On weekends, I often find myself quite hungry after a late night out. I always get a hankering for a few slices of some fresh-from-the-oven pizza, and the one place that never ceases to satisfy this craving is Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza.
For the past few years, anytime I heard someone mention this restaurant, I always associated it with their late-night slices.
However, after sitting down with the owners, I discovered that Ramunto’s is much more than that. Late-night slices are just one thing Ramunto’s is largely known for.
Every week, Thursday through Saturday, the to-go part of the restaurant remains open until 2 a.m. so students can end their night by filling up on pizza and garlic knots.
Karina Barriga Albring / Senior Reporter: A Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza employee prepares food for a customer in Keene, New Hampshire.
Many people often leave the bars, and go straight to Domino’s Pizza without thought. I myself once followed suit. However, once I experienced Ramunto’s freshly-made pizza, Domino’s went from being my first choice to a last resort.
Ramunto’s is located on 176 Main Street and is close to campus, therefore they get a lot of customers who come straight from parties or the bars.
I’ve always wondered if this was something that could be irritating for the employees working the late-night shift, but they said it does not bother them, instead it makes work entertaining.
The customers often cheer on the employees as they toss the pizza dough in the air. I’m guilty of that.
When Ramunto’s first opened its doors, the restaurant was geared towards KSC students, and the dining room was filled with KSC paraphernalia.
However, as time went on, management decided to make a few changes so the restaurant would appeal not only to students, but to Keene residents who live in the area.
“To be quite honest, we found that that wasn’t a direction that worked all the time, so we had to make some changes,” General Manager Frankie Candido said.
The KSC gear has since been taken down, and the walls now display featured artwork created by Keene residents. With wood floors and brick walls, Ramunto’s has a rustic vibe that is warm and comfortable.
In the spring and summer, customers can enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio that has beautiful greenery, with lights strung overhead. They also have outdoor heaters for chilly spring and summer evenings.
Michelle Doyon, the director of business development, said the outdoor patio is the best restaurant patio in Keene.
The restaurant may have expanded their clientele, but business from KSC students is still at the top. The bar offers 12 different beers on tap and a wide variety of cocktails.
Thomas Levesque, the front house manager of Ramunto’s, gets a big say in the drinks served at the bar.
“Being a smaller location, we’re able to take some liberties when it comes to our beer selection, wine selection and signature cocktails. I’m able to play a big part in that which is a lot of fun. Whether that be a seasonal draft line or playing around behind the bar and mixing up some new cocktails,” Levesque said.
Ramunto’s is also known for their 30 different specialty pizzas— but they have recently expanded the menu. Ramunto’s now serves pastas dishes, subs, salads and appetizers. Everything is homemade, right down to their dressings.
Karina Barriga Albring / Senior Reporter: Ramunto’s, above, is located at 176 Main Street Keene, N.H.
Mike Messina, a student at KSC, said the location, specials and atmosphere keep him coming back about twice a week. “On Monday, they have half-off pizzas, which is such a good deal,” Messina said.
Paul Orr, another fellow KSC student, said his favorite thing to order is the pad Thai pizza.
Both students agreed the service is great and the bartenders are always very nice.
Candido shared that above all, it’s about the experience customers have while eating at his restaurant.
“Hopefully they leave with a smile and they’re satisfied with the product that they had, and hopefully they’d like to come back and tell their friends they had a good experience here,” Candido said.
Every experience I’ve had at Ramunto’s has been wonderful. The customer service is excellent and the employees are always welcoming, even at 1:30 a.m.
Their large menu, delicious New York style pizza, drinks and friendliness is what has kept me coming back for more.
Brooke Stall can be contacted at bstall@keene-equinox.com