Adam Milne
Google
I live on the west side, but I like to make regular pilgrimages to Echo Park to check out what’s new—there’s always something interesting popping up. A friend told me about Butchr Bar, this new Aussie-owned meat-focused spot, and let me just say: it’s a serious standout.
The first time I dropped in was kind of spontaneous. We were just grabbing a quick bite before a show and ended up ordering the Aussie and American burgers. Didn’t expect to be blown away—but we totally were. The Aussie had this smoky, savory richness with the perfect tang from the beetroot, and the American was just straight-up indulgent. Juicy, melty, satisfying in every way. We left full and super impressed.
But here’s the thing—we couldn’t stop thinking about it. The food, the vibe, the energy—it all just worked. So a couple nights later, I made the drive back just to do a deeper dive into the menu.
We started with a bottle of Amandine by Damien Bureau—a fizzy Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley that was crisp, bright, and loaded with these fresh apple and pear notes. Totally unexpected and completely perfect with the charcuterie plate, which is all made in-house and honestly some of the best I’ve ever had. Every slice had this super intentional flavor and texture—balanced fat, bold seasoning, and nothing overpowering. The pickled veggies were fresh and vibrant, giving everything this extra lift. It’s a next-level board.
And then the wagyu! We tried both the regular and aged cuts, and both came out hot, juicy, perfectly rested, and just melting with flavor. Seared beautifully with a smoky crust and that buttery interior that real wagyu is known for. The sauces were anything but an afterthought—refined, balanced, and clearly designed to complement the beef rather than mask it. The herb one was kind of like a dialed-in chimichurri, the orange peel sauce had this really cool citrus-savory thing going on, and the dark one had a funky, fermented depth that was addictive in the best way. These were chef sauces, not just condiments.
Also tried the lamb chops, which were ridiculously good—tender, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized on the outside. And the bone broth? Just a simple cup, but man—it hit. Deep, rich, comforting. Like the kind of thing you don’t realize you need until you’re sipping it.
The space itself is awesome. It’s got this warm, modern Western-Italian fusion feel—I loved the wood furniture and mod-industrial-concrete design, mixed with some terracotta palette. It was an intimate environment, yet socially spacious. Music was on point, the lighting’s moody but not dark, and you can actually hold a conversation without yelling. It’s the kind of place you want to linger, OR better yet a great date place.
And the staff—total pros, but also super laid-back and funny. We had a couple of good laughs with our server, and the bartender really knew the wine list. The whole team felt like they genuinely cared, but without that over-the-top scripted vibe. Just good people who love what they do.
Butchr Bar isn’t trying too hard, and that’s what makes it great. It’s confident, creative, and totally unpretentious. You get the feeling it’s going to become one of those spots people talk about for years—like, “Remember when you could still get a table at Butchr?”
Echo Park just keeps delivering, and this place is already at the top of my list. I’ll be back soon—and next time, I’m going big with the tomahawk.