Olive Garden Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Silver Spring Township

My son and I took my dad at to the Olive Garden after Christmas Eve mass. We arrive at 6:45 and were seated directly. Our waitress informed up that the kitchen was running late because the got hit with to go orders, no big deal. We placed our order and as I waitress left my son changed his mind on what he wanted. We were seated by the bar n the kitchen so I got up and informed the bartender, he said I’ll let her know and informed her. They both said it was not big deal. He changed his order from cheese ravioli to lasagna.

About 3 minutes later his lasagna came out. I informed the staff that we all wanted to be served at once and we did even receive our salads. About 25 minutes later we received our dinners. My son received the same dinner that was served 25 minutes early that was left under a heat lamp. My son stayed it was cold but we couldn’t find the waitress. So he ate it and brushed it off. I had asked for another glass of wine when out dinner was served and she came back with a warm bottle of white and said “is this okay”. I asked if that was what I already had a glass of and she stated no, I forgot about the wine and grab what was close. I told her know I wanted what I had prior. After dinner my father ordered a cup up decaf coffee. The waitress explained that the kitchen poured all the coffee out because they closed at 8 and it was now 8:17. I asked them to brew more coffee and she said they can’t because they were closed.

I then asked her if dad could have an after dinner drink, again she stated they were closed. I informed her the people next to us just received their food and people were sitting at the bar having drinks. Finally she said I see what I can do and came back with dads drink.

We ordered dessert and asked for the check at the same time. I told her I had a free dessert and showed her the coupon. When she returned with the check she asked me to check it. Dessert was still on. We waited and waited and finally she reappear. She said if we are paying by credit card to use the machine and if not she would take it. I told her we had a gift card and a credit card. She said you needed to use the machine. We tried several times and the machine would not take the card. We called the server on the machine but she was too busy talking to another associate in the back dining room. I then got up and got the hostess. I informed her I was so frustrated with our server. She help immediately at which time the waitres ran over to help as well. I know it’s Christmas and as a former server I tip well. This time I could not because this server ruined my family’s Christmas Eve dinner. Horrible experience and next time when the customer asks for coffee tell them it will be a minute because you want to make them a fresh pot. Not that you closed 17 minutes ago so it was...

I have been wanting to come here since my birthday back in February, because I've always loved eating here. But after tonight I'm afraid I have to #CanceltheOG .... I ordered the unending pasta and decided to try out the limited time bucatini with spicy meat sauce. The sauce had decent spice level to it but barely any flavor. The pasta was just your average cheap out of the box pasta. I also ordered the overcooked grilled chicken, so I just ate that. Our waitress was busy with 2 other tables, so I patiently waited for our turn to be served. She was evidently having a super rough day, which I dont blame her (I can't do the waitress job so I appreciate those that can) and I don't want to blame her for our disappointing dinner. She was patient and understanding with our little girl, so I also appreciate her for that. Anyways, the waitress comes around to see if we want a to go box and how we want to pay. I wanted to order a new pasta dish, since it's unending and I was not satisfied with my first choice. All I ate mostly was the overcooked grilled chicken so I could get my protein in. I swear I've come here before and ordered different pasta and sauce combinations before. Apparently you can't do that though. If the soup, salad, and breadsticks are something you pay for and are allowed to change soups between bowls, why can you not at least change the pasta and sauce? I understand not being able to change the protein and that's fine. I just wanted to actually eat a decent meal.

Well anyways, funny thing is - all I had was a breadstick and a half, a bowl of salad, and the 4 pieces of grilled chicken from my meal....and I ended up going next door to taco bell to eat because I was still hungry lol. Kinda sad options, but hey - I was still hungry and after $52 including tip...I might as well get some food to not be hungry and hour later.

In conclusion, Olive Garden is super disappointing, and at least it's all but killed my want to come here again. If you want actual Italian, I'd highly suggest Luna in Mechanicsburg as it is the same price but for great service from people who enjoy their job and amazing Italian food!!! Make a reservation, especially on the weekends as it gets super busy. You will see first hand how Luna has earned their amazing 4.8 Google review from thousands...

I have been to this Olive Garden numerous times to eat with a group of my work colleagues for meetings because it is close to our office; however, their management is RUDE and DIFFICULT to work with for no good reason. They DO NOT take reservations, even when we are requesting for a private space to accommodate 6-10 guests. They previously made me call early on the day I wish to dine in, and arrive early to wait for the rest of my group to be able to use the private room. This is not ideal, but I have done what is necessary to secure a location for lunch for our meetings. Everything previously has always ran smoothly; we would order, eat, get our work done, pay, and leave. We are in no way a burden to the staff or a demanding group.

I spoke to "Matt" on the phone this morning, who informed me that we are no longer welcome to dine in and have a meeting simultaneously. This wouldn't have been a problem if he wasn't so aggressive and rude! He told me that my group and I are not welcome at this location, that if he sees 1 person paying for the check or handing out any work materials, we would be asked to leave immediately. We are not soliciting any outside business or executing sales. We are simply having a working lunch. Matt was highly unprofessional and rude. I did not need to be told more than once that I will be asked to leave if I come to eat with my work colleagues. Matt loved to repeat that we weren't welcome. He was also very pushy and rude with one of my work colleagues that arrived early, asking him what he was doing, and shortly asked him to leave, as well.

We got the message loud and clear and will not be back, per the request of management.

You're located near corporate offices (Sterling Parkway) where people like to go out for lunch. What a...