Today Youngstown State University butts up the Smoky Hollow region and a local group of merchants has vowed to revitalize the area by creating the Wick District-Smoky Hollow retail corridor with the MVR acting as its anchor. And while the area strives to renew itself – the University Courtyard Apartments; a $22 million public-private partnership project catering exclusively to YSU students is located nearby – no matter the progress, the MVR is thriving.

When hunger hit Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign entourage while in Youngstown this fall, the group placed a call to Cassese’s MVR and within the hour John and Cindy McCain were enjoying a hearty Italian meal with the locals. Yes, celebs show up now and then, but the people you’ll find at the MVR are families, YSU students – especially after a home game – and area residents who know a good thing when they see it.

This is the kind of restaurant where people shout out greetings to one another; where families gather to celebrate; where hugs and hearty cheek-pinching takes place. Walk into the MVR and you become part of the Cassese family. Brother Joe Jr. and Carmine are currently in charge of the MVR, with Joe Sr. and most of the rest of the family being involved as well.

Standard Italian fare is offered at the MVR from wedding soup and fried greens to cavatelli and chicken parmesan – Italian comfort food. Prices are reasonable and the wine flows freely. The interior of the MVR is geared towards seating both small parties and larger groups, but space can be limited during the lunch and dinner hour, so plan accordingly. Trying to find a place to sit after 8:00 p.m. on a weekend or after a special event downtown might be a challenge – but well worth the wait.

When the weather is fine, ask to be seated at the enclosed dining patio or the large outdoor bar/eating area – both under cover and both wonderfully decorated with hanging baskets and trellises. To really get the feel for a true Italian meal, eat at one of the tables running down the center of the MVR’s four bocce courts. Anyone in the Mahoning Valley who loves bocce has watched or played at the MVR. The summer league which includes a men’s league and a co-ed league takes place April through August making the MVR a wonderful meeting place to eat and enjoy a summer night in downtown Youngstown with family and friends.

MVR
410 North Walnut Street
Youngstown, OH 44505

Phone: (330)746-7067

Bocce and Pasta, Welcome to the MVR is a post from: Youngstown Blog

Some would say Youngstown, Ohio is just another dying mid-western town. But tucked within its booming steel town memories and deep familial roots, you’ll find many hidden marvels and treasures waiting to be discovered – maybe for the very first time.

One such treasure is Winslow’s Café — cleverly named for the American artist, Winslow Homer — and snuggled within the naturally lit atrium of the Butler Institute of American Art – another of downtown Youngstown’s precious jewels to be explored and savored.

Picture yourself sitting in this brightly lit café listening to lively talk and laughter, soft jazz music playing in the background, and the whirr of espresso machines pumping out the hot, dark nectar of the Gods.

Intoxicated with the aroma of steaming coffee and warm muffins, you can’t escape the essence of being surrounded by the work of some of America’s greatest masters of fine art.

Artists like Norman Rockwell, Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keefe, and Andy Warhol – just to name a few

Winslow’s Café is Much More than Just a Coffee House

Held within the embrace of the Butler, Winslow’s Café is also part of the busy Youngstown State University campus. Tall glass windows look out onto the modern campus inviting you to take in the bustling foot traffic of active university students and faculty.

But art and academics aside, food and coffee are at the very heart of Winslow’s Café. As the menu says, Winslow’s Café is “An artistic journey of foods, beverages, gourmet coffees, pastries, desserts, and retail gifts!”

You’ll find everything from special breakfast items to gourmet salads, soups, Panini Sandwiches, Grilled Sandwiches, Cold Sandwiches, and tantalizing daily specials. Not to mention the daily baked, mouth-watering homemade desserts, cookies, and gourmet muffins – each and every one a unique and delectable masterpiece all its own.

But if it’s Coffee You Want.

Winslow’s is definitely the place to visit. A gigantic list of espresso drinks, iced coffees, blended specialty beverages, and sodas line one wall – everything from single shot espresso, through an exotic Wild Tribe Mocha.

And if you’re looking for something a bit mellower and soothing, you’ll find an eclectic assortment of aromatic teas, flavored waters, and several juices as well.

Winslow’s Café is that unique treasure you often search for but seldom find in typical American cities. A place to meet friends, sit down amongst some of America’s greatest masters of fine art, have a great cup of coffee, and a great meal.

You’ll find all that, plus warm and friendly hospitality anytime you visit. Winslow’s Café is located in the Butler Institute of Fine Art, 524 Wick Avenue, in the heart of downtown Youngstown, Ohio. Open 7 days a week (even on Monday when the museum is closed). Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7 am – 5 pm; Wednesday 7 am – 8 pm; Saturday 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Phone 330-746-8600 for information or to ask about their full-service catering services too.

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Hidden Treasure is a post from: Youngstown Blog