place was ranked among the best butcher shops in the country. Naturally, I had to try it. I can say with confidence that after doing so, that you should try it as well and that you will not be disappointed.
It sits in a quaint, walkable area in the city surrounded by other shops and restaurants so it's not hard to find and the area itself is really pleasant. The shop is super clean with a modern/industrial vibe and has seating both inside and outside for those days when the weather is great or you're feeling a bit of fresh air. Order at the counter, take a number, fill your beverage and they'll bring your meal to your table.
Now this place is more than just a restaurant. It's also a full service butcher. They source their meats from small (often local) farms and process them on site. You can watch the actual butchering through a large window that faces the dining area and see the magic unfold for yourself. With all that said, you can of course choose from a variety of incredible looking meats that are available to take home and cook for yourself. A variety of sausages from Irish bangers to brats, thick sliced bacon, steaks of every kind, and all those fancy little meats that you might normally find on a high-end charcuterie board. If you love and understand meat, you will be impressed if not thrilled by their selection. (I saw a slab of pancetta that I wanted to take a bite out of right then and there) Really great stuff.
Now on to the dine-in menu.
I ordered the burnt end breakfast and the lard biscuit from their brunch menu, and my friends both had smash burgers. The prices and portions were reasonable given the quality, (and given the portion size of that burnt end breakfast).
The burgers were fully smashed and beautifully crisp, served with light, airy buns that stood up to the burger and held together well without adding too much bulk. Excellent patties, excellent bread...the foundation for any good burger. 10 out of 10.
The breakfast bowl...I did not expect the portion to be so large. A generous amount of large burnt end chunks, lots of tallow-fried potatoes, and a perfectly fried egg on top to add that little extra flavor to set the whole thing off. Outstanding. I had enough for leftovers.
The lard biscuit was flaky, crispy, yet dense in the middle and very filling. Served with a house made peach butter/jam that really added a ton of tartness to offset the lardy goodness of the biscuit. Someone really thought these flavors through.
Overall the food was better than most people would expect even if they were expecting something good. I would order anything I had again and again.
The service was quick, the food was great, the vibes were on point, and the place was clean and tidy. They're serving up farm to table burgers, sandwiches and brunch items, and anything you could ask for from a full service butcher shop. If they aren't on your radar, they should be. They're winning awards and making the national rankings for a reason. Get down there and give them a shot if you're in the area. You won't regret it.
5 stars. read more