The joint was jumpin' at the end of June when Maggiano's Little Italy, Mayfair Mall's newest eatery, held its grand opening celebration and was dishing up food and drink like it was going out of style. But of course, Maggiano's style of hearty southern Italian fare hardly seems to be falling out of favor with Americans.

The 250-seat restaurant is designed in the style of a pre-war New York City supper club. Large, lively and decorated with classy dark panels, Maggiano's isn't upscale dining, but it certainly feels like it. A vast collection of framed family portraits (Are there real Maggianos?) -- add a homey touch.

Just inside the door is a spacious bar that regular diners will come to know intimately as despite the dining room's expansive size (plus a balcony with more tables, and a banquet room 'round the back) Maggiano's will likely be the kind of place that draws in the Tosa-area hungry.

Launched in Chicago in 1991 by Richard Melman's Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, there are now Maggiano's restaurants in 13 states and in the District of Columbia, but the menus don't vary, offering hearty southern Italian dishes like heaping lasagne and different takes on northern favorites like a bowl full of linguine with pesto, laced with chicken. There's also chicken saltimbocca, Caesar salads, delicious mushroom-stuffed ravioli and more.

The menu offers appetizers ranging from $3.95 to $11.95 and entrees from $10.95 to $32.95. Family-style dining offers unlimited quantities of appetizers, salads, pastas, entrees and dessert for $22.95 per person. Another option, priced at $19.95 per person, includes unlimited salads, pastas and desserts.

The restaurant marks a homecoming for Milwaukee native Brendhan McClusky, who has moved back from Chicago to open and operate the Mayfair restaurant.

"I am excited to be back home to introduce this great restaurant to the Milwaukee community," says McClusky. "We offer an authentic Italian American 'dining experience,' which means that we have perfected the combination of great food, great service and an inviting atmosphere."

Maggiano's Little Italy is open Monday-Thursday, 11:15 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11:15 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday, noon-9 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted. Call (414) 978-1000 for reservations and information and (414) 978-1020 for catering and banquet information.