Buttermilk & Bourbon is celebrity chef Jason Santos’s New Orleans-inspired Southern restaurant and cocktail bar at 160 Commonwealth Ave in Boston’s Back Bay, Massachusetts, United States of America. Its identity is a playful, indulgent take on the flavors of New Orleans, centered on fried chicken, bourbon cocktails, shareable dishes, and a high-energy lounge mood. Travelers come for a distinctly Boston address on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the chef-driven Southern cooking, and a dinner that can easily stretch into a night out.
What to Expect at Buttermilk & Bourbon
This is a restaurant rather than a museum or formal attraction: the main experience is the Boston food and drinks menu, built around the restaurant’s New Orleans-in-Boston premise. Jason Santos, known locally for his bold cooking and television appearances, gives the concept its personality. Plan on a social meal of Southern and Louisiana-leaning flavors, with fried chicken and bourbon cocktails explicitly central to the restaurant’s own celebration messaging. The mood is geared to groups, date nights, and travelers looking for a livelier alternative to a conventional Back Bay dinner.
The location also works as a practical evening stop after exploring Back Bay. Commonwealth Avenue’s landscaped central mall runs outside, while Newbury Street, Copley Square, and the Prudential Center are all close enough to combine with a meal. The official site maintains a dedicated Boston menus page, offers Boston takeout and delivery ordering, and lists Boston event spaces for private gatherings. That makes it useful for anything from a planned reservation to a late-arriving visitor who prefers to order in.
- Jason Santos’s concept: New Orleans-inspired Southern cooking from the Boston chef behind the restaurant.
- Fried chicken and bourbon: The restaurant’s signature pairing for a celebratory, comfort-food-focused meal.
- Boston menu: A location-specific menu is published on the official website before you book.
- Back Bay setting: Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Newbury Street, and Copley Square are easy pre- or post-dinner pairings.
- Private events: Boston event-space options make the venue suitable for group dinners and celebrations.
Buttermilk & Bourbon at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Back Bay, beside the Commonwealth Avenue Mall |
| Operating Hours | Mon 5–10 PM; Tue–Thu noon–10 PM; Fri noon–11 PM; Sat 11 AM–11 PM; Sun 10:30 AM–3:30 PM and 5–10 PM |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission or tickets; food and drinks are purchased separately. See the official Boston menus. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for cocktails and a full meal |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Copley Station (Green Line) is about a 10-minute walk; Back Bay Station (Orange Line, commuter rail, Amtrak) is roughly 15 minutes on foot. Nearby commercial garages and metered Back Bay street parking are available. |
| Official Website / Phone | buttermilkbourbon.com · 617-266-1122 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for peak dinner periods, especially Friday and Saturday nights, through the restaurant’s OpenTable booking page. Earlier weekday dinners are the best choice for travelers who want a more relaxed pace; Tuesday through Friday service begins at noon, while Saturday opens at 11 AM. Sunday has a split schedule, with daytime service ending at 3:30 PM before dinner resumes at 5 PM. There is no ticket window or admission fee, but a reservation is sensible for a full table-service experience.
From Copley Station, walk west along Boylston Street or through the Commonwealth Avenue Mall; from Back Bay Station, head north toward Commonwealth Avenue. Drivers should allow extra time for Back Bay traffic and garage access, rather than expecting curbside parking at dinner time. The Commonwealth Avenue Mall provides paved pedestrian paths and curb cuts, though Boston winter weather can make sidewalks difficult. Contact the restaurant before arrival to arrange the most suitable seating and confirm current step-free entrance and restroom accommodations for wheelchair users, strollers, or guests with mobility needs. Pair dinner with the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, a Newbury Street stroll, or Copley Square and the Boston Public Library, each within about 5 to 15 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit Buttermilk & Bourbon?
Weekday afternoons and earlier dinners tend to fit a less rushed meal. For the full nightlife atmosphere, book a Friday or Saturday evening table; Saturday service runs from 11 AM to 11 PM.
Does Buttermilk & Bourbon charge admission or require reservations?
There is no admission charge or ticket price. You pay for food and drinks. Reservations are strongly recommended for popular dinner times and can be made through OpenTable.
How much time should I budget for a meal?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for cocktails, shared dishes, and dinner. A quicker meal or takeout order can take less time, while group celebrations may run longer.
Is Buttermilk & Bourbon suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families may find early daytime or early dinner service more comfortable than the busiest late-night periods. For wheelchair seating, stroller access, or restroom requirements, call 617-266-1122 before traveling so the team can confirm current arrangements.
When planning your Boston travel guide or browsing verified nightlife in Boston, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Langham, Boston, View Boston, The Newbury Boston, and Saltie Girl (nearby).
