Butterbird
Butterbird, by the owners of Harvey House, is the latest edition to Madison’s vibrant restaurant scene. This Regent Street establishment is a fresh, elevated take on the classic chicken restaurant, with all the usual styles of chicken you would expect. Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately noticed the mid-century aesthetic of the interior design and the outfits on the waitstaff. I enjoyed the nostalgic yet chic atmosphere in the building. Immediately, you’re greeted by a combination of a host stand and bar, reminiscent of the classic diner. The exposed wood of the roof throughout the restaurant gives a rustic vibe, which contrasts well with the usual space-age feel of 1950s aesthetics.
Given the name, the main focus of the restaurant is chicken. Butterbird specializes in all the different types anyone could want: from fried chicken, rotisserie, tenders, wings, and sandwiches, they offer a little of everything. Along with that, they offer salads, robust sides, and a few non-chicken sandwiches. Butterbird also hosts an extensive bar, stocked with local craft beers.
When I visited, I decided to try their Butterbird Classic chicken sandwich, to get a taste of their version of a hot new restaurant item. Their sandwich consists of a piece of breaded chicken thigh, topped with pickles, lettuce, and dill ranch. Upon first impressions, I thought the sandwich looked a little small for the price. The bun was soft and fresh, and the chicken was crispy and flavorful. I thought the pickles were a great must-have for a chicken sandwich, and the dill ranch was a surprise addition, which I think sets this sandwich apart from other versions. The lettuce on the other hand, I could take or leave.
Overall, I thought Butterbird’s chicken sandwich checked off all the boxes needed to provide an elevated version of a beloved classic. Although I didn't try every piece of chicken on the menu, if the sandwich and the fried chicken my friend tried is any indication, Butterbird knows their stuff — their chicken is juicy, tender, and flavorful.
I thoroughly enjoyed Butterbird and the unique food aesthetic they have created. I thought their straightforward menu fits well with the focus on chicken and mid-century americana. This restaurant is a great choice for families, as anyone of any age can find something they like. I thought the atmosphere of the restaurant was fresh, welcoming, and exciting. My main critique of Butterbird is the price, especially coming from the perspective of a college student. Thirteen dollars for a chicken sandwich (without sides) is a tough sell for someone on a slim budget in a college town. Once fries and a drink are added, you’re looking at a meal that’s over twenty dollars. Especially considering that the sandwich felt smaller than others, this restaurant might not be the go-to for many Badgers. While there are more reasonably priced items, like eleven dollar, two-piece fried chicken, Butterbird isn't going to be the cheap lunch option I might have originally expected. Butterbird also opens at 4:00p.m, just in time for dinner, but misses out on lunchtime. While this is likely a cause of them having opened only a couple weeks ago, I think this is potentially a missed opportunity for a place specializing in quick food and takeouts.
While still being new to town, Butterbird already feels at home. The identity of the restaurant feels just right for the surrounding Greenbush neighborhood, and the quality of the food more than holds up to the high standards of Madison’s food scene. Butterbird’s mid-century americana, with the universal appeal of chicken combine to create a timeless dining experience. While Butterbird might not be my new go-to lunch spot, it’s definitely the newest edition to my favorite restaurants of Madison.