Bartolino's Patio Ready for Younger Crowd, Families

It's where Sen. Jim Lembke proposed to his wife more than 30 years ago. 

It was the place to be for a dance, County Councilman Steve Stenger said.

Steeped in St. Louis history, South County Chamber members and friends gathered at Bartolino's Family Restaurant on South Lindbergh Tuesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony celebrated the opening of the restaurant's new patio. 

"We wanted to make a change," owner John Saracino said, whose father started the business. "We wanted to bring in younger people and families with the new patio and menu."

Bartolino's can now fit 25 additional people in the patio and another 25 in the bar. They are also offering a $5 happy hour menu with half-priced drinks and adding sandwiches and pizza to their menu.

"We just wanted to make it more casual for everyone, more attractive for families," Saracino said.

Saracino is also a St. Louis County Police Commissioner, and was thanked for his service to the community at the ribbon cutting. 

"I'm so appreciative of the people that have supported Bartolino's over the years," he said. "We're here to stay for a long time."