Courtesy of Uncle Mario’s Garage
By Helise Stamos
Mario DiSiena has brought his love for antique cars and food together in a new enterprise. Uncle Mario’s Garage, a restaurant and bar, recently opened in Queensbury.
The building housing the business was formerly Sutton’s Marketplace. Extensive revovations, which took two years, were required before opening.
“We had repairs that needed to be addressed, but we also reinvented our building into something great,” said DiSiena. “I brought my love of antique cars, motorcycles and trains into my restaurant.”
Twenty employees work with the DiSiena family to operate the restaurant. Mario’s wife, Diane, keeps the books. His daughter, Emily, greets customers and manages the multiple floors that display products for sale. His son, Michael, oversees deliveries. Emily’s boyfriend, Steve Lisciani, helps with anything that’s needed. Jeanette Walter, who worked 20 years as a manager at Panzas in Saratoga, is the general manager.
“I have worked every job in a restaurant,” Walter sad. “I’ve been a cook, a dishwasher, a server, a bartender and in management.”
“Our staff is treated like family and they want to come to work,” said DiSiena. “I’m very proud of my extended family.”
DiSiena’s personal car collection is on display at the restaurant. There’s Henry, a 1939 Ford stakebed pickup. Lucy is a 1924 Chevrolet C Cab similar to the Model T. Angie is a 2020 Corvette Blade Silver with a V8 engine. Mario is a 2010 BMW M3 eight-cylinder convertible, and Monroe (after Marilyn) is a 1957 blue and white Cadillac DeVille.
Next door to Uncle Mario’s Garage, the DiSiena family also owns The Furniture House, which has been in business since 1980
“Diane and I started the furniture house in 1980, doing furniture repairs then selling antique reproductions and contemporary upholstery,” said DiSiena. “The furniture we sell is Amish with a mix of the finest imports that can’t be found domestically. Only good quality and you’ll love our selection.”
They deliver their furniture all over the country.
Uncle Mario’s Garage serves lunch and dinner with a creative menu that consists of wood-fired pizza, burgers, chicken, pulled pork, sandwiches, salads, vegan dumplings and mac-and-cheese. There is a possibility of including breakfast in the future.
The decor consists of car front and back ends with headlights that light up, and the tables are slices of trees. They also have unique gifts, one-of-a-kind furniture, and sculptures. The gifts and furniture are upstairs at the restaurant.
The restaurant has 174 seats with indoor and outdoor seating. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p,m.
Bands are being booked on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Check out www.unclemariosgarage.com/ for details.