"Paesano's on 9th Street gets less attention than the famous, old-school Italian restaurants in the neighborhood. But we find their food—like beefy sandwiches and hoagies, smoked mozzarella sticks, and lasagna bolognese—is much more reliable. Plus, every Friday at 7pm, the throwback spot serves a four-course, family style tasting menu. It's $75, cash only, and changes weekly—think buttery focaccia, crispy arancini, and bucatini with a super savory amatriciana sauce. Come for a casual sit-down lunch or a intimate dinner with friends in a place surrounded by antiques and pasta rollers from the days of 10-cent gas." - candis mclean, alison kessler
