Episode 53
This is the Bluegrass Region Voices and Views podcast. I’m Tom Hailey.
This is where I spotlight places in Lexington Kentucky and the surrounding area that someone new around here should know about.
Today the spotlight is on Butch’s Grill inside Critchfield Meats Family Market at 398 Southland Drive in Lexington.
I’ll have a classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mayonnaise and American Cheese.
The meal pack includes chips, a cookie, and a drink. This is the best cheeseburger I’ve had since my Dad made them on his grill in the fifties and sixties.
So, a large classically dressed cheeseburger, a bag of potato chips, a cookie from Critchfield’s bakery, and a Diet Pepsi. Guess how much I paid?
Nine dollars! Plus the tip I put in the jar.
This was for the Meal Pack. The Combo Pack is a dollar more and includes fries or onion rings in place of the chips and cookie. I’m a chips guy, so this works well for me.
Butch’s Grill opens at 11:00 am and I was here at 11:15 and they were already busy. I’ll sit at the counter and watch Thomas grill. He’s been cooking for people for over twenty-five years. Four here at this grill.
The five tables filled up fast. One table has four guys with their yellow safety vests on and another table seats four women sort of dressed up. In warm weather there are also tables outside.
I suggest that if you are alone, sit at the counter, like I did, so larger groups can have the tables. There’s a little diner etiquette advice that you didn’t ask for. You’re welcome.
Besides ordering from the grill, you can order from the hot bar next to the grill and eat in. Be sure to try their famous fried chicken. Pair that with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and corn bread and you’ve got a down-home meal that’s hard to beat.
Critchfield’s is a Kentucky Proud establishment that began in Lexington in 1969… fifty-five years. It was founded by Grandpa Amos, who people called Butch, since he was an expert butcher. What a wonderful thing it was when they moved into this building on Southland Drive which had been the Sav-A-Lot grocery store. They bought the recipe and equipment to make fried chicken that is famous around here. You must have some. It will help you get your I’m Now A Local card punched.
Butch’s Grill has twelve sandwiches on the menu. While I was having my cheeseburger at the counter, I heard more people order the ribeye sandwich than anything else. I’m going to try that next time. But oh, this cheeseburger!
Be sure to walk around and look at all the other things they are famous for at Critchfield’s. Begin by checking out the meat counter and the bakery. They also cater events and have a food truck. They have a wholesale business and supply meats to well over a hundred restaurants. That wonderful steak you had at that upscale place probably came from here.
You can find links and a couple photos on my bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com website. There were too many people in the store for me to feel comfortable taking pictures, so I just have a picture of my cheeseburger and a very brief video I made a few days ago when I was here before the grill opened. I’m here once a week at the deli counter buying their delicious deli meats for lunch at home.
I hope to run into you someday at Butch’s Grill! Now let’s get out around the Bluegrass and celebrate this wonderful Region of the country.
Critchfield’s Website is at https:/www.critchfieldmeats.com
