After eight years of opening primarily only for live music and events, The Rialto Theatre now serves food and drinks four days a week.

In need of a new lunch time hang out? Ready for a new after work haunt? Then we’ve got good news for you.

The Rialto Living Room – which opened inside The Rialto Theatre in late 2021 – is now open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a full bar and food from Paninoteca, including hand crafted paninis, tacos, desserts and soups.

Aside from SRINA Tea House & Cafe’s brief residency inside the Rialto Living Room, the space had previously only been open during concerts, performances, and other events.

Rialto co-owner Seth Vaill said he hopes the new hours will attract a regular lunchtime and after-work clientele. Vaill added that the Living Room also features an “open stage,” where patrons can both perform and enjoy live music.

“We want this to become a favorite new spot for people to stop in for a sandwich or a drink or conversation and feel like they are in their own living room,” he said.

The bar – which features over 30 beers – and restaurant combination has already proved popular amongst the musicians and concert goers who have had the opportunity to experience it since Paninoteca began serving up its signature sandwiches last fall – the most popular of which is the “La Roma” which includes ham, pepperoni, San Marzano marinara, fresh mozzarella, banana peppers, and basil.

“It’s so exciting to see this space activated even when there isn’t live entertainment,” Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance Marketing & Events Director Corey Jenkins said. “It’s the perfect place to meet friends for dinner and a drink after work and unwind, and it’s great to have another dining option on the boulevard.”

The Rialto Living Room is located inside The Rialto Theatre at 1000 Kenmore Blvd. For more information, and to view the full food and drink menu, visit therialtotheatre.com. Follow Paninoteca on Instagram and Facebook.