Blind Butcher Reviews

I always welcome a new addition to the restaurant scene in the Castro, but Blind Butcher misses the mark in terms of quality-for-value. Having made reservations, we were seated quickly, not realizing that our table was just on the other side of the wall to the kitchen. We dined on an unusually warm night for San Francisco, so the heat radiating from the kitchen made it uncomfortable. By that point, however, the other two-seat tables were occupied. Fortunately, the server brought a carafe of water, at our request, to help offset the heat. Strangely enough, the same wall contained rows of bottles of wine, which could not have been faring well from exposure to the kitchen heat – a bit of a design flaw, I’d say. There is a decent selection of wine and beer, and we were very pleased with the South African 2017 Painted Wolf Pinotage that we ordered ($45 USD per bottle). For starters, we ordered shishito peppers with sea salt and a tiny bit of yogurt ($7 USD), as well as fried calamari with a smoked paprika aioli ($14 USD). The grilled peppers were good, but with the quite warm temperature of the restaurant, the heat from the peppers packed a punch. The calamari were overly breaded and chewy, and, consequently, not very appetizing. As the restaurant name implies, the Blind Butcher menu of main dishes is focused primarily on meat, although there were a few seafood items offered. In fact, the meat courses that we had (rack of lamb and ribeye steak) were cooked perfectly. However, there was way too much finishing salt sprinkled unevenly on top of the main courses and the side dishes. So, the primary flavor I tasted was salt – and more salt. The menu did not mention side dishes that came along with the main courses, and, when we inquired of our waiter, he said that side dishes were not included. Consequently, we ordered separate side dishes, only to discover that, in fact, the main course came with a medley of roasted potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, so the “upsell” of side dishes (by the menu descriptions and the server) felt a bit misleading. Given that the price points of the main courses for most dishes were $32-38 USD, adding an extra $8 for a side dish and the $7-17 for starters, drove the total bill way over the norm for the neighborhood and the level of food quality. If Blind Butcher refines its service and re-examines its prices, it may do OK, given that its main upscale competition (Eureka Restaurant) directly across the street has recently closed. But I hope that the chef and owners really reconsider what they’re delivering for the price and service; without a change, I’m not sure that I’d go back to the Blind Butcher.

We had a great experience. We ordered the butchers board, which includes dinner for 4+ people, with rack of lamb, filet and ribeye, along with lobster mac and much more. The food was excellent, I also had their Old Fashion which was delicious.

I enjoyed a late night snack here of a kale salad and a glass of white wine. The salad was substantial and tasty. Atmosphere friendly.

Its always difficult dining as a solo traveller. I wanter to eat one night in the Castro so booked here based on reviews Initially I got a very bad vibe when the guy in charge placed me at the bar right by the entrance When the Bar Man asked would I be wanting any food I said yes would it be possible to sit at a table; he said sorry only if you have booked; I said I has booked. He had me moved to a table and then the lovely atmosphere I was expecting arrived. Very friendly waiter and delicious food. Octopus claw and Beef sliders were amazing as was the tiramisu. Moral of the story if you are not hoppy with your situation say something!

Nice venue with open seating on the patio. Beet salad and a glass of white window delivered pronto ! Delicious wine but Beet salad was 100% beet . No leaves no nothing. Ok... a few nuts... but really! Was tasty ... but could have been so much more for the price ... a bit of crumbled feta perchance ?

I was greeted with my boyfriend in a bad way ... Then we were given a table where I could not sit because disabled ... Despite so many other tables were free we were denied. given the time and weather we continued to eat there with big problems to my disability. the food among other things was really bad taste salty burnt chips and terrible dried meat. A vulgar place I will never enter again! I advise against everything to everyone.

Friendly staff, smallish menu (which I personally like) and good prices. Food was hit or miss: Great shishito pepper appetizer and Wagyu burger; lackluster calamari and Lobster Mac & Cheese.

My son and I went to this newly opened restaurant in the heart of The Castro. And what a treat! The interiør was modern and cosy, the staff was attentative and friendly, and the food was delicious. Highly recommendable for both meatlovers and vegetarians. ❤️❤️❤️🌈

I cannot recommend enough this spot for dinner. The food is excellent (the ribeye is fantastic, every time), the service is quick, efficient, and very friendly. The vibe is warm and somewhat intimate with a great energy, and the restaurant itself is cozy and in a great location.

We found this restaurant walking through the neighborhood. We had a group of six.. The interior is beautiful, the service is amazing. Everyone really enjoyed their food and drinks.

A hidden treasure in Castro, with a great service. We had the sliders, cooked perfectly, and the truffled fries also great. Lovely place to visit in Castro.

I was in SF for a few days and decided to give this place a try based on a recommendation from a family member. The food was good, I ordered the ravioli burrata and it was fine. Also liked the decor and the look of the place. My only problem was the staff. Not friendly or attentive at all. I was sat at at the bar, and was basically ignored most of the time. Everyone seemed very pretentious and could care less to interact or even check if everything was OK. I had to go out of my way to get the attention of my server in order to pay my bill, and it felt like I was bothering them. Good food, very pretentious service.

The food was delicious, I had the ravioli and the sauce was the highlight. The bartender was super friendly and attentive, even gave some great recommendations on things to do in the area. Definitely would come back

This is a really intimate setting with fantastic service. The staff was extremely knowledgeable on the wine list which was quite extensive. The food was very good with a wide variety of offerings for both meat eaters and non.

Cozy and sophisticated spot in the Castro. Food was tasty and the perfect amount. The staff could be a bit friendlier. Could have more meat options being that Butcher is in the name....

Nice place handy for the Castro. We had a pleasant meal although my choice of Calamari was off the menu that evening. The burrato was delightful. We had a bottle of wine which was good. As they cleared the main plates they brought the bill. No asking if we wanted coffee or desserts! think they may have wanted to close as it was after 10 but still not a great experience! Wouldn't rush back to be hones - was just ok!

Loved this place. Had the calamari to start which was great. Then had the wagyu burger for dinner which was phenomenal- loved it. The creme brûlée for dessert was a nice treat at the end. The staff was attentive but not intrusive. Really nice evening.

This restaurant deserves more than five stars. If there was a “my #1 spot” button on trip advisor, Blind Butcher will hold that spot, every bite sent me to heaven. The first time I ate here to celebrate my graduation from nursing school and I have been wanting to stop by again. I made a reservation to gift this to my closest coworker to show her how much I appreciated her. I ended up appreciating my judgement because I made an excellent choice. I even asked my husband if we could eat here once a week. The ambience is fantastic, the wine is amazing. We started with truffle fries and the grilled octopus. Wow! We both had ribeyes and I added a side of lobster Mac and cheese. I do not have the vocabulary to fully express how wonderful each bite was. At times like these I wish I was a poet to fully express the moment. I will be back again and again. Thank you for putting this much passion into food. I will leave this review in all of the platforms that I use.

I tried to tell this restaurant personally by looking for a website. I did find one, but it didn’t load after several attempts I don’t like to make a negative criticism public. I ordered the $29 burger the other night with fries. I was disappointed to find the bread they use was the same rolls I have in my freezer from Costco. I use these rolls for my burgers, but at least I grill my roll. The meat was good, but definitely not worth $29 for something so ordinary. And at least they could’ve doctored it up with a tomato or pickles or something else. Other than french fries the only accompaniment was a slice of cheese and grilled onions.