Feeling the Sounds of Downtown at Manhattan Pizza and Pub

To say that Burlingtonians are satisfied sitting around in the winter is like saying Vermont doesn’t thrive on skiing—it’s obviously not true. These days, it’s too cold to go camping, and the mountains aren’t usually open past 4 PM for people to slash and shred on. When it comes time to leave the outdoors, where is one to go? Downtown, of course, and there may be no greater underdog in the downtown game than Manhattan Pizza and Pub.
Located on the corner of Main Street and Church Street, Manhattan has served patrons of the greater Burlington area for over 17 years (it will be 18 this October). It was opened by the Cunha family, who has since passed it onto their three daughters. “This was something I’ve known I’ve wanted to do since I was little,” said Nora Cunha, co-owner of Manhattan. “It was kind of ingrained in me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Unlike many other downtown destinations, which primarily cater to the college crowd, Manhattan invites a very diverse group of people. Of course, because it is in the heart of downtown Burlington, students flock there, but citizens from different demographics also arrive in droves to enjoy an evening at the pub. “We get a lot of different people in here,” said Cunha. “We get people who are in their fifties and sixties, parents with kids, middle aged couples…there’s a ton of diversity and a ton of people. It’s cool.”
What draws such a crowd? The interior itself is rather standard of a Burlington bar—plaques, labeled mirrors, photos, and local art adorn the walls, while a massive LCD television sits above the bar. Big Buck Hunter, an arcade hunting game, sits in the side of the restaurant and is usually occupied by some prospective animal assassin, and a pool table across from the bar is never stagnant. Cunha also said that she and her sisters recently installed a Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and that they occasionally have game tournaments that draw in a crowd. “It’s something different, and it can get pretty heated,” said Cunha, laughing. “They’re really funny.”
The fact that Manhattan is a pizza pub, offering some of the best and most unique pies in Burlington (with names such as the Vesuvius and the Corleone), as well as several microbrewery selections, attracts people to it. But they also deliver, which means people never have to leave the comfort of their homes to sample delicious New York style pizza. Why, then, do so many people head to the corner of Church and Main when they’re looking for something to do?
“…Open Mic Night is a huge factor,” commented Cunha when asked why the big crowds come down. “We get live music three or four nights a week, and it gets nothing but positive reception.” Open Mic night happens every Wednesday, when up-and-coming artists can show off their stuff by playing a short set in front of the regulars at the pub. Most recently, the Lynguistic Civilians held their first open-to-the-public show at Manhattan. “It was great,” said Lauren Craig, member of the hip-hop group. “A lot of our friends came down, but we also saw a lot of people we didn’t know. Manhattan was a good place to open up and show people what we’ve got.”
Open Mic Night started about ten years ago, and it definitely gives Manhattan an individual flair. Apart from Nectar’s, it hosts more live acts in the downtown area than any other venue, and a large portion of these come from artists who are virtually unknown in the community. When asked about the eagerness of artists, Cunha said, “It’s great to see new faces down here. They don’t just have to play music…they can tell jokes, too. They just have to have a lot of guts…most of them do.”
Scheduled acts appear on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, with performances from bands Kairos, the Fever Breakers, and many more. “Saturday night gets packed because…the Fever Breakers usually come play,” said Cunha. “They’re really popular down here.”
Dan Racokwsky of Kairos, a local Burlington rock act, said he really enjoys playing at Manhattan. “I think it’s a great place to come and play. I’ve played seven or eight times, and it never really gets old.” When asked about the kind of music he sees performed at Manhattan, he said, “From my perspective, it’s a lot of rock, punk, and metal.”
But Manhattan is a genre-defying venue. “We get a lot more rock than rap down here,” said Cunha, “but that doesn’t mean we don’t welcome it.” Whether a DJ is on the bill for the night, or an acoustic guitarist is going to wield some hair-metal ballads at Open Mic, Manhattan does not discriminate against one brand or style. All are invited.
Music has clearly made an impact on the state and condition of Manhattan’s popularity, but so has another aspect of Burlington youth-cultured: Skateboarding. Skate video premieres have become a hot ticket at the pub, and the giant television hanging over the bar usually exhibits the hottest new skaters throwing down the best tricks they can. “We have a connection with Maven (the local skateboard shop),” said Cunha. “A lot of their guys come down and throw in videos for people to watch.” Exhibiting video premieres is another way of drawing a crowd; with winter in full force, snowboard videos are another feature that brings in the wanderers of the cold and bitter streets to enjoy a warm evening with the employees of Manhattan.
Still, nothing gets people as pumped or eager to visit the corner of Church and Main as the live music. Cunha said that Manhattan only featured music on Thursday nights, but that has changed, and only for the better. “We give the artists a beer and a piece of pizza, and they play to their heart’s content. It’s a good trade,” said Brian “Walshie Steez” Walsh of Lynguistic Civilians. “I’ve come here for the slices and the beer, but now I’m working up there. I got a great first impression (from Manhattan).”
Most bars specialize in one aspect of entertainment, focusing all their energy on that one feature. Manhattan is a jewel—it’s got it all, from pool to live music, Big Buck Hunter to magnificent pizza. Whether there is a Super Nintendo challenge, Open Mic Night, a scheduled performance from a menagerie of talented local performers, or a new video dished out from local skateboarders, Manhattan Pizza and Pub is never comes up short on serving good times.
Anthony Carace