Yakima's longtime favorite Italian restaurant has a lot more than just great, fresh Italian food.

The oh-so-swank lounge has its own entrance but remains a part of the main restaurant. Its separate space gives patrons an entirely different atmosphere than the main dining room and lately, it has become Yakima's hot spot. "It's upbeat and cosmopolitan," says owner John Gasperetti. "People can't believe that it's here in Yakima."

Featuring a sleek burnished copper countertop complemented by comfortable steel and leather stools, the bar invites one to meet and greet in a chic, metropolitan atmosphere. There's a 42-inch plasma TV above the bar for sports fans, and the date night crowd will love the live jazz on the weekends. The large room also features plenty of tables and a sophisticated banquet, perfect for a drink or a light meal with friends.

With a full array of well drinks, martinis, premium Northwest wines by the glass and microbrews on tap, the bar has everything you need to quench your thirst. A special menu of delicious appetizers, headlined by Gasperetti’s world famous onion rings, includes light entrees such as “authentic Italian pizza a la Papa Mario,” Caesar salad, and a number of other tasty Italian-inspired surprises. Overall, the lounge at Gasperetti's feels more like a private club than a bar.