Ciro's "A Tradition" — Restaurant in Springfield

My boyfriend and I went for dinner on May 22nd, which was a Thursday. This was our first time there. Cute place and only two full tables when we entered, and for the duration of our stay. We decided to sit at the bar to order (we were the only ones at the bar).

After reading some reviews that stated “cash” only, I called the restaurant prior to going to verify this. The person who answered (who we determined to be the bartender) said they used to accept only cash, but, had changed their policy and now accept credit cards I waited 10 minutes for a drink. I had to remind the bartender that my bf still didn’t have his. He waited an additional 25 minutes for his drink. By this time, I had already finished mine We wanted to order several different apps and were told each time they were out of stock due to a large party that had come in on Monday. Our choices were down to just a few. We ordered Gorgonzola bread and meatballs. We waited, and I kid you not, 45 minutes for the apps. Then, we ended up with eggplant rotallini and the meatballs. We didn’t say anything (didn’t want him to feel bad). Definitely not worth the long wait. Decided to elsewhere for dinner. Asked for the check and the bartender told us we needed to pay in cash. I have to admit, I had a fit since I specifically called and asked about that. He said they have a note on the door because they don’t want to be liable if their internet goes down and they can’t run a card (???). His explanation was absolutely the most insane I’ve ever heard. I questioned why we should use cash and pay a surcharge (they have the ATM next to the bar) when we were told credit card was fine initially. I can’t even begin to explain his crazy explanation as he stumbled over his words The last straw…..they automatically built in the 20% gratuity to the final check!!! Personally, I didn’t think this was legal to do for a party of 2. We spend over $80 (not worth it) and then had to pay almost $20 for a tip!!! Insane!!! The evening started out nice. The bartender seemed personable, however, he was so scattered. There were only 2 tables besides us and it took well over an hour for 2 apps which were incorrect. No apologies, nothing. Just excuses. They didn’t even have standard liquor because “of the big party earlier in the week”. To sum this up, very long wait time for food and drinks. They were out of most everything and food was only subpar. It was entered incorrectly (price adjustment not offered), a bit pricey, service “”scattered” at best and had to be reminded repeatedly of what we wanted. We will never go back. We try to support family owned businesses but they didn’t even try or seem to care about anything besides making a buck. Lastly, I did message the restaurant to tell them I was going to be posting this review. I wanted to give them a chance to explain or make right. Haven’t heard anything back. Ps. Beware if ordering a drink with milk or cream. He had to “sniff” it...

My name is not Karen... But I did speak to the manager tonight. Let me first say that the food and ingredients are great. They use local businesses for their meat, pasta (Milanos), and desserts (La Fiorintina). Beyond that, the experience was terrible. The management was even worse. I called for reservations for a table of 9 and asked if they would be ok with kids to celebrate my birthday. The manager (or owner) said it was fine. We showed up just before our reservation time and were told that our table was given to another party (the restaurant was not full so we only waited a few minutes). We tried ordering the house red, but they were out (at 6:30 on a Saturday) and they offered us another Malbec. Except not at the $6/glass price (actually $7/glass but I guess the menu is wrong)...it took 25 minutes to get the drinks. Next, it took 25 minutes to order an appetizer and another 20 minutes to order our main. We did not get our main course until 1 hour and 50 minutes after sitting down. My wife's soup was cold, my mother's salad did not come with dressing on the side (both were corrected). At this point, I went to speak to the manager and he tried to explain away the mistakes on the server ("she's only worked here 3 days) -- who leaves a new waitress alone, without help? (Again the restaurant has 7 tables of 20 full.) My mother's main came with the wrong pasta and she ordered another Malbec that was replaced with a red table wine. I tried leaving... But my wife had ordered canolis and 2 coffees... This took another 15 minutes to get to the table. The hostess came up as we were paying the bill to ask if everything was fine and we were honest that we were not satisfied... The manager came over again and insisted that it was not his fault... And then said "it's hard getting out with kids" ...eye roll. We said the food was great but service was not and walked out the door. He followed us out and suggested we try another Italian restaurant like Red Rose. Here's the thing, we've been here before and had good results and wanted Ciro's, not Red Rose. But this guy couldn't own up to his own and staffs faults. So, like he recommended to us, I pass to you: go to another Italian restaurant in the South End of Springfield. We will pass from now on and not recommend this...

Got there early for a birthday dinner celebration. Sat at the bar which was out of Peroni (an ITALIAN beer!!!) and 2 other selections. Bartender, while she was courteous, was less than engaging or helpful in alternate selections. The back of the bar that's visible was a shambles, which visually maybe was an omen. Got to the table. Ordered appetizers and was given 2 free antipastos while we waited and waited for fried cheese and a salad. Neither met expectations. Very over cooked cheese and salad that had seen better days, fresh-wise. Ordered dinner and waited again. More free antipasto. Son's pasta arrived about 3 minutes premature of al dente (raw and tough), other half's gnocchi was either overcooked into paste or raw hard dumplings. My veal chop was raw. Not rare. Raw. One side had a semi browning to it. The other side was just grey. The potatoes and butternut squash sides were hard as rocks they were so undercooked. A side of broccoli rabe came 20 minutes into the meal and was in a dish with about 3/4 cup of olive oil. The waitress checked in now and then. The place was not hopping, especially for an early Saturday night. The owner or manager ( we asked but the waitress demurred on which) was talking to guests and on his phone. The kitchen needs someone running it. Checking timing and quality of food coming out. It's a shame because we live VERY close by and was hoping that we had found a new hangout. We eat out routinely 2-3 times a week. While the decor is nice and the live jazz was incredible, the quality of food and service just won't bring us back. It's not an inexpensive place to dine, so the bar is a bit higher. While we are dedicated to supporting small businesses - especially now that MGM will be calling the shots - Ciro's is a "tradition" that maybe should have...