Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Las Vegas

First time here and was seated in the bar area (older, dingy, but had charm). Both of our menus were dirty inside; one was oily, and one was sticky. ;(

We (two of us) had the house bread, brussel sprouts and chicken carbonara. The house bread was ok, but would have been better if warm. The chicken carbonara was fine, but had very minimal chicken. The brussel sprouts were very dry and not as flavorful as we're used too (I asked for some balsamic glaze and told no, but offered vinegar).

The meal was ok, service to this point was fine as well. However, we went to use a $25 gift card (bill was like $63) and was told they could only give us $15 off because they didn't take those gift cards anymore. To be clear, it was a gift card, not some promotional thing and had Buca di Beppo named on the physical plastic card. Odd, because I thought there were even legalities around gift cards and businesses accepting, etc. I checked the gift card balance using the website on the card and it showed $25. We showed her the balance and that it showed $25. She would still not honor it and made it sound like they were doing us a favor by honoring $15 because "they didnt have too". She did offer us the card back (if we didn't want to accept $15). I expressed my disappointment and said the website should not tell people they have funds if they don't, and there should be disclaimers on the gift card website- something! Even if they stopped taking them for some reason, she could have at least taken off the side dish instead at almost $19, or even offered a piece of cake or dessert to go. Net, net feel cheated and like she didn't care that only $15 of the $25 could be used. Honestly, don't see how shorting us $10 was really worth it, aside from putting a bad taste in our mouth. We still tipped, which we kind of regretted once we thought about it more and how she could have done more to try and make it right. :( Even a piece of cake, really?! I know this is only $15, but it's the principle of not honoring it and the way it was handled. She would have made more money tip wise, if she'd have went out of her way to mot make use feel cheated (because we would have been appreciative).

Oh, when we were walking out we heard an argument in the kitchen area. Right before that the female server rushed to the kitchen after hearing there were problems. People were getting loud....very awkward. We couldn't get out fast enough between that and not honoring our gift card....

Very fun atmosphere, food was good, but prices are OUTRAGEOUS. It's been a long time since I've eaten here....I had forgotten why I stayed away so long then quickly remembered when we got the bill. Yes, this is family style dining, but it's still outrageously priced. Only 2 of us went out to eat. We only ordered the appetizer meatballs, the bruchetta & 2 glasses of wine. Mind you, we were treating our appetizers as dinner. You get THREE large meatballs & the bruchetta is not a style I've ever had, nor liked. It was diced tomatoes and diced mozzarella displayed in this HUGE martini glass with sliced toasted garlic bread fanned out around the edges. I understand this was family style, and maybe it's just enough as an appetizer for a family of 4, it was great as a meal for 2..... but the bill. Including tip, the bill was $90.00..... for 3 meatballs, bruchetta & 2 glasses of wine. The food was good, but $90 is just unacceptable. $45/person.....appetizers only. Bucca Di Beppo is a fun atmosphere.....you feel like you're in grandma's home with all the crazy nick-nacks & funny photos/artwork, maybe an excellent choice for families, but those of us without children, I expect steakhouse atmosphere, food & service at these prices. Not a pasta place.

3 stars only because a family style appetizer menu, I question the 3 meatballs well over $20. I mean.....that's hamburger, breadcrumbs, spices and eggs. It cost MAYBE $1.50 PER meatballs to make?? $2.50 Bidenomics?? 🤨 The place was pretty much empty as well. There were other couples....no families. Families in the Biden Era are just not eating out like they used to....can't afford it.

Suggestion for Buca Di Beppos: create a "Mom & Dad's Night Out" menu. Something appropriate in size & pricing for 2 people. Make it a time frame like a happy hour if you want. I don't see how you're able to keep your doors open. The food was good, but basic & forgettable. It's Italian. Italian can be really expensive, but this is basic Italian, meatballs and bruchetta, 2 glasses of wine....$90 with tip.

Fugghetaboutit.

There's no way I will return unless there's a group of us and we're all...

Revised from most recent experience from 2/10/23: GM Charles reached out to me and invited us to dinner. He was courteous and empathetic. He encouraged us to come out again for a date night. We took him up and the experience was as different as night and day. The food was top notch, fresh, and hot. The flavor was there and the dessert was delicious. We had a very sweet waitress, as delightful as can be, was a joy. The restaurant was even busier than last visit so I cannot explain the difference. I did not have to get up at all to get napkins, plates, or to ask for refills. It was a really good experience.

I have patroned other Buca's in the past, in California, in particular. The California locations are hands down superb. However, since my visit to this location in 2020 and my most recent visit mid January of 2023, I find the experience lacking. The food, it seems, is adequate. The marinara sauce had a taste of tap water. The Chicken Limon is still fantastic. The spaghetti and meatballs had little flavor and seasoning. The eggplant is adequate as well. The service was much to be desired. We waiting for quite sometime after being called up to be seated. A young woman who was on the phone thing orders seemed annoyed that we were waiting to be seated and walked past us with no acknowledgement. The server, not out assigned one, greeted us as we sat down. It took nearly 15 minutes to get drinks and even longer for bread. We were not eve. Offered the oil and balsamic. Our intended waiter never showed and was working another tables. We hailed a passing waiter and asked to give our order. The appetizer was not well cooked and came out with the entrees. We were hoping to enjoy before the main meal. I ordered a bloody from the bar and it had the color and taste of something akin to dishwater. We ordered the desert to go. After two experiences thus far, it is a forgone conclusion that I will spend my time at the better location...