Butcher and the Brewer

"R" and I had our engagement photo shoot in Downtown Cleveland last week. Honestly, I was more excited to take some nice photographs in our "regular" clothes. That's who we are, and I can't wait to see them. The city lights, streets, and buildings made for a great backdrop. But, we were quite hungry once we finished up.

Since we ended on Euclid, near East 4th Street, we quickly decided on the newly opened Butcher and the Brewer.

The restaurant comes from the guys behind one of our favorite casual restaurants in Cleveland, the Tremont Tap House. For an outstanding beer selection, quality upscale bar food, and a casual atmosphere, we've loved dining there for years. Also, the Executive Chef for Butcher and the Brewer is a familiar face. Jim Blevins (formally of Downtown 140 and Hodge's) is crafting their farmhouse-inspired menu.

The restaurant's concept plays on diner interaction, and a sense of community through public house seating, progressive dining, and shared plates. Long communal tables are what you'll find here.

We plopped ourselves at the bar, and ordered a few small things to share. We started with an order of the House-Smoked Corndogs with whole-grain mustard aioli, and house-made ketchup ($10). The corndog itself was very good, with a tasty and fluffy batter, but the aioli and ketchup could have been better with more pronounced flavor. They didn't add much to the dish.

Then, we shared the Steak Tartar with horsey sauce, capers, poached egg, and crispy bread ($12) and the Tempura Asparagus.

Both were very good, and I would order them again. However, the beef tartar at Luca across the river still reigns supreme, in my opinion. That version just seems to stick in my brain.

Overall, a great first visit to the new Butcher and the Brewer. We weren't presented with a menu that listed the various Shucked (oysters), Cured (meats), and Cultured (cheeses) options to build your own boards, but that's something that I'd love to try next time.

Have you been to the new restaurant on East 4th?

Butcher and the Brewer
2043 East Fourth Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-331-0805