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Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
8.4
A long‑standing Midtown Italian‑American spot where classic lasagna remains a steady favorite among locals seeking comforting, traditional dishes. The decades‑old family‑run kitchen brings consistent flavor and generous portions. Great for a no‑frills but hearty Italian dinner in a familiar setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Meat Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, Garlic Bread & Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Family‑owned since 1944 with decades of unchanging recipes.
Who should go: Classic Italian food lovers seeking consistency.
When to visit: Evenings when you crave traditional comfort food.
What to order: Meat lasagna, chicken parm, garlic‑bread salad combo.
Insider tip: Ask for a side of extra mozzarella — portions are generous enough to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but difficult after 6pm. Valet services are not provided, so plan to arrive early if you prefer closer parking.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and a nice shirt are fine, though many guests opt for a comfortable yet slightly dressier look.
Noise level: Moderate – the dining area can get busy, but it's not overwhelmingly loud. Conversation is easy even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, especially on busy weekends. Consider calling ahead or using a reservation service.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, with plenty of seating available for lunch rush hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there are several vegetarian options available, including a classic vegetable lasagna and pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited – there are a few vegan-friendly pasta dishes but no specific vegan menu items.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free options are available, with a separate prep area for the lasagna and pasta dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it's casual yet cozy, with a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed, no-pressure first date. The hearty Italian comfort food provides a solid conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but not guaranteed, especially during weekend dinner hours. For the best experience, especially if you're planning to visit during peak times, a reservation is highly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the family-friendly atmosphere and generous portions make it great for kids. There are also high chairs available, and the menu offers child-friendly options like spaghetti and meatballs.
Best For
Better for: Patsy’s excels at delivering classic Italian comfort food, especially for those craving traditional lasagna and hearty pasta dishes. It’s a perfect spot for those looking for no-frills, satisfying Italian meals.
Skip if: If you’re looking for modern Italian cuisine with trendy twists or a more upscale, fine-dining experience, this may not be the right fit. Opt for a more contemporary Italian spot in the area.
Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Old‑school Italian‑American served in a storied Midtown townhouse, offering classic dishes and warm, family‑style service. Staples like veal parm, rigatoni, and tiramisu have earned its 80‑year legacy among locals and tourists alike. Expect generous portions, reasonable prices, and no‑frills comfort over flash — a steady choice when you want reliable classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal parmigiana, Rigatoni vodka sauce, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Decades‑old Italian‑American tradition with reliable classics and warm service.
Who should go: Families or groups wanting classic Italian comfort food affordably.
When to visit: Lunch or dinner for comforting, no‑fuss meals.
What to order: Veal parmigiana, rigatoni vodka, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Order early or around typical lunch/dinner times — avoids long waits on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be difficult to find, especially after 6pm. Valet service is offered for $12.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual is recommended, jeans are acceptable but leaning slightly dressy is a good choice.
Noise level: Moderate - the atmosphere allows for easy conversation, though it can get a little louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially on busy weekend nights.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically during weekday lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are several vegetarian options on the menu, including pasta and vegetable-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options are available, but it's a more traditional Italian menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free pasta and have a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you're looking for a casual, comfortable spot. The cozy atmosphere and familiar Italian dishes can make for a relaxed, enjoyable experience, though it may not be as intimate as some upscale options.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but it’s always best to make a reservation, especially for weekend evenings. Walk-ins may have to wait during busy times, particularly around dinner rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, this is a family-friendly spot. The generous portions and classic comfort foods make it great for kids, and high chairs are available for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Patsy's excels at serving traditional Italian-American comfort food in a relaxed, family-style environment. It's perfect for large groups or families seeking hearty portions of old-school classics like veal parm and rigatoni.
Skip if: If you're looking for modern or innovative Italian cuisine, or prefer a quieter, more intimate dining experience, you may want to choose a more contemporary spot.
Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
7.8
Old‑school Italian‑American dining with a legacy stretching back to 1944 — a dependable choice for family celebrations and nostalgic nights out. Pasta and classic red‑sauce mains still draw regulars decades later. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken parmigiana, Veal marsala, Homemade tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Multi‑generational Italian‑American tradition with familiar comfort food.
Who should go: Families or groups wanting hearty Italian comfort.
When to visit: Casual celebratory dinners or group meals.
What to order: Chicken parmigiana, veal marsala, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Go early — cozy dining room can fill fast with regulars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited, and valet service is available for $15. It can be difficult to find parking during peak hours, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are acceptable, but it's recommended to dress a bit more polished for the occasion.
Noise level: Moderate – you can hear your conversation, but it can get a bit lively during busy times.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45-60 minute wait without a reservation, as the restaurant fills up quickly with regulars.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during weekday lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there are several vegetarian options available, including pasta dishes and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – there are a couple of vegan-friendly options, such as certain pasta dishes without cheese and salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes – the restaurant offers gluten-free options, and they have a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – Patsy's offers a cozy, romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed first date. The comfort food vibe makes it easy to enjoy a pleasant meal without feeling rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it's possible, it's not recommended, especially during peak dinner hours or weekends. You might face a long wait, so booking ahead is advised to guarantee a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – Patsy’s is very kid-friendly, with a family-oriented atmosphere and a menu that caters to younger tastes. High chairs and kid-friendly portions are available.
Best For
Better for: Patsy’s excels in providing traditional, hearty Italian-American comfort food in a nostalgic, family-friendly setting. It's a great spot for multi-generational celebrations and casual, large group meals.
Skip if: If you're looking for modern or innovative Italian cuisine, or a trendy, upscale dining experience, you may want to try a different place.