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Welcome to The Butcher's Tale

At The Butcher's Tale, nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, culinary tradition meets modern flair. This cocktail bar offers a fresh take on classic American fare, spotlighting high-quality meats and a vibrant atmosphere. Guests are treated to exquisite starters like Red Hot Brussel Sprouts and smoked wings, with standout dishes including the succulent Wagyu Butter Burger and the delectable long rib. The ambiance strikes a balance between lively and intimate, perfect for both groups and romantic dinners. With attentive service and a welcoming beer garden, The Butcher's Tale is a must-visit for food lovers seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

The Butcher's Tale: Reviews & Ratings

Tiffanie S.
Tiffanie S.

The food and service was incredible. We shared a filet, scallops, elk sausage, and mushrooms. It was great to see the chefs all running around cooking and smoking our food, but it was a bit loud in the main dining area. If you want a more intimate, quiet evening on a date I recommend sitting on the main bar side. We highly recommend this restaurant!

yodi g.
yodi g.

Had a splendid time here. Food was amazing. Service was friendly. Loved the ambiance, not too loud. My friend and I had oysters, charcuterie, and smoked jalapeño as a starter. Loved all of it. I was really full from all the apps, I ended up ordering the 8 OZ MN ANGUS FILET MIGNON, it just melts in your mouth and was seasoned just right. Highly recommend this establishment. Definitely coming back for more.

Agnes S.
Agnes S.

We loved this place back when it was Butcher and the Boar, and when we came back to Minneapolis and saw that it had reopened as Butcher's Tale, my husband insisted that we go. We ordered the jalapeño and sausage sampler as our apps, and both were delicious. So good, in fact, that I forgot to take photos (oops - all gone!). For dinner I ordered the wagyu strip (4 oz) and my husband ordered the long rib, which is the house special. We also ordered the carrots, Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes. My husband got a Glenfiddich 12 and I ordered the True Grit cab. For dessert, we ordered the bananas foster French toast. There wasn't nothing that wasn't spectacular on its own, but the meat was the star of the show. The steak is some of the best I've had. I asked for an extra sear on my wagyu, and though it was thin at 4oz, it did not compromise the temperature of the steak (at medium rare). The Japanese wagyu comes with accompaniments but I felt that these were not needed (though they were delicious). The steak on its own was perfect. My husband loved his long rib and swore it was the best thing on the table, though I preferred my steak. The sides were all very good, though we were especially impressed with the sausage and jalapeños. The potato was creamy and well-balanced. It fit a need in the meal because the food tended towards the spicier or acidic side, so the humble potato with sour cream refreshed the palate. When we first came in, we couldn't be seated right away so we ordered a Bellini and Banana Bread Old Fashioned at the bar. In general, though, service was extremely attentive. Bar service was okay but the dinner service was top notch. There wasn't a moment there wasn't someone on top of things. My first glass of wine (recommended by our server) was not the greatest, so I had it sent back, and this was not an issue. My server asked me what I preferred, and brought 2 samples to try to match my taste, which wound up both being very good. Eventually, I ordered a cab as it paired well with my steak. I will leave this review with a quick note on general atmosphere. It is very similar to the original restaurant. You can see the fire going in the kitchen when meat is thrown on the grill, and there is a big menu in the dining room that reflects market pricing, so you know what you're paying for each cut. The room is darker but stylish and modern. The bar area is a little trendier but still cozy. There are people who dress up to come, but we saw just as many in sweaters, polo, and short sleeve shirts. Smart casual is recomm My husband believes this is the best restaurant in Minnesota. We haven't visited them all, though we have sat at the few top-rates restaurants in the city, being from Chicago. I can't say I disagree. This is one of the best meals you'll have here in Minneapolis.

Yolanda M.
Yolanda M.

Went to The Butcher's Tale for NYE dinner with my hubby and it was delicious! Our waitress was great! Kept up with us and we never had to wait long for anything. It was of course loud as people were getting ready to celebrate a new year, yet somehow our table still felt cozy and like we had privacy which was great. DEFINITELY recommend the banana foster French toast!! I

Chris M.
Chris M.

It looks like many of the reviews for the Butcher's Tale have carried over from the previous incarnation at this location (Butcher and the Boar, which the rights to were purchased by another restaurant group and relocated to the North Loop), which doesn't seem fair to The Butcher's Tale, though I guess maybe it's not a big deal since many of the great things about it's predecessor remain selling points for the current concept. Butcher's Tale seems to be trying to distance itself by becoming more of a smokehouse concept, but at the end of the day, they still have a great beer garden, good steaks, a delicious long rib and sausages. The smoked wings are some of my favorites in the Cities and the combo meals (burger/brat/chicken sandwich, a beer and a bump) are made for my palate. Butcher's Tale, especially the year-round beer garden, will remain a standby whenever going out in this part of downtown.

Julie R.
Julie R.

What a lovely ambiance, staff, and menu! My friend and I came here before a concert and we had a very enjoyable experience. Our server was great and helped us navigate the menu. We were planning to get a few cocktails and share some appetizers and she was able to bring them out progressively instead of overwhelming us with everything all at once. This really made the experience better since we had plenty of time to kill. We started with the house wedge salad 10/10, but I'm a sucker for a wedge! We then had the tuna tartare 5/10- wouldn't get this again. The tuna was cut too big for my preference and I didn't think it had enough flavor. Next we had the smoked sausage 10/10 and the broccolini 8/10! My only complaint would be that the food and drinks were a bit expensive and I wish they would have offered happy hour deals since we were there on a Monday. I believe you'd have to sit at the bar to get any kind of a discount. Overall a great variety of drinks and appetizers for us to choose from and wonderful service. Thank you for a wonderful meal! We will be back.

Lola M.
Lola M.

Fantastic food, fantastic drinks, fantastic service. Dropped in for social hour and the Butcher's Tale did not disappoint! We tried the calamari, which were hot and crispy, great, but probably our least favorite dish of the night. We also tried both the fresh and grilled oysters. Both were excellent and very fresh, however, they were a little small, glad they were happy hour price. We loved the chicken wings; the rum chili bbq sauce was perfectly tangy and sweet with high quality and super hot chicken. We decided to try the truffle fries, also. We were so glad we tried them, they were absolutely delicious. So hot and fresh, and the aioli was perfect. It was also a huge portion size, perfect for sharing! I think my favorite thing about this spot was that the staff all seemed to love what they were doing and created such a welcome atmosphere. Our bartender, Charlie, was great to talk to and offered great suggestions for both food and drinks. Overall, we totally loved The Butcher's Tale and can't wait to come back!

Suzie R.
Suzie R.

This is the place to come if you want decadent and delicious meat! Not the best place for a vegetarian. (lol). Hubby and I were celebrating our anniversary and chose the Butchers Tale to dine. The service from when we walked into the restaurant to when we sat down was great. We had Mich (short for Michelle) as our waitress. She was great and very friendly. We sat in the room closest to the kitchen. It was quite busy for a Saturday night so please make reservations when possible especially during the weekend. We ordered the Mexican street corn as an appetizer - that was great and note - does not come with anything like chips or crackers. I ordered the scallops which received rave reviews on yelp - they were great with the puree and bacon . Hubby had the ribeye and it was delish as well - luckily he shared with me. We also had sides of creamed spinach and Brussels sprouts. He couldn't get enough of the Brussels sprouts and the creamed spinach was my fav. Drinks - hubby had lots of fun IPA beers and I had their key lime margarita which was just okay...but had a cool black salt rim. Oh and the waitress treated us to some complimentary bubbly rose to celebrate our anniversary. The bathrooms were clean and closer to the kitchen (on the right side). Marked M and W. Overall this place was great and lots of fun options for entrees and sides to choose from. We would've gotten dessert if we had room!

Location

The Butcher's Tale is a standout cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Minneapolis at 1121 Hennepin Ave. This contemporary establishment presents a unique fusion of American cuisine and innovative mixology, enhancing the vibrant food scene in the city. With a commitment to exceptional service and a casual yet trendy atmosphere, The Butcher's Tale promises an unforgettable dining and drinking experience.

Upon entering, guests are enveloped in a lively ambiance, characterized by moderate noise and a stylish, modern decor. The restaurant is designed to cater to a variety of preferences, whether you opt for indoor seating or the charming heated outdoor patio, perfect for year-round enjoyment. The venue is good for groups, making it an ideal spot for dinner with friends or family.

One of the stars of the menu is undoubtedly the meat. The Butcher’s Tale specializes in a variety of high-quality cuts that consistently impress patrons. Diners rave about the Wagyu Butter Burger, featuring a luscious beef patty complemented by bacon, caramelized onions, and aged cheddar. It’s a true testament to the quality of their ingredients, as described by one customer who remarked on the burger's melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Another highlight is the Smoked Chicken Wings, available with a choice of Rum Chili BBQ or buffalo sauce. Patrons describe these wings as some of the best in the city, emphasizing their smoky flavor and expertly crisp texture. The Fried Chicken Sandwich and Wild Mushroom & Brie Burger are also must-tries, each crafted with a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

The Butcher's Tale offers an impressive assortment of starters, including Red Hot Brussel Sprouts served with buttermilk ranch and a tempting Basket of Truffle Fries accompanied by truffle aioli. Many guests have found themselves too full to move on to entrees after indulging in these delectable appetizers, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

The drink menu is equally enticing, with a full bar offering an enticing range of cocktails, beers, and wines. Happy Hour specials make it a popular choice on Monday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and the attentive staff ensures that your playful bar experience matches the quality of the food.

Recent reviews highlight the top-notch service at The Butcher's Tale, with many guests noting that the staff is not only friendly but also exceptionally attentive. This level of service enhances the overall experience, allowing diners to relax and enjoy their meals without interruption.

In conclusion, The Butcher's Tale encapsulates everything a trendy cocktail bar should be—delicious food, excellent service, and an inviting atmosphere. Whether savoring their signature burgers, enjoying the vibrant outdoor space, or indulging in a carefully crafted cocktail, diners will find that this establishment is a culinary gem within Minneapolis. Do yourself a favor and visit The Butcher's Tale; you won’t regret it!