See you at Swoony's
Chef Sal Lamboglia's highly anticipated follow up to Cafe Spaghetti is ready for you.
Cafe Spaghetti’s affable and talented chef Sal Lamboglia is opening his second neighborhood spot on Wednesday November 1st. Swoony’s is Sal’s take on an American bistro, which means immensely likable dishes that span Clams Casino with green peppers and bacon; an Iceberg Wedge with blue cheese, warm bacon, and chopped tomato; Lamb Meatballs with cucumber yogurt, harissa honey, and mint; Dorade “Manhattan Clam Chowder Style”; Chicken Paillard with olive salad and oregano; Short Ribs au Poivre, and a Double Smash Burger with Thousand Island, American cheese, and a pile of hot and crispy fries.
The hospitality you’ve come to know and expect from Cafe Spaghetti is duplicated at Swoony’s, with Managing Partner and Wine Director Giovana Cucolo joining the opening team. Giovana, alongside Bar Manager Ricardo Echeverri, have created a dynamic cocktail menu with standouts including The Adonis, mixed from sherry with sweet vermouth and orange bitters; Swoony’s Spritz with olive, thyme and cava; and the Casablanca made from gin, sherry, and vermouth with saffron.
The space, which was most recently the bar Longshoreman, previously housed 215 Cucina Napoletana, where Sal's father worked in the early 2000s. The room is super inviting with a 12 seat bar, a wall of cozy banquettes, and handmade wood tables lining the dining room. The original tin ceiling and walls remain in place, honoring the restaurant’s original details. Much like at Cafe Spaghetti, Sal spent months visiting antique shops and hand-picking decor for the restaurant.
As for the name, Sal says it was instinct. “I picked it from a list of 200 or so names I had on a list,” he told me. “It sounds fun, it’s sounds like a place you would want to have a burger and a martini. Overall it sounds neighborhoody!” Yup, that it is.
Swoony’s is located at 215 Columbia Street. Reserve on Resy.