I really want to like Butcher and the Rye, but I just don't. I've been twice and both times it was a total circus--and not in a fun way. A reservation is a must and it is a challenge to even pop in for a drink without one. I like the concept and think the whisky wall is neat and trendy, but when you look beyond the smoke and mirrors, you see that the food is good, but not great and realize you have no personal space and are paying a 300% bar markup. The staff here is very pretentious (hipstery kind of pretentious) and they made me feel unwelcome on both visits. Not just your typical 'bad service', but I felt like every staff member I interacted with was borderline hostile.
Some of the food is quite good, portions can be small for some items and everything I have tried has been SUPER salty (I love salt, so for me to notice added salt means it is over-the-top salty). In my opinion, there are many better options in the area where you can get better food and drink (maybe not better whisky options) minus the attitude and expense.