State Street Saloon Expands

State Street Saloon owner Ely Sokorelis recognized a great opportunity to give his customers something new when the former Upscale Resale boutique shop moved out of the 500 square foot retail space at 278 State St.

Within a few weeks, he and State Street Saloon Manager Michael Conley decided to lease the space from the building's owner and turn it into a separate dining area for their customers.

Sokorelis said they hope to open the new dining area that can seat up to 28 people before the end of this month and it will offer some new Italian dishes on the menu in addition to the regular State Street Saloon fare. Sokorelis said they will serve prime rib on Friday's and Saturday's and add dishes like veal and chicken Marsala, and some alfredo dishes "all at reasonable, affordable prices."

"We want to give them a little better dining experience," said Sokorelis, who has owned State Street Saloon for 30 years. "If you remember The Grotto, this will be a touch of it."

Sokorelis said he used to own The Grotto restaurant on Pleasant Street where Brazo is now and he hopes that any of his customers who used to frequent his former eatery will re-experience the atmosphere he created there.

He explained Thursday afternoon that when his restaurant offered customer outdoor dining during the summer, many of them said they would like a semi-private dining area away from the casual dining area around the restaurant's bars.

When it opens, Sokorelis said customers can enter the new dining area directly from State Street or they can go through the bar area to get to it.

Sokorelis said the new State Street Saloon dining area will open after they obtain the needed city permits and complete their renovation work.