Buttermilk And Bourbon
When you think about a place that just feels good, a spot where the food hits right, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay a while, Boston has a contender that stands out. This place, called Buttermilk & Bourbon, really brings a piece of the South to New England, offering something special that guests often talk about for a long time afterward. It is, to be honest, a dining experience that aims to make you feel right at home, but with a definite touch of something extra, something a little bit fancy, yet still totally comfortable.
Guests often say good things about the delicious food they find there, the truly fun atmosphere that fills the air, and the staff members who just seem to get it right every time. It is a place that has earned quite a bit of praise, with many happy visitors sharing their positive thoughts, so you know, it must be doing something right. You might find yourself wanting to go back pretty soon after your first visit, just to soak it all in again, or perhaps to try something new from the menu, which is quite varied.
The whole idea behind Buttermilk & Bourbon is about bringing that special kind of Southern welcome to people, right there in the middle of Boston, and also in Watertown. It's a spot that has become quite well-known for its unique approach to classic Southern tastes, mixing them with a fresh, modern twist. You could say it's almost like a little trip south without having to leave Massachusetts, offering a taste of New Orleans in a way that feels pretty genuine, and very inviting.
Table of Contents
- Jason Santos- The Person Behind Buttermilk & Bourbon
- What Makes the Buttermilk & Bourbon Vibe So Special?
- What Kind of Food Can You Expect at Buttermilk & Bourbon?
- The Buttermilk & Bourbon Beverage Program- What Is There to Drink?
- Where Can You Find Buttermilk & Bourbon?
- How Do Guests Feel About Buttermilk & Bourbon?
- What About Hosting Your Event at Buttermilk & Bourbon?
- The Design Story of Buttermilk & Bourbon
Jason Santos- The Person Behind Buttermilk & Bourbon
When you talk about Buttermilk & Bourbon, you really need to talk about Chef Jason Santos. He is, you know, a chef who has gained quite a bit of recognition across the country for his cooking. He is the person who brings this whole concept to life, making sure that the feeling of Southern hospitality is truly present for every visitor. His vision for the place is clearly about more than just serving food; it is about creating a complete experience that makes people feel welcomed and cared for, almost like they are visiting a good friend's home in the South.
Chef Santos, as a matter of fact, has a way of taking traditional New Orleans cooking and giving it a fresh, modern spin. This approach means you get tastes that are familiar and comforting, but with a clever twist that makes them exciting and new. He thought that the space at 160 Commonwealth Avenue, which used to be Barlola, would be the perfect spot for his Southern cooking idea. It seems he was quite right about that, given how popular the place has become. He has, apparently, expanded this idea to a second location, bringing his unique style to even more people, which is pretty cool.
His connection to Southern cooking and making people feel at ease is a big part of what makes Buttermilk & Bourbon what it is. He wants to give people a taste of that famous Southern charm, and you can definitely feel that in the restaurant's atmosphere, which is cozy and has a lot of good energy. It is, basically, his personal touch that helps set the tone for the entire dining experience, making it a place where you can relax and really enjoy yourself.
Personal Details and Background
| Name | Jason Santos |
| Known For | Nationally recognized chef, celebrity chef |
| Restaurants | Buttermilk & Bourbon (Boston, Watertown) |
| Cuisine Style | New Orleans recipes with a modern flair, Southern hospitality |
What Makes the Buttermilk & Bourbon Vibe So Special?
So, what exactly makes the atmosphere at Buttermilk & Bourbon stand out? Well, guests often describe it as having a "super fun" feeling, and it is also seen as quite "trendy." This combination means you get a place that feels lively and current, but also somewhere you can truly relax. The restaurant, you know, aims to capture the trademark charm that the South is known for, creating a setting that is both cozy and full of good energy. It is a place where you can genuinely feel comfortable, whether you are there for a quiet dinner or a lively gathering with friends, which is something many places try for but don't always achieve.
There are, in fact, two different kinds of settings you might experience, depending on where you choose to sit. You can find seating inside, which probably offers a certain kind of warmth and intimacy. Then, there is also seating outside on the patio, which likely gives a more open and perhaps a little bit more casual feeling. This means you can pick the vibe that suits your mood, or what you are looking for that day. It is pretty neat that they offer these distinct choices, allowing for different kinds of dining moments, which is something you do not always see.
The overall feeling is one of being in a fun and stylish spot, especially the Boston location in Back Bay, which many people find quite fashionable. It is a place where you can just be yourself and enjoy the moment, surrounded by a good buzz and people having a good time. The atmosphere, basically, plays a very important part in the whole Buttermilk & Bourbon experience, making it more than just a meal, but rather a memory you might want to hold onto, perhaps even share with others.
What Kind of Food Can You Expect at Buttermilk & Bourbon?
When you visit Buttermilk & Bourbon, you can definitely look forward to a dining experience that brings Southern cooking right to your table. The food is, quite simply, described as delicious by many who have tried it. The menu features New Orleans recipes, but with a clever, modern touch, so you get something that feels both classic and fresh at the same time. It is like taking familiar flavors and presenting them in a way that feels new and exciting, which is pretty much what Chef Santos aims for.
One of the things that guests often talk about, as a matter of fact, are the warm biscuits. These are clearly a staple, meaning they are a very important part of the meal, so much so that every table seems to have them. What is even more interesting is that you do not even have to order them; they just appear, which is a really nice touch of hospitality. These biscuits are, you know, a comforting start to any meal there, setting a warm tone for what is to come, and many people just love that kind of surprise.
Then there are the appetizers, which are quite tempting. Among them, the "damn near perfect beignets" get a lot of attention. These are, essentially, fried dough pastries, often covered in powdered sugar, and hearing them described as "damn near perfect" tells you a lot about how good they must be. It is a classic New Orleans treat, done just right. The Watertown location, interestingly enough, also has an expanded selection of oysters, which is a nice addition for those who enjoy seafood, offering something a little different from its Boston counterpart, at least for now.
The overall menu, you see, is designed to give you a genuine taste of Southern cooking, but with that special touch that makes it stand out. It is about comfort food, yes, but also about dishes that are prepared with a lot of thought and care. You can expect a good variety of choices, ensuring there is something for pretty much everyone, whether you are looking for a light bite or a full meal, which is always a good thing.
The Buttermilk & Bourbon Beverage Program- What Is There to Drink?
Beyond the food, Buttermilk & Bourbon also puts a lot of thought into its drink options. Their beverage program, as they call it, features a wide variety of choices for drinking. This means you are likely to find something that catches your eye, no matter what your preference. They have, in some respects, made sure to cover a lot of ground when it comes to what you can sip on while you are there, which is pretty helpful.
If you are a fan of bourbon, you are in for a treat. They have an extensive list of bourbons, which includes some well-known names like Bookers, Cask Strength, and Old Forester 1920. So, if you like to explore different kinds of bourbon, you will probably find something to your liking, or perhaps even discover a new favorite. It is, basically, a place where bourbon lovers can feel quite at home, with plenty of options to try, which is a definite draw for many people.
Beyond the straight bourbons, they also offer some really interesting cocktails. For example, there is the Hurricane cocktail, which is a New Orleans classic, and you can find out how to enjoy it at both of their locations. Then, there is a drink that combines Taffer's brown butter bourbon with wild moon chai liqueur, espresso, and Irish cream, which sounds like a rich and complex mix. They also have a Martini & Rossi Prosecco option with daily sorbet, which sounds like a lighter, perhaps more refreshing choice, especially if you are looking for something a bit bubbly and sweet. I, for one, have never been much of a bourbon drinker, but one of their cocktails, perhaps the one with Woodford bourbon, fresh lemon, mint, house simple, and apricot syrup, is just delightful. It feels, you know, like the kind of drink you would slowly enjoy at a horse race in Kentucky, which is pretty cool.
The drinks, you see, are just as carefully considered as the food, aiming to give you a complete and satisfying experience. Whether you are looking for a strong spirit, a sweet cocktail, or something light and refreshing, Buttermilk & Bourbon seems to have it covered, offering a good range of choices for pretty much every taste, which is always a good sign.
Where Can You Find Buttermilk & Bourbon?
Buttermilk & Bourbon has a presence in two main spots, bringing its Southern charm to different parts of the Boston area. The first location, and perhaps the one that started it all, is in Boston's Back Bay. You can find this particular spot at 160 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02116. This is the place that took over the space formerly used by Barlola, and it has since become a well-loved spot for those looking for a taste of the South in the heart of the city. It is, you know, a pretty central spot, making it easy for many people to get to, whether they are local or just visiting.
The second location, which shows how much the concept has grown, is in Watertown. This one is situated at 100 Arsenal Yard Blvd, Watertown, MA 02472. It is, basically, an expansion of Chef Jason Santos's vision, bringing his unique approach to Southern hospitality to even more people. While the menus at both locations look pretty similar for now, with the Watertown spot having an expanded oyster selection, it is good to know there are two places to experience Buttermilk & Bourbon. This means you have choices, which is always a good thing, depending on where you are or what is convenient for you.
Both locations aim to give you that same delightful Southern dining experience, with all the tempting appetizers, main courses, and drinks you would expect. So, whether you are in the city center or a bit further out, you can still get that taste of New Orleans that Chef Santos is known for. It is, in a way, a testament to the popularity of the concept that it has been able to spread its roots, offering its unique blend of food and atmosphere to a wider audience, which is pretty impressive.
How Do Guests Feel About Buttermilk & Bourbon?
It is always interesting to hear what people actually think about a place, and when it comes to Buttermilk & Bourbon, the feedback is pretty consistently positive. Guests, you see, often rave about their experiences there, which is a very good sign. They talk about the food being truly delicious, the atmosphere having a "super fun" vibe, and the staff members being simply amazing. These are, basically, the key ingredients for a really good dining experience, and it seems Buttermilk & Bourbon gets them right.
Looking at what people have said online, the Boston location, for instance, has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, based on 179 unbiased reviews. That is a pretty solid score, suggesting that many people have had very good times there. Overall, across different platforms, the place holds a 4.0 rating based on 1.2 thousand reviews, which shows a broad consensus of positive opinions. We ate at Buttermilk & Bourbon our first night here, and wow. We were both very impressed, honestly. It just goes to show that the good word gets around, and people really appreciate what the restaurant offers, which is pretty much what any business hopes for.
The fact that guests often mention the "amazing staff" is also quite important. Good service can really make a difference to a meal, turning a good experience into a great one. When people feel well looked after, it adds a lot to their overall enjoyment. So, it is not just the food and the atmosphere, but also the people who work there, that contribute to the very positive feelings guests have about Buttermilk & Bourbon. It is, you know, a combination of many elements coming together, creating a place that people genuinely enjoy and recommend to others, which is the best kind of praise a restaurant can get.
What About Hosting Your Event at Buttermilk & Bourbon?
If you are thinking about throwing a special gathering, Buttermilk & Bourbon also offers the chance to host an unforgettable event. They aim to provide a New Orleans-style experience for your party, which sounds like a lot of fun, honestly. This means you could bring that lively, charming Southern atmosphere to your own celebration, whether it is a birthday, an anniversary, or any other kind of get-together. It is, basically, a way to make your event stand out, giving your guests something a little different and very memorable, which is pretty much what everyone wants for their special occasions.
Imagine, you know, having your guests enjoy those delicious Southern dishes, perhaps those "damn near perfect beignets," and sipping on their wide variety of drinks, maybe even a Hurricane cocktail or one of their unique bourbon creations. The setting itself, with its cozy and fun atmosphere, would certainly add to the festive mood. It is a chance to truly immerse your guests in that specific kind of hospitality that Buttermilk & Bourbon is known for, making for a truly special time, which is something many people look for in a venue.
The idea of a New Orleans-style event suggests a certain kind of warmth, good food, and a lively spirit. It is about creating a relaxed yet exciting environment where people can connect and have a genuinely good time. So, if you are planning something and want it to have a distinct flavor and a lot of charm, Buttermilk & Bourbon seems like a place that could definitely deliver on that promise. It is, you see, another facet of what they offer, extending their unique appeal beyond just regular dining, which is pretty cool.
The Design Story of Buttermilk & Bourbon
The look and feel of a place really do make a difference, and Buttermilk & Bourbon has clearly put thought into its design. The restaurant was, in fact, put together by Erica Diskin of Assembly Designs. This means that the cozy and charming atmosphere that guests often talk about is not just by chance; it is the result of careful planning and creative vision. A good design can, you know, help tell the story of a place, and in this case, it helps bring that Southern charm to life in a tangible way, which is quite important for the overall experience.
When you step inside, or even when you are sitting on the patio, the design elements work together to create a specific mood. It is about making the space feel inviting and comfortable, while also having a bit of that trendy, fun energy. The choices in decor, the layout of the seating, and the general aesthetic all play a part in shaping how you feel when you are there. It is, essentially, the backdrop to all the delicious food and good times, making the whole experience more complete and enjoyable, which is pretty much what good design aims to do.
So, while the food and drinks are definitely a big part of the appeal, the thoughtful design by Erica Diskin helps to set the stage. It is about creating an environment where people can truly relax and soak in the Southern hospitality that Chef Jason Santos wants to offer. This attention to detail, from the menu to the decor, helps Buttermilk & Bourbon stand out as a place that offers a complete and memorable dining experience, which is something that many people appreciate, honestly.
Buttermilk & Bourbon - Caveney Architectural Collaborative
Buttermilk & Bourbon - Assembly Design Studio
Buttermilk & Bourbon - Assembly Design Studio
