Monte’s has been a household name in Brooklyn for more than a century, but its first birthday party — yes, you read that right — was a celebration for the ages.
The famous Italian joint on Carroll Street opened its doors in 1906 and won over foodies with its Venetian fare, but the former speakeasy and Rat Pack hangout lost its luster in the aughts and closed in 2008 before a change of ownership breathed new life into the legendary restaurant.
To celebrate their first anniversary in the updated eatery — which boasts a new look, an imported an Italian oven, the same old-time-y bar, and a menu that features plenty of classics as well as some new dishes such as wood-fired pizzas — the owners invited the neighborhood over last Sunday for free food and cheap beer.
“We are hoping to generate a place where all walks of life will feel comfortable and enjoy,” co-owner Tina Esposito said.
Monte’s served up 100 pounds of sausages, 300 hamburgers, 400 hotdogs, and even cooked up a whole 60-pound pig — and gave it all away for free to loyal customers and first-timers.
