Comfort food: Pull up a chair at Barletta's in North Scranton
Sep. 13—Ryan Barletta dreamed of opening a place where people will feel like they are just sitting around the kitchen table with family and friends.
His eatery, Barletta's Bar and Restaurant in North Scranton, is just the place.
Barletta's serves burgers, wings, flatbreads and salads, along with an extensive beer menu and cocktail list. Some of the menu items were created with family in mind, especially Pop's Sweet Fried Pizza Fritta Balls.
Chef's Table spoke to Barletta about this Oak Street destination.
Q: What is the history of Barletta's Bar & Restaurant?
A: I have always loved socializing and speaking with everyone I come across as if I've known them my entire life. Growing up with a strong Italian family that loved people, my favorite memories included spending time in the kitchen with my four siblings and parents. I have always dreamed of one day merging these two aspects of my life by opening my own bar and restaurant with the intent of creating a space that allows everyone to be themselves, creating a lively and extraordinary experience right within their hometown.
Since opening, I have ensured that Barletta's offers a personable and welcoming atmosphere, where everyone is treated like family while coming together to eat, drink, and be merry, Barletta style.
Q: On the menu, what do you consider to be your signature dish?
A: Through customer feedback, we have two favorites or signature dishes. Our buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich that comes with crispy fries, and our signature wings that are served with blue cheese and celery.
We may be biased, but our favorite is Pop's Pizza Fritta Balls. This was the only thing my father, Bob, wanted on the menu before he passed.
Q: Do you have events or entertainment?
A: We are thrilled to have Wednesday wing night, where we offer 10 bone-in wings for $7.50 as well as happy hour. We are currently in the process of holding weekly entertainment, as we are eager to support our local musicians.
In the near future, we will also be honoring veterans, military, first responders, medical professionals and teachers by holding discounted prices during certain days throughout the year to show thanks.
Q: Could you tell us more about your beverage menu?
A: We have over 85 different types of beer. Our goal is that Barletta's will have something for everyone. When creating our specialty cocktail menu, we wanted to include our bartenders and family members' favorite drinks. Therefore, each drink you see on the menu has some significance within our team. Customer favorites have been: House of the Rising Sun, Ryan's Crush, Creamsicle Crush and Freshberry Buzz Martini.
Q: What kind of dining, takeout, and delivery do you have?
A: At this time, we offer dining at the bar and dining room, as well as takeout.
Q: Growing up, what was your favorite place to eat?
A: My favorite place to eat was Ponderosa because it was a family orientated place with a great atmosphere and good food and where you can be yourself with others.
Q: Where do you see the bar headed?
A: In the future, I hope to continue growing the bar into a common place for people to gather. I hope for my community to view this as a place to get away and enjoy themselves whether going through good or bad times, knowing our staff will be there to lift their spirits.
Further, I wish for my daughter Taylor, nieces, nephews, and future grandkids to carry on this legacy for their future family and friends, by continually instilling new ideas and events at this local bar and restaurant.
Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
