Patsy’s is still the Restaurant Sinatra made Famous
Walking into Patsy’s Italian Restaurant is walking into a museum dedicated to Frank Sinatra. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District at 236 W.56th st. in New York City. Sal Scognamillo’s family has owned the restaurant since 1944 and over that time period almost every star from Broadway to Hollywood has entered it’s doors. You can see why. Family owned and operated since day one not only do they serve the most hearty Italian dishes in New York City, the warm and welcoming atmosphere is inviting. It’s a family trait that goes back to Sal’s grandfather Pasquale “Patsy” Scognamillo as well as Sal’s father Joe Scognamillo. The only three chefs that have ever worked the kitchen at Patsy’s.
Sal’s grandfather Patsy developed a special friendship with Frank Sinatra and would often sit down with Ol’ Blue Eyes when he was alone. Sinatra had his own separate entrance to Patsy’s. He would walk up the stairs to his own private room which was behind a curtain. Sinatra would tell every friend that they must visit Patsy’s when visiting New York.
This past summer I visited Patsy’s and entered the same doorway and up the same stairs as Frank Sinatra. I toured his private room with executive chef Sal Scognamillo as my host. Sinatra memorabilia adorning the restaurant. Sal had recently reopened the restaurant after opening a pop up in Asbury Park during the height of the pandemic. The meatballs and pasta that Sal served me was so tasty, hearty and delicious that I cannot emphasize enough how much I recommend it.
Sal shared with me stories of Sinatra whom he first met at the restaurant when he was only 13. He also spoke of the many other celebrities who considered Patsy’s their home. Watch this video for the full interview.
Many celebrities congratulated Sal for Patsy’s 75th anniversary including Liza Minnelli who first patronized Patsy’s with her parents Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli. See Liza in this video tribute.
Sal doesn’t keep all his family recipes a secret. Not only can you purchase Patsy’s famous sauce you must check out Sal’s two cookbooks. One with a forward by Nancy Sinatra and the other forward by Ben Stiller.
Check out Patsy’s Italian Restaurant for updated hours and order a jar of sauce and Sal’s spectacular cook books!
