KALAMAZOO, MI — If you’re hoping to grab a table at Monelli’s, you might want to call ahead.
It’s because the Italian family-owned restaurant and sports bar at 7141 S. Westnedge Ave. is a staple in Portage.
The brick-faced building two distinct sections, with the familial feel of the dining room with its large stone fireplace, compared to the sports bar filled with flat-screen TVs. Monelli’s also offers outdoor seating in the summer.
The restaurant is jointly owned by Giuseppe “Joe” Nicastro, Sergio Oliveri and Dave Lahay. It’s a continuation of the first Monelli’s location, which is up near Grand Rapids. The owners are quick to emphasize it’s not a chain restaurant, though.
“We do a lot of the community (outreach),” Nicastro said. “(They) come in and it’s their place.”
Nicastro opened a pizza shop 21 years ago, several years after he moved to the Grand Rapids area from Italy. After three years of success as a pizzeria, Nicastro opened the Italian grill and sports bar, he said.
“That’s how Monelli’s was born,” Nicastro said. “It was good, fun times, sweat and tears and a lot of hard work.”
Lahay is the one with roots in the Portage area. He grew familiar with Monelli’s while living near Grand Rapids and pitched another location in Portage. The Portage Monelli’s opened 7 1/2 years ago, Lahay said.
Nicastro and Oliveri are both Italian. In fact, they have roots in the same village in Sicily. Monelli’s tries to stay authentic to the Italian culture, while adding a touch of American flare.
“We put a little bit more spicing,” Nicastro said. “We know in American culture, we like our sugar with our salt with our black pepper. We like to give it a different texture, different vibe.”
Nicastro and Lahay pointed to Chef Larry Brooks as one reason why the dishes are so “pleasant” and enjoyable.
“He takes our lead on what we want to represent and he gives it a twist,” Nicastro said. “All the dishes that he comes up with are really great.”
At Monelli’s, you get “your bang for your buck,” Nicastro said. Entrees range from $10 to $20, offering high quality while still being cheaper than an upscale Italian restaurant.
Monelli’s also has many gluten-free pasta options, with a $3 upcharge.
The menu is vast, with appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, burgers, stromboli, pizza and desserts. Everybody has a different favorite — one waitress said she’s partial to the penne vodka. The lobster spinach fettuccini is also a favorite, as the garlic lobster sauce is made in house. Check out the full menu, here.
It’s not just known for its food, though. Monelli’s had the highest liquor sales of all bars and restaurants in Kalamazoo County in 2023, according to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
”It’s just a place where you hang out and meet people,” Nicastro said. “‘Meet me at Monelli’s,’ that’s why we call it that.”
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