Aunt Butchies of Brooklyn — Restaurant in Marlboro Township

After hearing such great reviews, and the excellent SI reputation, we were anxious to give this place, in Marlboro, a try. The website says that there is parking. They don’t mention that it’s all cordoned off, and there is valet parking, only. We arrived around 5:30 and were not surprised that there was a bit of a wait. There was not much space in the waiting area, but we did manage to sit right next to the dining room. The first thing I noticed was that there were several empty tables. My first thought was that there were people with reservations. However, after 30+ minutes, the same tables remained empty. They called our name, and sat us at a table that was empty from the time we walked in. Odd. So we were seated, served water, and acknowledged quickly. Looked promising. The dining area is clean and nicely decorated, but the tables were so close that if you pushed your chair back, you were touching the chair of the table behind you. It’s kind of loud, but it is an Italian restaurant. So, that was not an issue. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. Our server (no name tag), approached and asked if we were ready. We asked for two of the stuffed meatballs, for an appetizer (between the four of us). Then, we started to order the entrees. She said “Wait! You’re going to have the meatballs and THEN you’re going to eat an entree”? Umm. WHAT??? Yeah. It’s lucky that none of us took offense, and none of us are obese, because that would have been “fat-shaming” at it’s finest. We assured her that we could “handle” it and take it home if we couldn’t. Please. There was no bread on the table. So we asked if we get bread, and she said she would bring some. She didn’t. We got the stuffed meatballs and they were excellent. Stuffed with cheese, and served with a nice, sweet sauce, they were the best part of the meal. Actually, if they offered the stuffed meatball with spaghetti as an entree, that would be a win! We asked again for bread. Again...Nothing. Another server brought out our entrees and we asked HIM for bread.... Nothing. In the meantime, they sat another party next to us and gave them... a basket of bread, as soon as they sat down. Now, as for the entrees. My friend enjoyed her salad. She said it was tasty and certainly a generous portion. My eggplant Parmesan was just ok. My husband’s veal was tough and burned, and everybody agreed that the pasta was better described as rubbery, not al dente. In fact, it tasted like leftover pasta. Our server didn’t check back until we were nearly done, to ask if everything was ok. My answer was that it was ok, but we never got bread. (In the meantime, the table next to us was on their 3rd basket of bread-must have been good). She apologized and asked if we wanted anything else. We were pretty much done. So we got the check, and hit the road. I know that being a server isn’t easy, (I was a server for years). So, I will cut her some slack. Also, the place just opened. So, maybe they are still working things out. However, for the price, and the food, there are plenty of other places that are better. I would skip this place...

Heard all about Aunt Butchies for years from our Staten Island friends and, it lived up to our expectations. If I could, I'd actually give 4.5 stars. Our party of went here on a busy Saturday evening without a reservation and they were able to accommodate us without any drama. John the manager was very gracious in the process. Once we were already seated, he even moved us to a larger table that became available and was much more comfortable. The service was top notch, led by our lead server Tony. He expertly knew the menu, double checked on everything to accommodate a shellfish allergy and had a fun, positive personality. It's a BYOB, which we didnt know beforehand or, they sell bottles (only) of wine, of which they had a nice selection and all reasonably, comparatively priced. The food was excellent. We had a selection of appetizers from tortellini soup to cold antipasto but, what really stood out was the Italian egg rolls, fried cheese and large meatball. All were deliciously mouth watering! We also had a experienced a broad range of entrees. The coal fired white pizza (ricotta, spinach, artichoke) was superb- great crust and the ricotta melted in your mouth. The remainder were pasta dishes with either some type of meat or seafood. All the pastas were homemade and extremely fresh and tasty. The only knock is the gravy, or sauce, as Butchies calls it. I realize this is picky but, to be true Italian in this area... Overall, a little sweet and very disappointed that the Sunday sauce was not a true Sunday gravy where the meat (meatball, sausage, veal, pork) were slow cooked in the sauce. Here they added the meatballs and sausage (only) to the sauce afterwards. Unfortunately, we were too stuffed for dessert, which is Butchies got their start 20+ years ago. We did take some home from their bakery "store" located at the entrance. From cookies to pastries, all exceptional. PS - if you get a lot of apps and dont want a lot of leftovers to take home, they offer half portion entrees...

Over the years have had amazing cakes, pies and different types of desserts from Aunt Butchies so When we heard about an opening in Manalapan we waited patiently for it to open. It looks amazing from the outside and the inside is even better. Sadly the Wait time was too much for our 93 year dad. It was “NO” fault of the restaurant but mine, as a last minute decision to go, don’t hold it against them. The hostess could not have been more accommodating. It was my own mistake not to reserve a table but as I said, last minute decision to go. I will try to make a reservation tonight for our daughters 17th birthday and see how it goes. When you have a new spot that opens, it’s only fair to say, it “SHOULD BE PACKED “, nothing wrong with that. I will write a review ASAP. Keeping my fingers crossed I get reservations.

So I’m back. Arrived at Aunt Butchies for our dinner reservation at 4:30. We were greeted immediately by host Tony who was extremely friendly and upbeat. He sat us at our table and shortly disappeared. A few minutes later our waitress arrived (Janet )who was polite, friendly and very informative about specials and the menu in details. The decor of the restaurant was Tuscan style and tastefully stated, I just loved it. The food was delicious as well as plentiful. The appetizers, soup entrees and desserts were right up there with restaurants in NYC, just perfection. The atmosphere was great the food was delicious and the desserts were out of this world, Moderately priced as well. You definitely need a reservation on a high traffic day. It’s a BYOB which is even better for keeping the cost down. For my family and myself it was worth every penny. And just to add a personal touch, the owners walked around and spoke to all the customers to make sure everything was satisfactory. She and her restaurant manager made our family feel as if we’ve known each other a lifetime. We will absolutely return again. Thank you Aunt Butchies and staff for making our daughters birthday a...