Came to check out the hype here on a Saturday evening and it didn't live up to it. Staff were nice, upbeat, helpful and professional. It's still newish so there are some kinks to work out as Butterscotch Den takes from operating a bar to a restaurant. The lighting is dark/dim inside so be ready for that.
For those of you who don't know, you u grill your own food here. Not a new concept and they just took over from the previous restaurant, Henry's in the Sacramento Oak Park area. It's a small menu and definitely not much selection for vegetarians or vegans. There's dim lighting above the grill area which helps you see the food you're grilling. There's very little seasoning or sauce options to add to your steak. Grill temperature is fine. Be careful because it's a hot, open grill. Also, for having such a small menu and only 1 dessert, they were out of many items. Even dessert. Not sold out, they just didn't have it, period. Drinks menu was still being perfected yet it was printed and we were unable to order what we originally wanted.
Personally, I do not prefer an ice cold steak before grilling it. Room temp is my preference so that the meat remains tender.
Drinks came up fast from the full bar. After waiting more than 30 minutes after placing our order, I finally asked if we could have our sides first because we were so hungry. Never came. We waited over 45 minutes to receive our steaks, salad & potato salad. I'm sure there's a method to the madness as only 2-3 tables can grill at one time. Maybe offering the main grill along with portable table top grills could be an option? Not to rush service but to give patrons the option of whether or not to wait for the main grill.
Once our order arrived, I noticed that I had a New York cut and not the Ribeye I ordered. I didn't care at that point so I grilled it up & ate it. Not as tender or flavorful as it could have been.
All in all, it was not a bad experience, just requires a little more efficiency. I would give this spot another try once they got it together.
Sorry, but it was too dark inside to take any...
Read moreFor background: we just came from a party of 6, suggested by a member’s online search. We had no reservation, and walked in 5:30 pm on Sunday night.
While it wasn’t what we expected, it’s a really fun concept to go to. A 60’s style steakhouse, beautifully appointed, but all cuts of meat, burger patties, and even their garlic bread are served sanitarily wrapped from their sides, for you and your table mates to go to a central grill with seasonings to cook to your liking! Sanitary wipes are available to wipe down condiments, hands, and surfaces after your use: please do so.
Sunday nights can be slow for restaurants, so there were only 3 on staff: a waiter, a bartender, and a runner. As walk-ins picked up around 6:30, service could be spotty, but Misha the server was wonderful and gracious, and the tall blond runner was equally gracious, offering a chair to endcap our relatively cramped booth. The blond bartender, while serviceable, was… less amenable.
Classic cocktails like their whiskey sours or “Left Hand” (Boulevardier) were balanced and well-presented. Their signature espresso martini, trying to layer orange flavor, lacked coffee and instead tasted like a chocolate orange, and mostly of simple syrup.
Mains and sides are served and priced a la carte. My pick, a baked potato, came pre-cooked with ‘loaded’ sides. The sirloin steak was serviceable, but with some chewy pockets for my texture-sensitive friend.
All in all, the birthday boy didn’t like the hassle, but I had fun! The single central grill dictates a flow of cook times, and would work best with a reservation system, but it’s also a great environment and craft cocktail bar (espresso martini not...
Read moreTitle: Hidden Gem in Oak Park - A Must-Visit Speakeasy!
I have frequented Butterscotch Den multiple times and every visit has been an absolute delight. From the moment you walk in, the staff exudes warmth and professionalism, from the welcoming hostess to the talented mixologists crafting delicious drinks. Speaking of drinks, I have never had a bad one here - each sip is a flavorful experience.
The ambience of the venue is top-notch, and the clientele always seems to add to the overall charm. It truly feels like a hidden gem in the Oak Park community - a little piece of sweetness waiting to be discovered. This place is a public speakeasy that I recommend to everyone looking for a great spot to enjoy an adult beverage.
While I haven't tried the food service myself, I've seen others cooking their steaks at the cook table, and it looks like a fun and unique experience. The camaraderie among the guests at the cooking stations adds to the lively atmosphere of the place.
During my last visit, the venue was celebrating birthdays and even had a bubble gun for guests to enjoy during their festivities. It's clear that the staff at Butterscotch Den goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience for their patrons.
A special shoutout to the Butterscotch Den staff - you are all truly amazing! If you haven't had the chance to experience this place yet, I highly recommend you do. Don't miss out on this wonderful spot in Oak Park!
I hope this review helps capture your positive experiences at...
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