Lido will open a second location in Bergen County

Ready for a second Lido?

Steve Lonegan, the owner of the beloved old-school Italian joint, is.

Lonegan, a former mayor of Bogota, said he is about to close on a facility in North Arlington where he intends to launch a Lido II. It will be, he said, exactly like the 57-year-old classic on Main Street in Hackensack, famous for its thin-crust pizza and traditional sliced steak sandwich — save for a few exceptions. It will be somewhat bigger — 25 more seats (its capacity is around 150), will serve lunch daily, and have parking, something sorely missed in Hackensack.

"We are taking a chance," Lonegan said, noting how difficult the past few years have been due to the pandemic. "Getting through the pandemic was rough, but we made it. We have a great following."

He noted that Lido has been described by several news outlets, including NorthJersey.com, as one of the greatest old time restaurants in New Jersey. He also mentions that Barstool Pizza , an Internet pizza-rating show by sports blogger David Portnoy, gave it a score of 8.1 out of 10.

And recently Lido got a thumbs up from actor, comedian and producer Ben Stiller, who stopped in for a few pies.

"We will have the same product line, same key people," Lonegan said. "If it wasn't for our team, we wouldn't be doing this.

Lonegan asked that the exact location in North Arlington not be revealed because the owner has not yet told his employees that his shop will be closing. "I understand that," he said.

More Lido:'It’s always going to be the Lido:' New owners of Hackensack spot include NJ politico

Can there be too many dive bars?Of course not. Here's to more good beer, great eats

The original Lido in Hackensack, an unassuming 122-seat spot that sits on the first-floor of a two-story building, was completely restored nearly three years ago after it was sold to Lonegan and members of his family. The family, who had been Lido customers for years, installed new floors, new ceiling, new bathrooms — and brought the 11-seat bar back for use. The bar was shut down since the '70s because its owners feared noise.

The second Lido will have a liquor license as well, Lonegan said.

Lonegan said that he hopes to "soft" open the new restaurant in early September

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Arlington NJ will be home to a second Lido opening