Dine At The Historic Spot In Cleveland Where Frank Sinatra Was Said To Unwind
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 07, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland has attracted some surprising visitors over the years. The city’s amenities have caught the attention of the rich, famous, and interesting for generations. One of the most storied and fascinating neighborhoods in The Land is Little Italy, which actually hosts the oldest restaurant in Cleveland. It is here that some of the region’s most interesting stories take place. Some big names, including Frank Sinatra, once frequented Guarino’s in Cleveland… and this historic restaurant is waiting to entertain you next.
For many Clevelanders, each visit to Guarino's is a trip down memory lane. It started life as a pool room run by Sicilian immigrant Vincenzo Guarino. When he married Mary Laporo in 1918, she started serving Italian dishes baked with love in the back room.
This restaurant has a storied history, including rumors of serving liquor during Prohibition and catering to the rich and famous.
When Prohibition kicked in, Mary and Vincenzo didn't necessarily stop serving liquor. But that's just one moment in this restaurant's century of existence! Beyond rebellious partiers during Prohibition, Guarino's is also said to have hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra himself. In fact, rumor maintains that he was a regular at Guarino's when he was in town.
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In addition to purported regulars like Frank Sinatra, his buddy and Cleveland resident Dean Martin was said to be a devoted Guarino's customer.
Dean Martin was actually a local, so his visits were much more regular. He's said to have liked sitting at the front of the restaurant, which wasn't too far from his home in Cleveland Heights.
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So what is it that makes this restaurant in Little Italy so delicious? The secret is in the sauce, so to speak.
There's a lot of charm in this lovely little restaurant. From the trumpet vine planted by Vincenzo that still grows in the garden today to decades-old recipes waiting to delight your taste buds, you'll find love at first bite. Just take a peek at the menu to see what kind of deliciousness awaits your visit!
In addition to a family tradition of making delicious food, the second generation of ownership introduced some lasting décor choices.
The garden was built in 1959 by Sam, the son of Vincenzo and Mary Guarino. The charming outdoor space remains a favorite dining spot in Cleveland today, and many consider it to be the most romantic local patio.
In 1963, Victorian décor was introduced, and it set the tone for the business moving forward.
Today, the cozy and intimate space is perfect for quick catchups with friends and long get-togethers with family. Whatever your occasion, you can rest assured that food brings people together at Guarino's.
When Sam Guarino passed in 1987, family friend Nancy Phillips stepped in to carry on the tradition. To this day, her children lovingly tend to the memories built in this restaurant.
While some things have changed over the years, the food hasn't. From mouthwatering marinara to heavenly Italian wedding soup, the menu truly has something for everyone.
While the restaurant has evolved over the years, you'll see many nods to yesteryear in its decor.
Hanging beads may seem to be an interesting decoration choice to those not in the know, but this type of accouterment once served a very intentional purpose. When housemade wine and liquor were served in coffee cups at the bar in the midst of Prohibition, beads shielded the jubilant visitors from passing police on the street.
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If you're a fan of Italian food, there's something delicious on the menu waiting to tickle your taste buds.
From antipasto to pizza, this Little Italy landmark has certainly earned its reputation. Generation after generation has dined here, and the food is every bit as delicious as it's always been.
And there are classic Cleveland elements awaiting visitors, too. Swing by for a fish fry to catch a slice of the local vibe!
Lent is a tradition for many locals, and Guarino's is a trusted place to observe it. With additional options like shrimp fettuccine and sautéed clams, seafood fans in particular will enter their personal nirvana here.
Visit Guarino's at 12309 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Do you believe this charming local gem once hosted some of history’s biggest singers? It’s almost easy to imagine Dean Martin dreaming up the beat that would become That’s Amore as he dined at this Cleveland landmark. With delicious food and an unbeatable vibe, it’s easy to see why Dean and others like Frank Sinatra frequented Guarino’s in Cleveland.
Cleveland’s Little Italy is fascinating to dig into. Want to learn more about historic rumors in this cool neighborhood? Read about Al Capone’s potential presence in Cleveland for more.
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