The two local Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana locations have been popular for their blister-crusted pies for years, but many folks might not know the West Sahara location has a cool side bar with an excellent weekday happy-hour menu.
Along an attractive white marble counter and at tall wall-lining tables, well-priced items like arancini—fried balls of rice filled with peas, smoked mozzarella di bufala and diced cured meats served with marinara sauce—are just five bucks. Other lip-smackers being produced by chef Maurizio Di Cicco’s open-air kitchen include a salad of roasted beets with whipped goat cheese and Marcona almonds. Plus, there’s a handy plate of meat and cheese slices with focaccia, plus a mighty fried calzone.
Of course, there are pizzettes, or mini-pies ($5), still belly-fillers. The Margherita (crushed San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmigiano, basil and olive oil) and Marinara (no cheese, add garlic and oregano) are house staples. The Diavola brings roasted red bell peppers and slices of salami, the Vigo carries sausage and fennel and the Emilia offers prosciutto with a cream sauce.
For a snappier texture, there’s a trio of crostini ($5) on the list. Toasted bread con crudo is laden with 24-month-aged prosciutto. Other planks carry marinated artichokes, goat cheese and speck, a smoke- and air-dried viand. Even a garden-fresh bruschetta mixes crispy-fried pancetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, the king of herbs. And for a secret, off-menu crostino item, ask for the broccoli rabe-sausage-ricotta toast.
Beyond these edibles, Settebello West’s drink specials are the real deal, too. Draft beers and wines by the glass are $3 off. Even better, an adventurous craft program masterminded by bar manager Kendra Sides is producing some of the best cocktails in the shadows of Red Rock Canyon. Current libations include the Negroni Estate (eh-stah-té) with in-house raspberry-infused Campari, Dolin blanc vermouth and Ford’s gin. A close flavor-challenger is the Rustic Tuscan with Bulleit bourbon, Amaro del Sole, lemon, simple syrup and Fever Tree ginger ale.
Settebello 9350 W. Sahara Ave. #170, 702-901-4877. Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-6 p.m. & 8:30-10 p.m.
