Reno: Butcher's Kitchen Char-B-Que

Subject: FOOD

Place: Butcher's Kitchen Char-B-Que

Locale: Reno (South)

Butcher's Kitchen Website

Visits: 1

Food:    4 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter

Venue:  4 out of 5 on the Fork-O-Meter  

Will I return?: Yes

NARRATIVE:

After hearing about this new place (thank you Jerianne), we popped in for lunch. This family-run restaurant had only been open for eight days. Although located in a large, older strip mall, the interior is entirely new. Everything from the bar (more later), to the garage door leading to an outdoor seating area, to the tables and chairs screamed new. An easy-to-read menu was mounted directly behind and above the ordering counter.

Generally, I prefer to not try a restaurant this close to a "grand opening", but the word "Char-B-Que" sucked me right in. It was clear through the ordering process these folks were still in a dress rehearsal mode. I could tell that they were somewhat feeling their way through things, and while it was a little awkward for everyone involved, it was not unexpected. This is a counter-ordering establishment, after which the counter folks table deliver the food. 

One thing that I really enjoy about places like Butcher's Kitchen is that the menu tends to NOT be static. Depending on the day, and further yet, depending on the time of day, some items can disappear (or conversely, appear) from/onto the menu boards. This unpredictability for me is attractive, it makes me rethink what I thought I wanted to eat and try something new - love it. This is not McDonald's. 

We settled on a brisket sandwich, a pulled-pork sandwich, sweet potato fries, and a side of mac and cheese. On my brisket sammy, I asked for nothing but the bbq sauce they usually put onto the roll as I did not want to add anything that might mask or alter the taste of the smoke (onions, pickles, slaw, etc). It was one of the best smoked brisket bites I can recall. Linda was really happy with the pulled pork sandwich. The sweet potato fries were perfectly executed. 

Pulled Pork Sammy

Beef Brisket, no add-ons for me except their BBQ sauce

Side of Mac 'n Cheese

I mentioned a bar higher up in this blog. At the time of our visit, they were still a few days away from obtaining their alcohol license. The bar sits in a nice spot away from the ordering counters and only adds to the well-rounded atmosphere in the joint. Once the weather warms up a bit, I can envision the large garage door being opened, diners enjoying the outdoor seating, and everyone listening to good tunes while savoring what to this point is really good chow.

Risky to put such lofty praise on a new place based on a single visit, however there are certain places that have the basis (good food) to succeed all things considered.

To quote General Douglas McArthur, "I shall return!". Further Reviews to come!

-BG