Parts & Labor

 

Review:  Parts & Labor has made a remarkable transition from tire repair shop to high end butchery with restaurant to match.  The current restaurant maintains some of this industrial feel, with metal chairs and exposed ceilings, however it significantly enhances the environment with wood and bistro lights being used liberally inside to create a cozy farmhouse feel.  Wood is not just an aesthetic enhancement in Parts & Labor however.  Raw wood can be seen all over the place which gives all diners a clue to one of the overwhelming flavors in this restaurant, smoke and mesquite.

The offerings are varied enough for most diners, but don’t bring your vegetarian friends here.  The menu focuses heavily on meat and is supported by a well-executed cast of seafood dishes. While sides are available (and they are vegetarian friendly in some cases) they are not where this restaurant shines.  In fact many of the plates are dragged down by the accompaniments to whatever protein anchors the dish.  On my most recent trip I had pork tenderloin over red peas, the pork was perfectly cooked and seasoned but overall the dish suffered from the bed of mealy peas my pork came on.

The dishes are rotating and constantly evolving which makes this menu continually fresh and enjoyable to explore.  For someone looking to eat fantastic cuts of meat, as well as small cuts ‘From the Salthouse,’ this is a must visit.  Until the plates are more well-rounded however this will not be a staple restaurant on my list.

Overall Rating: 7

·       Food: 6, Proteins where all delicious however the sides where flavorless or downright detractors from the main portions of each plate (except for the creamed rice which was delicious).

·       Service:  7, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu however on my last visit my groups order was not delivered in full, resulting in some end of meal haggling over what should be on the check and what shouldn’t. While this is not a big deal and it happens it is nevertheless a frustrating error, especially since I wanted that cheese board we ordered.

·       Ambiance: 8, comfortable and fitting for the menu and the defining purpose of this building, the butcher shop.  The main dining area is loud and industrial feeling but the booths along the side of the building are private and quiet.  Each booth is sunk into the ground giving the impression that you are tucked away at your own private dining table.

Recommended For: This restaurant is best for small dinners or date nights.

Best Bite: Sausage Stuffed Chicken, served over creamed rice and broccoli

Honorable Mention: Snake Oil Sauce.  This is a condiment on all the tables at Parts & Labor.  Part hot sauce part vinegar based sauce it goes very well with a number of things available on this menu and I would encourage you to use it on any and all foods.  If you just want to give this sauce a shot without sitting down for a meal it is available for sale in the butcher shop.

Getting There: 2600 N. Howard St, Baltimore MD 21218