Buttermilk & Bourbon, located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, is a celebrated Southern-inspired restaurant by nationally recognized Chef Jason Santos. It is designed to transport guests straight to the lively and hospitable atmosphere of New Orleans.
Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, covering its unique features, history, popular menu items, events, and contact information.
What Makes Buttermilk & Bourbon Unique
- New Orleans Spirit in Boston: The restaurant’s core identity is a tribute to New Orleans (NOLA) and Southern charm, offering an “innovative American menu featuring Southern-influences” with a Boston twist. Chef Santos, also known for his distinct blue hair and appearances as a sous chef on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen, channels his love of the Bayou into the entire dining experience.
- Atmosphere and Design: The space, designed by Erica Diskin of Assembly Designs, features vibrant and cozy New Orleans-inspired murals, tin ceiling tiles, and reclaimed church pew banquettes, particularly in the private “French Quarter” dining room. There is also a full bar, an interactive oyster bar, and a 40-seat outdoor patio. A unique space is the black-lit semi-private Voodoo Lounge, adorned with mirrors, candlesticks, and old NOLA love spells, perfect for intimate gatherings.
- The Chef: Owner and Chef Jason Santos brings celebrity recognition to the restaurant, having competed on Hell’s Kitchen (Season 7) and later serving as a sous chef on the show. His personal brand and culinary passion for New Orleans are central to the restaurant’s identity.
History
Buttermilk & Bourbon opened in Boston’s Back Bay at 160 Commonwealth Avenue in April 2017, converting a former Spanish tapas restaurant space. The concept was inspired by a surprise birthday trip Chef Santos’s wife took him on to New Orleans, where he was so moved by the food and hospitality that he decided to replicate the experience in Boston. The location in the historic Vendome building, with its below-street-level space, was found to naturally possess a New Orleans feel, even before construction began.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu focuses on elevated Southern favorites, emphasizing shareable small plates and creative cocktails:
- Signature Warm Honey Glazed Biscuits: A staple and fan favorite, served with smoked cinnamon butter and pimento cheese spread.
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Offered in various styles, including Nashville Hot, Sweet & Spicy, BBQ Syrup, or White BBQ Sauce. Chef Santos has famously referred to his fried chicken recipe as the “best fried chicken wings in the history of chicken.”
- New Orleans BBQ Shrimp: Served with creamy cheddar grits, holy trinity, and andouille sausage.
- Pimento Mac & Cheese: A comforting dish featuring pork belly, cornbread crumble, green tomato relish, and scallion butter.
- Viet-Cajun Style Popcorn Catfish: A dish with a modern twist, served with cucumber salad, ginger comeback sauce, fried basil, and lime.
- Fresh Fried Beignets: The classic New Orleans dessert, served dusted with powdered sugar.
Customer Feedback
General feedback for Buttermilk & Bourbon points to a lively atmosphere and excellent comfort food. It has a Google rating of 4.4 stars (from over 2,300 reviews) and is praised for its:
- Ambiance: Described as upmarket yet cozy, with a lively, bustling environment. It is particularly popular for groups.
- Food Quality: Patrons highly recommend the biscuits and fried chicken, noting the “great food & drinks.”
- Highlights: Noted for “Fast service” and “Great dessert.”
- Considerations: Some diners have noted that the bustling environment can be “too loud for diners seeking a more intimate and quiet setting.”
Significant Events
Buttermilk & Bourbon hosts several popular, recurring special events:
- Down & Dirty Dinner Club: A monthly event, particularly held at the Watertown location, featuring a curated 3-course paired dinner by Chef Jason Santos, often partnering with brands like Wild Turkey Whiskey. Past themed dinners have included a Low Country Crawfish Boil and a Seafood Dinner.
- Girl Dinner: A special offering, typically on Monday nights, featuring the new “Girl Dinner” menu, specialty spritzes, BOGO oysters, and bottomless truffle fries.
- Thanksgiving To-Go: The restaurant offers a popular pre-order Thanksgiving catering spread, which includes Chef Jason’s famous buttermilk biscuits.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116 |
| Phone | (617) 266-1122 |
| Website | Buttermilk & Bourbon |
| Reservations | Accepted and recommended via OpenTable |
