"It's been more than 20 years since Lil' Frankie's opened in New York City's East Village. The city around it may have changed but the restaurant's ethos - authentic Italian fare and commitment to impeccable service - has stayed the same. "[From] the very beginnings, this was more of a neighborhood spot, like you know, like one of those around-the-corner punk rock pizzerias," says longtime General Manager Oli."
"Opened by restauranteur Frank Prisinzano in 1999, Lil' Frankie's pays homage to Prisinzano's childhood summers spent with family in southern Italy. The menu comprises unpretentious, rustic Italian dishes meant to be shared family-style, including fan-favorites like spaghetti limone and whole fire-roasted eggplant. "Well, I grew up with a lot of people that loved to feed people and I fed off that energy. I saw the joy that they felt when I told them that I loved what they made me," Prisinzano explains in a video posted on TikTok."
"They serve everyone from bar-hoppers and club-goers to restaurant-industry folks looking for a late-night place to eat after finishing their own shifts. "We have people that love coming here every day. They sit at the bar, they know what they're getting and they leave and we're a part of their day-to-day. I feel like they're like sort of the family here so they kind of are our staples. And they love it here. And we love them," says host Ethina."
Lil' Frankie's opened in New York City's East Village in 1999 and preserves an ethos of authentic Italian fare and impeccable service. The restaurant offers unpretentious, rustic, family-style Italian dishes such as spaghetti limone and whole fire-roasted eggplant. The venue operates late, remaining open until 4 a.m. on weekends to serve bar-hoppers, club-goers, and restaurant-industry workers. The clientele includes longstanding neighborhood regulars and guests from across the city. Many employees have worked more than 15 years, creating a family-like staff dynamic alongside loyal daily patrons.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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