Carsonie's Stromboli & Pizza Kitchen — Restaurant in Blendon Township

We have lived here in Westerville for a little over a year, and finally decided to try Carsonie's (we drive past it every single day) for dinner. We were there around 4:00 PM on a Tuesday. (They have a Tuesday Spaghetti special but we didn't order the special because... you can make spaghetti at home for much cheaper).

The interior is quaint, clean, and almost like stepping back in time a little. It reminds me a lot of the pizza joints you would see on movies or television shows back in the 90s. It's a cross between a family Italian diner meets a small sports bar.

The atmosphere is pleasant, and while we were there it was quiet. It was mostly a few patrons at the bar and then several other families like ours after the kids were out of school. It's definitely family friendly, although they didn't have any carseat slings. We sat at a 6 person table and put our carseat up on a chair.

Our server was polite, friendly, and had a genuine smile. She was very attentive, quick on refilling our drinks, and she checked in frequently.

The primary reason, I'm giving three stars is the price of the food compared to the portions provided.

My husband ordered their loaded fries as an appetizer for 7.99, and a calzone with pepperoni and sausage for 10.99. I ordered the Godmother hoagie w/ Parmesan fries for 8.99, and we ordered the kid's a 12" cheese pizza for 10.99

The loaded fries, while tasty were not worth 7.99. It was the amount of fries you get with a medium order of fries from a fast food joint. We did split it between us, but you're talking a SUPER small portion of an appetizer. It was overpriced... I think 3.99 or 4.49 would be a better price for their loaded fries. All of their apps are overpriced.

My husband's calzone was so small, it was what a small adult or a child would eat. It was not a portion for an adult man with an appetite. There are no sides with the calzone, and for the price versus the size of the calzone it just wasn't worth it. The calzone was about the size of a personal pan pizza, which is not enough food for a 300 lb man. He wound up eating part of the kid's pizza. I can see paying 7.99 for the size of calzone (it didn't even cover a plate, it was as big as his hand and no bigger), but I cannot see paying 10+ dollars for something that small. He would have been better off just ordering a 12" pizza himself.

My hoagie was delicious, and it was "just enough" food for me. I felt like it was a decent price, but they could have given more fries for the price. I kind of view it, like for that much for just a sandwich and fries I should have some fries I cannot eat. I was left wanting a little more food. The only thing I didn't like about the sandwich was the lettuce they use. The lettuce reminded me of celery leaves, and had a strange texture.

The kid's pizza, was delicious. I would order pizza from there again. The pizza is a relatively normal price. For it being handmade pizza, it was good and I had no issues with the price. The crust is rich, thick, chewy, and buttery. I love the cheese blend they use and the sauce is tasty.

Overall.. I just think they need to charge a little less for food OR give bigger portions for the prices they are charging. We felt a little jipped, as our meal cost us 50.00 including tip and we could have easily have gone to Pizza Hut and came home with a horde of pizza leftover for 50.00. We could have went to Max & Erma's for less than 40.

While we liked their pizza a lot, we probably will not go back. I can't fathom spending 50.00 for a quick family meal that doesn't fill you up - when you can spend 30 somewhere else and be so full you need a wheelbarrow to...

Tucked away in a charming corner of the city, Carsonie's Stromboli & Pizza Kitchen exudes an inviting and warm ambiance that instantly captivates visitors. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the delightful aroma of freshly baked dough and simmering sauces, setting the tone for a wonderful dining experience.

One of the standout features of Carsonie's is its immaculate cleanliness. The restaurant boasts spotless tables, gleaming floors, and well-maintained decor, creating a welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease. The attention to detail in keeping the dining area tidy contributes to the overall positive impression of the establishment.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the "Original Strom," their signature stromboli dish. Bursting with flavor and creativity, this delightful creation combines a medley of premium Italian ingredients encased in perfectly golden-brown dough. Each bite is a harmonious blend of gooey cheese, succulent meats, and fresh vegetables, making it an absolute must-try for stromboli enthusiasts.

For appetizers, I highly recommend indulging in the meatball sliders and Frank's Flatbread. The meatball sliders are miniature delights, featuring juicy, house-made meatballs generously smothered in tangy sauce and nestled in soft, pillowy buns. Frank's Flatbread, a delectable treat, showcases a mouthwatering combination of flavors, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

During my visit, I opted for the traditional spaghetti and meatballs, and it did not disappoint. The pasta was cooked to perfection, maintaining that ideal al dente texture. Accompanied by two in-house made meatballs, this classic Italian dish was a true comfort food experience. The tangy sauce that enveloped the pasta and meatballs was among the best I've tasted at any restaurant, leaving a lasting impression.

If you're in the mood for some libations, Carsonie's offers a full-service bar to quench your thirst. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or a refreshing beverage, the bar menu has something to satisfy your cravings. And for those looking for a bit of entertainment, trying your hand at bocce ball is a fun and engaging option.

For an extra dash of entertainment and fun, consider planning your visit on Wednesday nights to enjoy terrific live music while savoring their delicious offerings.

While the wine selection was respectable, as a red wine enthusiast, I would love to see them expand their choices to cater to those who prefer a less dry red. However, this minor note does not overshadow the overall wonderful dining experience Carsonie's provides.

In conclusion, Carsonie's Stromboli & Pizza Kitchen offers a delightful and quaint dining experience for lovers of Italian cuisine. The charm and cleanliness of the restaurant, paired with their delectable "Original Strom" and a range of appetizing dishes like meatball sliders and Frank's Flatbread, make it a standout choice for a memorable meal. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty Italian feast or simply want to unwind with some wings and a drink, Carsonie's is the perfect destination for a flavorful and...

First, I'll start with the food which was between good and very good. The prices are fair and sizes are generous. Now, let's get to some real concerns. This is 2021 and we are all struggling through COVID-related issues. The state and city have mandated social distancing and masks in restaurants and stores. Even with that, we have consistently patronized local and national restaurants while choosing to pick up or have our food delivered. I ordered pick up on 02.25.21. I was told we would have a 25 minute wait. but it clocked in at a little over 45 minutes. Aside from that, there was minimal social distancing. Not only were patrons not wearing masks (which is of course allowed when drinking or eating) but so were staff. STAFF! This not acceptable in any way, shape or form and. I am very sad to share this information as I want to support businesses locally. I will never revisit this restaurant, which I say very begrudgingly as the food is pretty good.

UPDATE

Management reached out to me to ask me to revisit using a complimentary gift card. I begrudgingly accepted the offer and really enjoyed the food. But, as before, staff was not masking. I contacted management again and included a photo I grabbed at the time of my visit. The very same person not masking on my prior visit was doing so again as were other staff. This time - no response from management. This is heartbreaking to me. I want to support local businesses and I want to enjoy the food. I am extremely disappointed.

I have changed my review from three...