The Superb Place to Eat: Presti's is Vintage Chintz

Traditional Family Restaurant May Be Years Old, But Offers New Alternative For Oberlin Cruisers

Ah, Presti's. The name has been around for decades, and the décor has been around for even longer. But for true Oberlin hipsters who know where to sip a cheap Long Island iced teas, Route 113's own Italian haven has long been a local favourite.

True, the Feve and the Inn are the more popular watering holes, but when one is seeking a little more class, Presti's is prime. Established in 1937, the restaurant and lounge isn't the most well-known of Oberlin hang-outs, but is a great alternative for a classy Saturday night date when the charm of Weia Teia has long-since worn off.

"We get a cross section of people from around the county," said owner Gene Presti, the second generation of the family to manage the restaurant. "But there's not too many college kids."

And this is a damn shame. With $3 drinks, three satellite dish televisions with round-the-clock sports coverage and a feel-good, semi-chintzy atmosphere, you'd think Oberlin students would have caught on by now.

A successful night out at Presti's should kick-off with a round of assorted deep-fried vegetables, and a couple Labatt's on tap. Three-foot barstools welcome the weary traveler ready for a chat with the locals. And the service? Top notch. Presti's doesn't serve food after about 11 p.m., but deep-cushioned booths in the corner encourage late-night chats after the homework's done. Or in lieu of it.

Consider the alternatives: The days of the week for Obie drinkers run down something like this: Mondays are pitcher nights at the Inn, Tuesdays are good for crowded Quarter Beers at the 'Sco, Wednesdays are left to fend for themselves (The Feve bar), Thursdays, one has the exciting option of '80s night at the 'Sco, or - surprise - The Feve bar again, on Fridays, TGIF at the 'Sco has cheap beer, various staggered happy hours at The Feve picking up after TGIF ends, which just leaves the weekends for catching up on any missed nights out during the week.

And now, consider Presti's: quiet, secluded, and - the kicker - cheap good times.

In a community as colorful as Oberlin, one can only imagine some of the characters that have passed through Presti's over the years. "There's been so many crazy things that have happened since 1955," chuckled Presti when asked of his most memorable restaurant mis-hap. "If it hasn't happened yet, don't worry - it will." One local regular, Presti recalled, brings his dog with him to the restaurant every so often. The pair always order the prime rib dinner, complete with salad and Presti's own special baked potato; the dog eats, too.

While an Italian dinner may not become a regular tradition for penny-pinching students, weekly wine specials and daily bottom-dollar beer prices are sure to attract the smart crowd who has grown weary of the predictable Feve bar routine. Presti said the main appeal of his bar is its intimate size, but is most proud of his restaurant's dishes. would like to encourage students to try his most popular dishes: veal parmesan and roast beef.

"If you get tired of dorm food," advised Presti, "I invite you to come out for a nice dinner, and relax and take your time." Presti's is just the dive to spend some time at, whether it's over dinner or a beer. Be the first in your block to start the Presti's trend; it won't be long before the rest of the smarties catch on.