Unearth The Voyage
Hidden in plain sight on Charles Street, Andy Perugino’s is the kind of multigenerational Italian restaurant locals speak about in hushed, protective tones. Its warmth isn’t a trend – it’s a legacy, passed down and freshly tended by new stewardship that still honors old-school hospitality. Between the broiled seafood platters, comforting pastas, and lemon meringue that sparks memories, the draw is undeniable. If you’re lucky enough to get a table, you’ll taste why Luzerne residents hope the secret stays local.
1. A Legacy on Charles Street
Step through the door at 258 Charles Street and you feel it immediately: the hush of a neighborhood institution. Andy Perugino’s balances the calm of an old-school dining room with the hum of regulars who’ve celebrated decades of milestones here. It’s unpretentious and welcoming, grounded in family recipes and ritual. Though ownership has passed to Ray Fedor, the spirit – polished servers, steady service, and familiar dishes – remains intact. Locals know when to arrive, which booths feel coziest, and how to pace a leisurely meal. Tourists rarely stumble in; that’s precisely how Luzerne intends to keep it.
2. The Menu Locals Don’t Share
The menu at Andy Perugino’s reads like a love letter to Italian-American comfort. Lasagna layered with creamy ricotta and a rich tomato sauce, eggplant parmigiana that cuts with a fork, and that beloved broiled seafood platter all make regular appearances at neighborhood tables. Steaks and prime rib anchor the non-pasta crowd, while simple sides – angel hair, marinara – round out the experience. Desserts are proudly homemade, and choosing between chocolate peanut butter and lemon meringue is a joyful dilemma. It’s the kind of cooking that favors memory over flash, quietly satisfying rather than performative, which is exactly the point.
3. Service With a Familiar Smile
The service here feels like a handshake from another era – attentive, warm, and unhurried. Longtime regulars often know their server by name, while newcomers quickly learn they’re in steady hands. You’ll notice details: well-dressed staff, a bar TV playing softly, and the rhythm of a room that welcomes conversation. On busy nights the dining room fills fast; on quiet evenings, it’s a sanctuary. Either way, the staff balances charm with competence. In a world of scripted upsells and rushed turns, Andy Perugino’s offers rare hospitality that lingers – one more reason locals guard it carefully.
4. Desserts Worth the Detour
Save room. The lemon meringue arrives with featherlight peaks, bright curd, and a crust that holds its own. The chocolate peanut butter pie is decadent yet balanced, silky rather than heavy. These are not throwaway finales – they’re signatures, crafted with the same steady hand that guides the savory menu. Regulars plan their orders around dessert, sometimes splitting a second slice for good measure. In a small town full of sweets, these pies still command attention. They’re the last word in comfort, and often the first story locals share when explaining why the place matters.
5. What To Order Your First Time
First-timers can’t go wrong with the broiled seafood platter – an enduring favorite that showcases the kitchen’s confidence. Veal parm delivers a generously sauced comfort, while chicken Marsala brings savory depth. If you’re pasta-inclined, pair an entrée with angel hair and marinara, and calibrate your sauce as you go. Start light with soup or a simple salad, then commit fully to dessert. Portions are satisfying without theatrics, perfect for a leisurely pace. It’s a meal designed for conversation and a second glass – less a performance, more a ritual. After all, traditions taste better unrushed.
6. Navigating Mixed Reviews Like a Local
Yes, opinions vary – some diners cite slow pacing or a dish that didn’t land; others praise generous portions and heartfelt cooking. Regulars read reviews with context: this is a classic neighborhood spot with traditions, not a trend-chasing kitchen. Come for timeless dishes, not novelty; expect attentive kindness, not theatrics. If a sauce is mild, use it as a backdrop to the entrée’s strengths. Ask your server for guidance – they’ll steer you wisely. The overall picture is clear: the hits consistently outshine the misses, especially when you order in the restaurant’s wheelhouse.
7. The Feel of a Four-Generation Favorite
Andy Perugino’s carries the quiet weight of continuity – birthdays, anniversaries, and Sunday dinners all woven into its dining room. Families return with new generations, introducing the same dishes their grandparents loved. Even as ownership evolves, the ritual remains: a familiar booth, a shared entrée, a pie to end the night. That dependable rhythm is why locals speak protectively about the place. It’s less about perfection and more about belonging, a comfort that outlasts trends. In Luzerne, that kind of reliability is priceless – and not something they’re eager to see overrun by curiosity.
8. Plan Your Visit—Quietly
Call ahead, especially on holidays and weekends, and aim for an early seating if you prefer a calm room. Expect mid-range prices that reflect a sit-down, old-school experience. Dress comfortably; you’re here to linger, not rush. Parking is straightforward, and the location off Wyoming Avenue makes it easy to find – if you know where to look. Keep your party size manageable for the coziest experience. And when dessert comes, please split a second slice. Just, you know – don’t tell everyone. Some secrets taste better when shared sparingly.
