Cancel

Open app

Search

Butcher's Union

4.6 (1.4k reviews)
Open • 4:00 pm - 11:30 PM
Updated a few days ago

Butcher's Union Photos

Business Info

BUTCHER'S UNION ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Trendy
Loud
Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Butcher's Union

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Lemon meringue
David F.

After many years of wanting to come, it took this restaurant making the Yelp top 100 list to finally get me to come make a reservation for my wife's birthday. It was everything we hoped for and more. With stellar service, starting with a warm greeting and an invitation to dine in the heated patio courtyard (which I highly recommend - even in the middle of one of the coldest winters on record it was delightfully comfortable). And then a customized hand written Birthday card, we felt right at home. To start off, we got the Brussels sprouts and French fries - and both were divine. The sprouts were crispy, salty and had that hint of sweet maple with cubes of delicious bacon mixed in. The fries were salty, crunchy, and covered with a perfectly cooked egg while paired with two of the most delightful sauce choices I've ever had. Our main course ended up being the chopped salad with chicken and steak added and they were the perfect size while getting to experience a rather generous portion of the best steak I think I have ever had. It truly melted in my mouth... And then not only did we order a lemon meringue for dessert, but we were given a complimentary cup of chocolate mousse with a birthday candle! The combination of the food, service, and ambiance created a truly unforgettable experience.

Drinks
Tammy D.

Butcher's union has been on my list to try and I finally got in on a weekday evening. My friend and I got seated right away, but even then the place was filled with people! It must be a town favorite! The ambiance was cool with low lights, a full bar and tables both inside and outside in their back patio! If it was a little warmer when I went, I would've loved to sit outside! I will say since they get so busy, they have tables right in between the bar and the kitchen where I was and it was a lot of touching elbows and backs with how the tables were arranged. I didn't mind it and was able to move my seat to the side out of the way, but something to note. I got the chicken and gnocchi because my friend recommended it and it was a delicious saucy plate! It was packed with flavor and the portion size was big so I have leftovers! My friend got a ribeye burger which also looked delicious. We of course got drinks and I love the variety they have including wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcohol. I heard their menu items change from time to time so I'm interested in coming back to try something new! The only reason why I didn't give 5 stars was because it's a little pricey but this would be a great place for celebrations!

Steak and Eggs Different name in the menu.
Julie E.

Kudos to our server, I wish I had gotten her name. I really hoped she watched Landman, regardless trying to share how personable she was. I ordered off of the brunch menu, A chorizo hash and my friend ordered the steak and eggs. I ordered the brioche and she ordered a biscuit. This is where I go from 4 to 5 stars, my toast was served cold and hard. I didn't want to complain, the server checked back on us she was nice and I didn't want to say anything. If my brioche bread had been hot and steamy I would have enjoyed the meal much more. The ambiance is cool. The booth was leather and I felt like if I saw Frank, Sammy and Dean sitting next to me that would have fit. I utterly enjoyed 95% of my experience. My friends meal looked spectacular! I was also spying on other peoples plates as I journed to the bathroom. I saw many dishes that looked delish!

Pork shoulder

Food was great! Especially artichoke crab dip and (surprisingly) the meatloaf! Will definitely be back

Salmon
Mirna I.

Came here on a Sunday night with a group of six, and they were able to see us after the 15 minute wait without a reservation despite it being pretty busy. The food overall, I think we all agreed was impeccable. The only complaint I heard was that we wish there were burrata and focaccia. I personally had the pork shoulder and essentially licked my plate. We also got drinks, which were all fantastic, including the nonalcoholic ones. (" Summer days" was exceptionally sour). Besides a couple seating issues with some condensation on the pipes that kept dripping on the table, everyone had an awesome time with great service at chill vibes.

Steak and eggs
Katy C.

Butcher's Union is consistently rated as one of the top restaurants in Grand Rapids by visitors and locals alike. It had been awhile since I'd visited, so I decided to make a reservation for my birthday brunch. Reservations are easy to make online and I didn't have any issues getting my preferred time slot the day before. Once we arrived, our booth was ready and I was delighted to see a happy birthday card at the table (of course I told them on OpenTable it was my birthday)! It was so sweet and cute. The full brunch menu is served every Sunday from 10 am until 3 pm (with a limited brunch menu available on Saturday). Brunch entrees here lean more savory than sweet, which is my preference. They have brunch cocktails so I got a Hugo spritz (not on the menu but they were happy to make them). Love the option of a sangria carafe if you have a group! I ordered the wagyu steak and eggs, and Nate got the biscuits and gravy. Our friends got the cheeseburger and corned beef hash. I love BU's steak and eggs - it's always cooked perfectly and seasoned well. I had some bites of my friend's corned beef hash, which was good, but the whole plate oddly wet, I wasn't sure what that was about. Everyone seemed to enjoy their food! We ordered a dessert (the blueberry crisp) to share, and they also brought me a complimentary chocolate panna cotta which was decadent and delicious! Butcher's Union is definitely a great place for a celebratory meal, happy hour, or date night. I've been several times for all of the above and have always had a great experience. The back patio is my favorite!

A perfect slice of cheesecake
Melanie H.

My favorite Michigan meal in over 18 years! Brunch today included deviled eggs, biscuits and strawberry jam, wedge salad, cheddar strata, apple crisp and cherry and pecan cheesecake. I tried to get a taste of everything, and loved it all--Chef Bob is the best! My highest recommendation. P.S. Request seating in the back. Bright brick and hanging plants give it a real European feel.

Prohibition Old Fashioned
Amanda V.

One of my favorite restaurants downtown. Butchers has a great pub vibe, but not too noisy. They have a great selection of bourbons. Food is delicious with large portions. Staff were friendly and we had prompt service. They get busy due prime hours so I'd recommend making a reservation. Definitely worth a stop!

Brussels
Zoe S.

We were lucky to get a last-minute reservation at Butcher's Union on a packed Sunday night, and it was absolutely worth it! We ordered the shrimp and burrata, Brussels sprouts, meatballs, and the smoked ribeye sandwich to share. Everything tasted great, but the meatballs and the ribeye sandwich were the standouts for me. Fantastic food and atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Steak
Emily J.

As always, everything was top notch. The service was excellent, we loved the apps (so excited whenever I see oysters rockefeller on a menu), and the steaks were phenomenal. Only thing I will say is the steaks were slightly less done than what we expected (we all ordered medium rare and got more rare than medium) but it was all delish. Also got a chocolate mousse cake and it was so rich our whole table split it lol. Butchers continues to be one of the best spots in town!

Sangria pitcher
Olivia J.

On a sunny afternoon, we decided to stop by Butchers Union for a quick happy hour. There were spots on the patio so we were seated right away. We shared a white peach sangria pitcher - on the sweeter side but a great deal for happy hour. We also got a burger to share and some potato nachos. They even split the burger for us, which was great. Food was all super tasty and great deals for happy hour. Love this spot!

Andrea G.

Beautiful atmosphere the staff was incredibly friendly and the vegan options included a side of fries as well as the Brussels sprouts plain. They had a variety of mocktails as well.

Karsen L.

Butcher's Union at happy hour felt like a secret you stumble into on the perfect kind of weekday. We grabbed a quiet spot at the bar and watched the evening unfold--golden hour light, slow build of a dinner rush, that cozy city hum. MY TYPE OF EVENING!!! The $19 sangrias pitchers+ (white peach + bu whisky red) were worth every sip--smooth, balanced, a little dreamy and the biggest bang for your buck, since Rockwells (rip). The deviled eggs hit the comfort spot with prosciutto sprinkled on top, and their version of a KFC bowl was warm, familiar, and just different enough to feel so so special. Our bartender was lovely --attentive without hovering, and the kind of energy that makes a place feel easy. If you're looking for something laid-back but still a little swoony, this is it. I LOVE U BU!

Wagyu sirloin and butcher's cut hanger. Daisy du and bridge st old fashioned

See all

28 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 1
Love this 5
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 3
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 days ago

We had a wonderful waitress Janie!! And the food and drinks were delicious! We'll definitely be back again soon!

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 days ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 days ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 days ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 18
Thanks 5
Love this 17
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Zoe S.
225
376
1174

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Paul J.
3
50
20

7 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Don J.
179
504
3043

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sarah R.

Sarah R.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 37

Butcher's Union Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Butcher's Union

Is there a kids dinner menu?

Hi Heather, thank you for reaching out! We do have a children’s menu. If you have any further questions, we highly suggest calling Butcher’s Union directly or visit our website for more information! We hope we have the opportunity to serve you soon!

Can they handle a group of 45 for a rehearsal dinner?

Unfortunately we’re unable to accommodate private parties. We apologize!

Are they open for outdoor sweating? I don't see any hours listed.

Unfortunately we do not have heated outdoor seating, and are closed due to the current Governor’s orders. We hope to be open soon!

Do they take Reservations?

According to the website it’s first come first served.

View All 5 Questions

You might also consider

One Bourbon - Southern Chicken Sandwich 
 American (Traditional)

One Bourbon

4.3(282 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$$

Greats drinks and delicious food! Friendly staff :)…read moreAlways!!! And that is the honest truth!

I wish I could give this place 100 stars…read more My wife and I got married on November 9, and what should've been the happiest week of our lives turned momentarily chaotic when our original dinner venue canceled on us two days before the wedding. Total panic. We called One Bourbon on a longshot, expecting a "sorry, we're closed." Instead, they did something absolutely unbelievable: they opened their restaurant -- on a day they're normally closed -- just for us. That kind of kindness is almost unheard of. From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us like family. They set up a beautiful, intimate space, took incredible care of our guests, and made sure everything flowed seamlessly. The food was fantastic. The cocktails were perfection. And every single person there felt genuinely invested in making our wedding reception special. Because of them, our day went from almost falling apart to being absolutely unforgettable. Everyone at our reception raved about the experience -- and so are we. If you want a place with incredible food, amazing drinks, and a staff who actually gives a damn about people, go to One Bourbon. They earned customers for life that night. Thank you Meg, Matt, and staff for saving our wedding day and turning it into something magical.

Photos
One Bourbon - American (Traditional)
 Bar / Pub
 Craft Cocktails

American (Traditional) Bar / Pub Craft Cocktails

One Bourbon
One Bourbon - American (Traditional) food
 Craft Cocktails
 Happy Hour
 Bar / Pub

See all

American (Traditional) food Craft Cocktails Happy Hour Bar / Pub

Flanagan's Irish Pub

Flanagan's Irish Pub

2.6(113 reviews)
0.5 mi
•$$

Wanted to grab one quick drink with the wife before an event an Amway, and this place is close by…read more It's actually in a pretty central location, I say this because hopefully someone will see its value and pick it up. It's clear somethings going on with ownership maybe wanting to sell as I'm seeing reviews on here. Anyway our experience was unique; I told my wife and people at the event it was like a scene out of bar rescue! Serving drinks in red solo cups, the bar wasn't very stocked, and though we didn't look around and inspect the place it didn't give off a clean vibe because of updates that look like are needed. That being said at least around us the bar from what we could tell was maintained. Our bartender was friendly so there's that. But immediately on sitting we were informed the kitchen was closed and overheard later with other guests that it was due to staffing issues. Again overhearing it sounded like alot of things were out; even staples like Bud light. My drink was fine but my wife's cider was flat and probably an old keg... again just get the vibe they cashed out and putting minimal in... so I'd definitely recommend another spot until new ownership or some change comes... Which is too bad because even photos on here from 5 years ago look completely different (stocked bar) and I used to come here often about 10 -12 years ago for fun times and great value/experience.

We only stopped in to meet clients and have a few drinks. Very friendly staff with a good vibe to…read moreit. I didn't see anyone eating or look at a menu. I cannot comment on anything about the food. Overall a good bib and friendly staff

Photos
Flanagan's Irish Pub
Flanagan's Irish Pub
Flanagan's Irish Pub

See all

Mertens Prime - Whiskey Sour!

Mertens Prime

2.8(90 reviews)
0.8 mi

MERTENS Prime really wants to feel like an upscale steakhouse, but the reality misses the mark…read more The entire place was dark, the seating was uncomfortable and cheap, and details like missing candles and worn walls made it feel neglected rather than intentionally "historic." Service hovered in a way that felt more judgmental than welcoming. On top of that, almost everything was $2 more than the menu price (my tiny side salad listed at $7/14 came to $9), and our bill shows a "seat count" of 10 even though we were seven -- probably why the automatic 18% gratuity hit. The food itself was mid at best; ironically, the highlight was a coffee mocktail.

We had an amazing dinner at Mertens Prime this past Saturday and were honestly surprised by how…read morecalm it was when we arrived around 5:15 PM--only a few other tables were seated, which made the experience feel even more special. We ordered the Hand-Cut Filet for Two and it did not disappoint. The 20oz steak was sliced tableside and cooked perfectly--tender, flavorful, and exactly how a steak should be. We paired it with the red wine steak sauce, which took everything to the next level. For sides, we chose the garlic mashed potatoes (a must) and the glazed Brussels sprouts. Both were incredibly delicious and complemented the steak so well. I also started with an espresso martini, and wow--it was one of the best I've had in a long time. Smooth, well-balanced, and dangerously easy to drink. We were seated in one of their cozy half-circle booths, which made the evening feel intimate and comfortable. Our server was friendly, attentive, and paced the meal perfectly. Between the quality of the food, the drinks, and the overall atmosphere, this was a fantastic dining experience. I'll absolutely be back for another steak dinner--and that espresso martini!

Photos
Mertens Prime - Medium Philly Poutine!

Medium Philly Poutine!

Mertens Prime - Beef Stroganoff made with Filet Mignon!

Beef Stroganoff made with Filet Mignon!

Mertens Prime - Shrimp Beignets!

See all

Shrimp Beignets!

Butcher's Union - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...