* Bamonte's
image c/o livinginny
CUISINE: Old school Italian
ADDRESS: 32 Withers Street, Brooklyn NY 11211
(between Lorimer St. & Union Ave.)
PHONE: 718.384.8831
HOURS: Mon and Wed-Thu, noon-10:30pm; Fri-Sat, noon-11pm; Sun, noon-10pm; Tue, closed
CARDS: MasterCard, Visa
BOOZE: Wine/Beer/Spirits
AVERAGE ENTREE: $13-$20
MENU: Click Here
SUBWAY: G, L at Metropolitan Ave.-Lorimer St.
MAP: Click Here
WEBSITE: www.bamontesrestaurant.com
DELIVERY: Take-Out only
WE SAY: Established in 1900, Bamonte's has the best Italian atmosphere in the hood. Has an old-school, Sopranos feel and is gloriously hipster free. Plus, many of the pastas are homemade. Bamontes effin rules and is a hidden treasure. The best place in Williamsburg to take out of towners. Be sure to make a reservation on weekends. Bamonte's will make you feel like you have gone back in time to experience the authentic American Italian experience in Brooklyn.
From New York Magazine
"Bamonte's attracts an unusual mix of customers: Some have been kicking around the place since the 1950s (as have the waiters), and others are drawn from Williamsburg's now-thriving artists-and-yuppies community. You don't need an archaeologist to identify the strata of renovations, from original chandeliers to mid-century paneling to a modern glassed-in kitchen. Stick to the basic appetizers: clams casino, mussels marinara, and prosciutto with melon. Salads are serviceable, but they just delay the inevitable: Bamonte's gigantic handmade cheese ravioli, in a light tomato-and-meat sauce, are de rigueur, and among the finest available. Lasagna with chicken and spinach, too, is extraordinary. Many customers order pastas as their entrees, but for those who must have meat, stick to veal-the seafood isn't quite so impressive. --Steven A. Shaw " Recommended Dishes: Handmade cheese ravioli in tomato-and-meat sauce, $12.95; lasagna with chicken and spinach, $12.95; pork chops with hot and sweet vinegar peppers, $17.50
From NYNewsday
If you had to choose one pasta dish to take to a desert island, it might just be Bamonte's ravioli, stuffed with cheese and served with a light, flavorful tomato sauce. On the other hand, it could be the chicken and spinach lasagne. The perfection of those classic preparations explain why this place has been a neighborhood favorite for the century or so it's been around. As the neighborhood has evolved, so has the old-world Italian decor (there's now a glass-enclosed kitchen in the back) and the clientele. Now, in addition to the old-timers there are the young, the hip, and the artistic. The waiters haven't changed, though: No-nonsense, fast-moving, they keep the place on its toes, even when it's jammed.
From Village Voice
"Bamonte's [is] a quintessential Williamsburg institution"
Comments
I must not have good enough taste, because I just haven't been that impressed with the food. It was good both the times I went, but not worth the price. Going for the service and the atmosphere however was worth the cost.
Posted by: DanB | April 26, 2008 07:54 PM
My first visit was 35 years ago. I was there on Saturday. Still has the kitchen you can see into. Only place left since Cricci's closed. Decor is still the same and the food is as good as it always was.
The clientel seems different. I guess it is the change in the neighborhood. I didn't think the service was slow and it was very busy. In Traditional Italian style, they give you time to eat and enjoy. Don't know what the dropping silverware is about.
Posted by: Steve Emerson | March 10, 2008 06:07 PM
I left Greenpoint 30 years ago for the left coast.Have not found a restaurant as good as this one. Miss the scungilli and the paper boy who came every night at 9 p.m. selling the Daily New and Daily Mirror.
Posted by: Bob Pisapia | June 6, 2007 10:58 PM
Been a number of times over the year and without a doubt, some of the worst service we've ever had at a place. Sure, we're not Italian, but it doesn't mean you should be forgotten about for hours on end. Our 4 hour dinner was only surpassed by a 3 hour lunch with one other table occupied in the joint. Bamonte's I used to love your Old School Italinan Soprano feel but I just can't go back...I've tried...but the service gets worse and worse as the waiters get older and older.
Posted by: JC | November 30, 2005 01:57 AM
just came back from bamonte's. really disappointing. the apps and dessert were good, but the ravioli tasted like beef-a-roni. blech.
Posted by: d.j. | November 21, 2005 03:44 AM
Hands down the best traditional, old-school Italian joint in NYC. My grandfather who grew up a block away was a staple here for decades, the staff still remembers him. My friends/family get a kick out of the atmosphere and yes, it's as if someone can witness a hit at the bar at any given time. Sorry, but anyone who speaks negatively about Bamonte's doesn't know NY Italian culture much less what authentic southern Italian/Napolitean food is all about.
Posted by: Jimmy's Grandson | November 11, 2005 02:57 PM
Went to Bamonte's with my boyfriend on a recommendation from someone I work with. This person raved about the food, so we figured we would check it out . . Now it is one of our favorites. For an appetizer we had the mussles marina and a tri-colored salad. The mussels were the absolute best that I have ever had! For dinner we had the pork chops with sweet vinegar peppers and chicken scarparello with sausage. We had a great time just gawking at all of the other dishes that were coming past our table as everything looked amazing! The place is definitely old school Italian and is also a great place to people watch. It is pretty cool to think that some of the waiters have been there forever and have seen their share of "Soprano" type charachters dining out there. We loved the place so much that I am planning a family dinner there..getting my family to come to Brooklyn from NJ is no easy task. But they know how I love food so they are taking my word for it and making the trip! Definitely recommend this place and hope that it is around for a very long time to come!
Posted by: Teresa | October 9, 2005 09:05 PM
every piece of silverware that was brought to us was thrown down on the table by the old crusted asshole relic of a waiter we had...
OVER RATED GREAZEBALL! BEWARE!
Posted by: il crustini | August 8, 2005 08:40 AM
Went there this afternoon after the Giglio festival. A great way to end the day. This is the real thing.
Posted by: n. d. | July 11, 2005 01:15 AM
I've been going to Bamontes since I was a little boy,sitting in a booster seat.Today I keep the tradition going by taking my wife and children.You feel as though you are visiting one of the "family".The food is a wide variety from the freshest Italian dishes to all types of fish,veal and beefs.Another great tradition and this says alot is that the waiters are still the ones year after year.Mr Anthony Bamonte and his daughters have a very well run establishment, I hope that they last there till whenever.If you ever catch one of the Sopranoes episode in season four you can see Tony and his crew eating out with their girlfiends {it must be Friday}.Well take someone you care deerly for and I'm sure that person or persons will not be dissapointed.
Posted by: Glenn Baldwin | June 23, 2005 01:00 PM
This place is great.. Very Itlian American old school atmosphere. You feel like you may even be witness to a real mobster style hit.. Really great service, really great food.. If you say any different you might have to join the witness protection program.
Posted by: greg | May 10, 2005 04:32 PM