As a local food adventurer of Mesa, I love seeing some of my favorite places bring out new dishes and entertainment with the changing seasons and upcoming holidays.
Recently, one of my favorite local restaurants, Pacino’s Italian Grill and Bar, made a couple big changes. Pacino’s is run by Frank Spaccarelli, originally from New York, carrying many family recipes along with his own to make Pacino’s stand out from your average Italian restaurant. Going into their sixth year of business, I interviewed Frank on the recent changes he has made to the restaurant and what exciting events we can look forward to seeing in the coming months.
When asked about what he changed about the restaurant, Frank was happy to announce three brand new menus that just arrived this week—a lunch menu, happy hour menu and a dinner menu were presented with a simple, sleek and easy-to-read design. He is keeping some classic dishes, while also adding many new dishes.
I asked why he decided to change the menu. “I wanted to go with the flow of seasons,” Frank said. “We’ll have salads or lighter dishes in the summer, a little heavier dishes in the wintertime,” Frank said. He also mentioned that Pacino’s has a Coffee Shop Menu where everything is always changing, with the exception of a few popular dishes.
Frank also mentioned he has a whole new kitchen staff, bringing in the new crew four months ago, and he has nothing but praise for the new chef. “He’s doing an awesome job,” Frank stated with a smile. “We’ve had more five-star reviews then we’ve ever had before. The food is amazing.”
Frank also addressed some comments about the service, saying they are currently short-staffed and hiring. “The service staff isn’t trying to be rude, but it’s hard to handle large amounts of people when there aren’t enough workers,” Frank stated.
We then went on to discuss the food featured on the menu. Frank talked about the signature dishes, commenting that there wasn’t specifically a signature dish, since he’s constantly moving around specials and dishes. “Not only do I go with seasons,” he said, “but I also want to see which ones are popular and should be added to the regular menu.”
Since the restaurant is Italian, it came as no surprise that the most popular items on the menu are the Chicken Parm, Lasagna, the Ciopinno (a seafood stew) and Pizza. While on the topic of food, Frank mentioned that everything is homemade—the doughs, the sauces—and they even make their own mozzarella. Frank enjoys the fact his restaurant has traditional Italian food, along with unique and different dishes, to set Pacino’s apart from other Italian places.
Along with the tasty new food choices, Pacino’s also is known for its entertainment and deals. Pacino’s has a deal going every day. For sports fans, Mondays and Thursdays have all-you-can-eat wings for $12 while watching the game at the bar. Tuesdays are date nights, with a three-course dinner for two for just $39.99. Wednesday is half off selected bottles of wine, while Thursdays and Saturdays are for the singers, with karaoke night after 8 p.m. Friday gets its own event by offering live music from 8 to 11 p.m. Sundays are brunchtime, with an all-you-can-eat brunch costing only $15.
For Thanksgiving, Pacino’s hosts an annual Thanksgiving brunch buffet. A reservation is preferred as it gets busy quickly.
When I asked Frank about what Pacino’s plans were for special performances in the coming months, he was ready to share the exciting plans. For Christmas, Pacino’s is going all out by getting the best Neil Diamond impersonator straight out of Las Vegas to perform for the special holiday. As per Pacino’s tradition, they host an annual New Year’s Eve party. What’s special about this celebration? Well, if you love the Beatles, you’ll definitely want to come to this party. “The entertainment for the festive evening will be the best Beatles tribute band,” Frank stated confidently. “The group, 4 Lads from Liverpool, is set to perform with cast members from Beatlemania, the hit Broadway musical about The Beatles.”
So, if you love good Italian food, a classy yet lively and fun atmosphere, I definitely recommend heading to Pacino’s. The amazing food alone will win you over, but the fun entertainment and sense of community with the regulars will make you stay. Along with all of the entertainment, karaoke, live music and daily deals, what’s not to love? Good entertainment, good food and good fun will never steer you wrong.
For more information, call (480) 985-0114. Pacino’s Italian Grill and Bar is located at 2831 N. Power Road.