Barnelli's Pasta Bowl

Barnelli's operates inside the Portillo's complex on Jefferson Avenue, but step past the counter and you find a pasta-and-ribs operation that holds its own identity. The Award Winning Baby Back Ribs are the signature draw, marinated in a proprietary sauce and grilled over open flame until the meat pulls cleanly from the bone. We ordered a half rack alongside the Chicken Parmesan, a lightly breaded breast topped with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan over a bed of spaghetti that delivered honest comfort without pretension. The pasta itself is house-made, and the marinara carries a brightness that lifts every dish. Prices sit well below most Italian restaurants in town, making this a spot where families can eat well without wincing at the check. The Chicken Pecan Salad offers a lighter option with crunchy bacon, pecans, and a honey dijon dressing that balances sweet and tangy. The ordering format is cafeteria-style, which keeps things moving fast during the lunch rush, and the homemade bread served alongside entrees adds genuine value to an already affordable meal.