Carusos Bistro — Restaurant in Middletown

Please read my story! I went here about a week after my husband’s recent death. The reason I chose to go here, is that my dear Henry actually passed away at an olive garden, he really loved Italian food, reminded him of his younger years when he was traveling Europe ( he never said anything other than that, I suspect something happened there that traumatized him). But back to the point, I couldn’t bear to go back to that olive garden, we had so many good memories there and obviously its where he died so I just couldn’t go there yet I wasn’t strong enough (I’m still not strong enough). But I was visiting a good friend of mine who lives in Middletown and she was so understanding of me and my current situation with my grief and told me about Caruso’s. I would have never thought that her telling me that would change my life (or what I have left of it, I am actually having some medical issues right now). When I walked through the door at Caruso’s, which I now can only remember as what the gates of heaven look like, I was immediately engulfed in the warm feeling of wholesomeness , the first thing I see is a radiant young girl at the hostess stand, but if you told me she was an angel sent by God themself I would not doubt it. She greeted me with such warmth and love that I knew Jesus was with all of us in that beautiful restaurant. I will never forget my Caruso’s angel, Sabrina. They could name a church after her. Moving on, then I was seated at a nice clean table, my waitress attended to me immediately, her name was Cindy (could be short for cinderella because this woman was a real princess inside and out), she was very kind and I couldn’t stop thinking about how much my Henry would have loved to have met her. Everything else following was so amazing, the food, the service, bread, I just couldn’t believe I was actually enjoying Italian food again but I truly believe that if I went anywhere else, it would have never turned out like this, my heart knew that this was all because of the amazing heaven on earth that is Caruso’s Bistro. After my meal I left a large tip, gave the angel hostess a loving look on my way out, and walked to my car where I immediately broke down crying. I have never shed tears of such pure joy. This was one of the most spectacular and important moments of my life. This establishment gave me hope. They never knew that day what they had done to change my life. Henry is absolutely looking down on this place with content ( and maybe even some jealousy since he never got to go, but actually I think overall he is so happy for me). If you have not gone here... you are missing out on something wonderful. When you go (because I sure hope you do) , remember me and my story, and how beautiful everyday things can be. Remember that your life can change any moment and you can find hope in the most unexpected places. God bless all of you, may Jesus and Henry be with you always. Thank...

Update: I went to this establishment on 06-10-21 with my daughter and ordered penne vodka, 3 orders of garlic knots, and a slice of pepperoni pizza to go. While we were waiting my daughter asked if we could eat in and I stated she could sit down for a few minutes, but we couldn’t stay long due to another engagement. We received our order and sat down and the cook behind the counter called out something to grab my attention to ask if we knew we were going to eat in, and I proceeded to say no. He stated the next time we were going to eat in to say something because he didn’t want to waste to-go containers unnecessarily. I asked him how it was a waste when I’m a paying customer and he stated people just leave containers laying around the tables. I felt very targeted as an African American female with their child at this establishment. This is an example of blatant discrimination.  I don’t know what his title is or if he is an owner, but I urge him to take a customer service class expeditiously because that was horrible. I’ve never been treated so horrible at this establishment. I will never return and have already told my family and friends about my experience and will continue to urge people not to patronize this establishment. Take it from me and take your business elsewhere. It’s a shame because I’ve been to this establishment several times. After consuming half of our meals, I packed up our meals in the bags and asked him how the containers he gave us a waste and he proceeded to say well you didn’t waste them on this instance. Instead he should have apologized for his accusatory behavior and placing me in a category of others. Take your business elsewhere where you’re appreciated. If he is not the owner I would to have a conversation with the owner because his discrimination will negatively impact...

I've been coming here for the last 11 years. I've had amazing memories with friends and family and I've eaten here hundreds of times since I moved to Middletown nearly 12 years ago but recently they've gone downhill and not just with the quality of the food. the customer service here is atrocious. the last 2 times I've ordered take out from here I not only ended up extremely nauseous but I've also ended up feeling extremely unwelcome and disrespected. the two new cashiers whose names I sadly never got are exceptionally rude. I'm a person who struggles severely with social anxiety and with that I tend to stutter and trip over my words very easily when even just picking up my order. the two new cashiers have rolled their eyes, made snarky comments to each other about my stuttering and have treated me like a second class customer because of this. one of them even told me to "hurry up" when I was checking in to pick up my order. I understand that they were fairly busy the last time I came in but that was no excuse to treat me the way I was treated. not only have they disrespected me but I've also seen them disrespect other customers while I was waiting for my food to be ready. this place used to be my favorite pizza spot in town until those two cashiers were hired. ever since Vinnie left this place has absolutely gone downhill very fast and not just in the customer service department. the food has also gone from the best in town (in my opinion) to the worst. the only thing worth eating here is the garlic knots which are often only half cooked. with my last two experiences here my family and I have decided that Caruso's bistro is no longer worth all the money we've spent here and we will not be coming back due to the absolutely horrendous customer service from the...