Macaroni’s/Martino’s Lounge

Macaroni’s/Martino’s Lounge (58 E. Main) is celebrating its 20th year in business this year. Owner Marty Morlan opened the popular Italian-style restaurant in 1989 with Beasy McMillan and became sole owner in 1992. At that time, Macaroni’s was on the ground floor, but Marty had loftier goals.

“The lounge upstairs has been in the works since 1989,” Marty said. “The owner of the building, Allen Sandler, mentioned to us that he wanted to put a rooftop lounge up there eventually, one that would open out onto the courtyard of the Shakespeare Festival. Beasy and I never thought it would happen, but Allen kept plugging away and getting the permits.”

Martino’s Lounge officially opened in 1995. Paul Schmeling, who was there as bartender at the beginning, is still overseeing things at the bar, and Marty’s long-time assistant, Amy Wong, manages the floor.

Downstairs, Macaroni’s gives diners the feel of an authentic Italian restaurant, while upstairs the Craig Hudson designed lounge is a more cozy, intimate atmosphere. Customers can enter Martino’s from a stairway off Main Street or off the Angus Bowmer Theatre courtyard (making the balcony wheelchair accessible). Light jazz is played on Monday nights.

Marty invites everyone to come celebrate their 20th anniversary and maybe even talk some golf.
The phone number is 488-3359.