Calamari's Squid Row — Restaurant in Erie

Came out for my husband and my first date night in awhile. It’s been years since I’ve been to Calamari’s(and didn’t like it) and thought we’d give it a shot. I’d like to say they excelled in any area but I can’t. The server was pleasant, we ordered the Artichoke dip and it was brought out quickly. However, I have never seen artichoke look like this. Chunks of artichoke and spinach in a microwaved bowl of sour cream and cream cheese. No salt. No garlic. No onion. Blandest, grossest stuff. We ate some because we were starving from eating later than usual but eventually just pushed it aside and ate the pitas plain. Then it was a solid 45 minutes until our food came out. 3 different tables got sat after us and had their food. The manager asked a few tables around us how they were doing but avoided us. Our server didn’t acknowledge it was taking long or took long once delivered. The main entrees were wings and the chicken cordon bleu wrap. The wings they had offered to put on the grill after frying to crisp them up but they were CHARRED. Even the server agreed. And the “mild” sauce we ordered we thought was going to be Buffalo, but it tasted like a ketchup based sauce. I only took one bite. We sent those back. The wrap had NO flavor and I’m not over exaggerating. Was supposed to have “horsey mustard” and upon unwrapping it we saw it was all just in one part. I only took two bites and decided I wasn’t hungry enough to eat that stuff. I told the server they need to put seasonings in stuff. They need to take their time. Doesn’t seem like anyone gives a hoot there about quality of food. Our food wasn’t discounted, fine, the manager never once spoke to us despite walking by us about 100 times. Really sad. We will 100% not recommend this place and will not be back....

My husband and I were on a very long road trip, and decided to stop here because we were over fast food.

The entry was a bit confusing, but we eventually saw the chalkboard signs near the doors, informing us that the left side was where we wanted to go. After waiting for a few minutes, a pleasant man greeted us and led us past full booths and up a small set of stairs to our table. (I've got spinal injuries, and the slope of the stairs was good for me to walk up while holding the handrail with no issues)

Our server greeted us very soon after sitting, and got our drink order. (Unsweet Tea, Coke with Grenadine, and a delicious hoppy beer that I can't remember the name of). She was a very on-point server, being sure to ask us when anything was unclear, or stating options if we didn't know what was available. When she didn't know which beer options had the most IBUs, she asked the bartender, rather than guessing.

When we placed our food order, we let her know that we were driving from New York to Michigan, and that we would prefer our food order to come out as it was ready so we could start on whatever came out first. We ordered a large Calamari Appetizer (and wow, it was much more than I was expecting), Gnocci with Meatballs, and a Burger with Fries. All of the food was exceptional in quality and flavor, but the calamari was astounding to both my husband and myself.

The only problem I have is that now all other squid is ruined for me! I had no idea the texture should be closer to perfectly cooked shrimp, than to the rubbery invertebrate I'm used to enjoying.

Bottom line, the experience was one of the best I've had at...

I stumbled into Calamari's and got a chance to try a few local from the area as a tourist. The bar did not seem to be incredibly busy but it took the bartenders a few minutes to acknowledge our existence which annoyed my bladder as I just wanted to order my beer and take a leak. I should note I was with an attractive women which are rare in Erie so I am not sure why the all male bartenders opted to continue their personal conversation while we waited. Additionally, when I asked about a beer which I suspected to be local but sought confirmation, I received a puzzled look as if I had asked for my union dues to be returned. The bathroom smelled like "Updog" and the patio was preferred with the summer weather at night being incredibly comfortable. Had a few decent conversations pontificating around who would be a decent football team for the upcoming season but overall this bar didn't win me over. I'm sure there are plenty of other spots in Erie where I can get ignored at. My advice is to know the origin of the products you peddle and don't make customers wait any longer than...