Dave’s Cucina — Restaurant in Town of Poughkeepsie

I do not recommend Dave's Cucina. Yesterday on Sunday August 6th, 2023 art 17:16 Hours or 5:16 PM I went to this Italian restaurant owned by a Mexican. I attend this restaurant very infrequently. Since it opening approximately 2019. I usually go approximately 3 times a year. The owner and I are not friends, but we are acquaintances on friendly relations. The food is quality and service is average. That day there was an incident, involving a confrontation between he and I. That is the reason I do not recommend Dave's Cucina. I will explain why.

Yesterday I was doing laundry, and wanted to eat. I had dinner there. After the finished my meal, I asked for the check. I paid with a debit card. The female employee told me I would be charged a Debit Card Fee. I reacted with a surprised expression. I said, sure no problem." Then the owner noticed it and began to critize me. I told me, "if I do not like it you should leave." Then he accused me of showing a frustrated expression before. That I had done this to his wife.

Then I got upset and began to react. I got up and told him that I was surprised by what the employee told me, and that I was not disappointed. I told him, "I only come here approximately 3 times a year. The last time I was at this restaurant was approximately 9 months ago approximately December." He could not prove any of his claims. I only spoke to his wife a few times I attended his restaurant. Then I began to critize him on his false claims. I began to yell and curse at him. I put him in his place.

At the end we attepted to resolve our differences, and come to an understanding. He explained to me that all restaurants charge a Debt Card Fee. I told him that I have attended other places, and I do not see that charge on the receipt. He claimed that the restaurant either does not inform you and does not show on the receipt, or the restaurant is conducting an illegal activity and keeping the money. I told him I will investigate your claim. I told him I do appreciate false accusations. He insisted I had shown negative facial expressions before, and that we argued before. I told him I do not remember any arguement I had with this man or his wife. Despite our disagreement, we reconciled our differences. This mongrel jackass has crossed the line. He had ordacity to critize me, making false accusations, and yelling at me, when I have done nothing wrong. Despite my anger I show emotional restraint. If I was anybody else with a uncontrollable reactive behavior, the situation would had been unpredictable. Despite that we reconciled our differences, I will probably not go there...

Wow, wow and WOW! This place is absolutely amazing and I don't grade easily. I've had their chicken parm and chicken francese. This is on a par with, if not better than, the very best Italian restaurants in the area.

For $19, as of the writing of this review, you get salad, pasta, bread and the entree - easily enough for two unless you are a really big eater.

To be clear, this is not a restaurant to dine in. There are a few tables and chairs but this is primarily a take out place. At this point in my life, when I have guests over I order out and this is my favorite place for ordering out and entertaining at home.

If their food was served in Aroma Osteria you would be extremely happy with the meal at double the price, it's that unbelievably good.

The salad is fresh with olives, tomatoes, cucumber, onion and fresh greens. The chicken is tender and delicious, and the pasta and sauce is delicious. The only slight ding is on the bread... It's bland. But no stars off for that. I'm a very tough bread critic as well so I assume most people would be happy with it.

Don't let the outside turn you off. This is an absolutely incredible place! Plus the folks who run it...

A true gem! Wow is the first word that comes to mind. From the hospitality to the food everything was top notch. I researched restaurants in the area for days leading up to my trip there and I am so glad I chose to go here. The food was absolutely incredible, everything was so fresh and made exactly how we ordered. The spaghetti and meatballs was sooo good. The meatballs are not only delicious but huge, portion sizes are generous to say the least! There is a family feel there and a huge sense of pride. Dave brought me a dish of his beets to try and I could see how proud he is of them. I have never liked beets and I ate every morsel in that bowl. They were so good! We were so impressed with how kind everyone was and the customer service we received. If I am ever in Poughkeepsie again this is a MUST on my list! Thank you for a wonderful meal and...