Cafe Aunt Butchie’s Park Slope is a charming Italian bakery and café in the heart of Brooklyn. I recently had the opportunity to visit this café, and I must say it was an experience to remember.
As I walked through the doors, I was immediately transported to a quaint Italian bistro. The aroma of freshly baked goodies and simmering sauces filled the air, and the warm atmosphere made me feel right at home.
The place had a cozy and inviting ambiance with warm lighting, rustic décor, and plenty of seating options. The display cases were filled with various Italian pastries, cakes, and cookies that looked too good to resist. The friendly staff greeted me with a warm smile and promptly seated me at a table near the window.
A Bit of History
What began as a modest venture above a restaurant in Staten Island has blossomed into an awe-inspiring achievement. Back in 1992, a family-owned business sought to share its dessert recipes with local eateries in the community.
The savory baked treats quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of their 13th Avenue bakery in the Dyker Heights area of Brooklyn. The bakery boasts a contemporary baking facility while preserving a family business’s personal touch.
Despite achieving remarkable success, Irene Santo [known as Aunt Butchie] and her son Frank remain actively involved in every aspect of the day-to-day operation. They pride themselves on using the highest quality ingredients and upholding the most stringent standards for each dessert sold.
Eventually, the Dyker Heights location of Aunt Butchie’s closed its doors, and now the business occupies a more expansive facility in Bay Ridge.
About the Menu at Aunt Butchie’s Park Slope.
Food
The restaurant’s menu is extensive, with a wide range of options. In addition to the main courses, the menu also features over ten appetizers, including dishes such as Spicy Rice Balls and Fried Calamari.
The Spicy Rice Balls are a unique appetizer. It features a combination of Aborio rice, tomato sauce, crumbled sausage, broccoli rabe, Calabrian chili oil, mozzarella, and parmigiana cheese.
The ingredients are expertly combined to create a delicious and spicy flavor pleasing to our taste buds. The Fried Calamari is another popular appetizer. It consists of lightly breaded and fried calamari rings served with a tangy marinara sauce, perfectly contrasting the Calamari’s savory flavors.
In addition to the appetizers, the menu includes a variety of panini sandwiches, soups, healthy salads, and the option to build your own pasta dish. With over 30 different panini options, there is something for everyone. From classic Italian combinations like prosciutto and mozzarella to more adventurous choices like grilled eggplant and portobello mushroom.
The soups and salads on the menu are also varied and healthy, with options such as a classic pasta fagioli soup and a refreshing arugula and goat cheese salad. Finally, the build-your-own pasta option allows customers to choose their pasta type, sauce, and toppings, allowing for a personalized dining experience.
Overall, the menu at Aunt Buchie’s Park Slope is extensive and offers something for everyone. The Spicy Rice Balls, Fried Meatballs, Fried Calamari, and Mozzarella Carrozza with Prosciutto are excellent appetizer choices.
While the range of panini sandwiches, soups, and salads will satisfy any craving, the option to build your own pasta dish is also a great way to create a customized meal tailored to your tastes.
Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, you are in for a treat. The dessert menu at Aunt Buchie’s Park Slope is a dream come true. With a wide selection of delectable desserts, ranging from rich chocolate mousse to indulgent brownie cheesecake, there is something for everyone.
If you are a fan of pastries, you will love the danishes, muffins, and croissants. They are all freshly baked and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect way to start your day or satisfy your midday cravings.
But that is not all – the dessert menu also features an array of cookies, each one more delicious than the last. From classic chocolate chip to decadent double peanut butter, you cannot resist these sweet treats.
If you are in the mood for something cold, why not try one of the frozen desserts? From refreshing sorbets to creamy tortoni, they are the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
And if you are a cheesecake lover, take advantage of the cheesecake cones. An almond cone filled with the restaurant’s famous New York cheesecake. It is the perfect blend of sweet and savory and will satisfy you.
In short, the dessert menu at this restaurant is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Of course, with so many delicious options, you will be spoiled for choice – but no matter what you choose, you are in for a treat.
What we ordered
We began our meal with Spicy Rice Balls and Fried Calamari. The Spicy Rice Balls were a delightful twist, accompanied by a small arugula salad that perfectly balanced rich spices and flavors. The Calamari was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of breading and crispiness – it was the best I have had in quite some time.
Moving on to our main course, we opted for paninis and selected the Bella Carina, which featured chicken, bacon, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and a choice of mayo or horseradish mayo. The Nikki was also a superb choice, made with eggplant, roasted peppers, portobello mushroom, roasted garlic, balsamic glaze, and EVOO. A vegetarian’s dream. Both paninis were fantastic.
Finally, we could not resist trying a pasta dish and ordered the Fusilli with Pesto sauce and lightly breaded shrimp. It was a scrumptious and satisfying end to an exceptional meal.
Aunt Butchie’s Park Slope Motto is “Leave room for dessert.”
At Aunt Butchie’s Park Slope, indulging in dessert is a must. So, we took advantage of the chance to savor some irresistible sweet treats. After much deliberation, we settled on the cheesecake cone and a brownie, which were absolutely delightful.
As I savored my dessert, I took one final look at the ambiance of the café. The walls were adorned with black and white photos and a neon sign that read, “Forgive me for what I said when I was hungry.” The chatter of diners began to fill the room, and the sound of Sanatira played softly in the background. As we left the Café, I bought s few chocolate chip cookies for a snack later.
What stood out the most at Aunt Butchie’s Park Slope?
Cafe Aunt Butchie’s Park Slope impressed me with its meticulous approach to food preparation. Everything was made with care and precision, and you could tell that the ingredients were of the highest quality, resulting in an exceptional dining experience.
The restaurant fostered a strong sense of community, with many of the patrons being regulars were greeted by name by the attentive waitstaff.
What stood out to me was the welcoming and cozy atmosphere that is often missed. The staff’s dedication was evident, as they went above and beyond to ensure that each customer left satisfied.
Our Overall Take…
My visit to Cafe Aunt Butchie’s Park Slopewas a delightful experience. The food was remarkable, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was top-notch. This café is on its way to becoming a beloved local favorite in Park Slope.
In addition to their dine-in service, Cafe Aunt Butchie’s also offers takeout and delivery options. They also have a catering service, making it an excellent choice for hosting events or feeding a crowd.
If you want a cozy Italian café with delicious food and a friendly atmosphere, I highly recommend Cafe Aunt Butchie’s. It is the perfect spot for a date night, a family dinner, or a casual lunch with friends. I can not wait to go back and try more of their menu items.
If you are in Brooklyn or plan to visit the area, I suggest you stop at Cafe Aunt Butchie’s Park Slope. You can experience the authentic flavors of Italian pastries, relish the delightful food, and receive a warm and friendly welcome from the staff.
383 Fifth Avenue – Park Slope
718-757-9756
