Butcher Shop

I am writing this after eating at the Butcher Shop many times. I have never been disappointed. The first time I went, I sat at the bar and devoured everything out in front of me. I was introduced to a delicious raw honey that accompanies the bread (& can be purchased by the jar). The honey was amazing and opened my eyes to honey like I never tasted before. I can say that this theme continues with the components of the appetizers and entrees. Barbara Lynch has created a wonderful place with interesting combinations of flavors and ingredients. Last night I had a delicious pan seared duck breast, fregola salad and shared some mint-pea soup. They were all wonderful. I had a nice, light Muscat D'Alsace wine that was perfect for a warm summer meal. There are usually a few pastas and true to its name, a variety of meats. I have eaten the house gnudi which is tender and delicious. I have had panna cotta for dessert and was close to licking the plate. If you come in the day, it is a butcher shop and you can purchase many of the house prepared meats. The one thing is that it is small and patience might be required for weekend nights. Try going on a weeknight. Our wait last night was 10 minutes. The staff are well versed in the food and wine they serve. I have always had friendly encounters, even on a crazy weekend night. I love this restaurant and will return again and again. Pros: delicious food, great wine choices Cons: small, no reservations for under 6 more

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 more

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! more

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. more

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. more

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 more

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! more

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 more

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 more

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.\r we'll be back more

I am quite the carnivore, so my Butcher Shop experience was delightful. The restaurant does not take reservations, but my date and I only had to wait 30 minutes. We enjoyed a great glass of wine while standing around the ""butcher block""... if that's what the giant wooden table taking up most of the restaurant space is called. We ended up sitting at the bar. The bartenders and staff were extremely helpful and knowlegeable and made great recommendations. I ordered the hanger steak and loved its spiciness. My date had venison for the first time ever and LOVED it. As much as I enjoyed my experience, I must admit that I was a bit dissapointed in the lack of sides on the menu. It doesn't deter my desire to go back, though. more

Only had drinks, staff was very helpful in selecting wines. We're definitely planning on coming back for dinner! Pros: excelent service more

Very attentive and informed employees. Both the cooks and the server knew answers to in depth questions. Food is pricey, but well worth it! Definitely for serious foodies. I'll go back! more

Great concept. Good wine. Wish the food offerings were more varied. BTW, while the quality of the meat is good, save your money and go the other side of town at Savenor's (which believe it or not is cheaper) or John Dewer's in Newton- their cuts are just as good and in some cases at half the price. Pros: wine Cons: , service more

I couldn't believe how friendly and helpful each staff member was at this place. They gave a perfect recommendation for a wine pairing with our food, and made us feel so welcome and relaxed that I felt like we were old friends! The steak tartare was incredible, as was the fois gras. Can't wait to go back! Pros: great atmosphere, incredible food, impeccable service more

A very helpful staff will help you navigate the small but inventive menu at this French inspired Butcher Shop. The Steak Tartare was good enough to be a dessert and the Charcuterie Plate was an excellent way to get a small taste of everything. Good ambiance and a wine list worth learning about. Enjoy! more

Everything Barbara Lynch does with food and wine seems to work very well. We're big fans of her excellent dining spot near the State House. Pros: High quality meats more