delivers a charming, unpretentious evening that leans into its dual identity as both butcher…read morecounter and casual wine bar--though a few service hiccups and limited by-the-glass options keep it from feeling fully polished.
The Halloween-themed music playing softly in the background was a thoughtful seasonal touch: recognizable enough to quietly sing along, yet restrained enough that conversation never competed with the soundtrack. The space itself is clean, well-lit, and easy to navigate, with the butcher counter's impressive selection of meats taking center stage. That said, as first-time visitors we stood awkwardly near the entrance for a bit before being directed to the bar. A simple hostess greeting or quick orientation would have smoothed the arrival considerably. Once seated, our bartender seemed momentarily puzzled by our presence and prioritized other parties' full orders before returning for ours. Unfortunately, the specific steaks we had our eyes on were claimed in the interim--an avoidable frustration. A clearer process for selecting from the case, plus the ability to specify thickness and a true blue-rare option, would elevate the experience.
On the drinks side, the Citrus Cart Margarita lived up to its menu description: bright, balanced, and vibrantly citrus-forward, with the Tajín rim providing a welcome savory contrast. The Blue Moon arrived in a handsome goblet with a proper orange slice, well-chilled and sporting a restrained, attractive head.
The Salt & Pepper Calamari was a highlight--generously portioned, golden and light-crusted, with visible seasoning and the occasional burst of fried cherry pepper that kept each bite interesting. The sherry vinegar aioli supplied exactly the creamy, tangy counterpoint the dish needed.
For mains we selected our own prime ribeyes from the case. Mine arrived precisely blue-rare as requested, with even grill marks and a pure, lightly seasoned beef flavor that let the quality of the meat shine. A touch more salt and pepper would have rounded it out, but the tenderness and cook were spot-on. The accompanying roasted potatoes were competent but unremarkable--standard kitchen fare. By contrast, the Parmesan-rosemary fries that accompanied the other steak were outstanding: made to order, perfectly crisp, well-seasoned, and among the better fries I've had in some time.
Overall this is a solid neighborhood spot with excellent product at the butcher counter and a relaxed, seasonal vibe. Tighten the front-of-house flow, expand the by-the-glass list a bit, and refine a couple of the sides, and it could become a regular destination.
