Butter Run Saloon — Restaurant in Saint Clair Shores

Butter Run used to be our go-to spot in the area because of the awesome food and amazing whiskey selection. However, the last 5-6 times we've been in over the past year or so, the service was lackluster to just plain bad. The bartenders don't know anything about the whiskies and figuring out what is in stock or not is a painful process. Took a friend after talking the place up and sat at the bar. He had to order three times, finally settling on, "whatever you CAN find." The bartender, a middle-aged brunette with glasses and a loud and raspy voice, was clueless, annoyed by us, and did not even know what common labels like Basil Hayden looked like (which made looking for anything rare futile). This attitude and reluctant service inspired us to cash out early and go drink good whiskey somewhere else where the bartenders didn't need to cover up their lack of knowledge by treating us like an inconvenience. Went there two nights ago for dinner and ordered a cream ale they had on the draft list. Same bartender on shift. The beer that came out was flat and tasted like draft lines. The replacement beer I ordered after that, an Amber Bock, was also flat and tasted like draft lines. I'm guessing the bartender didn't bother to pour out the beer that had been sitting in the lines all day, something that is an SOP anywhere else. My girlfriend and I both decided BR has lost it's touch and probably won't go out of our way to come back even though it's local. The food might be good for the area, but the whiskey selection is just a decoration if they don't have people who care about it and want to sell it. That used to be the value proposition here. Now, it's just convenience with the same lackluster service found elsewhere in the Shores. If you're going to have a whiskey selection that requires a book, maybe have some staff that know more than just how to overpour single liquor highballs and crack White Claws...

Went here for the craft beer and to sample the food. I ordered 3 different beers (R-Mills Stout, Elk Orange IPA and Einstok PA) and all 3 were incredibly warm. Not like a "Oh I love my Bud Light frozen" type of complaint, but I wouldn't even want the heaviest of stouts served at this temp (had to be 60+ degrees at least). Each pour would just fill the glass with foam and the waitress would have to scoop it out 3-4 times before there was enough beer in there to server. Was going to go for a few glasses of No Rules but no way was I going to risk the money on that being lukewarm and flat as well.

As for the food, I saw some compliments in the reviews how it's "better" than normal bar food. No, it's just normal bar food. I got the Butter Run Deli sandwich and it was pretty plain. They put the condiment on the side instead of on it for some reason. And it didn't even have any lettuce (I forgot to check if it was even supposed to come with any). The fries were typical frozen fries, but a bit undercooked IMO. My buddy got the Quesadilla and it did look pretty good, and was pretty big for the price. But honestly anyone trying to hype this as anything but normal bar food doesn't frequent very many bars.

They do have a huge bourbon selection, which is why my buddy invited me to go. I don't drink bourbon but if you're looking just for bourbon then this is one of the better spots in the area.

I'll say the wait staff was extremely nice. Never had an empty glass, very talkative and funny. Probably the only highlight of the bar IMO. I wouldn't go back though. I was mostly interested in the beer. And I've had problems with a few locations serving their beer too cold and you have to let it sit for a bit, but this is a first for me for having beer that was too warm, and I hope I never go to another place that does it...

We were looking to watch the 6th game of the 2017 ALCS and it was packed at our favorite watering hole.

We searched & Google Girl took us to this new (to us) Whiskey Bar...for Good Food & watch the game...We had an excellently prepared FRESH fish, lightly battered, cooked to perfection Fish & Chips. Our waitress JENN actually changed closest TV to Verlander's (ahem...I mean Astros) game.

Here's where it gets WEIRD...there were alot of unaccompanied women there (not that I was interested)...I was there with my wonderful wife...but we both observed that there were at least 2-3 tables of 4-5 women in attendance...with a couple single ladies sprinkled about...that never happened when I still young & single. So, guys if you want to meet an attractive woman who likes Sports, drinks Whiskey and have a great time...this might be your spot. Pics were taken before girls arrived...sorry.

Anyway we had a wonderful time...great food & reasonably priced drinks, friendly people, and about 10 TVs to watch a myriad of sporting events; Pistons, Wings, ALCS that I could see.

Can't wait to go back & try the Burgers...we have been in search of the exceptional burger...found some good ones...maybe an excellent one or two...see my other reviews.

The story of how it got its name is pretty cool too....I would highly recommend it. Please give a 👍if review is...