Butai

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 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.

This place is closed, and now a Zen Palate. Interesting there used to be a Zen on Park around the corner that closed. I think it's a Friday's now....

Just wondering, is Butai now re-opened on B'Way and 52nd and named Mr. Robata?

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 =)

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.

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.

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!

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

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.