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Paisano's Serves Italian With A Side Of Laughs In Rutherford

RUTHERFORD, N.J. — When Paisano's opened in Rutherford back in 1989, it was a small humble pizza shop. Now, thirty years and two extensions later, it has become a full-blown restaurant capable of hosting over 100 people and monthly comedy nights.

Paisano's has been opened since 1989 but since then it's evolved from a small pizza shop to comedy-night-hosting restaurant.

Paisano's has been opened since 1989 but since then it's evolved from a small pizza shop to comedy-night-hosting restaurant.

Photo Credit: Paisano's Instagram
Paisano's Thursday night comedy shows have been sold out every time since they started three years ago. Each comedy night takes place the last thursday of the month.

Paisano's Thursday night comedy shows have been sold out every time since they started three years ago. Each comedy night takes place the last thursday of the month.

Photo Credit: Paisano's Instagram
Paisano's spinach and meat lasagna

Paisano's spinach and meat lasagna

Photo Credit: Paisano's Instagram
Paisano's fettuccini mountain & sea

Paisano's fettuccini mountain & sea

Photo Credit: Paisano's Instagram

The restaurant's comedy nights came after Paisano's expanded its seating area, allowing for more creative uses of the space. 

Co-Owner Julian Muscio recalls seeing a comedian with friends in the Bergen which eventually led to Paisano's monthly comedy nights.

"A [comedian] said he was local and he was good. We looked him up and said 'Let’s see if he’ll do our show.' From there on out he’s been booking every month," Muscio said.

Muscio co-owns the business with his older brother Justin. The establishment was originally purchased and operated by their father Daniel Muscio. 

The restaurant has stayed within the same family since 1989. But it's more than just the owners who have stayed consistent. 

"Our kitchen has stayed the same for 10 plus years, we had a server retire last year who was here for 36 years," Muscio said. He went on to name several other servers who have been working for Paisano's for over ten years.

Paisano's has gained a number of fans over the years. Daily Voice readers voted it one of the top Italian restaurants in Bergen County.

Comedy nights take place every last Thursday of the month. Paisano's is experimenting with different themed nights on other Thursdays for the month, such as lounge night or live bands. 

Reservations can be made through Paisano's website

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