We arrived via airplane into Phoenix somewhat late at night at the beginning of a business trip for a client. We were hungry and wanted something convenient but decent to eat. The Arrogant Butcher in Phoenix seemed like a good choice, as it was recommended to us and located within a walk of five minutes from the hotel property at which we were staying.
The Arrogant Butcher in Phoenix. Restaurant Review.
The Arrogant Butcher is actually one of a group of Fox Restaurant concepts that are found in 15 states around the United States and the District of Columbia. I did not know this when we first entered the restaurant; and I have never heard of the restaurants that are in this group.
The restaurant has a full bar, from which one could order many options of alcoholic beverages. Its interior is described as “industrial upscale decor”.
Although we arrived at approximately 8:00 in the evening, we were told that the wait would be an hour — despite some tables being unoccupied. We were seated in almost 30 minutes. While we waited, we had some Hershey’s Kisses that were in a bowl on a table between the bathrooms near the entrance of the restaurant.
Starting off the meal were Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Red Chili Honey, Parmesan, and Prosciutto Bread Crumb, which were delicious — but still not the best Brussels Sprouts which I ever had. $12.00
Next was the Crispy Shrimp with Shishito Pepper and Spicy Aioli. The flavors were blended quite well. $17.00
Accompanied with a slightly sweet sauce of red wine and shallots, the Filet Mignon included a choice of side dish. The beef itself was quite good; but it was not as tender as I would have preferred — and the portions of this dish were small overall. At a restaurant called The Arrogant Butcher, I expected more. I enjoyed the French Fries with Truffle Aioli and ketchup as a side dish, which went well with the aforementioned sauce. $42.00
Included in the Yellow Fin Tuna Poke bowl — which was gluten free — were Pickled Ginger, Marinated Sweet Onion, Cucumber Salad, Avocado, Toasted Macadamia Nut, and Sriracha Aioli. $26.00
The Atlantic Salmon — with Butternut Squash Fregola, Crispy Brussels Sprout, and Cranberry Pesto — was quite tasty, with a slight crispness to the fish, which was perfectly prepared. A bold citrus flavor finished the sauce, which nicely completed this dish. $29.00
Despite its name of The Arrogant Butcher — which I initially thought would be more of a steakhouse — only five items were on the menu as being part of The Butcher’s Box, which was initially not obvious to find:
- Roasted Half Chicken with Lemon Herb Butter. $24.00
- Slow Roasted Prime Rib with Au Jus & Creamy Horseradish. $39.00
- BBQ Short Rib with Jalapeño Cornbread, Green Onion. $34.00
- New York Strip with Fresh Tarragon Béarnaise. $41.00
- Filet Mignon. $42.00
Final Boarding Call
Only one person in our party had an alcoholic beverage, which he enjoyed. It was an India pale ale out of Flagstaff. I had a glass bottle of Fever Tree premium ginger ale, which comprised of a blend of three different types of ginger. It tasted more like ginger beer than ginger ale. We did not order dessert.
The dining experience of The Arrogant Butcher was quite good overall, with very good attentive service. The ambiance was nice and comfortable. Although the price of the Filet Mignon was more expensive than I would have liked, the portions and cost of the other dishes of this meal were more in line with getting value for the money. Many items on the menu were less costly and were potentially viable options for a great meal. Although I was not hungry when I left the restaurant, I was not full, either — but my dining companions were satisfied with their meals. I recommend dining at The Arrogant Butcher; but avoid ordering the Filet Mignon if you want more food for less money.
Reservations are recommended when dining at The Arrogant Butcher if you are part of a large group. Otherwise, you should be able to walk right on in — or perhaps wait up to an hour for a table. Seating is available either indoors or outdoors.
The Arrogant Butcher
2 East Jefferson Street, #150
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
602-324-8502
Operating Hours
Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 in the morning through 9:00 in the evening
Friday through Saturday: 11:00 in the morning through 10:00 in the evening
Happy Hour: 2:00 in the afternoon through 5:00 in the afternoon
We did not have a car. If you have a car and dine at The Arrogant Butcher, you can park in at least three different garages for up to two hours and have your parking ticket validated by an employee of the restaurant. Otherwise, parking is not available on the street in the immediate area; although metered parking is available nearby.
All photographs ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
