Out of all the restaurants that I had visited in New Orleans, Cochon Butcher was the best. Chef Donald Link, who had made a name for himself at the critically acclaimed Cochon, opened a more casual concept Butcher that showcases the full range of meats and sandwiches that New Orleans has been well known for. I’m so glad I was able to make it to this restaurant because the rustic Southern food at Cochon Butcher was simply amazing!

Looking at the rather concise menu at The Butcher, you don’t see anything fancy. It just looks like a list of Cajun classics. The bold flavor of each dish, however, was just so stunning. I didn’t expect to say this, but the hot boudin was absolutely sensational, with a great mix of pork and white rice that looks simple yet has so much complexity of flavor and texture. The famous buckboard bacon melt sandwich was as phenomenal as advertised. It was pure decadence with rich flavor that was so addictive I think I could have this every day for my lunch. Cochon muffaletta, that classic meat sandwich of New Orleans with olive salad, was not far behind. What really stood out for Cochon Butcher in my view was how well the pickles that came along with the boudin and sandwich dishes worked together with the dishes. They were on the sweeter side but somewhat neutralized the intense meaty flavor of each dish in a fabulous way for a very satisfying meal. Chili corn bread was also a winner that my dining companions couldn’t stop digging.

The restaurant, which also has the take-out counter, has a lively neighborhood vibe despite being located on a rather obscure corner of Warehouse District. There are no reservations taken, but we had no trouble grabbing a table quickly after ordering at the counter. The restaurant has a beer and wine menu to go along with the dishes. Cochon Butcher was definitely the highlight of my culinary journey in The Big Easy and I really can’t forget the memorable bacon melt sandwich and boudin. It epitomizes everything that is great about the Southern Cajun cuisine of New Orleans: deceptively simple yet so bold, rich and satisfying.

KenScale: 9.0/10

• Creativity: 8.0/10
• Execution: 9.0/10
• Ingredients: 8.5/10
• Flavor: 9.0/10
• Texture: 9.0/10

Address: 930 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Telephone: (504) 588-7675

Website: http://www.cochonbutcher.com/new-orleans