Sinatra and da mob

[tommy]

weird request, but...

i've got some friends coming into town.  they are big sinatra fans and love all of that 40's and 50's mob stuff.  so, they want to go to a few places with this "theme".  i have no idea what to do.

i figure they can walk past sparks, where that nice italian man was shot.  i'd send 'em to hoboken, but there's not much sinatra going on there either, and it seems a bit ambitious for strangers to the area.

any suggestions of places with that theme?  whether it be pictures on the wall or something will real "historical" significance?

[thereuare]

Tommy,

To maybe sway them into the 'boken area... how about Leo's Grandezvous?

Food isn't anything to write home about, but more Frank than they'll know what to do with!

If i'm around, i'll even meet them at the PATH and escort them over so they don't get lost!

Another idea i just thought of which i think is GREAT, is Patsy's/Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge... there's almost always some Frank playing on that jukebox, and supposedly it was his favorite pizza in the city.  Have your friends read the article outside while they're waiting, they have a strict "no delivery" policy, but they always delivered for Frank.

[Rail Paul]

The place across the street from Meson Madrid in Newark (Castillo's?) has pix of Joe Pesci, etc from the location filming of goodfellas. Did scenes there. Pix are on the wall to the left as you walk in.

Michaelangelo's in Newark sometimes has the "look" with blue smoke, guys in black shirts /white ties, Dino on the sound system.  If all else fails, take them to Satin Dolls on 46 in Lodi, aka Bada Bing Club. Bring $10 stuffers...

Although Rosie is the resident Soprano's guru, I believe they shot the "golf club scene" on Park Place in Newark, a hundred yards from the bar where Dutch Schultz got whacked. Nice touch, and I'm sure David Chase knew it.

[Rachel Perlow]

This is a NYC suggestion, but I know that Sinatra used to frequent Gino Italian Cuisine, on Lexington between 60th & 61st. The last time we were there the food wasn't as good as the previous two times, but still, it's pretty good. It gets packed, doesn't take reservations or credit cards, the waiters know their stuff, and the red zebra wallpaper hasn't been changed in about 50 years!

[Jason Perlow]

In Englewood Cliffs, on Sylvan Ave, there is a restaurant with the corny name Cafe Italiano, which is a converted house that was the the summer home of 1920's-1930's NYC mayor Jimmy Walker -- who was well known for entertaining high society types and the Mob at this location.

Cafe Italiano Restaurant  

14 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Phone: (201) 461-5041

http://www.njdiningguide.com/cafeitaliano.html

It serves surprisingly good traditional italian/american food and also serves the distinction of being the meeting place of the James Gandolfini fan club, which has pictures of him and other Sopranos / Goodfellas crew on the walls.

[goodend]

Check out Jilly's on 58th between 5th and 6th.  Jilly was Frank Sinatra's PR guy when he was alive and Frank and the mob helped him open a Jilly's in Chicago and their newest one is the one here in New York.  It definately has the mob scene going on.  The last time I went there, Joe Piscipo was in there performing doing his Fank impression and several of the Soprano cast members were there.  It might be worth it if this is what you're looking for.

[Wilfrid]

Obviously, you'll be taking them to Rao's.  In addition, I recall there's another Italian joint in the theater district which makes a big fuss about Frank being a former customer.  It's in the forties on one of the streets leading east from Times Square.  I can investigate further if you're interested.

Two other tips.  The bar which used to be Carnegie Bar and Books, on 56th near Carnegie Hall, hosts a big band wityh a reputedly good Sinatra impersonator on Saturday nights.  Again, let me know if you're interested and I will check its name and address.

Finally, how about the Lansky Lounge, a hidden and hard-to find bar in the rear of Ratner's?  Named after mobster Meyer Lansky, it does its best to be underworld and sinister.  I haven't eaten there (there is a dining area) but the cocktails are mean.  There is a danger that they will be playing modern music.

[jhlurie]

Gino Italian in the 60's certainly has the direct Sinatra connection, but then again half of what remains of Little Italy might work just as well.  Maybe just shlep them down there, and make up a convincing story about Sinatra going to whichever restaurant you wind up in.  

[Jason Perlow]

Jon: what about that Patsy's place down on bergenline? If anything thats a REAL mob restaurant

[jhlurie]

We can't prove that.  

Then again, he didn't say that he wanted a real mob restaurant.  Just one that seems enough like one to fool a Sinatra enthusiast from elsewhere in the country.

[mogsob]

Here are my thoughts

Patsy's (W 56th St.) -- Sinatra hangout

Gino (Lexington Ave) -- ditto

Il Vagabondo (East 60s) -- indoor bocce court

Rao's (although you won't get in without a connection)

Sparks

Il Mulino

Scalinatella (E 60s) -- trust me on this one

[Jason Perlow]

Also, for the real classic Italian-American experience you should bring them to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.

You can show them all the mobsy-type places, and then go to a GREAT dinner at Robertos. Don't eat at Dominick's though, although it more fits the mob mold.

[jhlurie]

Here are my thoughts

Patsy's (W 56th St.) -- Sinatra hangout

Gino (Lexington Ave) -- ditto

Il Vagabondo (East 60s) -- indoor bocce court

Rao's (although you won't get in without a connection)

Sparks

Il Mulino

Scalinatella (E 60s) -- trust me on this one

Great list.  Maybe we should start calling you "mobsob"