Restaurant Review: Loring Pasta Bar

Now I have to ask: what college student doesn’t love delicious food that’s affordable and makes you

feel a little sophisticated while managing school, work and a ton of homework? No one? That’s what I

thought.

 

Enter: Loring Pasta Bar.

 

Nestled in the heart of Dinkytown’s eateries and shops, this little gem of a restaurant offers the

yummiest Italian food in a sophisticated, yet somehow, laid-back atmosphere. When I was a freshman

and sophomore and was mainly confined to the Washington Avenue side of campus which includes the

freshman dorms, Chipotle and Noodles & Co. satisfied me plenty. It wasn’t until the end of sophomore

year that I actually ventured to Dinkytown and explored all it has to offer and I’m here to tell you, IT’S

WORTH IT! And Loring Pasta Bar is the fanciest little place nearby that you can afford.

How, you may ask? Because they offer a 25% off discount when you show your student ID! I’ve shown my ID each time I’ve been there and it helps immensely to cut your costs and still makes you feel like you can order what you want without that guilty voice nagging in the back of your head. I grabbed a friend this past Tuesday night to enjoy the Artichoke Ramekin appetizer and then I indulged in the Chicken and Mozzarella Ravioli meal while my vegetarian friend was able to delight in the Grilled Salmon. All of the different menu options allow for a person of any taste to enjoy their meal.

The ambiance of the restaurant is exquisite as you can listen to their complimentary live music and each table has the dusky glow of candles as the main source of light, and believe me, when the sun sets it is a really neat touch. There is an upper seating area that looks down on the main floor and large green trees and other assorted plants line the textured, antique walls. Their windows are often opened or removed completely so you feel as if you’re eating outside and sort of transports you to another place entirely. Amazingly, with my discount, my meal ended up being about $5 cheaper than it would have been (which is a really big deal) and I had leftovers to take home.

I highly recommend you enjoy all Dinkytown has to offer, including the Loring Pasta Bar, well before the end of your sophomore year and keep going back for more!

A little bonus at this particular place is their Sunday Brunch from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and greater still, their Salsa Dancing, Friday and Saturday night from 10:15 pm – 2:00 am. I haven’t been able