Spaghetti Factory Is in a Class by Itself

The cool, cavernous building in Duarte known as The Old Spaghetti Factory was once a five-room schoolhouse for first- through eleventh-graders.

The high walls are lined with black-and-white photos of the original schoolhouse. But the real treat is the gallery of old student photos. Inquisitive faces stare out at you while you slurp up linguine in the place where they once learned how to read and write.

Built in 1909, the Duarte School was the only school serving the Duarte area until 1925. From the early 1950s until 1990, when it was closed, it served as the administration building for the Duarte Unified School District. The Old Spaghetti Factory bought it three years later and converted it into a restaurant. The old principal’s office is the most requested room, said Joe Kalfus, one of the restaurant’s general managers. The simple green drapes and solid round table create a serious atmosphere that works well for business lunches.

Brass headboards were used to create the backs of booths. Near the entrance is a glass case containing antiques donated by customers.

The fabricated Pacific Electric Railway car in the middle of the main room, which used to serve as the auditorium, feels a bit out of sync with the classroom theme, but according to General Manager Steve Medalia, the railway cars are a signature item of the Old Spaghetti Factory and can be found in all 26 restaurants in the nationwide chain. Medalia said most of the restaurants in the chain are in historic buildings, from an old packinghouse in Riverside to a former cannery in Seattle.

The lunch crowd consists mostly of people on their breaks, but dinner draws families and large lively parties.

The environment is informal, relaxed and especially good for large groups. While reservations are not accepted, the sheer size of the place virtually guarantees quick seating.

The menu offers standard Italian fare from spaghetti and meatballs to lasagna. Each dinner is served with soup or salad and fresh bread. There is a full bar, wine list and children’s menu.

The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1431 Buena Vista Ave., Duarte. Open 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Phone number: (818) 358-2115.