Happy National Meatball Day! + Where to Go For Spaghetti and Meatballs

It's been a tough year for meatballs, smothered with lingonberry and scandal. But tomorrow, on National Meatball Day, we put all of that behind us and celebrate with spheres of seasoned meat made from government-sanctioned non-companion animals. Because that's the true meaning of National Meatball Day.

Any of the entries on our list of 10 Best Meatballs would make a solid starting point to your festivities. But if you're looking to celebrate Meatball Day with a noodly counter-part, we have a couple suggestions for that too. Turn the page.

Al Gelato's Spaghetti and Meatball; Credit: Emma Courtland

Al Gelato:

Technically, you can't order spaghetti and meatballs at Al Gelato. They must be ordered separately, which kind of sucks, but it's Beverly Hills (sort of) and these things should be expected. Homemade noodles arrive in a piping hot pool of sweet marinara; your one giant all-beef meatball “side” gets its own kiddie pool of sauce. The price is steep for a single meal, but there's so much pasta that even the heartiest appetites would be challenged to finish in one sitting. So much pasta, in fact, that when ordered by young lady measuring just over five feet tall, the staff might feel obliged to warn her and offer her a to-go box. 806 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 659-8069.

Brownstone's spaghetti and meatballs; Credit: Emma Courtland

Brownstone Pizzeria:

On the other side of town, Eagle Rock's Brownstone Pizzeria serves a more humble plate of spaghetti and meatballs, at a price to match. It's the spaghetti and meatballs you wish your mother made: dry pasta, cooked perfectly; topped with four small meatballs, a combining of beef and pork in beautifully salty harmony, with a textural lightness that reflects an expertly delicate touch; marinara and shaved Parmesan. 2108 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock; (323) 257-4992.

See also:

– 10 Best Meatballs in Los Angeles

– Horse Meat Found in IKEA Swedish Meatballs