The Butcher Shop Beer Garden & Grill

How I missed the April opening of The Butcher Shop Beer Garden and Grill in West Palm Beach is a mystery; I frequent the Bank of America complex across the street weekly.  Though, it's a funny location.  The restaurant has assumed a very old, rustic looking space that had been vacant for many decades, one in which it is believed that seaplanes had been constructed.   Sixth Street is not a hub of foot traffic, not close to any other pubs or eateries.  The sign is high above the entrance and easily missed if you walk or drive by.  It has not stymied this new establishment's popularity in any fashion.

Earlier this month, I was there twice within two days.  Both visits were planned ahead: one was a small going away party for a co-worker; the other a post church lunch with an old friend.   The first night was an orgy of  appetizer offerings: ahi poke (raw tuna in poke sauce), several sections of jumbo Bavarian pretzels (with rich cheddar Bechamel), Buffalo and Mongolian chicken wings, and Polish pierogies (filled with potato and cheese).  I also had the prime sirloin burger, which was fabulous.  Everything at The Butcher Shop is, in fact, aside from those pierogies, which were a bit bland.  I had chorizo sausage and (over easy) eggs for brunch the next visit, which was very good.

The West Palm Beach location comes after the success of the Wynwood area eatery in Miami, which combines a beer garden with a butcher shop.  A place where multiple local brews are on draught and the meat counter offers high quality, grass fed beef and sausages made in house that can be taken home.  Igor and Fred Niznik, a father and son team, have replicated that formula here in West Palm with a bright, open floor plan that utilizes the ancient building's retro cool, airplane hangar-like interior to good advantage, other than (as with many restaurants) that there is nothing to absorb sound.  The din of conversation and the live music can create a challenge to conversation.  But those overhead trusses are nifty and authentic.  There is also outdoor seating, of course.

The Butcher Shop..is a very inviting, kid friendly establishment with a menu that also includes vegan options.  Brews from Due South, Twisted Trunk, and Saltwater Brewery are available.  Well worth your time.

The Butcher Shop Beer Garden and Grill

209 6th Street

West Palm Beach, FL  33401

(561) 812-2336

butchershopwpb.com