The Spaghetti Warehouse is one of Pittsburgh’s favorite restaurants that actually began in Texas when owner Victor Petta Jr. located an old railroad warehouse lacking of spirit and most certainly nearing its death, and visualized what it could be with the added touches coming from someone who possesses a level of designer insight and creativity. He had a vision of embellishing the warehouse’s interior with stained glass, antiques and nostalgia that would eventually be highlighted by a unique dining experience that you will find nowhere else. Lucky for pasta lover’s, Victor was not just dreaming.
Victor’s Dream Come’s True
In 1972 Victor took that vision and turned it into a reality. In fact his interior designing skills are so outstanding that guests are awestruck by the restaurant’s finely detailed creative vision, that when they come back for their next visit to the Spaghetti Warehouse they come prepared with cell phones, digital cameras and other image recording devices in hand just to take photos of the upscale interior of the Spaghetti Warehouse to have for a keepsake. Nothing quite makes a statement like the Houston Avenue Port Authority trolley car that dates from the mid-20th century and dominates the interior of the Spaghetti Warehouse or the elegant hand-carved staircase that came from a castle in England, inviting you to give climb her beautiful steps, admiring each one as you ascend.
Sixteen Locations of the Spaghetti Warehouse, from Texas to New York
Each of the sixteen locations of the Spaghetti Warehouse is located in seven different states from Texas to New York has a trolley car in the dining room that allows for patrons to sit right inside of the car. Period collectibles, statues and advertising signs from the era preceding World War II have been placed just so, making the Spaghetti Warehouse a total conversational-piece, no matter which location you are currently dining at. The owner left no stone-unturned and went all out restoring many of the original structure’s wood beams, as well as adding ornate glass doors throughout the interior to magnify the space. Texas alone offer’s five Spaghetti Warehouses, each in a different city. Oklahoma has two, each in different cities, Tennessee has one, Florida has one, Ohio offer’s four different locations, each in different cities, Pennsylvania has one, located in the heart of Pittsburgh, and New York offer’s one location of the Spaghetti Warehouse.
Pittsburgh Welcomes the Spaghetti Warehouse
The popularity of the restaurant due to the whimsical touches and the great food made expansion inevitable. Before Pittsburgher’s could say “touchdown”, pasta lover’s found themselves able to enjoy the Spaghetti Warehouse after Victor purchased yet another warehouse in Pennsylvania to further expand his unique restaurant and all that goes into making the Spaghetti Warehouse the quirky and quality restaurant that it is today. A building where blacksmiths and carpenters once worked long hours is now home to the Spaghetti Warehouse on Smallman Street in the historical section of the Strip District in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.
“The Steel City” never had it so good with the addition of an Italian eatery that makes dining feel like a celebration. The special touches added to everyday dishes lends a unique flare to their world-class spaghetti that the Spaghetti Warehouse is known for. The over-the-top 15-layer lasagna makes a statement all by itself with miles of stacked goodness that has become a real crowd favorite. The garlic enhanced bruschetta appetizer is a regularly requested before dinner treat as it compliments just about every Italian and seafood dish on the menu.
Kid Friendly, Great Prices and Good Food
Kid’s love the trolley car located inside of the Spaghetti Warehouse and the casual atmosphere allows for them to be a kid. The prices are reasonable, and there is no need to worry about leaving hungry, because it simply won’t happen. The meals are not only deliciously and eloquently prepared, they are also extremely well portioned with large servings to satisfy even the biggest of appetites. From the soup and salad to the delicious appetizers and meals, the Spaghetti Warehouse offers a generous selection of lunch and dinner specials. Most of the lunch entrees and many of the dinner favorites are under ten dollars. The Sicilian Sampler is the perfect choice for true Italian lovers and the garlic butter slathered on the fresh Italian bread is the perfect accompaniment to all of the fantastic meals. Kids Menu Meal: Every Monday kid’s eat for $1.99 with the purchase of an adult entree.
The New York Times List’s Pittsburgh as the “Go To Destination”
The large riverfront neighborhood has an industrial past dating back to 1814, and it is packed full of historical buildings that have been completely overhauled, giving new life to a part of the city that has always thrived with the hustle and bustle of activities. News of the spruced up downtown area spread fast, and after the New York Times listed Pittsburgh as a “go to” destination for best food, parties, views, and hard to find items. It was on from there; visitors traveled from all over the world to see the hottest city on the planet that has hundreds of things to do, places to see, and a restaurant on every corner that offer’s seriously good food. The 15-layer lasagna is hard to ignore as the heavenly aroma permeates down Smallman Street, luring hungry diner’s to come in and sample all that the Spaghetti Warehouse brings to the table.
Menu Favorites: 15-Layer Lasagna for $ 11.99, Sausage Penne Pomodoro for $11.49, Roasted garlic Shrimp for $14.49, and Fire-Grilled Salmon with Basil Cream for $14.49. All entrees come with soup or salad and sourdough breadsticks.
Catering: A full service buffet is set up at your choice location and cleaned up after the event. http://www2.meatballs.com/special/catering.html
Spaghetti Warehouse Sixteen Locations
Pennsylvania: 2601 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Texas: 1255 West I-20, Arlington, Texas, 1815 N. Market Street, Dallas, Texas, 901 Commerce Street Houston, Texas, 1517 N. Central Expwy, Plano, Texas, and 1226 E. Houston Sreet., San Antonio, Texas
Oklahoma: 101 East Sheridan, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and 221 E. Brady Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tennessee: 40 West Huling, Memphis, Tennessee
Florida: 1911 13th Street, Tampa, Florida
Ohio: 510 S Main Street, Akron, Ohio, 397 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, 36 W. Fifth Street, Dayton, Ohio and 42 S. Superior Street, Toledo, Ohio
New York: 689 N. Clinton, Syracuse, New York
Sources:
http://www2.meatballs.com/