Just as this past Independence Day weekend showed a 500 percent increase in American flag apparel, there is no denying that the summer season in general feels extra patriotic. There is something about sunset barbecues, beach trips, and baseball games that makes us all hear an internal hum of our National Anthem. This is the time to gorge on hot dogs, burgers, beer, and of course, the all-American apple pie. And this is where a cute little place called “Butter and Scotch” comes into play. An up-and-coming crown jewel of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Butter and Scotch is half bakery, half bar, and all deliciousness. A friend and I recently went to investigate the cocktail-cum-confection establishment, and while we couldn’t partake in their boozy apple pie float, the experience still had us whistling "God Bless America."
The trip to Brooklyn was a result of spontaneity, a rainy day, and a craving that only pie could satisfy. After hopping off the 5 at Franklin Avenue, we were surprised at how low key Butter and Scotch was. On a quiet street with a couple of delis and nothing more, the bakery had no signage other than a bright neon creation signaling pie. This aside, we immediately fell in love as soon as we stepped though the door, as the familiar warmth that only baking can bring hit us full force. The warmth was accentuated by a rich red color scheme and a glowing “Butter and Scotch” neon sign on the back wall. While the setting is cramped, meaning that you have to navigate your way down the narrow strait between the counter seats and the wall, it can also be seen as contributing to a close familial atmosphere. We were quick to jump at two seats at the bar and were immediately greeted by Tess and Allison, the women running the show at this self-proclaimed "lady bar."
This retro bakery-bar is the magnificent baby of Allison Kave and Keavy Landreth. Their dream began back in 2012, when the women launched a Kickstarter campaign to make the sugar-and-shots combo a reality. The Brooklyn transplants came up with the idea over a pitcher of sangrias and have since built a beautiful menu of pies, cakes, and complementary drink pairings. While the Franklin Avenue spot is their only location, Butter and Scotch products, like their critically acclaimed caramel corn, are also available online, at various Dean and DeLuca locations, and at Smorgasburg every Sunday.
Besides their caramel corn, the bakery is also known for their s'mores pie, and this is exactly what we ordered. We also ordered a slice each of their bourbon ginger pecan pie, and the special of the day, a "grasshopper" mint concoction. And as we hate to be underachievers, we ordered all of these a la mode, specifically with their creamy vanilla bean ice cream. We also ordered some coffees, because sadly we have two more years before we can order their wonderfully named “dick pic” shots.
The wait was a bit long, but while we waited we munched on Cheerios, B & S’s version of the communal bar peanuts, and chatted with Tess, the tattooed goddess behind the bar. Once the desserts had arrived we took some obligatory Snapchat photos, and then we dove in. The grasshopper pie I ordered was a pastel green white chocolate-mint mousse lined with a brownie chocolate crust. It was delicious, but a bit heavy on the mint liqueur. That didn’t stop me from eating every last morsel.
The s'mores pie that Jamie ordered had lived up to the hype. The graham cracker crust was crumbly and sweet, the chocolate custard was rich, and the toasted marshmallow top was gooey perfection. I was very tempted to steal the slice and run, but then I wouldn’t have gotten to try the ginger bourbon pecan slice. This was my favorite of all three, and Jamie agreed. The ginger was strong but not overpowering, the pecans soft without being soggy, and the bourbon gave it a sweet kick without brewing any concern over underage consumption. The smooth ice cream melted perfectly onto the buttery crust, and by the end we were both ready to go home with a pie each.
The only thing that stopped that endeavor was the price. Each moderately sized slice was $6 with $3 extra for the a la mode option, and a whole pie goes for $40 to $50. While we didn’t order anything else, a perusal of the menu showed a moderately expensive trend: the milkshakes come out at $12 each as do the cocktails, Hotties will cost you $10, and booze-infused floats are priced as high as $16. For our order, the bill came out to about $32 for three slices of pie and 2 coffees, which felt a bit crazy for two college kids on a budget.
But if your wallet permits, Butter and Scotch is definitely a must for all your pie needs. While there, be sure to try their well-known birthday cake, and if over 21, taste their namesake shake, The Nameshake, for me. Whatever troubles you have, don’t forget that the world goes round, and pies are round, and that association is reason enough to be a proud pie-eating, beer-drinking American at Butter and Scotch.
