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Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Flatiron, Union Square, GramercyUnion Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)
Mon-Wed. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Thu-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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Butai is amazing! This place has everything: a great environment, attentive service, and delicious food.
The restaurant has two floors, dark wood accents, and dim candlelight. It is an elegant, Japanese tapas restaurant that is hip without being cheesy.
Though a few of their dishes come as full entrees, they recommend getting tapas so you can try a few things. We decided to try some tapas and sushi rolls to make it easier to split. We tried a special sushi roll called the Tiger something, which had shrimp tempura and avocado inside, and was then covered with spicy mayo (more jalapeno tasting and less mayo-y) and sliced tuna sashimi. The platter came out with about 8-10 pieces and was delicious. In terms of sushi, we also tried another roll...but unfortunately I went there a few weeks ago and it has slipped my mind...I do remember liking it though...We also tried the Grilled Rice Balls, which came with two large balls full of your choice of seafood and wrapped in a wide piece of seaweed. I tasted the salmon one, which had chunks of grilled salmon amidst the mass of white rice. It was well seasoned, filling, and hardy. We also tried the Jidori, which is one of their special Robata (Japanese grill) meals. I had initially thought these grills would be on the table, Korean-style, but unfortunately we did not get to see the meat being cooked. The chicken was available as an entree portion as well. Plus, you could get the breast or thigh. While I prefer white meat, the waiter recommended the tender thigh, so we tried that. The chicken was served in juicy strips with a covering layer of crispy skin. It was well-cooked but could use more seasoning. We also tried the Robata lamb chops, which were the best I have EVER had. The meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked. They came with a sweet dipping sauce that really complimented the grilled flavor.
We did not order drinks, but unique cocktails and lengthy wine list were available.
Our total bill was an affordable (for the type of restaurant) $75 or so, and we were stuffed!
I would definitely go back there.
In reading the other reviews for Butai, I noticed that back in 2007/early 2008, the reviews were not so great. However, Butai has since changed sushi and robata chefs, and they have a new person handling the hot prepared food down in the kitchen as well. Not only do they have a $3 cocktail and beer happy hour with $5 sushi rolls from Monday-Saturday, they are one of the only authentic Japanese-style Robata restaurants in the city. Many have complained that the portions are small, but that is the point of Robata-style dining (and also why there are far fewer overweight people in Japan than in this fair country). The point is to order a bunch of different things and share, which means taking your time, eating slowly, and enjoying your meal, something that Americans seem to take for granted. Their sushi is fresh and delicious, although my only complaint might be that their specialty rolls tend to be covered in a mayonnaise-based sauce, so if you do order a special roll, ask them to go easy on the sauce.
Butai also has a full bar, as well as a number of delicious specialty martinis. Aside from being racist in name, the "Blushing Geisha" (think cosmopolitan with lychee juice) is really really good. And if your a ginger fan, go for the ginger martini.
People also wrote earlier on that Butai is never crowded, but that has definitely changed and now it is best to make a reservation. Initially, Butai was sort of masked by Japonaise and other lower-tier sushi restaurants in the area, and since it is on a side-street, it is less noticeable. Butai does have a slew of loyal customers, some who come in regularly every Friday and Saturday night.
So, if you are looking to have a really nice dinner (perhaps trying to impress that special someone) in an amazing atmosphere, and are willing to throw down some scrilla in order to bed (or wed) your date, Butai is the way to go.
Mondays are 50% off sushi night, 7-11pm. Average caliber food, but much better than their sister restaurant Moca Dining Lounge. Yikes. The decor is modern, food is glorified but the staff is fobby. Go figure.
Nice ambiance and decor, very good friendly service, those are what you pay for the high price here. The food is only OK, and portions are small.
Pros: Decent Food, good Happy Hour
Cons: Spaces alittle small, next door Japonais has better offerings.
I came here for a blind date as a referral from a friend of my Asian social networking groups. The date went very well for good company with good food is always a good combination classic. We sat at the bar for better light to see each other and what we were eating. Thus, service was extremely attentive as our plates were constantly switched during courses like Dim Sum. The bar tender serves clients drinks as well as meals which is great as most bar tenders only serve drinks, not food. The atmosphere is inviting.
The sushi is very fresh and tasty in Robata style. The Ebi Renkon and Toro compliments a Junmai sake or even plum wine. The bar tender is originally from Japan but speaks English fluently and is knowledgeable about sake and sushi. The papers for the menu are supplied from Kate's Paperie of Stardream Opal cover sheet as any avid paper aficionado would easily recognize.
Upon leaving the restaurant there is a short survey about one's dinning experience. The bar tender gave both of us a 10% discount (happy hour not included) coupon for our next visit. I thanked the bar tender for his attentive services in Japanese with a bow: Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu based on my memory of being with my past life counterpart of ten years who is half Japanese which include a visit to Nikko, Gunma and of course, Tokyo.
The music played in the restaurant was very weird as Eastern or Arabic music does not fit a Japanese sushi restaurant. Upon asking the bar tender the type of music being played the bar tender just laughed as his response which he agrees it is odd.
I should say from the beginning that this is really a happy hour review since I've never eaten lunch or dinner at Butai. That being said, Butai is a really nice place with some good happy hour specials that's definitely worth a stop if you're thirsty or a little hungry after work.
As other people have mentioned they have Sapporo pints for $3 from 5-7 (might be 4-7, not sure) and $4 or $5 cocktails. I haven't any drinks besides the Sapporo or a bottle of Sapporo Light (not as good and a dollar more but they were out of draught beer one time). They also have their own cocktails that seem pretty popular among people dining at tables including some kind of fruit-martini concoction as well as dozens of saki bottles.
In addition to drinks they have a nice menu though I haven't ventured past the happy hour deals. They have $3.50 tuna, salmon, and California rolls as well as some delicious sausage vegetable skewers that I think are 3 for $6.
To be honest I don't love Sapporo and while I enjoy sushi I haven't had a full meal here. Nonetheless I like stopping in to meet a friend who works next door and share a few pints and rolls or skewers for a snack/light dinner. I'd give it a 3 since I wish they had more than Sapporo on tap but the bartender and the hostess are so nice and it's a relaxing place so I'll bump it up to 4. Plus the food I've had was very tasty for I bet dinner would be a 4.
I'm not so sure what everyone else is raving about...
Dinner with friends on a Wednesday night was just ok... They don't have much a menu... If you're looking for something more substantial than robata or rolls, the entree selection is non-existent. We ended up walking over to Republic afterwards to fill our bellies...
On the other hand, this place IS a great place to meet up for happy hour. The food is pretty good and is decently priced.
The only other point of interest is that this place was featured in Gossip Girl... Didn't realize it until my friend pointed it out, and I could distinctly remember Chuck drowning his sorrows at the bar. You would think the place is much bigger and trendier, but it's definitely low-key.
make that eh-ok.
first off, let me just say that on a friday night, this place was empty. not a good sign.
its like walking into bingo parlor at an old folks home and no one there but the cage spinner. creepy and disconcerting.
well, the menu seems like it should be ab-fab but just didn't deliver the goods. the bacon wrapped asparagus was uninspired and somewhat bland. its freaking bacon folks. i've said it before and i'll say it here, you could wrap cat shit in bacon and it would be yummy. apparently at butai, that doesn't hold true for the asparagus.
we ordered an assortment of things on a stick but nothing really inspired an orgasmic response.
my advice would be to walk a little more and go to japonais. or if you can stomach the wait, trek over to casa mono and give yourself a culinary erection.
As my friend would say, Butai is a goldmine!
Before I begin, I want to disclose that this review is for their happy hour special - weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. That said, Butai has one of the best after work specials in the city! How can you say no to $3 Sapporo and $3 Sake?
The bar is intimate, room for about 8 or 9 stools. However, if you are in the area and are looking for a good happy hour special, I recommend Butai.
PS - I do look forward to eating here one day!
The food isn't great, but at least it is overpriced.
I went here a while after going to Tropical 128 (Billiards) and was sort of surprised at the similarity in what the two places serve, especially as 128 is rather cheap and in the front room of a poolhall. Butai earned their two stars on their own, though, and not just in comparison to Tropical 128.
Service was indifferent, food was hit and miss. Nice bathrooms, though.
The food here was amazing - I have to admit right off the bat that we
didn't order any sushi rolls though...
Sat at the bar, got a menu and couldn't stop ordering yummy grilled
food. Kept getting delicious plates of grilled skewers and it was perfect!
Duck, chicken, bacon & asparagus and beef.
Plus we shared a green salad, so yummy & fresh - and the drinks
kept flowing. Beers kept flowing...
The service was awesome and we loved the Thievery Corporation
mix they had going in the background !
Will be back for sure!
Short story: Stay away
Long story: I was so embarassed for them.
It was 7ish on a Saturday night. Nearby restaurants were so packed people were spilling out on to the streets, but Butai? It was empty. We were the only group even attempting to go in. Since it was recommended by a good friend, we went in anyway.
Aside from the Jidori chicken, everything was crap. The shiitake mushrooms puny, covered with soy sauce. The meat dishes puny, covered with teriyaki sauce... the ultimate faux-paux. This is only done when the ingredients aren't fresh. Besides, what's the point of using special coal (bincho-tan) needed for robata grilling if the tastes are masked with condiments?
I gave it two stars because the Jidori chicken was really good. Conclusion? Don't waste your time and money.
Great Sushi!
It was a little odd that there were two women handing out free shots of some high end Tequila at the bar (at a Japanese restaraunt?), but I didn't complain because it was some damned good Tequila.
I was there with a lady friend and we were sat at a small table in the back room. There was a decent crowd, but by the time we left we had the little back room to ourselves and they let us sip our Saki in peace well after we finished our meal.
Oh yeah, and the sushi and sashimi was quite delectable. I'm definitely going back.
the dining room is pleasant, the staff is profession, but where's the robata grill? they advertise this place as authentic robata but where is the authentic grill?
there's nothing special about the food, it is just average. even the highly recommended jidori chicken was just ok. best thing was the sake list.
not a bad time but i won't come back.
My experience at Butai was excellent. The service was okay, the food was great, and the atmosphere was nice.
We were seated upstairs, which was completely empty when we got there at 8pm, save one table. After looking at the menu, we ordered our appetizers and then she took away our menus.. before we ordered our main course. That felt a little strange, so we asked the waitress to take our order. Anyways, the food came and everything was excellent. I ordered the Jidori chicken which was great, and the two people I was with both ordered the filet mignon, one medium and one rare. Both were excellent. By the time we left (probably around 11), the place was packed.
My only concern is the bathroom. It was unisex. After half a bottle of wine, you step into the bathroom and see girls standing at the sink you have to think of yourself "continue on like you're supposed to be here or check the door and find out you went into the wrong bathroom". I said to hell with it so I kept going and checked the sign on the way out.
I like Butai
The Grill is amazing
smoke you out
I had very fresh fish and excellent preparation
these guys know how to grill to perfection
very cozy place
but the food rocks
and the people take good care of you
I used to bartend at this restaurant. I was supposed to show up for work one day and never did show...boo hoo..now I cant go back and eat there :))
Sushi is very fresh
Robata is delicious and one of the few that actually offers this part of
Japanese cuisine that most Americans are not aware of..
I used to drool over the appetizers they served so yummy, but could not always afford!
Great cocktails..
Pricey is the only con..beautiful interior so take a date!
Location is behind Japonais(corporate crap) and off the main path ...that and the price might explain why that place isn't hopping every night
THIS PLACE IS GREAT!
They specialize in robata style. The food is Fantastic! Im really surprised this place isn't as hot as it is... only reason I can figure is the location. It's on a quiet street. But don't let it fool you... The service is the BEST! I have ever witnessed. Very attentive and smart waiters. Owner walks around and makes small talk. Also surprisingly affordable... Go upstairs for candle lit rooms =)
I have enjoyed each visit to Butai...came here the first time for a party that was held in the back room (this place is good for groups too) and was very impressed. Have been going there continuously from then on... the atmosphere is great - the food is just as great and very fresh and healthy!!
Want to smell like smoke sans cigarettes? Have a hankering for great chicken. Giddyap! Then Butai is your place. Yeah, it's never crowded and it can be inconsistent, but the food is usually fine. The question then becomes, how much do you want to pay for "fine"? The bill usually stings more than it should given what you just ate.
I don't know what these other guys are complaining about, I thought this place was pretty good. The interior is nicely done, and I equate the traditional robata style as Japanese tapas. The food is delicate and tasty. Sure, this place isn't cheap, but it's a nice place to take a date to enjoy a couple of cocktails and a warm conversation.
I don't get why this place is always empty. Absolutely dead-on traditional robata-style cuisine, supported by outstanding waitstaff. But everytime I drop in, the place is empty.
The major selling point of this place is that is it off Park Ave and not as crowded as the other restaurants along the main street. It has a nice and dark interior, perfect for a casual meeting or intimate dinner. The downside is the food is a bit pricey for sushi and skewers. The Fire Shrimp Roll for $14 had tempura shrimp, yes, but it wasn't too hot. If you call something Fire Shrimp it better be FIRE. And what is it with chilled Udon?
Butai has a great happy hour, but as another reviewer mentioned, it is always empty. It doesn't help that Japonais opened up next door over the summer.
Nice atmosphere though, good cocktails and friendly service.
This place was a great find, randomly walked in here for dinner one night. The Sashimi and the special rolls are really good, I would recommend the Crunchy Dragon and the Fire Shrimp rolls. Also, they have Sapporo on Tap which I love. I have heard the Tapas are great too, especially the Lamb chops.
Dropped by for lunch on a recent weekday afternoon. The food was pretty good so we were surprised to be the only ones in the place. Then again, it seems they've only just started serving lunch. It's a bit of a walk from work so I probably won't be back any time soon, but if I was right around the corner, it would certainly make the list.
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Category: Sushi Bars
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Category: Sushi Bars
New York, NY
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Category: Sushi Bars
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