Never have I ever felt so uncomfortable in a restaurant before! Came as a group of 7, 5 adults and 2 kids. We were seated promptly and given menus quickly, that was the best part of the entire experience. It all went downhill from there, we ordered our drinks, when they were brought to us we then ordered our appetizer and meals. We were chatting and enjoying our conversation when we realized it had been an hour since ordering and not even our appetizer had come out. We flagged down the waiter (they don't come check on you unprompted) who said "he was radioed about our meals" which meant nothing to us. Within minutes food began to come out, 3 entrees and the appetizer at the same time. I said we didn't want because it was ordered as an appetizer and it was pointless with our entrees. The waitress' response was the kitchen was backed up. We said people who sat down after us got food before us so it can't be that backed up. She then had an eye roll and an extremely aggressive, "GREAT" as she walked away with the appetizer. We then continued to wait for 4 more entrees while some of us began to eat, by the time the other entrees came, people who had already gotten there's were done eating and the newest entrees were cold. The delay we were told was because the entrees were in between drink orders. Not sure what that even means. At this point we asked for a manager. Never once did anyone apologize, we were told again kitchen is backed up and there's a second level to the restaurant thinking we weren't aware there was more tables. The manager said she was going to "comp" us for the appetizer we never ate! What a joke! On top of that, the food is extremely small portions for the price. "Bougee BBQ?" Maybe the price is Bougee but definitely not the value or service! While in the restaurant I watched 2 parties come in, never be greeted and leave. This is definitely not the way to do business. It won't last and we...
Read moreThe aroma of wood smoke, a scent both primal and deeply comforting, isn't what you'd expect to smell at a corporate party. Yet, that's exactly what happened at our recent company event, thanks to the incredible food catered by Cowboy Butter. What began as a simple celebration quickly transformed into a culinary revelation, proving that this new spot isn't just a restaurant; it's poised to become a cornerstone of our town's culinary scene.
From the first bite, it was clear this was authentic, southern-style barbecue done with passion and precision. The brisket, the true test of any pitmaster, was a masterpiece of flavor. Each slice was impossibly tender, with a perfect, glistening smoke ring and a bark that was both peppery and crisp. The pulled pork was equally impressive, moist and flavorful, begging to be piled high on a bun with a dollop of their tangy, house-made sauce. The ribs, with their fall-off-the-bone tenderness and sweet, smoky glaze, were a crowd favorite, disappearing almost as soon as they were placed on the table.
But great BBQ is only half the story. Cowboy Butter proved they are masters of the entire feast. The sides were stellar—mac and cheese, a vibrant and crisp coleslaw, spicy creamed corn, and smoky baked beans that were a meal in themselves. The catering service was seamless and professional, from the selecting the menu to the punctuality of the delivery.
This wasn't just a great catered meal, it was a culinary experience. It's rare for a new establishment to make such a grand entrance, and based on the rave reviews from my entire team, it’s safe to say they've already won a loyal following. I have no doubt that they will soon be a go-to destination for anyone in search of truly exceptional food. Their catering was a glimpse of greatness, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what...
Read moreCowboy Butter is the kind of hidden gem you don’t stumble across often in Connecticut. From the moment we walked in, it felt like a true family-owned spot — warm, welcoming, and even the owner made sure to stop by our table to check in. That personal touch set the tone for the whole night.
We started with the pumpkin pork burnt ends appetizer, which was outstanding. The pumpkin spice brought just the right balance of sweetness and tartness over the rich pork — easily one of the most unique and well-balanced starters I’ve had in a while.
For entrées, she had the boneless braised short rib with garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a herbed mushroom demi-glace topped with crispy onion straws. I went with the beef ribs and vegetables. Both dishes were cooked perfectly, generous in portion, and bursting with flavor. It’s been years since I’ve had beef ribs in Connecticut, and these were worth the wait — fall-off-the-bone tender and full of that hearty, comforting flavor you’d expect from a Nashville joint.
We also tried their house cocktails. They were made well and enjoyable, though I will say the menu leans heavily toward lighter, fruitier drinks that feel geared more toward a feminine palate. I ordered the “Tombstone,” which was essentially a whiskey sour topped with sangria. It was good, but I couldn’t help but think they missed an opportunity — a smoked bourbon cocktail would have truly lived up to the name.
Prices were a little on the higher side, but honestly, between the portion sizes, the quality of the food, and the genuine hospitality, it felt more than justified. The whole experience carried that same energy I’ve felt dining in Nashville — bold flavors, comfort food, and family-run charm — only this time in the heart of small-town...
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