Location: 2112 W. 25th St.
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Total votes: 544
Best known for: Homemade lasagna
Year established in Lawrence: 2011

When Free State sophomore Molly Reed goes to Paisano’s, she is always excited for the unlimited breadsticks and Italian food. The low lighting and romantic atmosphere add to Reed’s experience.

“I go there when I really want spaghetti or breadsticks,” Reed said. “You go in there, and there’s Italian music playing. It makes it feel more Italian.”

Paisano’s Italian Ristorante has been in Lawrence since 1999 and has been under current management since 2003. The restaurant features multiple dining rooms for large dinners and get-togethers, making it an ideal place to eat before prom. The menu offers Italian cuisine, which includes everything from pasta to eggplant Parmesan.

“Our personal service along with our homemade food is what makes our business unique,” general manager Wes Whirrel said. “We are most known for our homemade lasagna.”

The romantic atmosphere at Paisano’s is popular among its customers, perhaps contributing to why it was chosen as the best place to eat before prom.

“I feel like the atmosphere is very built around a traditional, classical theme,” Lawrence High senior and Paisano’s employee Kyle Berkley said. “It has a good atmosphere. It’s romantic enough, so you can feel like it’s a personal dinner with a significant person, so that’s nice.”

 2nd Place: Encore Cafe – 1007 Massachusetts St.

3rd place: The Mad Greek – 907 Massachusetts St.

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