Luigi's Restaurant an Akron Icon-- and for good reason.
When the owners of Luigi's Restaurant opened this Akron eatery in 1949, they didn't know exactly how popular their made-from-scratch pizzas, pastas and other Italian goodies would become. 50 years later, the restaurant still stands-- always bustling with hungry customers at all hours of the night: a true testament to the restaurant's delicious and top-notch pizza pies.
The restaurant is still reminiscent of its mid-century opening, still using its original sign that many Luigi's customers have known since they were little tikes. That famous Luigi's sign, with its winking cartoon chef atop the Luigi's logo (which also hasn't changed in 50 years), is a true symbol of home for many locals.
Consistently voted to have the best pizza in Akron by the local newspaper, The Akron Beacon Journal, the pies that come out of Luigi's oven are leagues away from what's served up at chain pizza joints. Fresh, homemade dough, a sweet yet savory tomato sauce, whole-milk mozzarella cheese (and plenty of it!) and only the highest-quality toppings are used at the famous Luigi's Restaurant.
Of course, Luigi's menu doesn't stop at pizza. A real Italian restaurant isn't complete without a slew of pasta and meat dishes, which Luigi's doesn't skimp on either. With more than 10 kinds of spaghetti on the menu, you might have a hard time deciding which variety is right for you. From a plain marinara to meat, mushrooms, garlic butter and anchovy sauce, Luigi's is true Italian-- the way it was meant to be.
Other pasta dishes such as cheese or meat-stuffed ravioli, lasagna, and rigatoni also make delicious appearances on the menu. A grilled strip steak, fried shrimp and fried fish fillet are available as alternatives to Luigi's traditional pizza and pasta fare. Be sure to try the Italian sausage casserole-- a steaming-hot dish of mild sausage covered in sauce and melted cheese.
A lunch menu, which is offered up until 3 p.m. daily, offers lunch-sized portions at smaller prices. The restaurant is open daily until 2 a.m.-- except for Friday and Saturday nights, when it's open until 4 a.m. If you're hungry for pizza or pasta, chances are, Luigi's will be open to serve you.
Remember to bring cash with you-- Luigi's does not accept credit cards. If you should forget, you can use your debit card at their in-house ATM machine. Dress is as casual as they come, and reservations aren't required unless you're bringing in a huge brood.
- by LeeAnn Mullen, Akron Reporter for HelloMetro
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LeeAnn MullenLeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.
