Prima Cucina May Be Headed Back Downtown?
Is Prima Cucina making a downtown comeback? Some say it’s a done deal, while others insist nothing’s official. It’s giving a bit of will-they-won’t-they.
If you ask us, we’re rooting for a downtown return. Their food? Always top-tier, but it was the original location that made it feel truly special. The old bar, ornate art hanging on the wall, and those two petite patio tables outside—perfect for a spritz while eavesdropping on downtown foot traffic. It delivered on all three fronts: ambiance, great food, and good service.
The food and service stayed stellar (naturally) when they moved to Austintown, but the space felt a little more banquet hall than intimate trattoria. Downtown, with its low lighting and timeless bar, and an intimate space that gave it real character.
And if you recall, when it was Roberto’s nights were long, stories longer. If the walls could talk, they’d probably need a lawyer. It feels only right that Prima, a restaurant with so much character of its own, might head back to a space already steeped in stories. A second act downtown wouldn’t just be a win for Federal Street—it would be a return to form for one of Youngstown’s best.
Downtown Business Owners Plot to Oust Mayor Tito Brown
There’s a quiet ripple of political chatter running through downtown—and no, it’s not just happening over cocktails. Some local business owners are quietly plotting to oust Mayor Tito Brown, Youngstown’s current mayor, signaling they want fresh leadership ahead of November’s election.
They’re rallying under the slogan “Downtown for McDowell,” backing Derrick McDowell, a fresh face in the race, with hopes he’ll bring new energy and ideas to the city’s core.
Corey McCrae, one of the coalition’s voices, says McDowell “understands the heartbeat of downtown” and can help reimagine its future.
Politics and downtown have always been a tricky dance, but if the conversations at coffee counters and bar stools are any indication, this coalition is making its presence felt.
Will they succeed in toppling Tito? Stay tuned.
🎤 A Big Weekend Ahead: John Mayer and Tim McGraw Headline
Y-Live just announced what’s set to be a massive weekend for downtown. On Friday, Sept. 26, John Mayer will take the stage at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, followed by Tim McGraw on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Back-to-back nights of national headliners promise to draw massive crowds, making downtown the busiest it’s been in years.
☕ Barry’s Cub Café Is Serving Lattes… in Wine Glasses
And in the category of delightful, unnecessary details: Barry’s Cub Café is serving their iced lattes in wine glasses.
It’s oddly specific but feels like the kind of thing we’ll start craving for the aesthetic alone. Just be sure to order a large—they’ll know what to do.
🌸 Art in Bloom at the Butler Institute of American Art
The Butlers’ garden party returns with Art in Bloom on July 19 from 6–8 pm. Expect flower bouquets for sale, appetizers, mixed drinks, and live music.
Themed dress isn’t required—but isn’t this the perfect excuse for linen and a low kitten heel? Tickets are $50 per person. To RSVP, call 234-228-8521 or email sydneybraatz@butlerart.com.
🎶 Fellows Riverside Gardens: Rhythm & Blues Summer Garden Party
Fellows Riverside Gardens is hosting their annual Summer Garden Party on Friday, July 25 from 5–9 pm—this year’s theme is Rhythm & Blues.
Cocktails and appetizers kick off at 5 pm in the Kidston Pavilion, accompanied by live music on guitar and saxophone, followed by dinner outside at 6:15 pm.
Tickets are $135 per person and can be purchased here.
🚨 The High-Speed Chase and the Mahoning River Swim
A car chase, a crack pipe, and an attempted river escape—yes, this actually happened.
Tuesday night brought a bit more excitement than usual when Youngstown police spotted a car parked in a front yard late in the evening.
Inside, the driver was seen lighting a pipe commonly used for smoking crack cocaine—though we can’t officially confirm what was being smoked. Some mysteries are better left unsolved.
When officers approached and asked him to show his hands, the suspect took off, leading police on a chase that zigzagged through neighborhoods before ending near the train tracks where his car died.
Instead of surrendering, he jumped into the Mahoning River—strictly prohibited for swimming for more reasons than one… He attempted to swim across, only to realize he couldn’t. Officers had to jump in to rescue him from drowning.
The Mahoning River swimmer was arrested and had to be carried back to his car.
The moral of the story? If you can’t swim, maybe don’t make the Mahoning your great escape.
From trattoria gossip to mayoral shake-ups and a splash of river chaos, consider yourself officially caught up.