A Fixture in the North End

On a quiet day in the North End, just after Christmas, Claudia Spagnuolo was sitting in a pastry shop on Hanover Street.

She was having a cup of coffee and knew everyone on the street.

A truck pulled up to deliver something to another business and Claudia went right up to the window to greet the man.

He was thrilled to see this energetic woman and wished her a happy holiday and smiled just at the sight of Claudia’s face.

An owner with her brother and son, Claudia runs La Famiglia Spagnuolo’s located at 240 Hanover Street.

On the business card (with colors of Italy and a man with a chef’s hat who is holding a pizza) it is stated that La Famiglia Spagnuolo’s is a famous Italian restaurant that has been in the North End for over 52 years.

“Many of the people in the North End who have pastry shops worked for my grandfather and then they went out on their own,” Claudia said.

The spacious and spotless restaurant has lots of tables, decorations and a bar located in the back.

“We serve Italian food such as pizza and other full dinners,” Claudia said. “We are open for from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During those hours, customer can enjoy lunch and dinner.

Some of the items from the menu include spaghetti with meatballs, Gnocchi Marinara, pasta with sausage, cheese ravioli, Eggplant Parmigiana with pasta, baked ziti and pumpkin ravioli.

Those are described as “Our Famous Menu” specials that -- served with hot bread and butter -- cost $7.95

For take-out, the restaurant offers dinners, pizza, wine and appetizers.

In addition, there’s a full bar with wine and other libations to compliment the meals.

“I’m a life-long resident of the North End,” Claudia said. “I’ve lived in the building at 240 Hanover Street and am still living here.”

Claudia explained that La Famiglia Spagnuolo’s is a family-run business.

Along with her brother and son, Claudia said they also have employees who have been with the restaurant for many years.

“Customers have been coming in here for years,” she said.

And then she admitted that she knows everything and everyone in the North End.

For additional information, call 617-742-9124.

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