Patsy's Italian Restaurant

When you walk into Patsy’s, the first things you see are a statue of Frank Sinatra and a signed headshot of Liza Minelli, so you know this place is legit. This red sauce joint has been owned and operated by the Scognamillo family since 1944, and Ol' Blue Eyes himself was a regular. Eating here feels like taking a trip in a time machine back to an era when West 56th and Broadway was the coolest spot in town. It’s one of our favorite spots for a pre-theater meal, or a date night when you want to cosplay as an Old Hollywood couple. 

photo credit: Emily Schindler

When it comes to your order, stick to the classics. The rigatoni fra diavolo and spaghetti and meatballs (yeah, we said it) are iconic, and anything parmigiana is a good idea. The bar makes a pretty good Aperol spritz, too. Save room at the end of your meal for the dessert cart, which gets wheeled to your table laden with old school classics like napoleon, cannoli, and one of the best carrot cakes we’ve had in a very long time. Your server will ask you if you want coffee with your cake, and the answer to this is yes. It’s just good manners.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Emily Schindler

Rigatoni Fra Diavolo

Let the scenesters keep Carbone’s spicy rigatoni. We’ll choose Patsy’s saucy, spicy rigatoni topped with peppers, a snowfall of parmigiana, and torn basil any day of the week. It gets bonus points for proper naming conventions.

photo credit: Emily Schindler

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Your inner child will squeal with glee when this giant plate of spaghetti and meatballs arrives at your table. There’s no take, no riff, nothing inventive happening here. It’s just a great plate of pasta with softball-sized spheres of perfectly-seasoned meat. You should be eating this.

photo credit: Emily Schindler

Chicken Parmesan

Another textbook classic, the chicken parm here comes with pasta and is buried under a thick layer of lightly charred mozzarella, as nature intended.

photo credit: Emily Schindler

Caesar Salad

This Caesar salad tastes like the 90s in a good way. It’s bright, straightforward, and a good way to add some variety to your meal.

photo credit: Emily Schindler

Broccoli Rabe

It’s hard not to love perfectly-braised, slightly lemony, very garlicky broccoli rabe. This is that. You’ll want an order for the table.

photo credit: Emily Schindler

Dessert Cart

Under no circumstances should you come to Patsy’s and not get dessert, even if you’re running late for something. Plan accordingly and add a 20 minute buffer to your meal time. It’s part of the experience.