With a James Beard Foundation nomination, a 5,000 square foot beer garden, and killer food, bourbon, and craft beer, what isn’t to love about Butcher and the Boar? Walk into the vibrant, urban yet raw space and you immediately experience sensory overload from the sounds of music and conversation, the smell of meat on the grill, and the sight of the edgy, dark but modern room full of people enjoying dinner.

Butcher and the Boar

Photo courtesy of Butcher and the Boar

The inside restaurant of Butcher and the Boar somehow manages to be both chic and youthful. The room is just dim enough to feel intimate without feeling drab, and while the restaurant is not rowdy, conversation is always loud enough to keep it from feeling stuffy.The restaurant menu is full of options for everyone, from meat lovers to those with a more sophisticated palette.

Some local favorites include wood grilled oysters doused in parmesan and butter, green chorizo paired with a smoky, cumin creme fraiche, and the smoked beef long rib that is covered in a tabasco-molasses bbq sauce and is so big that it extends off the plate. Creamy and smoky taleggio mac & cheese and skillet cornbread are some of the most popular side dishes intended to be passed around the table.

Butcher and the Boar

Photo courtesy of Butcher and the Boar

Walk toward the back of the restaurant and you find the entrance to the tucked away beer garden that draws happy hour crowds every day of the week. The beer garden feels simultaneously upscale and rustic. The atmosphere is homey and welcoming. Music is on point, and the drinks are plentiful and strong.

Butcher and the Boar

Photo Courtesy of Butcher and the Boar

The beer garden menu is known for its beer, brat, and a shot special, which is exactly what it sounds like. For just twelve dollars, diners can get their beer of choice from a selection, a house made brat, and a shot.

Other menu hits are the pulled pork sandwich, which is smokey, sweet, and spicy all at once, and the fried green tomato BLT, which has incredible crunch from the tomatoes, salty meatiness from the thick-cut bacon, and a citrusy punch from house made aioli.

Butcher and the Boar

Photo courtesy of Butcher and the Boar

Tucked away from the main strip of popular happy hour restaurants like the Local, the News Room, and Barrio, Butcher and the Boar is perfect for a large group or a spontaneous outing. Though it is always bumping, it is still somewhat of a hidden gem.

Too broke for happy hour? Check out these drink recipes you can make at home: