Francesco's — Restaurant in Woodland Park

I've come to dinner here several times, and every time, it has been a 5 star experience. The service and atmosphere is top notch and I always look forward to coming here for a nice sit down dinner. A bar always makes a dinner nice, being you don't have to limit yourself to bringing in a bottle of wine. Started the meal off with a gin and tonic which was quickly served and was accompanied by a basket of bread fresh out of the oven along with some olive oil or butter. Nothing beats the warm Arrabiatta bread dipped in olive oil. Ordered the Shrimp Arrabiatta (garlic, lemon, white wine sauce, red pepper flakes) as an appetizer that was phenomenal. Should have taken a picture before it was devoured. With the sauce that was left over, also made a great dip for the bread. Highly recommend. For dinner, ordered the Chicken Milanese (breaded cutlet, arugula, and fresh mozzarella) and the Veal Sorrentino (Veal, prosciutto, eggplant and mozzarella.) Both meals were delicious and were fresh and tasty. Desert being served around us looked super tasty, but after filling up on bread, shrimp, and Main course, we were stuffed. Definitely a great place to visit if you looking for a great meal. The only downfall is being a bit older and not bringing my reading glasses everywhere I go, the menu is a struggle to read. Found myself, along with other patrons using the good old cell phone light to figure out the menu. Had I brought my glasses, it would not be an issue and this is more on me. Just a reminder if you go, be sure to bring your readers to help with the menu. Will definitely be heading back...

Worst experience. Clean your greasy oily floor. Here is how my experience here started. When our 18 people people arrived to the event, the tables were set up in two tables next to each other. Not sure where you come from, but it wasn't a wedding. It was a family event for someone's HS graduation. We were asked to step outside while they rearranged the tables. We came back in to find our tables to be set up like the last supper. And every other person was sitting on a seam because it was a whole bunch of small two tops next to each other. Awkward. Uncomfortable. I didn't get a chance to eat the entree because I stood up to use the ladies room after the appetizer course, and slipped and fell right next to our weird table that was outside the greasy kitchen which was right next to a wooden cabinet with two open drawers where silverware is held. I hit my head on the open drawer before hitting the ground. What if I was a senior person that hit their head and fell? What if one of the children dining with their families in the restaurant decided to put their little hand in one of those drawers? I am sure that there would have been major injuries and lawsuits. You are lucky that I am a healthy young woman that walked away with some bumps and bruises. Please be advised, that you are a lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, you might want to have a front entrance that does not open up to the greasy, garlic fumes in your kitchen. Awkward set up. Awful experience. The one star...

We let Francesco's slide off our regular restaurant list because it's a bit of a drive... HUGE MISTAKE! Last night we made the "journey"....hell, next time I'll walk if I have to! Appetizer - clean, fresh, generous portion of mussels in a delicious white wine garlic sauce. Don't spoil your appetite by dunking the entire basket of warm Italian bread into that sauce. My entree - a special. Filet mignon, sauteed spinach with a hint of garlic, and roasted red potatos. Nice size filet, tender like buddah. Wifie's entree - shellfish combo over linguine, scallops, clams, shrimp, lobster, clam sauce, and olives.... I think it was called, Malafemina ? ( sp ) She loved it! 5 different shellfish served in one dish? That usually means at least one item will be overcooked and rubbery... Not at Francesco's! Great timing chef! Bottom line - Francesco's has skyrocketed back into one of our top three restaurants! Waiter Staff - knowledgeable, expedient, friendly, and professional. Food - see above. Now here's The Clincher... Cost - fair and reasonable pricing, in fact, a very good value! Three for...