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The Butcher Block

308 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 455-1080
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Ranked #29 of 1,012 restaurants in Minneapolis
Price range: CAD15 - CAD31
Cuisines: Italian
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Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations, After-hours
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: University
Description: Welcome to the Butcher Block, where meat is our passion; organic, grass-fed, and sustainable are our principles; and serving great-tasting food – with or without meat – is our priority. We’re inspired by the cozy neighborhood trattorias you find in Rome and throughout Italy, but we're located right here in Northeast Minneapolis. We chose the name "Butcher Block" in honor of Filippo Caffari, our butcher, who was a skilled master-butcher in Rome for almost two decades, before moving to Minneapolis to become head chef at I Nonni in Mendota Heights. Chef Caffari is one of the finest Italian chefs in the Twin Cities. To accompany our remarkable Italian meals, we offer an extensive Italian and international wine list, as well as many fine domestic wines and beers. Our goal is to fuse the best of Italian culinary skills with the freshest ingredients, so you can experience authentic Italian dining. The only passport required is your love of great Italian food.
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45 reviews from our community

86% Recommend
    33
    6
    2
    2
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Minneapolis,MN
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013 via mobile

I have eaten here several times and will return many more The food is fantastic The pastas are easily split between 2 ( my favorite is the rigatoni ala Norcina- house made sausage in cream and trufle oil) The meat selections are varied and consistently good. Have had lamb, chicken and pork. All fantastic Desert is too die for... Not... More

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See 5 more reviews by trudles1 for Minneapolis
Dallas
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

I love Italian and this restaurant does it right. The owner/chef came out and spent time with us. He helped us pick the perfect menu and paired the wine. By the time I was done, I had a new favorite place to eat. On the way out we enjoyed a toast of his home made lemoncello. It was worth the... More

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Edina, Minnesota, United States
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

My husband and I ate there last night with friends. I had read some various comment on Yelp and wasn't sure what to expect. I'm very picky about Italian food since my parents are Italian immigrants and I've spent ever summer of my life growing up in Italy. The food was outstanding. The appetizer with the sausage and peppers was... More

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minneapolis
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2013

We enjoyed a wonderful saturday night for first time at Butcher Block. Great Italian wine list, and with help from Filippo the chef from Rome, helped us pair with our selection of food and wonderful red wine from Italy. The food was amazing, the short ribs melted in your mouth. We are definitely coming back!!! Great time was had by... More

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Roseville, Minnesota
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2013

First time visit. Far exceeded our expectations. Friendly service. Food prepared magnificently. Look forward to returning regularly.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 January 2013

Had a great dining experience Saturday night all the way around from excellent service to top flight italian cuisine, and all the family (ages 10 to 45 yrs old) enjoyed the experience and atmosphere. Memorable antipasti included Arancini all ragu and pork and ricotta meatballs. The braised short rib, pork tenderloin special, and new york strip highlight the talent of... More

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Minneapolis, Minnesota
Top Contributor
91 reviews 91 reviews
51 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 December 2012

From the moment my husband and I walked in, the staff looked down their noses at us. I am willing to accept of a snooty attitude if the restaurant fits the bill and has a truly superior product / atmosphere, but the food was so incredibly mediocre that it was not justified. We will not return.

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See 21 more reviews by Lov_2_travel_10 for Minneapolis
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
24 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 November 2012

We read the negative reviews about the service with trepidation, but we'd heard great things about the food from the owner of Pizza Nea, the place next door. When the competition raves about a place, it's worth checking out. The food was indeed great, the rooms are beautiful, and maybe the boss has cracked down since those other reviews were... More

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See 3 more reviews by NashRambler17 for Minneapolis
Maple Grove, Minnesota
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
24 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
59 helpful votes 59 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 October 2012

It was a last minute decision to go today, but on a Sunday night reservations were easy. Their web site handles the reservations directly (without Chef's Table) and sent an immediate confirmation. There was plenty of nearby on-street parking, and since it is Sunday we didn't even need to feed the meter. We decided on the prix fixe meal and... More

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See 2 more reviews by eyehep for Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 September 2012

We have eaten at this restaurant twice within the last three months. Both times we have had a very good experience. This restaurant serves Italian fare, not necessarily indicated by its name. However, the Italian dishes include both pasta/risotto courses and some really excellent meat/poultry/fish choices. During the early summer, my wife and I shared an anti pasta which consisted... More

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