It all began in 1973 while in graduate school at ISU and Simrell's was a local hangout for students and locals. Fast forward 49 years and the crew decided to revisit the now, "Bar Bosco.". Rated highly as a local favorite, we made a reservation as early as possible last Wednesday as we were not sure of how busy they would be. We arrived at 5PM and were the only customers and were promptly seated. In a short while, our server Sara arrived. We were given waters and a carafe. and placed drink orders. The water was harsh tasting city water. I would have preferred a bottle of premium water. We waited a considerable time for our cocktails as there were no other patrons. They were excellent, April Spritz, Cadillac Margarita, a pineapple special and a red wine. We were served a small loaf of bread that was barely warm and tough to separate the slices, necessitating hands on ripping. We ordered an appetizer, grilled polenta and was served hot and delicious. Orders placed, our food was served a while later. None of the bread and appetizer plates were removed cluttering the table. The meals arrived. Perl ravioli-delicious, Fettucine Alfrado-excellent,. Lasagna-excellent. For the Filetto Di Manzo-disappointing. An expensive piece of filet, it was cooked as ordered med-rare but was served rather cool. The roasted swet potatoes were tasty but cool. The potatoes layered with black olives nd rosemary were a mystery. I referred back to the menu and reviewed the description. There was lackluster taste and appeared as a piece of toast saturated its brown gravy. With main course finished, orders were placed for deserts. Tiramisu and Torta Di Mele. The torte was excellent and robust with flavor The tiramisu on the other was soggy nd over powered with cinnamon and sugar. Regarding the service, food was delivered across the table rather at the side of the patron. The barista was rude when questioned about the lack of a sugar cube with one of the expresso orders. Overall most of the food was superb, service mediocre, ambiance...
Read moreThe Bloody Mary was a joke tasted like watered down ketchup in it with no taste of alcohol the server took it back and I was not charged. I’m wondering if they didn’t run out of the Bloody Mary ingredients and just pulled a fast one. It seemed like I was getting stiffed. I’v had plenty of Bloody Mary’s in my life but I’m wondering if it was intentional By a disgruntled employee. I didn’t complain about the appetizer but didn’t want to be a complainer it was awful and greasy not fresh like it had been reheated or been sitting around for a long time. My chicken Marsala was terrible I’v tasted much better from the frozen food section at Walmart it tasted soggy and not fresh like it was prepared way in advance and reheated. My wife had spaghetti bosco with soggy noodles which was totally inedible it tasted like it had been frozen and reheated and not fresh. We complained and we were credited for the entree’s. We have eaten at Bar Bosco several times before Covid 19 and it was fantastic and I have told many people how great it was. After eating there tonight it has gone down hill not even close to what it was. I spoke to the manager and he apologized and I expressed my concerns. I will never eat at this place again after the removal of the 2 entree’s and the removal of the Bloody Mary the bill came to 60 bucks which was made of 3 lavander mofia’s the appetizer and a coke. This place was a joke. I’ll told them I’d had better meals at Dennys. If you can’t do any better than this hang it up. The only great thing was our waiter he was terrific and my wife and I told him we weren’t upset with him it wasn’t his fault and he did...
Read moreWe made a reservation and arrived 10 min early, the host seemed lost on finding our name and after some confusion sat us in a secluded area with no other people. Neat room, rough accented walls and old world paintings. After about 15 min of sitting by ourselves (not a server in sight) another table is sat. A 4 top of people who "don't believe in masks" are put in the opposite corner. About a minute later they are greeted warmly by the chef, then the manager/owner while we sit unattended. Their server shows up with water and shares the drink specials. As that server is leaving we ask for service as we're nearing the 20 minute mark without being noticed. A clearly over taxed server comes in and gets us started. Stumbles over the beer list and doesn't mention any drink specials. The host comes back in after we ordered to ask if anyone had been with us. I said yes, but after we asked and waited 20 minutes. She mumbled some sort of apology and left. We order a couple drinks and the meatball appetizer. I don't know how you get that meatball so tender but it's delightful. The rosemary gimlet was too lime heavy but drinkable. The server returned and we had to ask for the food specials as they seemed to busy/ distressed to offer them when we were deciding on entrees. The food was awesome and that's why we make this a must go when visiting from Indianapolis. This was a very disappointing visit and to not have the ridiculous wait time acknowledged by the owner/ manager who clearly has time to sit and chat with the table next to is rude. We'll stick to sitting at the bar where we can be served in a timely manner and...
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