You walk into a restaurant in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine, and it feels like a movie set. But then you head downstairs. The vibe shifts from airy bistro to something way more intimate—dark wood, low light, and walls literally covered in old frames. People always ask about the pepp and dolores photos because they don't look like the generic "vintage Italian" decor you find at a chain.
Honestly, they aren't.
Those 200-plus snapshots aren't from a stock photography site. They are the actual, grainy, personal memories of the Lanni family. If you’ve ever sat down in the basement bar there, you’ve probably spent at least ten minutes squinting at a black-and-white image of a guy in a sharp suit or a woman laughing over a massive bowl of pasta. Those are the real Pepp and Dolores.
Who were they?
Pepp is short for Giuseppe. Dolores is the Americanized version of Addolorata. They were the grandparents of Joe and John Lanni, the founders of the Thunderdome Restaurant Group. To most diners, this is just a popular spot for sourdough and beet salad. To the owners, it’s a living museum for two people who risked everything to move from Italy to North America.
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The photos tell a story of immigration that is basically the blueprint for the American Dream. You see the hope in their eyes. You also see the sheer volume of food that defined their Sunday dinners.
Why the basement photos feel different
Most restaurants use "theming." They buy old suitcases from flea markets or print out sepia-toned pictures of random strangers to make a place feel "authentic."
The pepp and dolores photos hit differently because they are raw. You’ll see snapshots of the family at the beach, candid moments in kitchens that look like they haven't been updated since 1954, and wedding shots where everyone looks a little too stiff in their Sunday best.
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- The scale: There are over 200 photos downstairs.
- The staircase: Even the "hidden" double staircase leading to the lower level is designed to make you feel like you’re descending into a private family cellar.
- The curation: John Lanni has mentioned in interviews that they wanted the design to be a "period piece" specifically for their grandparents.
It’s kinda wild to think that while you’re eating your Cacio e Pepe, you’re surrounded by the literal ancestors of the person who signed the lease. It adds a layer of weight to the meal. You aren't just a customer; you're a guest at a table that has been set for decades.
Capturing the "Sunday Supper" energy
The photos serve a purpose beyond just looking cool on Instagram. They set the emotional tone. The Lanni brothers grew up with the Sunday Sauce tradition—the kind of meal that lasts four hours and involves way too much bread.
When you look at the photos of Addolorata (Dolores), you see the woman behind the recipes. The restaurant's "Sunday Sauce" isn't a marketing gimmick; it’s a recreation of what was happening in the kitchens in those photos. It's the braised pork shoulder and the meatballs that actually showed up on their plates back in the day.
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What most people get wrong about the decor
A common misconception is that the photos are a photography "project" or an art installation. They aren't. There’s no professional photographer credited for the basement walls because the "photographers" were just family members with Kodak cameras.
The lighting in the basement is intentionally dim to protect the integrity of the prints and to mimic a NYC-style supper club. If the lights were bright, it would feel like a gallery. With the dim amber glow, it feels like a secret.
How to actually see the best photos
If you want the full experience, don't just grab a table upstairs. The upstairs is great—it has those big windows and a breezy 1920s cafe vibe. But the soul is downstairs.
- Request the lower level: When making a reservation (which is basically mandatory these days), specifically ask for the basement.
- Look for the "Dunk" photo: There are images that inspired specific menu items, like the bread "dunk" which mimics how the family used to clean their plates with crusty bread.
- Check the restrooms: Even the transitions between rooms are lined with history.
The pepp and dolores photos act as a bridge. They connect the modern, trendy OTR food scene with a history that predates artisanal cocktails and valet parking. It’s a reminder that before it was a "concept," it was just dinner.
If you’re planning to visit, the move is to go during a weekday. The weekends are packed, and it's hard to really lean in and look at the photos when a server is trying to squeeze past you with a tray of rigatoni. Go on a Tuesday. Order the ricotta bread. Take a walk around the basement bar with a glass of wine and actually look at the faces on the wall. You’ll see a lot of courage in those frames.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Timing: Reservations open weeks in advance; the basement fills up first because of the atmosphere.
- Photo Etiquette: It’s tempting to take a million photos of the walls for your "grid," but the lighting is tricky. Use a long exposure rather than a flash to avoid glare on the glass frames.
- The Story: If you’re curious about a specific photo, ask the staff. Many of the long-term servers know the "lore" behind the most prominent family portraits.
- Menu Connection: Match your meal to the mood. The "Sunday Sauce" is the most direct culinary link to the people in those pictures.