Carrabba's Italian Grill — Restaurant in Overlea

7.13.21

Decided to take hubby out for dinner, and he chose Carrabba's for dinner. Upon entry, found the hostess sitting down on the side, I think she was training another co-worker. The hostess advised were we okay with using plastic flat ware, which we were okay with, but hoped they will later provide silver ware, especially when eating pasta.

We were escorted to the first seat, but too close to the door for us and asked to be seated in a booth. Then we were escorted further back on the left side of the restaurant.

I have had my share of issues at this location and the one in Hunt Valley, and have been willing to overlook the issues because the food is good. But this visit was about to put the nail in the coffin.

After being seated, we waited nearly over 15 minutes before anyone came to assist us, and watched another couple come in, be seated greeted and served before us. Finally, Tiera (apologize if I got her name wrong) came and asked if someone attended to us, we advised no and before I could advise the distaste, she advised that she will get the manager to come over. She then asked of we needed anything to drink, we both ordered the raspberry flavored tea, since they do not serve sweet tea. We also gave her our entree orders. For hubby he, ordered the Rigatoni Martino with sausage, along with the lentil soup, and I had the Linguine Positano with Shrimp, along with the side salad with vinaigrette dressing. Some time later the manager came (forgot her name) and she advised she heard what happened and said she will take care of it.

Our server was treating us like we were celebrities thereafter. Once our soup and salad was served, she brought us more to drink. My hubby can drink liquids very quickly, so I know he was happy. Was not happy that the kitchen didn't have the decency to wipe off the bowl before serving. Everything was good. Then our entrées were served. I asked for shredded cheese on mine. I need to invest in that cheese grater. Our meals were very good. Our server came and advised that the manager was going to take 15% off our meal and offered free dessert. I appreciate when a manager really takes the responsibility and treat their patrons well and make them feel like they want to come back. Like I said previously, I was giving up on Carrabba's here and Hunt Valley.

We shared our dessert after eating our lovely entrées. We had the strawberry cheesecake. Thank you to management for making us feel respected and hope to return and hope everything will be in order. Came in twice in one week. Happy hour was much needed. Wednesday night, I really enjoyed the shrimp and scallop linguine alla vodka. But date night was a different story. Our server Thursday night was more engaging and pleasant. She made sure we had everything even tried to fix my overcooked broccoli. If it is mushy then it is overcooked. I told her to tell them ro serve it undercook . The only negative when I went to the ladies room, each stall had water (not sure) on the floor. So my shoes got wet as well as...

I was one of the first customers in the building today, a Sunday. (This is my first review I believe). I was incredibly thankful that everyone was so polite and professional despite the fact that I was in effect being “that guy” at opening hours. None the less, everyone smiled, had greetings, there was no cursing in the open kitchen area and multiple staff could be seen busily maintaining and keeping order despite just opening. Busy work is terrible, but they seemed not to mind, but talked quietly amongst themselves while my Waitress, Caprise, came and introduced herself promptly after I was seated. It was quite apparent through Caprise that all the staff are well trained not only in a neat and professional attire and uniformity but also allowed to have some semblance of individualism with a quirky pin or unique piece of jewelry which humanizes and connects them to the customer. (Which may not seem important but dining in is a human experience in a world where Door dash has become the norm). I was the only customer for awhile but I never felt as if I was doted on or as if I was a bother, she nor any of the staff ever hovered over me nor kept their distance. The punctuality and yet almost perfect arrival whenever I needed a drink or my check was close to suspect, I loved it. Even the gentleman who brought me my food had the charisma to politely ask not to intrude while I was reading. (I have not read a book at a table since I was a child, but today was a day of many firsts, such as this review) and I was taken a back, I told him thank you a dozen times and that no intrusion was taken and he said thank you and walked off. For the sake of brevity although I’m sure I’m past that, the experience I’ve had at least with the opening staff at this restaurant was beyond the quality that others could dream of. It was a much needed surprise and a gift I’ll hold in my busy brain for a while. Also. The food was tasty. Chicken Bryan. #1, get it, or you’re wrong. Ask for Caprice, if it’s not too busy, she can tell you a thing or two about Italian culture, and about infamous...

We called right outside the restaurant and we were told no wait. When we got there it was 5 to 10 minutes. This was about 2 minutes later. I told them we had been told it would be no wait... And with two small children in the waiting area it was going to be exciting. We did not disappoint lol Aunt Trista and my niece got yelled at by Nana more than once.

Maybe it was the size of our party, maybe it was a fact that we had two children and they decided to put us in the way way back, or maybe they just tell everybody there's no wait. I'm not sure. Our waitress was very sweet and very accommodating. Water with no lemon, water with two lemons, water with three lemons, boy are we high maintenance. Plus the kids... She had a lot of patience and a great smile for us. The kids' food came out quickly which was awesome. The adult food came out very very very very very slowly. It was delicious when it finally arrived but we felt we had to eat quickly and pack up the leftovers quickly because we were already past our children's bedtime when the food came. I will just say that if we didn't have Netflix on our phones for the kids, the crayons and coloring menu would not have appeased them.

Now for the bathroom... Bathroom was generally clean except the handicap stall was not which is unfortunate because when you need one of those you hope it's in good condition. I liked that there was an arm handle so I didn't have to touch the door to leave but the Dyson dryer was disgusting. Luckily plenty of paper towels. Be careful when you're going in the bathroom because you might ram yourself into the person washing their hands. It's definitely a catastrophe warning zone.

I would pee here again. Follow me for places I've been and places...