Butcher Block Cafe

Cafe · Elyria Swansea

Butcher Block Cafe

Cafe · Elyria Swansea

2

1701 38th St, Denver, CO 80216

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Butcher Block Cafe by Lindsey Alexander
Butcher Block Cafe by Lindsey Alexander
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null
Butcher Block Cafe by null

Highlights

Hearty American fare & iconic cinnamon rolls in a nostalgic diner  

Featured in The Infatuation
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1701 38th St, Denver, CO 80216 Get directions

block.buffalodyl.com

$10–20 · Menu

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1701 38th St, Denver, CO 80216 Get directions

+1 303 295 2915
block.buffalodyl.com
butcherblockcafe

$10–20 · Menu

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Aug 15, 2025

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The 13 Best Restaurants In RiNo

"Butcher Block Cafe has been slinging cinnamon rolls and smothered breakfast burritos since before the moniker “RiNo” was even a thing. The energy is exactly what you want a 40-plus-year-old diner to be: dated decor, big booths, menus written on the walls, and strangers chatting it up over cups of watery diner coffee at the counter. Come here for a solid early breakfast—it opens at 5am most days—where $10 can more than fill you up." - allyson reedy

https://www.theinfatuation.com/denver/guides/best-restaurants-rino-denver
View Postcard for Butcher Block Cafe
@infatuation

Butcher Block Cafe Review - Rino - Denver - The Infatuation

"Butcher Block Cafe has been slinging cinnamon rolls and smothered breakfast burritos since before the moniker “RiNo” was even a thing. The energy is exactly what you want a 40-plus-year-old diner to be: dated decor, big booths, menus written on the walls, and strangers chatting it up over cups of watery diner coffee at the counter. Come here for a solid early breakfast—it opens at 5am most days—where $10 can more than fill you up." - Allyson Reedy

https://www.theinfatuation.com/denver/reviews/butcher-block-cafe
View Postcard for Butcher Block Cafe

Marc Carmen

Google
We were staying in a hotel nearby and came here for breakfast. Very busy but there were seats available. Food was good and plentiful for the price. We had the breakfast burrito with several different sauces and the pancakes as big as a plate. Everyone was very friendly. We got a cinnamon roll to go and it was delicious even though it was cold.

Owen Nesbitt

Google
Just an old school “greasy spoon” with a vintage flair. Good is excellent. I got a cheese omelette and the wife got the #1 and the cinnamon roll, which was amazing. Not overly sweet. The eggs were great and the hash browns hit too.

Arthur Jameson

Google
What a great local spot. We got breakfast and we’re all super happy with the results! The prices were GREAT. The food was fast. The service was fast. The pancakes were epic. The homemade cinnamon rolls were delish.

Jessica You

Google
I am still dreaming and drooling over the homemade cinnamon roll. That was sooo delicious with the glaze over it and yummy cinnamon-ness!! It was very filling but also hard to stop eating ;0) My husband ordered the hash browns with green chili sauce, pancakes, and toast and it was all good too! The hostess was very nice and helpful. It has a cute ambiance with a diner feel and welcoming atmosphere.

Jacob Clark

Google
Very good food at a good price. The service was nice and the staff was a happy to see me. Certainly a little bit of a dive atmosphere, but if that is what you were looking for this place checks all the boxes.

Madi Taylor

Google
This cafe was amazing! My husband and I shared a cinnamon roll and an omelette - both were delicious! The servers were on top of it and made us feel welcome. It was very busy, yet we were in and out in 20 minutes!

Wesley Hodges

Google
Butcher Block cafe is a Denver institution, keeps the wheels spinning from 5am through early hour dinner time. Great prices, quick service and the pancakes and French toast were 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻. Places like this are a dying breed and we’re glad Butcher Block is still planted firmly in the midst of the exploding RiNo / Mission district neighborhood

Brian Heckman

Google
Iconic small diner! Amazing food, great service and prices. The green chili on top of the meal was elite
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Aaron F.

Yelp
Ashley was fantastic! Earlier in the day we stopped off to drop off our luggage. Yes you read right. They have a service called Luggage Hero (yes they were our hero!). We dropped off our luggage for a small fee & we were able to enjoy walking around town. We came back later in the evening to pick up our luggage & decided to have one of their homemade cinnamon rolls (family owned recipe). It was absolutely delicious! It was eaten faster than remembering to take a photo! Lol. We already ate dinner otherwise this diner looks like they would "deliver!" The menu looks great & the prices are even better. Thanks Team Butcher Block Cafe! We will be back!
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A T.

Yelp
I moved away from Denver but still think about the Roundhouse breakfast I used to order a few times a week. I highly recommend and cannot wait to eat here when I visit again.
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Dean G.

Yelp
If your looking for inexpensive, quick, great quality food, this is then place. Stumbled on it while staying in Rino and what a gem. Great service, super friendly staff in a classic noisy fast paced diner setting... and don't miss out on the cinnamon rolls! (We bought a 1/2 dosen to take home!). We'll be back for sure.
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Kayla D.

Yelp
Food is freaking amazing!!!! Cooked to perfection and it smells so good in here omg! The service was so speedy and the chef came out to see how everything was and chatted with us :) people were soooo nice here and the vibes were so cute. Totally a little adorable coffee shop vibe. I love it and will be back!
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Tiffany Z.

Yelp
Of course the hole in the wall spot was going to have the best food! Went on a Friday morning, they were pretty busy with a steady flow of customers.
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Elise M.

Yelp
Butcher's block is a great stop for a quick, very reasonable priced breakfast. I love the lowkey, retro atmosphere. I'll definitely be coming back to try the cinnamon rolls!
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Bea B.

Yelp
I miss the DINER scene in Denver, so glad to stumbled across this one. It's your basic diner eats, nothing mind blowing here. But it's clean, the staff is super friendly, and for the price, you can't beat it! They are famous for their cinnamon roll so, of course I had to try one. It's good, loaded with cinnamon and sugar, definitely enough to share. I'm more of a cream cheese frosting fan myself, but for the price and portion says I would order it again. The cheeseburger was tasty. It's your basic DINER cheeseburger, but sometimes simple is best! And at this location they are currently offering $5 burger and fries after 3:30 PM. (It's $1 extra to add cheese). Much better taste, quality and price than McDonald's or most other fast food drive-throughs!
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Imee C.

Yelp
This is a hole-in-the -wall place in the RiNo area. The place is pretty casual. Service is pretty fast and food is pretty good. We ordered the cinnamon rolls and had to order another one to go. I ordered the chicken fried steak and it was delicious. But the star on my plate was the hash browns. It was soooooo good.
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Markiesa B.

Yelp
We stopped here before heading towards Colorado Springs for the day. It wasn't full yet but was getting there. We sat at the countertop and got greeted and taken care of right away. I got the #1 breakfast that came with 2 eggs, choice of meat and choice of pancake or French toast. The food was good and a perfect portion size. The prices were cheap too. Good hole in the wall cafe.
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Jim T.

Yelp
I have a local friend that turned me onto TBB. I ordered the Triple A Omelette with a side of Chorizo. I love how they put fresh green peppers in the omelette rather than grilled as I don't digest cooked peppers well. A tasty omelette. The chorizo was flavorful. The service was excellent and friendly. Coffee is restaurant grade and you can easily drink a gallon. A surprisingly spacious dining area. However I can see how this spot could fill up quickly due to many like me who enjoy the diner experience. A small parking area however there is room for parking on the street nearby. If you are alone there is a good sized bar to eat and scroll through your phone for company.
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Alyson A.

Yelp
This is exactly what I expected an old school diner to be. Server was very kind and patient. Food came out really quick. My friend got a breakfast plate and a side of biscuits and gravy. I got a breakfast burrito with sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, and cheese that was smothered in country gravy. We shared a cinnamon roll that looked great, but unfortunately tasted old. Because the food came out fast my burrito wasn't soggy at all, though. Everything needed salt and pepper, but I don't mind adding that. The prices were great. They do have a parking lot, which is nice. I plan on coming back for sure.
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Doroeathea B.

Yelp
Omg.. The food here was soooo good we forgot to take pics!!! You MUST get the french toast!!! Huge portion, fast friendly service, the restaurant is a DINER so in addition to bar seats they do have dated booth & an extended area that has tables & chairs.. oh and the bathroom DOOR is misleading.. its a normal size bathroom.. the door is just not very wide.. parking lot & side street parking is available..
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Sumi A.

Yelp
The service was great! Everyone was so sweet and friendly. The food was great too, the only thing i would say was the breakfast burrito needed a little more seasoning and salt. I can't wait to come back and try some more things from their large menu.
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Kelly W.

Yelp
The Butcher Block is legit. Generous portions. Yummy flavors. Great breakfast and reasonably priced. Cinnamon rolls are to die for! I love that it's so close to downtown Denver. A hole in the wall that You gotta go visit.
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Kubo K.

Yelp
Excellent service and amazing cinnamon rolls! I see why this place gets 5 stars! The owner/chef? Mickey, Welcomed us and was so personable walking up to each patron and thanked them for coming in. That's awesome. Our breakfast was just eggs and steak and other regular breakfast stuff. But the service is top notch.
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Amanda C.

Yelp
Highly recommend, fast and delicious! We got the sandwich and bacon, egg, hash brown and toast breakfast. The sandwich with sausage was delicious. The sausage was maybe the best I've had the fries were meh. The plate was delicious, hash browns were meh. Definitely recommend coming here.
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shawn m.

Yelp
This was our first time at this Butcher Block location. So, firstly, if you think you're going to the RiNo district and this is going to be a trendy foody local just go on ahead and scratch that notion right out of your hipster little head, lol. This place is a throwback to the atmosphere of bygone era of eatery ala Alice's Diner.(Yes, the 70's TV show) I'm not putting the place down for that, just laying out the facts for readers of this review. We entered and the lone waitress on duty shouted out a friendly hello and instructed us to sit where ever we wanted (there was only one other patron) and we did just that choosing a booth with formed orange plastic benches and a scribble laminate table top (complete nostalgia for us). Waitress took our order promptly with a smile reciting the special for that evening. She was very attentive for our entire meal and never let our drinks run out. I ordered the polish sausage sandwich, very simple but very yummy. My friend ordered the pot roast plate which was equally good. There was nothing gourmet or complicated about the food here but for good old fashioned comfort food this was the place...as well as the authentic experience. Just a side note, I get the idea that this place may be really busy on a weekend for breakfast but we haven't been here for that kind of nonsense. We came on a wednesday evening for dinner before a concert at the Mission Ballroom. I highly suggest hitting up this place with absolutely no wait in place of standing in line at the restaurant there. I think we'll be back here again if attending a show!
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Tasha Y.

Yelp
Fast service, good quality for a shockingly low price! Love the personable wait staff. Highly recommend the #1 with the pancake battered French toast!
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Zach H.

Yelp
Nice old-school looking diner with decent quality food, very tasty homemade cinnamon rolls, and super friendly servers! Block Buster Burger was solid!

Kaylee F.

Yelp
Had a few tables open when we went in, sat down immediately, waitress welcomed us right away and got us started on drinks. The drinks and the food came out super fast, and the chorizo is one of the best I've ever had. Breakfast burrito was also very delicious, and the hash browns are AMAZING. Cute little building with a good vibe!:)
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Emily C.

Yelp
Why oh why did it take me so long to try Butcher Block...For years I've complained that Denver doesn't have a greasy diner with east coast vibes, and Butcher Block has been here all along! 10/10 cinnamon roll and bacon breakfast burrito! You aren't doing Butcher Block right if you don't get a cinnamon roll. The veggie omelet was just okay, wouldn't order again. Coffee was the typical water-y diner coffee that is basically a hug in liquid form. Quick service, fair prices, tasty food, great vibes, we will be back!
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Lunk L.

Yelp
Really friendly little place with good greasy food when you need it! So happy to have this in the neighborhood!
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Eddie C.

Yelp
Perfect place to get breakfast. Open early enough for me to come and enjoy a good breakfast. Service was good, place was clean and the food was good. Love the sourdough toast with butter.
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Matt C.

Yelp
I've used the term "no frills" in my fair share of reviews over the years. Though overused, my tiny brain can't find a more appropriate phrase for Butcher Block Cafe. The Denver diner, with multiple locations, has been a reliable staple since the late 70s. You walk in and it's like a near movie set. From all the movie scenes you've watched at a diner, Butcher Block could damn well be one of them. Long counter with seating (better known as the front row), window booths and a two awnings of hanging menu boards. I also want to mention that I'm in RiNo often, especially this section of town. However for the longest time I thought this place was abandoned. Maybe they closed up shop during Covid, but I just never saw them open. To my fancy, they are indeed open and serving the community. Breakfast all day. Yep, that's what I want at a place like this. No fuss, nothing fancy, just gimme the flat-top style brekkie. Eggs, potatoes, toast and bacon. Boy, does it go down smooth. Especially with that bottomless coffee where they refill it multiple times (queue, Mr. Pink). It's nothing mind-blowing, but should it be? Damnit, it's just right. Prices are right (even now), portions are large and the vibe is appropriate. Listen to the gossip amongst the servers, watch the kitchen prep your food, and soak in the glory of the old fashioned, American diner. The greasy spoon tour of Denver starts here.
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Lorenzo V.

Yelp
Get the roundhouse. Amazing. Very friendly service too. They got a great burger special for $5 after 3:30
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Jay A.

Yelp
I went around 10:30 in the morning. I immediately found a table and ordered food. I ordered an omelette and a cinnamon roll. Food came very quickly and tasted exactly as it should at this type of restaurant. If you want a quick meal at more of a greasy type of breakfast place then this cafe is a must.
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Michael S.

Yelp
A wonderful old-school diner. Great prices and portion sizes for delicious food. Friendly, quick service too. I had a breakfast burrito topped with green chili, which I always get as much of as I can when I'm the Southwest and it was great, as was the French toast. Well worth the stop if you're staying nearby.
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Rick S.

Yelp
An outpost of civilization in RINO! Classic diner food, deliciously comforting and reasonably priced. Friendly folks provide efficient service in an atmosphere that's old school and welcoming.
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Patrick B.

Yelp
// Summary A solid and affordable "no frills" classic diner where you can get the simplest of breakfast items all day long. // Experience I came here with some friends and was first amazed at how low some of the prices were. I thought that would mean smaller portions when I ordered a breakfast burrito and cinnamon roll, but when those things came out, I somewhat regretted the amount of food I had ordered. Everything tasted fine, but I did hit a point of, "Oh my gosh, I should stop eating." // Service Service was fine, nothing that made it memorable. They take your order, give you the food in a reasonable amount of time, and then you pay your check at the register. Straight-forward and efficient are the words that come to mind. // Ambiance I wouldn't necessarily say it has the classic diner feel. It does feel a bit on the grungier side with mismatched tables and chairs, but what more would you expect from something that feels like it's been around since the 70s? They do have plenty of indoor seating with their main room and a room in the back of the restaurant. // Convenience They have a free parking lot! I feel like that makes it a win over some other places by itself, especially in this neck of the woods.
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Tim S.

Yelp
A solid under the radar spot. I/We order from them for morning meetings and they always do a great job. Personal favorites are the crispy side of bacon (perfect doneness!), cinnamon rolls, and Denver omelette. Good value and portion sizes. Quick for delivery. Nothing fancy, but everything done well and delivered hot. Support local biz!

Bailey V.

Yelp
Butcher Block is an amazing local diner with the BEST cinnamon rolls. The service is outstanding and we love coming here!

Stockton A.

Yelp
Reminds me of the diners when I was a kid. Good food. Old fella in the back cooking. Fresh breaded fried steak and chop. Never had a bad experience. If you're into candles and roses on the table, move on. I go for the good food.
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Arron L.

Yelp
The roast beef platter is terrible and the carrot cake is so dense it can barely be eaten
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S S.

Yelp
A classic. Completely authentic. Old school diner. Cinnamon buns are a must. This is not the Hilton. Nor should it be.
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Thomas K.

Yelp
Did not know what I was getting myself into when I googled "breakfast burrito near me" on my way from the airport. and this seemingly rando cafe popped up. Drove up to a small cafe in what looked like an industrial disctrict on a Saturday. In side was surprisingly busy despite the lack of cars in the parking lot. Seating was quick for a streetside picnic table and you don't mind sharing with the locals. I said the the waiter, "2 coffees and 2 breakfast burritos please" and in less than 10 minutes 2 amazing looking burritos smothered in hatch green chili sauce was placed in front of me. At first bite I was in love! Best breakfast burrito I've had outside of New Mexico! Coming from Seattle, the coffee wasn't bad either.

Dennis F.

Yelp
Just bought food via Uber eats from this place. I forgot the orange juice, so I called and asked if they could add it to my order. The lady on the phone said she couldn't and didn't have control over that. If you know anything about uber eats, then you know that was a blatant lie. Orders can be modified. I told her I had done it many times before. Then she says she will try and says bye. I said, "Hold on, you don't even know my order." Then she was about to speak and I said , "nah nevermind you are fucking with me" then she hangs up. The fact that she lied because she didn't want to do her job pissed me off. I'd you don't want to work then don't. No one is forcing you to

Susan L.

Yelp
Ordered a burger the waiter asked how do you want the meat cooked I said med/well no pink. The hamburger arrives bit into the burger and it's pink too much. So I ask if they can cook it more....the cook puts the burger on its side meat down on the grill and still when you bite into the burger it is still pink the inside. The cook needs help with meat cooking or just order well done.
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Hsu A.

Yelp
I've never been to the store so can't comment on the ambience but I've doordashed this several times and i've been impressed. I've ordered the hash browns with jalapeños which I loved with the pancakes, which were great! The only thing that wasn't phenomenal was the bacon but the long delivery time sort of dried it out imo. Service is unknown other than the fact that they've always got my order correct which I appreciate! Recommend this for breakfast if you're in the area!

Walter S.

Yelp
Excellent service and even better food. The location was centrally located and easy to access

David N.

Yelp
Best old style cafe I have been to in Denver hands down. I had one of their famous cinnamon rolls and also got a green chili smothered breakfast burrito. Service was amazing! Will definitely be coming back!

Ibby T.

Yelp
Amazing service and delicious food! Great diner feel. The green chili was delicious on the roundhouse was SO good.
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Ashlyn D.

Yelp
This place is great. The service is quick and the food is very good. We had to get the cinnamon roll due to the rave reviews and it didn't disappoint! The chicken fried steak and pancakes are other great options. Give this place a try!

Michael H.

Yelp
Too good, too reasonably priced, too much food. This place and the people who work there are the best. Reminded me of diners when I was younger and poorer (and as to which I am now neither). Don't be put off by the exterior or location Nowhere - it's def worth stopping. I stayed at CatBird Hotel and it was a slow walk 10 mins, maybe 7, under the train overpass.

Sandy C.

Yelp
Butcher Block Cafe, 38th. Crappy biscuits and gravy or I'd be there twice a week. wont go back.
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Zoe S.

Yelp
This was a great whole in the wall breakfast spit. Definitely get the cinnamon roll! So warm and so yummy! Everything was delicious! Perfect spot for when you are hangover lol

Francis R.

Yelp
First came here when it was called The Working Man's Cafe, back in 1978. Blue marble eye pig outlines in the sidewalk. Great old school diner food, setting and service. With all the gentrification in the neighborhood, I hope that all of the "cool' people don't ruin it. Cinnamon roll with butter is great, as are the hash browns!! FR
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Raymond C.

Yelp
Went there today (9/24/23), and they were closed. Yes, it was during business hours. Don't know if it is permanent or not. Was a great place when I went last year. Had to post one star to post this.

Shannon M.

Yelp
Suck it was$86.00 for 4 sandwiches and 4 drinks and the service sucked and they was rude as hell and 8.50 for a egg sandwich and it was 25 min after we was done eating to bring the egg sandwich and it was cold and the cook or manager was rude as and not vary professional at all and the food was not that good and every small portion
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Courtney K.

Yelp
Bottom Line: A diner with great service and a hearty menu. What I loved about Butcher Block is the awesome service and how quickly food came out. Also, I could tell that this is a very nostalgic place for people and all of the customers seemed very relaxed and like they were having a good time. My husband and I went to the Butcher Block Cafe for lunch on the way to the Forney Museum of Transportation. Had we visited for breakfast with a hangover I think we would have appreciated it much more. For lunch I had a burger which was very good and my husband had a chicken tender sandwich. My burger came with fries which frankly were bland. My husband opted for the chips. I'd like to give Butcher Block Cafe another go because the service was awesome but next time I'll go for breakfast and get one of those incredibly delicious looking cinnamon rolls!