Mignano Bros. treats customers right

Sep 27, 2007 — When I got an invitation to meet friends at Mignano Bros. Ristorante Italiano, I jumped at the chance.

Glen Rock is a great little town, but I rarely have reason to travel that way. We met for dinner and the service, food and atmosphere were so impressive, I decided to venture back for lunch less than a week later.

Three brothers - Salvatore, Giuseppe and Gianluca - run the restaurant with their parents, Jack and Grace.

In his thick Italian accent, Salvatore told me over the phone that they still arrive early every morning to bake fresh bread, including garlic knots and bread sticks to fill the dinner baskets and rolls for the subs.

Even with a $10 spending limit, I had many selections. The menu insert listed three lunch specials for less than $10 that included a drink. Salvatore said the specials are foods the family likes to eat and want to

share with their customers.

A large selection of small strombolis cost $6.99, a personal plain pizza is $5.50, most of the salads are less than $10 and all of the sandwiches are less than $10, most less than $5.

Following my usual pattern, I ordered a half Chicken Philly hot sub ($4.25) with an iced tea ($1.89). Salvatore later assured me during our conversation over the phone that they do serve sandwiches and subs in Italy, so I felt better.

I barely had time to glance around the room at the cool brick-like walls and the piano in the corner before the server placed the sandwich on the table.

The fresh roll burst at the seams. The cheese oozed nicely over the chicken and was topped with fried onions, mayo, lettuce and tomato. It was served with crunchy, thick homemade chips.

The food was awesome, but even better was the friendly staff. The servers smiled constantly, and I felt like I was a guest in their home.

The bill came to $6.49 and with a $2 tip, I still had a little more than a buck left. My lunch was quick and tasty. But don't forget, they offer an amazing dinner atmosphere, too.

While you won't find a nice dinner entrée for less than $10, I have to tell you that it's to die for. The first time I visited for dinner, I ordered the Fettuccine della Casa ($18.99).

Salvatore said it, along with the Chicken Marsala, is a very popular dish.

The fettuccine noodles are topped with jumbo lump crab meat, scallops, shrimp and clams with choice of clear (a butter/wine sauce) or red sauce. The dish is served with a salad and the basket of bread.

Mignano Bros. prepares and serves some of the best food around southern York County. So if you are down that way or are looking for a road trip, make a stop at Mignano Bros. for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Cheap Eats is a biweekly column on local restaurants' meals under $10. Suggestions are welcome. Reach Nicki Lefever at 771-2101 or nlefever@ydr.com.

If you go

LOCATION: 14-16 Main St. in Glen Rock

CUISINE: Italian

NICKI'S PICK: Half Chicken Philly ($4.25) and iced tea ($1.89)

PARKING: Available in front, across the street and on the side parking lot

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

PRICE RANGE: $3.99 for selection of half subs to $21.99 for seafood combo platter or crab cake platter

ALCOHOL: BYOB

SMOKING: Nonsmoking only

ACCEPTS: Cash and major credit cards

TAKEOUT: Full menu available

KIDS' MENU: For ages 12 and younger includes selection from Italian and American entrees between $6 and $7

DETAILS: Visit www.mignanobrothers.com or 235-6884.

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