This year has been a busy one for new restaurant openings on Washington Avenue thanks to newcomers like Grafitti's, Commonwealth and Mascalzone, but the area could benefit from a high-end, destination style restaurant to join popular staples like Laurenzo's and Benjy's.
B&B has completely renovated the almost 100-year old Dittman building, with a massive patio that looks out over the downtown skyline.
Which is what the area will get on Tuesday (May 26), when B&B Butchers and Restaurant makes its debut. Led by former Smith & Wollensky's general manager Benjamin Berg, B&B aims to bring an upscale dining experience to the area of Washington Ave that already houses popular bars like Julep and Liberty Station.
B&B has completely renovated the almost 100-year old Dittman building, giving the substantial 7,500 square foot space an 80-seat dining room downstairs, 40 seats upstairs and a massive, 1,800 square foot patio that looks out over the downtown skyline. The dining room features exposed brick walls and original wood-beam ceilings.
"We really took our time and waited to find the perfect venue and location,” Berg said in a statement. “The urban feel of the space combined with the classic, white tablecloths creates an elegant, sophisticated interior."
The Houston social crowd will get a sneak preview of the restaurant tonight (May 20), when Berg hosts a seated dinner honoring Becca Cason Thrash and Houston patrons of Best Buddies.
Butcher shop
The restaurant sets itself apart from other steakhouses with its 1,800 square foot butcher shop that features a dry aging case for steaks that will be sold both in the dining room and retail. Berg says his goal for the butcher shop is to offer a "first-class neighborhood butcher shop with an intense focus on customer service." Customers will also be able to purchase house-made sausages, charcuterie from various U.S. and global producers, sandwiches and salads (tuna, lobster, etc).
"It’s the perfect time for something like B&B in Houston," said butcher and operations director Ken Laszio, who moved to Houston from New York to work with Berg. "People are becoming increasingly aware of the quality of their meat. They want to know how the animals are raised, where they are sourced, etc. We know everything about the various cuts and can educate customers right across the counter."
Steakhouse menu
Turning to the steakhouse's menu, look for all the traditional steakhouse cuts available in both USDA Prime and Texas wagyu sourced from Gearhart Ranch near Marfa in West Texas. In addition, B&B offers a few old-school classics like chateaubriand, Beef Wellington and prime rib. Appetizer options include classics like raw oysters and shrimp cocktail as well as pizzas, charcuterie and an intriguing-sounding brisket ravioli.
Prices are consistent with other upscale steakhouses: bone-in USDA Prime New York strip costs $51, a 10-ounce filet is $42 and the Texas wagyu ribeye is $74. Those seeking less expensive options may consider a chicken fried pork chop ($32), pasta bolognese ($26) or fresh fish ($29-34), but, really, why resist the lure of in-house dry aged beef?
B&B Butchers and Restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; The Butcher Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Catch a view of the downtown skyline from the 1,800 square foot patio.
