Butcher Bay
(212) 260-1333
511 E 5th St
New York,
NY
10009
40.7248
-73.984
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Alphabet City, East Village
What People Are Saying About Butcher Bay
The Editor
Kathleen Squires
Citysearch
The Scene
Peeling paint and slanted floors exaggerate the hard-hat, blue-collar ambience, so much so that diners might wonder if the kitchen is meant to be open, or just awaiting drywall. The Facebook-friendly crowd digs the down-to-earth vibe around the communal table, the one area of the restaurant that feels finished.
The Food
Winners on Seymour's comfort-driven menu include soft top-neck clams with a crispy cornmeal crust, lemony roast chicken, and a juicy, loose-meat burger with an artisanal English muffin bun. Some of the other dishes, however, mirror the room's work-in-progress feel: a curious appetizer pairing three overly briny oysters with two sausage patties; smoky yet sodden Brussels sprouts with brown butter and bacon; and disappointingly soggy French fries. For dessert, creamy chocolate pudding brings back better memories than the clunky, thickly-crusted apple pie.
Hits: An unpretentious atmosphere pervades the place, whether it's the earnest service or the local purveyors (Katz's salami, Russ & Daughters babka, Pat LaFrieda meat) sprinkled throughout the menu.
Misses: The "charm" of wobbly chairs and tables wears thin quickly.
User Reviews
WingMich
October 30, 2008
I thought this place was ok but partially due to the fact that we only got one piece of bread and that the food wasn't as good as I would have liked. The environment was nice. The wait staff didn't come to our table often, and when wait staff did it took so long to bring our order/fulfill our request. I'll keep this short and simple. The grilled ssparagus was definitely a recommend. While the food tastes good the service definitely took out from the overall rating. Total 3.5 stars (I still think we should have the option of rating with half stars)
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seminario
June 06, 2008
Empty it is on most nights, and for good reason. This place is overpriced and the wines are limited and uninspired. The servers are bored to tears and don't want to be working there. It is also a little pretentious. You have to earn your meal it seems by squinting to read the menu on the blackboard (full of spelling mistakes by the way) and constantly try to get someone's attention when you would like to order something else. There are so many other great spots in the East Village. Don't waste your time on this one.
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lola1074
May 20, 2008
we've visited the restaurant a few times and have enjoyed each experience. the service is attentive, even when it gets busy. i love the design of the communal table that's in the center of the space. the food is also delicious. my friend especially loves the chicken dish and the garlicky white bean dip. the skirt steak is tender and the chimichurri sauce is especially flavorful. the fries are also well-seasoned and crunchy. we've recommended the place to friends who have also enjoyed themselves and will definitely be going back soon!
read full reviewThe Details on Butcher Bay
What to Drink:
Wines range from $36 to $60. The easy-to-drink red Bandol ($36) goes nicely with most of the hearty menu.
Where to Sit:
The sturdy, long wooden communal table doesn't rock, wobble or tilt.
Fun Fact:
The restaurant's name is a tribue to the owners' fathers.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Brunch, Date Spot, Group Dining, Notable Wine List
