Dive with me into the 1920s American ambiance at Butcher & Still, an exceptional restaurant nestled in the heart of the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. This refined steakhouse captures the essence of Chicago diners, offering a culinary escape with premium meats and decor that transports guests to a Prohibition era. Butcher & Still is a true meeting point for gourmets seeking a unique experience, combining history, gastronomy, and spectacular decoration.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi: A Haven of Luxury on Al Maryah Island
The Butcher & Still restaurant is located within the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, a luxury building situated on Al Maryah Island. Anchored in the heart of the city's economic and social buzz, it is ideally positioned between the financial center and the Galleria Mall, known for its high-end shopping. The Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, with its spectacular coastal views, attracts an eclectic clientele ranging from business people to chic tourists and local residents.
Its contemporary architecture, characterized by vast white marble spaces and pearlescent touches, pays homage to the rich history of pearl diving in the Emirates. Butcher & Still, with its refined culinary offerings, stands out as a popular meeting point for both tourists and locals in search of exquisite meats.
An Atmosphere Worthy of 1920s Chicago Steakhouses
Butcher & Still captures the essence of classic American steakhouses with a touch of 1920s Chicago refinement. From the entrance, guests are immersed in a subdued and elegant atmosphere, marked by leather banquettes and deep wood paneling that immediately evokes the discreet luxury of this bygone era. The rustic and retro decor, combined with meticulously chosen details like bullets embedded in wall joints in the restrooms and vintage trunks, enhances the impression of a journey through time.
The restaurant offers a complete immersion into the glamour of the Prohibition era, with art deco touches and vintage tubular lighting that casts warm and welcoming tones. Every element of the decor, from the furniture to the lighting fixtures and staff uniforms, is faithful to the period, creating a thoroughly immersive experience.
The jazz soundtrack that envelops guests during meals perfects this retro ambiance, creating the ideal setting for an evening that combines relaxation and refined gastronomy. Guests can savor premium steaks while enjoying the spectacular views of Al Maryah's waterfront from the terrace, or be transported away from the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi when seated inside the restaurant.
Tradition and Excellence: The Secrets of Marshall Roth's Dishes
Marshall Roth, the executive chef of Butcher & Still, brings over two decades of culinary experience to his role, having honed his craft at various renowned restaurants in the United States, from Aspen to New York. Since the hotel's opening in 2016, he has led the kitchen of this steakhouse with an expert hand, infusing each dish with a touch of 1920s nostalgia. His culinary approach revolves around iconic dishes from the era while ensuring that premium meats are meticulously selected from top-tier suppliers in the United States.
Jazz, Steaks, and Prohibition
Butcher & Still's culinary offerings are a true homage to the gastronomic traditions of the era. Every Saturday, the restaurant transforms into a vibrant tribute to this American city with its "Take Me to Chicago" brunch, where guests can enjoy barbecue and thick-crust pizzas, all set to live jazz music.
Beyond brunch, the menu at Butcher & Still is a tribute to top-tier meats. The beef, carefully selected, comes exclusively from grain-fed USDA cattle for 100 days and imported from specially chosen farms in the United States. Among the iconic dishes, the crab cake, Rockefeller oysters, and steak tartare stand out as starters, while the steak remains the undisputed star of the menu, like the ribeye tomahawk. The desserts are also equally impressive, with the Tribune Tower chocolate cake, New York cheesecake, and cherry pie.
Adjacent to the dining room, the bar offers a separate experience with classic cocktails expertly prepared. Bartenders use a rare Imperial Martini shaker to concoct blends that capture the essence of the Prohibition era, thus providing a perfect finish to an already exceptional culinary experience.
My Exceptional Evening at Butcher & Still
It's nearly impossible to resist the charm of Butcher & Still from the moment one steps through its doors: the atmosphere is captivating, the decor elegantly arranged, and the welcome impeccable, signaling the start of an unforgettable evening. Comfortably seated in our leather booths, we peruse the menu. We begin our meal with the house bread, still warm, freshly out of the imposing central oven. For starters, we choose the crab cake, a restaurant staple. Comprising 99% crab meat, it is generously served and wins over our palates with its creamy rémoulade sauce.
For our main courses, we opt for a 'Double Double Cheeseburger,' prepared with a juicy steak cooked in duck fat, garnished with lettuce, onion, tomato, and a touch of aioli, all served with crispy fries. We also enjoy a 200 g Angus beef fillet, accompanied by an assortment of flavorful sauces (special mention to the BBQ sauce). This dish is complemented by a creamy mashed potato and French peas. This feast pairs wonderfully with a glass of Californian red wine, subtly enhancing the flavors.
To conclude our meal on a sweet note, the chef delighted us with an extremely generous cookie, accompanied by a scoop of ice cream. Served still warm, this dessert instantly became addictive and nostalgic, ranking among the best I've had the pleasure to savor. After this delicious dinner, we extended the evening by savoring a Tiramisu Negroni cocktail, an original creation mixing coffee-infused gin, vanilla-infused Campari, and chocolate-infused vermouth. This cocktail is a sophisticated and tasty homage to the famous Italian dessert, offering an exceptional range of flavors.
My Review
My dinner at Butcher & Still was a fascinating dive into the elegance of the 1920s. The ambiance faithfully recreates that of a Chicago steakhouse of the era, with stunning decor, carefully selected prime American beef, and Prohibition-inspired cocktails, making every moment unforgettable. The service was impeccable; we were welcomed with exceptional care, demonstrating a real desire to offer us a memorable evening. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for more than just a dinner, but a true culinary experience in Abu Dhabi.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Butcher & Still for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free to express my opinions in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.