Still Got It: Pepe Rosso To Go

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In this city, restaurants come and go faster than you can say "ethically sourced ramen burger." And even though there are great new additions to the culinary landscape popping up every week, you've gotta give kudos to anyone who can stick it out for over a year. With that in mind, we bring you Still Got It, our tribute to establishments that continue to serve mouthwatering meals and drinks long after the buzz has faded—or where the lingering hype is still justified.

Pepe Rosso To Go, the Greenwich Village outpost of Pepe Rosso Social, used to have a sign that read "No breastfeeding in Pepe Rosso of children over 12 years of age" hanging above its seating area—the sign has recently been taken down, maybe because it's pretty hard to find a place to breastfeed an infant (or pre-teen; you do you) in the tiny, ten-seat restaurant. They have a few other signs, too: one that reminds customers to eat quickly, because seats are limited; one that boasts "NO DIET COKE/NO SKIM MILK/NO DECAF. ONLY GOOD FOOD"; and a few Supreme skateboards mounted on a wall above the list of specials, because why not?

(Gaby Del Valle / Gothamist)

Despite the restaurant's size—and the difficulty of finding an open seat during peak hours—Pepe Rosso's lunch special, offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays is the kind of thing you should take time out of your day to enjoy. (Which is a little bit selfish, sure; there aren't very many seats!). It's a pretty great deal: you can get pasta or a panini with a soup or side salad, and plenty of bread to eat beforehand, all for $9.95.

Their spaghetti bolognese ($11.90) was featured on our Best Comfort Foods list, but I'm more of a sandwich person. I usually get the prosciutto panini ($9.95)—if I'm in a pasta mood, I'll opt for the penne vodka with pancetta ($10.95), which isn't on the lunch special menu but is well worth it anyway. If you do get the lunch special, don't bother with the side salad—it's as fine as a salad can be, but their leek and potato soup is clearly the superior choice. They also serve beer and wine, which you should definitely order for a proper meal.

(Gaby Del Valle / Gothamist)

No matter what you order, you can expect a substantial meal, and you can get anything you want to go. If you're lucky enough to snag a seat, though, definitely stay a while, douse your bread in some of their herb-infused olive oil, and enjoy your seat while you can. For best results, go in early, take a friend, and order a panini and a bowl of pasta to share.

If you're looking for a sit-down meal, their flagship restaurant Pepe Rosso Social isn't too far away and boasts a larger, northern Italian-inspired menu

Pepe Rosso To Go is located at 149 Sullivan Street between Prince and Houston Streets in SoHo (212-677-4555, peperossotogo.com).