In honor of Al Pacino’s 78th birthday, on April 25, Pacino’s Italian Restaurant is celebrating by making you an offer you can’t refuse—five weeks of never-ending pasta dishes for only $100.
“That’s right, folks,” said owner Frank Spacarelli. “Come in as many times as you like, day and night, and enjoy any of our pasta dishes. You can eat two times a day for five weeks for just $100,” he continued. “We have a limited amount of Al Pacino birthday specials for sale, so get yours while they are still available. Some restrictions apply, like only one type of pasta per seating and for dine-in only.”
And don’t worry about running out of pasta entrées to try. Pacino’s offers more than a dozen Pastabilities on their menu, including raviolis stuffed with a choice of mouth-watering fillings, such as lobster, portobello mushrooms or butternut squash. Spaghetti with Mama’s Meatballs is always a winner. There’s also the traditional creamy Fettuccini Alfredo, Shrimp sautéed in Fra Diavolo sauce, or a spicy marinara over linguini. Pastas in all shapes and sizes enhanced with their own special house-made sauces make choosing difficult. “We prepare all our dishes a la minute,” said Frank. “So, your selection is always made fresh, just for you. And we even have gluten-free pasta.”
The Al Pacino Story
Pacino’s restaurant patrons are well aware of owner Frank’s striking resemblance to the well-known actor. “I’ve always admired Al Pacino and his movies,” he admitted. “And we were both raised in da Bronx. But it all kind of started years ago at a casino in Vegas, when a guy next to me said, ‘Hey, Al Pacino’s little brother.’ So, naturally, when I was looking for a name for my restaurant, it had to be Pacino’s. Besides, my own name is too hard to spell,” he said with a laugh.
During Frank’s many years in the restaurant business, he has encountered a lot of Pacino-related events. “People sometimes stop me on the street and ask me if I am him,” said Frank. Frank once met Al Pacino’s cousin, and then his stepmother, whose autograph he has framed and hanging in the restaurant.
Al Pacino movie posters, photographs and other memorabilia complete the restaurant’s ambiance. With the comfortable booths and subdued lighting, you might even imagine seeing The Godfather enjoying his own plate of pasta in the corner.
“So, come on in and join us,” Frank said. “We welcome you into our famiglia and our hearts.”
Pacino’s Italian Restaurant is located in The Village at Las Sendas, 2831 N. Power Road. For information, reservations or take-out orders, call (480) 985-0114. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.