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Son of a Butcher: Meaty Delights and Mixed Feedback in Wetherill Park
Son of a Butcher, nestled within the Greenway SupaCentra in Wetherill Park, has garnered a reputation as a premium butcher shop with a surprisingly robust dine-in and takeaway kitchen. With a rating of 4.3 stars, it's clear that many customers are enjoying what they offer. This article delves into the experiences shared by patrons, examining both the praise and the points of concern, to provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect from a visit to Son of a Butcher. Located near Joe Papandrea’s fruit market, it's conveniently situated for a satisfying lunch stop.
The Meat: Quality and Customization
The core strength of Son of a Butcher, unsurprisingly, lies in its meat. Being first and foremost a butcher shop, the quality of the raw ingredients is a major drawcard.
- Wagyu Wonders: Several reviewers highlight the quality of the Aussie Wagyu beef patties, calling them "some of the best going round." This premium beef forms the heart of their signature burgers, with one customer proclaiming it "one of the freshest tasting burgers I’ve ever had."
- Beyond the Burger: While burgers take center stage, Son of a Butcher offers a diverse range of meats for purchase. The butcher shop boasts a "massive selection," suggesting a wide variety of cuts and proteins available.
- Porchetta Concerns: Not all meat-centric offerings have received the same acclaim. One customer expressed disappointment with a $19 porchetta panini, noting the absence of crackling – a crucial element for many. This suggests potential inconsistency in preparation.
- Customization: Customers appreciate being able to tailor their burgers. However, a particular review highlighted a misunderstanding regarding burger toppings, emphasizing that adding lettuce, tomato, and beetroot requires a specific request, leading to disappointment for an uncustomized order priced at $14.
Testimonial: "Great butchery and an impressive menu of burgers and dine in/ takeaway menu. All the meat cooked or fresh from their attached butchery and you'll have some of the best Aussie Wagyu beef patties going round. Well worth the visit."
Burger & Side Dish Experiences: Highs and Lows
The burger and side-dish offerings have polarized opinions, with some raving about specific items while others experienced underwhelming results.
- The "ZIO" (Butcher’s Big Uncle): This burger, featuring wagyu, cheese, onions, lettuce, bacon, pickles, and BBQ sauce, initially drew high praise, with one reviewer giving it a 9/10, citing the fresh ingredients. However, another felt the BBQ sauce overpowered the beef and the cheese was missing. This variability hints at potential inconsistencies. Customer service backed the product as exceptional.
- Chips: A Clear Winner: The fries consistently receive glowing reviews. Many describe them as “phenomenal”, “up there with the best I’ve had anywhere”, and with excellent texture and seasoning. One reviewer specifically praised their "crunch and fluffiness," establishing them as a standout item.
- "Daughter of a Butcher" (DOB) Schnitzel: The chicken schnitzel received almost universal approval, lauded for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. One reviewer considered it a 10/10, though noting the breading was slightly thick.
- Variable Burger Quality: A concerning theme emerges from multiple reviews: inconsistent burger quality. One customer’s return visit resulted in a “dry burger that really missed the mark,” signifying a dip in standards.
- Fry Preparation Concerns: A noteworthy issue was highlighted when the fry cook began preparing an order after the customer had returned from an external shop. This suggests potential organization or timing challenges.
Dish | Rating Range (out of 10) | Common Feedback |
---|---|---|
ZIO Burger | 7-9 | Fresh ingredients, possibly overpowering BBQ sauce |
Chips | 9-10 | Phenomenal, crunchy, well-seasoned |
DOB Schnitzel | 9-10 | Crispy, juicy, well-prepared |
Porchetta Panini | N/A | Lacked crackling, underwhelming |
Service, Atmosphere & Practical Considerations
While the food itself is a focal point, customer service, accessibility, and the overall dining experience also play a significant role.
- Generally Positive Service: The majority of reviews commend the staff’s friendliness and positive attitudes, despite occasional instances of feeling rushed when the shop is busy.
- Cleanliness and Location: The shop is consistently described as "very clean" and benefits from its convenient location within Greenway SupaCentra, adjacent to Joe’s fruit market, offering a pleasant combined experience. It also sits in a area with easy “free parking lot" access.
- Accessibility: Son of a Butcher appears to be well-equipped for accessibility, featuring both wheelchair accessible entrances and parking.
- Limited Seating: Seating is limited, which can be a drawback for larger groups.
- Communication Challenges: One reviewer suggested a paging system would improve the experience, allowing seated customers to relax rather than constantly monitoring their order.
Hygiene Concerns and Areas for Improvement
Several of the reviews bring a vital issue to light related to kitchen and counter hygiene.
“watched him handle the cash register and did he wash his hands No...the burger was nice.”
This comment, separate from the great quality and friendly service, raises significant concerns regarding food safety protocols. While the food itself has received both praise and criticism, a clear lack of handwashing after handling cash is a serious red flag and falls short of expected hygiene standards within a food establishment.
Areas for Consideration:
- Consistency in Food Preparation: The variability in burger quality suggests a need for standardized recipes and quality control measures.
- Addressing Fry Preparation Timing: Streamlining the order process to avoid delays is essential for customer satisfaction.
- Food Safety Training and Enforcement: Prioritizing and enforcing rigorous handwashing practices, particularly after handling cash, is paramount to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both staff and customers.
Overall, Son of a Butcher presents a mixed picture. The high-quality meat and outstanding chips, combined with friendly service, offer a compelling draw. However, inconsistency in food preparation, hygiene concerns, and limited seating are areas that need immediate attention to reach their full potential.