Luigi's

Luigi’s in Bakersfield

Luigi’s just celebrated their 100^th anniversary in October, 2010.  There is a reason they have been in business for 100 years.  They provide a fun atmosphere, excellent food and great value.  Betty and I went there for lunch today, Saturday.  We got there at 11:30 AM and there was already a long wait.  Don’t let the wait scare you off.  People are waiting inside, outside and in the market.  Betty and I went to the market adjacent to the restaurant and bar.

Luigi’’s Italian market is an experience in itself.  The market has one of the best wine stores in town.  Also in the market are grocery and gift items from Italy, awesome deli food, imported meats and cheese, catering trays and restaurant entrees.  The walk-in wine cellar is full of premium wine from Napa, Italy and Paso Robles.  Outside the cellar in the market are cases lined up and stacked around.  I like that there is so much wine it’s hard to find a place for it all.  One of the owners offered her expertise.  She is a certified Sommelier and has a passion for Italian wine.  I told her that I know Gino and that we are waiting to be seated for lunch.  She knows of the long wait.  There are a dozen or more people waiting out on the sidewalk, plus all the people waiting in the restaurant and bar.  Betty asked if we could buy a bottle and drink it while we waited.  She helped pick out her favorite Chianti Classico, opened it and poured 2 glasses for us. 

Cruising the market with a glass of wine really makes the wait a pleasure.  There were samples of imported cheese out to accompany the wine also.  Eventually, we took the bottle and glasses and went to the outside patio bar.  They had basketball on HD TV and were pouring lots of beer and bloody Marys.  It was a lovely wait in the patio.  Partly cloudy skies, fresh snow in the mountains, seeing and smelling all the great food was enjoyable.

After an hour and 20 minutes, they called us for a table.  So we gathered our glasses and what was left of the wine and went inside.  In case you haven’t been to Luigi’s, they start you out with a French roll, 2 slices of cheese, and Italian salami, a pepperoncini and carrot stick.  I order a side of pickled tongue and made a sandwich.  On the patio I observed the ribs and halibut specials.  Everything looks so good it’s hard to decide what to order.  Betty had the pastrami sandwich and I had the pasta bolonese with hot Italian sausage (and my pickled tongue sandwich). 

Betty’s pastrami sandwich was piled high with lean meat and melted cheese in a soft roll.  My pasta included 2 sausages.  I asked for extra sauce which came right away.   The food is great and I always see someone I know or meet someone new.  Luigi’s is a Bakersfield classic dining experience that should be enjoyed several times a year.  And the market is the best place in town to find great wine. 

 Luigi’s is a 4 star experience.  Maybe I’ll see you there.