As you walk into Jerry Longo’s Bally’s Twin River restaurant, there is no mistaking it for anything but Italian. It was a Father’s Day Treat with our NETimeGambling family, and here is our dining review of Longo’s Martinis and Meatballs, the newest restaurant at Twin River.
My Father’s Day Treat at Longo’s Martinis and Meatballs
It is located on the second-floor restaurant row, tucked between Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse and The Wicked Good Bar and Grill. Park in the West side parking, the West Side Entrance, and take the escalator to the second floor.
When you enter, you are greeted by a sophisticated Italian Social Club atmosphere, complete with a bocce ball court, two blackjack tables, and a large picture of James Gandolfini hanging over the bar. The cuisine is Italian Soul Food,” which is Southern Italian comfort food reminiscent of those commonly prepared in an Italian-American household.
The Brand
LONGO’S brand originated in the Historic Federal Hill area in Providence, RI. His Longo’s Cafe had a memorable run on Federal Hill that started in 2009 but ended with he moved it to Westerly, where he has run Longo’s Ristorante and Pizzeria since 2015. Finally, Jerry Longo and his talented culinary team decided to bring their authentic brand to Lincoln, RI., and the rest, as they say, is history.
Longo opened his first Meatballs and Martinis in the Dover Downs Casino in Delaware, which Bally’s, then Twin River Worldwide Holdings, completed its acquisition of the property in 2019. “Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis” will be the brand for their third at the newly re-acquired Bally’s Atlantic City.
The Atmosphere
It’s comfy yet classy. The background music contains Motown classics that enhance a fun, relaxing balance. There are old-time neighborhood photos with kids playing on the street and grandmothers sweeping the sidewalks.
“It gives you that feeling from back in the day of a neighborhood.”
Jerry Longo
The Food
Longo has always believed less is more. First, he watched his grandmother cook and then his mom. So he makes his marinara simply with only imported ingredients. Peasant dishes like Scarole and Beans are featured alongside their signature Meatball salad.
Our party of five was all new to this establishment. Joe, our server, was helpful and friendly. Our entrees took a little longer than expected, but it was worth the wait. My Cavatelli Bolognese was delicious, filled with slow-cooked beef and vegetable ragu that I thoroughly enjoyed. Beware, this serving is large. Add their tasty meatball, and it’s a great meal to share.
Miguel and my grandson Zachary loved their Chicken Parmigiana, which included fresh mozzarella, basil, and penne Pomodoro sauce. These two dishes were the first empty, leaving no doubt how well they liked them. Bert enjoyed their “Spaghetti & Our Famous Meatball” entree loved that famous meatball!), and our daughter Lynnykins had Eggplant Parmigiana – thinly sliced, egg-battered, Pomodoro, fresh mozzarella, basil, complemented with spaghetti Pomodoro. We all liked our entrees with a thumbs up and the feeling that we’d be back.
But we weren’t done yet.
The Dessert
Since it was Father’s day, I made sure I had room for dessert. Zach and I were the only takers – and we both agreed it was a great decision.
Zachary had the Chocolate Creme Brulee – one notch above the standard creme brulee due to the delicious chocolate crust on top. as for me, I wanted something different. The LEMON ITALIAN CREAM CAKE was terrific, with a fresh lemon taste and perfectly balanced lemon filling, a nice light dessert to end the night.
Next time – and there will be a next time – I will arrive earlier and order the AFFOGATO – Espresso pot, vanilla gelato, chocolate shavings. Jerry Longo says it’s “How Italians do coffee ice cream! Cuz it’s the best!”
Summary
Notice I didn’t mention prices. Five entrees and two desserts came up to about $150. It is a little more expensive, but this is not your run-of-the-mill Italian eatery. This is Longo’s Martinis and Meatballs, and NETimeGambling recommends a try!
Robin Aubin