Buttermilk & Bourbon — Restaurant in Boston

In the lively streets of Boston, where the air hums with the spirit of Southern charm, Buttermilk & Bourbon stands as a culinary haven—a warm embrace of flavors that beckons both locals and visitors alike. My partner and I decided to explore this enticing establishment on a recent evening, eager to indulge in its unique fusion of Southern comfort food and New Orleans flair.

As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere, infused with rustic elegance. The decor—a harmonious blend of reclaimed wood, vintage accents, and soft lighting—created an inviting ambiance that felt like a cozy Southern porch, perfect for an evening of indulgence and laughter.

We began our journey with the Deviled Eggs, elegantly presented and topped with crispy bacon and house-made pickles. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, balancing the creaminess of the yolk with the crunch of the toppings—a perfect start to our meal that set the tone for the culinary delights to come.

For the main course, I chose the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, a dish that has garnered much acclaim. It arrived golden and crisp, cocooned in a blanket of fluffy biscuits and accompanied by a side of honey butter and a zesty slaw. The chicken was succulent and flavorful, with a crunch that resonated with each bite, while the biscuits were a cloud of buttery goodness that melted in my mouth, begging to be slathered in that sweet, golden honey butter.

My partner opted for the Shrimp and Grits, a classic Southern staple that was executed with finesse. The shrimp were sautéed to perfection, nestled atop a bed of creamy grits that enveloped them in warmth. The dish was enriched with a rich, savory sauce that tied together the elements beautifully, creating a delightful dance of flavors on the palate.

As we savored our meals, the service was attentive yet relaxed, embodying the laid-back spirit of the South. Our server was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, recommending cocktail pairings that perfectly complemented our dishes. We enjoyed the Bourbon Smash, a refreshing concoction that mingled citrus with the warmth of bourbon, enhancing our dining experience with each sip.

However, as the evening progressed, we encountered a slight hiccup in service. Our drinks took longer to arrive than anticipated, and we found ourselves waiting a bit too long for dessert. While the restaurant was bustling with energy, a touch more attentiveness could have elevated the experience to the next level.

For dessert, we indulged in the Pecan Pie, a sweet finale that arrived warm and inviting. The rich, nutty filling was perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, nestled in a flaky crust that crumbled delightfully with each forkful. It was a comforting embrace, a sweet reminder of home.

In conclusion, Buttermilk & Bourbon is a delightful ode to Southern cuisine, where comfort meets creativity in every dish. Despite a few minor lapses in service, the quality of the food shone bright, leaving us with satisfied hearts and full bellies. As we stepped back into the bustling streets of Boston, we carried with us the warmth of Southern hospitality and a longing to return to this culinary gem, where every meal is a celebration of...

LUNCH REVIEW

I walk by Buttermilk & Bourbon every day on my commute but I never stopped in, telling myself "oh I'll just go when I don't feel like going far." It took me 10 months but I finally tried it and was thoroughly impressed by the food.

A friend and I made a reservation for 12:30 on a Saturday assuming it would be the brunch menu but we discovered that Brunch is only on Sunday here (brunch-lovers take note!). Even still, we were able to get some "brunchy" things on the lunch menu and it was still a very enjoyable meal.

SETTING: This is a garden level restaurant so you walk downstairs to enter. The dining room feels somewhat like New Orleans with the tile floors and how the tables are set-up. You are close to other diners but not uncomfortably so.

FOOD: I would describe the menu as Southern small plates. They have classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and the best damn biscuits you will ever eat. We ordered 4 to share amongst us two which ended up being more than enough because the portion sizes were larger than most other small plates restaurants in the city.

FRIED CHICKEN - They call this their "house special" and I can see why. I had the boneless fried thighs with the Nashville hot seasoning and these were some of the moistest pieces of fried chicken I've ever eaten. Definitely go with the thighs when you order the fried chicken here.

WARM HONEY GLAZED BISCUIT - Son of a biscuit, these were damn good. I'm not a big biscuit lover but these, without a doubt, the best I have ever had. They are both sweet and salty (with the honey and salt) and warm on the inside. I could have eaten these alone. But then they give you smoked cinnamon butter and pimento cheese spread on the side (you choose your mood, sweet or savory) and these make them that much better. I INSIST that you get these when you come.

AHI TUNA TARTARE - We got this because my friend wanted something on the healthier side. It was good, not great, but the portion size was very generous. Tuna came on top of a deviled egg salad.

Overall, I can't wait to come back to Buttermilk and Bourbon to try more things (like the beignets and the bread pudding), both because of the flavors and quality of the food and because of the portion sizes given the prices. I thought they were really reasonable.

A couple things I didn't love: Even before we ordered, the waiter brought over the chef-owner's cookbook for us to buy. Asking us to do that was an odd request in my opinion at any time but before the meal was even odder. Wait until after we eat! They didn't have any milk alternatives (almond, soy etc.) which was not great for my friend who didn't want to...

Food: The food here is truly delicious. My personal favorite is the Biscuits, which have a warm salted-honey glaze that perfectly complements the rich, fluffy interior. Their beignets are also amazing. They're crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a generous heap of powdered sugar. I personally prefer them without the chocolate, but they're excellent regardless. As for their entrees, I would recommend the Ahi Tuna which successfully balanced a few flavors without overpowering the fish; the loaded fries, which really stood out with what I think was a hint of lime; and of course their Nashville Hot Chicken, which has a powerful flavor, just give them a few minutes to cool before you eat! Admittedly, the food here is somewhat expensive, but I would argue you are getting more than a fair deal!

Service: The service was excellent. I recommend ordering the Biscuits to start, as they come out very quickly. We were waited on by Jasmine, who was friendly, efficient, and quite funny! She was very attentive, and made sure we never ran out of water, which was greatly appreciated!

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is of the building is a unique nod to New Orleans culture. The walls are fashioned to resemble New Orleans' terraces, and the decor leans heavily into voodoo culture. It's very flashy and eye catching. There is a nice outdoor seating area, as well as booths and tables inside. One thing that stood out to me was the music choice. It jumped from modern pop to indie rock to 2000's Hip Hop and RnB. I assume it was a group playlist made by the staff, as I couldn't see any other through-line. It was more in-your-face than the music at most restaurants, which I personally enjoyed!

I love this place. Every time I leave, I eagerly await...