Butter Restaurant

• Cuisine(s): French, New American
  Hours: Mon 5:30pm-3am, Tue-Thu 5:30pm-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-2am
  Price: $$$$ $$$$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Jacket Suggested
  Features: Coat Check, Wheelchair Accessible
  Serving: Dinner, Late Night
  Entertainment: Live Entertainment
• Alcohol: Full bar
  Reservations: Accepted, Recommended
  Parking: No Parking

Description

This sleek staple of the downtown scene walks a fine line between being a nightclub and a restaurant. It might not be quite the A-list spot it was when Richie Akiva and Scott Satiano opened back in 2002, but you can still expect to see a few celebs in the crowd. Designed by nightlife guru Steve Lewis, the 300-seat space looks like some kind of futuristic log cabin, with slick wood panels and a shiny backlit forest mural. Downstairs in the Birch Room, well-heeled partiers dance to the DJ or sit sipping $14 specialty cocktails on leather banquettes, surrounded by walls and a ceiling completely covered in glowing birch. Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli (Daniel, Patina in Los Angeles) prepares crowd-pleasing contemporary American fare such as poached Maine lobster and ravioli filled with local beets and goat cheese, with an available $90 five-course tasting menu. The 225-strong wine list is extensive, featuring both European and New World bottles, plus around nine varieties by the glass.—Keith Wagstaff