Aurelio’s, at 44 Leigh Avenue in Princeton. (click to expand)

If you’re wondering what happened to the old Cafe 44 space, after the popular bruncherie moved across the street to 41 Leigh Avenue in December, here’s your answer. The space has been renovated and reopened as Aurelio’s Cocina Latina. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Aurelio’s is the latest great addition to Princeton’s eating-out scene, and it’s right in the heart of the ultra-walkable Witherspoon-John neighborhood. Promising ‘Un Poco Mas de nuestra Tierra’, Aurelio’s serves up authentic central American fare.That’s great for Princeton, because up till now, there has basically been nowhere where you can even get a huevos rancheros. Inside, it’s bright and cheery.

Counter and great coffee at Aurelio’s. (click to expand)

Yelpers have so far given Aurelio’s ten five-star reviews and one four-star review. No reviews are less than four-star right now, after its first month of business.The menu offers a great selection, and it doesn’t break the bank.  The fresh-brewed coffee is great, they had two different types when I stopped by, at 99 cents a mug. I got 2 refills, and almost felt bad for taking advantage of such a ridiculously-good deal.

Aurelio’s full menu. (click to expand)

Opening hours are 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. Sunday – Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m on Saturday. Cards are accepted. There is outdoor seating too, on the patio at Leigh and John Street.

Interior space at Aurelio’s. (Click to expand)

It’s great to have another local option, especially for those of us in Princeton neighborhoods who don’t want to go downtown and duke it out with the tourists at PJ’s.  Hopefully Aurelio’s will do well and become a long-time fixture in the neighborhood. Parking is limited in the Witherspoon-John neighborhood, so walking or riding your bike is a good idea.

Updated: Just realized that Susan Sprague Yeske at the Times of Trenton did a review of Aurelio’s earlier this week, with comments from the owner. You might want to check it out: Bill of Fare: Aurelio’s Cocina Latina prides itself on its authenticity.