Aunt Chubby’s offers great vibes and good food
By Sofia Santiago
Hopewell is a quintessential New Jersey town; it is the kind of place that, when I drive through it en route to another destination, I admire the view and exclaim, “Wow, this town is so cute!”
Located just off of Main Street and across from the historic train station is Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette. Just like Hopewell, Aunt Chubby’s offers a quaint, welcoming atmosphere that shines with a sense of community.
The property on which Aunt Chubby’s is found, has been home to businesses that have been feeding the town’s residents and its visitors since the late nineteenth century. As a mainstay in the township, the building’s rich and extensive history is well-documented, and a timeline of its ownership is proudly linked on the luncheonette’s website.
Acquired by Carol “Chubby” Montello and Rose Sponholtz in 1979, the business was called Rose and Chubby’s, and was renamed Chubby’s in 1991. In 2012, the restaurant went out of business and after extensive renovations by the owner’s nieces, it reopened seven years later. An article from the Hopewell Valley History Project notes its location as being the town’s “heart” for over three decades.
Aunt Chubby’s, as a luncheonette, is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and specializes in breakfast and brunch selections.
Following a recommendation made by an acquaintance who is a Hopewell resident, I went to Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette with my longtime friend from high school. I was initially worried that the environment would make my friend and I stick out as non-locals, but upon entering the already packed establishment. I realized that it would prove an excellent setting to catch up with my friend. The homely vibe made it easy to speak comfortably as we reminisced about our high school days.
On Sunday morning we were met with a cozy aroma of coffee, bacon and syrup. The wait time for a table for two to open was barely four minutes despite the place being full with customers. Even larger parties were able to sit down after no longer than 15 minutes, and there was an ornate wooden bench for people who were waiting.
An elderly couple that came in at around the same time as us sat down on the bench, and as the manager walked by, a seemingly common occurrence at Aunt Chubby’s, she offered them a coffee during the wait. Soon, my friend and I were chatting with the couple as they sipped their steaming-hot coffee, before we were led to our table that was situated beside a window.
Through the window, we could see the luncheonette’s outdoor seating also starting to get full. Flowers and colorful eggs decorating the table and windowsill completed the bright view.
While my friend ordered hot drip coffee which includes free refills, I made the less economic choice and ordered a large glass of orange juice. Although I was initially put off by the price, once I got the drink I understood: this juice had been made in the kitchen with some of the sweetest oranges I had ever tasted. It was also more than enough to last the whole meal.
The menu offered breakfast, which is served all day, lunch, starting at 11 a.m., seasonal specials and weekend-only items.
Staples of American breakfast — omelettes, toast, waffles and pancakes — all made an appearance in the breakfast section, along with more unique items including breakfast tacos and croissant bread pudding. For lunch, the expected comforting sandwich and burger options were available along with shrimp tacos, a quinoa bowl and apple salad. The specials radiated with fruit, pastels and a sense of spring with options such as a lemon ricotta and berries waffles dish and applewood smoked ham and gruyere omelet.
I ordered buttermilk pancakes, which were extremely dense and excellently filling. They came with the option of regular maple syrup and pure maple syrup for two extra dollars.
I would recommend the restaurant for the great vibes and appetizing food.
I give Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette a perfect five out of five stars.
Sofia Santiago is an English and Spanish major
