LEO/LHB Eats: Eating for two (or more) at Buca di Beppo

[Robin Garr]

I would have given them maybe a 74.

For the record, I generally wouldn't devote a review to a chain unless I could honestly rate it well into the 80s, dramatically exceeding expectations; or well below 70, which I'll do occasionally if a new chain is drawing crowds and generating a buzz but is so horrible that "foodies" need to be warned. If it earns a standard C grade, I figure I can save my ink for an interesting indie.

I've been to Buca three times. It has been above average and a good value every time. Kind of difficult to screw up salad and pasta with red sauce, but even the chicken saltimbocca was good. Their side dish of escarole sauteed with lots of garlic and hot chile flakes is excellent.

I have tried Buca on several occasions over the years since it opened, and do not see what people like about it. Chain-wise I would always choose Carraba's or Amerigo if I wanted Italian when on Hurstbourne. However, if possible, I would always choose Mellilo's over any of them. I do know that the style of Buca di Beppo is diferent, but I just haven't had anything there that I have liked, and n all honesty would even prefer Macaroni or Olive Garden(If desperate) over this restaurant.

I'm with Wayde. The last time I ate at Buca, I ended up in the hospital the next morning with a minor heart attack. Have eaten at Melillo's several times since - no coronary impact yet. Live longer - eat at Melillos!

ok, let's be clear. I am not comparing Buca to the indies. I think I am on record as preferring indies. But, is Jeffrey claiming that Buca gave him a heart attack? Dude, I'd be a little more careful about saying things like that on a public forum. What you might consider being Bourdain Jr., might be considered defamation to someone else.

Robin you say ...If a new chain is drawing crowds....Where have you been....Most of them draw a crowd every night of the week and are packed on the weekends.....I would say a better word for a new place is a MOB not a crowd....that is what they do every night of the week...

[Robin Garr]

Robin you say ...If a new chain is drawing crowds....Where have you been....Most of them draw a crowd every night of the week and are packed on the weekends.....I would say a better word for a new place is a MOB not a crowd....that is what they do every night of the week...

Let it go, Robert. Please.

I'm with Wayde. The last time I ate at Buca, I ended up in the hospital the next morning with a minor heart attack. Have eaten at Melillo's several times since - no coronary impact yet. Live longer - eat at Melillos!

O_o I'm stunned that you would imply that the two events were in any way related... on a very public forum, even tongue in cheek, that's just an unbelievable thing to say.

Hey - ease up. Maybe my family's joke about the event didn't translate well in print. Sorry. Of course the meal didn't cause the m.i. On the other hand, I've not eaten caesar salad since that night, and no more heart attacks! Connection?

For a good, rowdy time with a large group (and kids) , Buca di Beppo is a great choice. We've been a number of times for B'day dinners, etc and always pleased with the food and the service. We also really like the chicken saltimbocca, the antipasto-laden salad and the Pope Room. Food is WAY better than Olive Garden and the bathrooms are much more interesting...

Deb

Bucca is just a fun place. I think that the food is just fine but the overall experience is fun. To me, this is a great place to go with a large group. It's actually an awesome place to take a church youth group to. I liked Robin's review because in his description of the place he made people realize that it is a fun place more than anything else. Sometimes having fun dining is a delightful experience.