The unmistakable Parkhouse Eatery on Park Boulevard (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Happy 30th to a Culinary Landmark in University Heights

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

A tall pedestal clock on the front lawn marks the spot for Parkhouse Eatery, a wildly popular house-turned-restaurant that is celebrating its 30th anniversary with deals and steals throughout the month of May.

The house was built in 1931. It operated as an antique store, a women’s shelter, and a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.

Then in 1996, Parkhouse’s first chef-owner, Tommy Golden, gutted the place and turned it into a restaurant. Its current owner, Tony Loiacono, has carried the torch by maintaining the restaurant’s vintage feel while retaining longtime signature dishes such as blue corn pancakes, eggs Benedict with avocado Hollandaise sauce, salmon on a cedar shingle, lamb burgers and more.

Head chef Gilberto Villarreal has worked at Parkhouse since the beginning.

“There’s been very little turnover with our staff over the years,” said general manager Ethelyn Baldwin. She added that on May 1–3, the restaurant will hold raffles for merchandise prizes and Parkhouse gift cards. A portion of proceeds from sales on those days will go to Rachel’s Women Center in the East Village.

Also, throughout the entire month, customers will find the return of old dishes at old-time prices. One of those recurring deals will feature flights of four differently flavored mimosas for $19.96, which reflects the year the restaurant opened. The flights normally cost $26 each.

Parkhouse Eatery serves brunch daily starting at 8:30a Monday through Friday (8:00a on Saturdays and Sundays), and dinner from 5:00p on Fridays and Saturdays.