MMMMMMMmmm
Turn Ons:
Sexy Ginger Chicken Wings
Comfortable, social seating is available.
Turn Offs:
Slow Reception
Rare to get to sit in the highly-coveted comfy social area.
Is it "Butta Pub"? Or "Boota Pub"? No one seems to know. Their website does state that its "Nothing but a pub." So, maybe it's "Butt". I have heard a server pronounce it differently, though. My guess is that no one really cares, and as long as everyone agrees on what we're talking about....
Buta Pub is located in the Historic German House in the South Wedge. If you remember where The Keg used to be? Don't worry, it doesn't resemble the Keg one bit. The Keg changed to Zeppa Bistro not long ago, where it got a major face lift and, lets be honest; manners, charm, grace, cleanliness, and an education. Not long after Zeppa, the owners moved on to focus their efforts elsewhere, and Buta Pub came in. They kept the higher-class restaurant feel and put their own spin of flavors on the place.
From the outside, it looks like you're going into a bit of a dive bar. The black and white sign with a plump pig sitting on its rear end doesn't really give the feeling of sophistication. The outside brick patio is nice, however. When you enter, you're going down into a basement. OK, this isn't helping. They do seem to have an elevator for wheelchairs, so thumbs up. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, the host(ess) podium greets you. But, in my experience, there is usually a short wait until a host(ess) actually greets you. It is understandable if they're seating someone else, but they're usually just in the back. I don't get it.
While you're waiting for the hostess to appear, enjoy viewing the lovely area just inside the dining area, where people can sit and socialize on comfy chairs and couches around elegant coffee tables. You are free to eat your meal here, but the seats are so deep and soft, this area isn't really conducive to eating a full meal. It is very comfortable and elegant. If you just want cocktails and maybe an appetizer or two, try parking it here. It is usually filled up however, and patrons aren't exactly rushing to leave the area. To the other side is their nice bar. You'll see most or all of the seats taken up, but there usually aren't layers of people standing behind them vying for the bar tender's attention. So a quick drink is easy enough to get.
There hasn't been a wait since we've been going, so you should promptly be seated. Sometimes they do special events. So, there might be trivia, a Rochester Young Professionals Happy Hour, an art event, or something of the sort.
When being seated, you are instantly given water glasses and a water carafe is left so you're not reliant on your server for refills. Thumbs up. Nothing irks us more than running out of water. They will refill the carafe if need-be. You're instantly presented with your drink and food menu. They have a nice, diverse beer selection and the cocktails are quite good too. I thought the $9 cocktails were priced quite well. They're also unique and fun to try out. You can also get a flight if you want to try different beers.
Listen to me: Order the wings. They come in two different flavors. One is hotter than the other, but just barely and the "heat" won't slow you down. We get these every time we go. Large, meaty wings, that are crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. The sauces are both delicious, and it is obvious that they are created by a trained chef. These aren't some mass-produced wings tossed in the cheapest buffalo sauce. They may even let you have half the wings in one sauce and half in the other, so you can decide which you like best. Just get them!
You don't really expect it, with the pig on the sign, but Buta Pub is actually an Asian-inspired American Cuisine. This isn't your corner Chineese take-out store. From what I've seen, most (if not, all) of the dishes are made on site with really fresh ingredients, and the meat is so good on every dish. This is high-class food we're talking about. They do a lot of pork, which one would expect with the sign. Being in the South Wedge, they're conscious of the non-meat eaters, too. Not just conscious, but good at it. Their Ramen is quite good, which surprised me. That's just because I'm thinking of the instant Ramen from my college days. I will say that I thought mine was a bit salty. But, I'm a bit sensitive to salt, and I'm pretty sure salt is expected in Ramen. You can go as casual as a burger, to as fancy as a 1/2 Roasted Pig Head. No, We haven't spent the $79 on that just yet. It is advertised to serve 4-6 people. They have some unique dishes here. I bet you'll be able to try something you've never had before.
Their selection is great without being overwhelming. You'll be able to find something. I thought the food was priced quite well; especially for the quality that they serve.
I guess I'll warn my more traditional audience that you should be prepared to have a server with visible tattoos and piercings. It doesn't bother me a bit, and I actually prefer an eccentric server: It creates good conversation if you feel like socializing. But I know everyone has different hang-ups, so I thought I'd put it out there. Buta Pub seems to celebrate individuality. Let's be honest. You can't afford to run a business in the Wedge and expect your employees to adhere to a strict and out-dated code of appearance. This group is quite a bit more eccentric. If you didn't allow tattoos or face piercings, you'd cut your available workforce in the South Wedge by 60%. (That's my opinion, 60% is not based on actual research. Just observation.) Furthermore, the servers are very knowledgeable and have great manners. They'll chat shortly with you if you want, and they'll leave you alone if you're immersed in conversation. Gone are the days where a tattoo automatically means you're a drunk biker-gang member.
The atmosphere is casual, but you also wouldn't feel out of place in a suit, which is a tough feeling to pull off. They have a side room with a pool table and bar for private parties. It is very comfortable and charming. We always feel relaxed.
I recommend getting out to see Buta Pub before everyone else catches on to what a great place it is. Once word gets out, I can see the waits getting longer due to volume and people just not wanting to leave. When I show up, I'm always instantly irritated because I can't figure out why they can't have a host(ess) stand at the podium to greet patrons. But, the place is so charming, intimate, and well-done; that feeling melts away (especially by the time we've received our wings and flights).
Turn Ons:
Sexy Ginger Chicken Wings
Comfortable, social seating is available.
Turn Offs:
Slow Reception
Rare to get to sit in the highly-coveted comfy social area.
Is it "Butta Pub"? Or "Boota Pub"? No one seems to know. Their website does state that its "Nothing but a pub." So, maybe it's "Butt". I have heard a server pronounce it differently, though. My guess is that no one really cares, and as long as everyone agrees on what we're talking about....
Buta Pub is located in the Historic German House in the South Wedge. If you remember where The Keg used to be? Don't worry, it doesn't resemble the Keg one bit. The Keg changed to Zeppa Bistro not long ago, where it got a major face lift and, lets be honest; manners, charm, grace, cleanliness, and an education. Not long after Zeppa, the owners moved on to focus their efforts elsewhere, and Buta Pub came in. They kept the higher-class restaurant feel and put their own spin of flavors on the place.
From the outside, it looks like you're going into a bit of a dive bar. The black and white sign with a plump pig sitting on its rear end doesn't really give the feeling of sophistication. The outside brick patio is nice, however. When you enter, you're going down into a basement. OK, this isn't helping. They do seem to have an elevator for wheelchairs, so thumbs up. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, the host(ess) podium greets you. But, in my experience, there is usually a short wait until a host(ess) actually greets you. It is understandable if they're seating someone else, but they're usually just in the back. I don't get it.
While you're waiting for the hostess to appear, enjoy viewing the lovely area just inside the dining area, where people can sit and socialize on comfy chairs and couches around elegant coffee tables. You are free to eat your meal here, but the seats are so deep and soft, this area isn't really conducive to eating a full meal. It is very comfortable and elegant. If you just want cocktails and maybe an appetizer or two, try parking it here. It is usually filled up however, and patrons aren't exactly rushing to leave the area. To the other side is their nice bar. You'll see most or all of the seats taken up, but there usually aren't layers of people standing behind them vying for the bar tender's attention. So a quick drink is easy enough to get.
There hasn't been a wait since we've been going, so you should promptly be seated. Sometimes they do special events. So, there might be trivia, a Rochester Young Professionals Happy Hour, an art event, or something of the sort.
When being seated, you are instantly given water glasses and a water carafe is left so you're not reliant on your server for refills. Thumbs up. Nothing irks us more than running out of water. They will refill the carafe if need-be. You're instantly presented with your drink and food menu. They have a nice, diverse beer selection and the cocktails are quite good too. I thought the $9 cocktails were priced quite well. They're also unique and fun to try out. You can also get a flight if you want to try different beers.
Listen to me: Order the wings. They come in two different flavors. One is hotter than the other, but just barely and the "heat" won't slow you down. We get these every time we go. Large, meaty wings, that are crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. The sauces are both delicious, and it is obvious that they are created by a trained chef. These aren't some mass-produced wings tossed in the cheapest buffalo sauce. They may even let you have half the wings in one sauce and half in the other, so you can decide which you like best. Just get them!
You don't really expect it, with the pig on the sign, but Buta Pub is actually an Asian-inspired American Cuisine. This isn't your corner Chineese take-out store. From what I've seen, most (if not, all) of the dishes are made on site with really fresh ingredients, and the meat is so good on every dish. This is high-class food we're talking about. They do a lot of pork, which one would expect with the sign. Being in the South Wedge, they're conscious of the non-meat eaters, too. Not just conscious, but good at it. Their Ramen is quite good, which surprised me. That's just because I'm thinking of the instant Ramen from my college days. I will say that I thought mine was a bit salty. But, I'm a bit sensitive to salt, and I'm pretty sure salt is expected in Ramen. You can go as casual as a burger, to as fancy as a 1/2 Roasted Pig Head. No, We haven't spent the $79 on that just yet. It is advertised to serve 4-6 people. They have some unique dishes here. I bet you'll be able to try something you've never had before.
Their selection is great without being overwhelming. You'll be able to find something. I thought the food was priced quite well; especially for the quality that they serve.
I guess I'll warn my more traditional audience that you should be prepared to have a server with visible tattoos and piercings. It doesn't bother me a bit, and I actually prefer an eccentric server: It creates good conversation if you feel like socializing. But I know everyone has different hang-ups, so I thought I'd put it out there. Buta Pub seems to celebrate individuality. Let's be honest. You can't afford to run a business in the Wedge and expect your employees to adhere to a strict and out-dated code of appearance. This group is quite a bit more eccentric. If you didn't allow tattoos or face piercings, you'd cut your available workforce in the South Wedge by 60%. (That's my opinion, 60% is not based on actual research. Just observation.) Furthermore, the servers are very knowledgeable and have great manners. They'll chat shortly with you if you want, and they'll leave you alone if you're immersed in conversation. Gone are the days where a tattoo automatically means you're a drunk biker-gang member.
The atmosphere is casual, but you also wouldn't feel out of place in a suit, which is a tough feeling to pull off. They have a side room with a pool table and bar for private parties. It is very comfortable and charming. We always feel relaxed.
I recommend getting out to see Buta Pub before everyone else catches on to what a great place it is. Once word gets out, I can see the waits getting longer due to volume and people just not wanting to leave. When I show up, I'm always instantly irritated because I can't figure out why they can't have a host(ess) stand at the podium to greet patrons. But, the place is so charming, intimate, and well-done; that feeling melts away (especially by the time we've received our wings and flights).
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