City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

The Butchery

Where Culinary Artistry Meets Cozy Charm

Article by Lila Ruppe

Photography by Rebecca Sloan Photography

Originally published in Arvada Lifestyle

The Butchery elevates the quintessential steakhouse to something fresh and modern, while maintaining a cozy farmhouse feel. High-quality steak cuts are served with a variety of flavored butters, from caramelized shallot to chili lime, and there is a wine or cocktail to pair with every flavor profile at this award-winning establishment.

The first item you might notice on their menu is the tallow candle & cheese board, spearheading the appetizers section. The lit rendered beef fat candle steadily melts into garlic and parsley sea salt, allowing you to dip your sourdough baguette or lavash in the soft, melty bits. Fig preserves, genoa salami and prosciutto, and cornichons complete the dish. It shows the restaurant’s commitment to the classics, quality meat, bread, and cheese, while incorporating a creative twist.

Chef Jose Escobar Herrera can be thanked for the creativity and freshness throughout the menu. Every sauce, dressing, and side is house made. He is in his fifth year with the restaurant and offers daily specials that Karen Kristopeit-Parker, the general manager, appropriately describes as “amazing.”

The Butchery’s local favorites showcase some of their top steak-centric dishes. The filet trio features three 4-ounce filet medallions served with Black River Blue Cheese, chimichurri sauce, and a garlicky mushroom duxelle. Two other steak dishes top their charts: the ranchero bone-in ribeye rubbed with ancho chile and bison with chimichurri. They highlight their high-quality meats with bright, flavorful additions. Additional savory house made steak toppings include béarnaise sauce (a relative of hollandaise), brandy peppercorn demi sauce, and port wine demi reduction.

Great dishes begin with great ingredients. The establishment takes pride in utilizing local ingredients in their meals. The aforementioned bison comes from Rock River Farms, a Colorado-based bison farm. Beef, pork, and lamb are all sourced from the Denver-based business, Lombardi Brothers Meats. Seattle Fish, open for over 100 years and also based in Denver, provides their seafood. Even one of their cocktails, the Bees Knees, features honey from right here in Arvada. While eating at the Butchery, you can know exactly where the ingredients are coming from while appreciating their dedication to supporting local businesses. Additionally, they only serve Certified Angus Beef brand, ensuring that every dish “meats” their high standards.

Every entree comes with your choice of tasty side. Steamed asparagus and Brussels sprouts can provide freshness, while white cheddar mashers and au gratin potatoes can offer additional richness. Even lobster mac & cheese can be added to any entree.

The drink menu offers just as much flavor and creativity as the food. One notable cocktail is the smoked bourbon old fashioned, consisting of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, and orange oil. Once again, this drink shows how well the Butchery can take a classic and make it fresh. It’s smoked with cherry wood, making it a nuanced take on the traditional old fashioned. While describing the drink, Karen says, “We bring the campfire to the table.” If you are looking for a more fruity sip, check out the pomegranate tini. It’s a flavorful blend of Three Olives Citrus Vodka, Pama Pomegranate liqueur, simple syrup, lime, and pomegranate juice.

After-dinner drinks can provide the perfect cap to a rich meal. They offer an array of dessert wines and cordials, including the connoisseur-approved Hennessey Paradis, and a few cocktails. The first of these is the classic espresso martini crafted with Sweet Bloom Seasonal Espresso, Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka, and Van Gogh Double Espresso Liqueur.

Cozy, energetic, and friendly sum up the Butchery’s inviting atmosphere. Karen pours her 43 years of restaurant experience into creating the best possible experience for every guest who walks into their doors. She says, “I have the hospitality gene! I love taking care of guests. They are in my home for dinner, happy hour or drinks, and I strive to make the experience a memorable one!”

The impressive food, inventive drinks, and enjoyable atmosphere make the restaurant’s long history of awards come as no surprise. It has won Best Steakhouse (2022, 2023), Best Bartender (2022, 2023), Best Bar (2022, 2023), Best Fine Dining (2023), and more. Just this year, Colorado Community Media voted the Butchery Best of the Best for Steakhouse, Bar, and Happy Hour, along with Best Bartender for their skilled bartender Vernon Johnson.

Creativity and passion for their craft are evident in every aspect of the Butchery. Even their gift certificates are uniquely shaped like meat cleavers. Get to know them even better by visiting them in Arvada, where they have been serving the community since 2015, and explore their menu at TheButcheryArvada.com.

Great dishes begin with great ingredients. The establishment takes pride in utilizing local ingredients in their meals.

Businesses featured in this article