What's Cookin'? Butler's and a Buddy

As summer hits, school is out and hitting the beach is the staple seasonal goal in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

Whether in school or setting out toward to beach it, most Rumson and Fair Havenites will tell you that a stop at is frequently all part of the plan. Call it a local comfort stop.

Something’s always cooking at Butler’s. It’s known as a place to stop and chat and pick up some breakfast or lunch essentials.

You can get your coffee, gossip and eats all in one and continue on with your day knowing you’ve been filled in and up.

The small sandwich shop has been a stop-off and gathering spot for townies and students forever.

Subs are a very popular classic at Butler’s and there's one there aptly named to satiate the pangs of an empty stomach … the Hunger Stopper.

It’s comprised of just about every luncheon meat in the fridge, except roast beef.  

It doesn’t say what’s on the Stopper, but a little look before you bite will reveal that it’s likely turkey, ham, salami, provolone cheese and “the works” in dressing (oil, vinegar, lettuce, tomato and onion). It’s a hunger stopper alright. The bread is very important with a sub, as sub connoiseurs will tell you. And Butler’s bread is always fresh.

No frills, just fresh. And, they use Boar’s Head cold cuts.

No matter what sandwich you order, it’s always stacked high.

And, the turkey club is topped with what seems like a quarter pound of bacon.

It’s not Cheers, but everybody knows everybody’s name and, most of the time, their regular orders, too.

And a little sit-down in the pastel Adirondack chairs out front is all part of the “just stopping by” plan at the Rumson round-up for small town living.

One Butler’s-laced memory that has been this editor’s own “same time next meeting” comfort recipe: grabbing a sub from the shop and meeting an old R-FH friend at Sea Bright beach and laughing and talking ‘til the sun goes down. You know who you are and it’s time.

Order up! One sandwich and a side order of comfort conversation, please.