Robust Italian Favorites at Aunt Butchie’s of Brooklyn

Auntie Butchie’s of Brooklyn
Englishtown
430 Route 9
732-851-6626

Open: Lunch and dinner, Tues–Sun

Price: $$ BYO

Style: A bustling, 120-seat Italian trattoria. Tables are well spaced, service is warm and knowledgeable. Portions are quite generous.

The Scoop: An offshoot of a venerable and beloved bakery in Brooklyn, this location opened nearly a year ago. Aunt Butchie is the mother of a co-owner, and she still does some of the baking.

The Menu: Robust Italian favorites include a storied stuffed meatball, bigger than a baseball, all beef and filled with Romano, ricotta and mozzarella. Pastas, full and half portions, include lobster ravioli, penne alla vodka and gemelli Bolognese. Entrées, such as grilled chicken and broccoli rabe (above), filet mignon, and veal Milanese, are served with a vegetable and a choice of pasta or risotto cake. Pizzas are personal or full size. There is always a selection of salads and soups. For lunch, choose from a list of hero sandwiches. Desserts are ambitious. One has a cult following: the almond caramel cone, a rolled lace cookie filled with cheesecake mascarpone and drizzled with caramel, was named an Oprah Winfrey favorite in 2015. The black-and-white chocolate mousse and the deep-fried cheesecake are my personal favorites.

Heads Up: Reservations for Friday or Saturday nights at this local hot spot must be booked two weeks ahead.