Pastas on the Green

The good news: Pasta’s on the Green’s outdoor patio is open! Monday through Friday they open at 4pm, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Closing is approximately 10pm each day. So fans of great food, a beautiful view, and a friendly place for a hearty meal or a quick snack after a round of golf at the Foxfire course. The restaurant boasts a full deck that wraps around 3/4 of the building – with seating at 13 comfortable outdoor tables.

More good news: the full menu is offered, including their famous large pizzas and signature “End-Loaded Sandwich,” made with a half loaf of Di Lauro’s Italian bread, hollowed out and stuffed with your choice of delicious filling – truly a “sangweech,” as the menu tells us! Thursday, Friday or Saturday you may want to try a Fish Fry (a Central New York tradition), or wraps, salads, wings or burgers. “We’ve added and changed a few items,” owner Chris Bandera tells us. “We like to stay on top of what people want to eat.”

Under normal circumstances, Pasta’s on the Green Pizzeria and Pub is a sports bar, a party house, a restaurant, a catering venue, and a banquet hall. It’s big, with adaptable space, a large bar with 16 taps of domestic and craft beers, and enough tv screens that sports fans will be able to enjoy the games – especially SU games – from any seat in the house.

But needless to say, these aren’t “normal” circumstances. When events deliver a challenge, creative business owners look for opportunities. And challenging is certainly the word for the restaurant business during the limitations of the pandemic these last few months. Chris Bandera, and business partner Mike Tanzella, owners of Pasta’s on the Green in Baldwinsville, looked for ways to make the most of the times.

Long-time partners in a catering business, the two saw an opportunity just under a decade ago when the restaurant became available and they decided to jump in. They quickly found a niche, and became a popular destination for post-golf drinks and/or dinner, enjoying a favorite team on tv with friends, or hosting up to 170 people for weddings, retirement parties, showers – whatever your event may be. “We have golf banquets,” Bandera told us, “and we also specialize in corporate events and training, along with school sports banquets.” Pasta’s is continuing to do smaller catered events, so if you have a party planned, give them a call to see if they can help.

And Pasta’s held its own party nights with bands, as well as drink and food specials. “We would normally have our regular Thursday party night,” says Bandera, “but we might have music on a Friday or a Saturday, as well.” And the music would continue all year long, taking it indoors in the colder months. And Bandera added that even with the large bands, there was cover. Bandera also tells us that there are still opportunities for live music, but with smaller crowds due to social distancing rules.

During the pandemic limitations, Bandera tells us “We’ve taken the opportunity to do some of the things we don’t normally get a chance to do – re-painting everything, for example. Cosmetic repairs, upgrades. We’re open every day but four during the year, so while we’ve been limited to take-out and now outdoor dining and smaller crowds, we thought we’d take advantage of the time.”

“We also want to fill in the blanks for people – be a place they can go, or count on for their take-out meal when their regular events, like the Fair, or maybe a vacation spot, aren’t available this year. We’re doing our part to meet the COVID regulations and keep our patrons safe and healthy, but we also want to offer them a chance to relax and enjoy some great food in a relaxing atmosphere. Come on out and enjoy an unbeatable sunset!”

Nancy Roberts