Buca di Beppo

02/24/11

Sorry You Have to Work

by DucksFan at Citysearch

My girlfriend and I went to Buca di Beppo for a NYE dinner. I've been to the one at Universal CityWalk, so I knew what to expect as far as atmosphere and portion size were concerned.

We waited in the bar area until our table was available. The bartender was polite and wished us a Happy New Year. The hostess called us within the estimated time period and escorted us to our table.

Our server arrived and it was apparent that she didn't want to be working on NYE. She brought a round of waters although my Corona bottle, from the bar, sat empty for the entire meal without an offer for another...I was on the fence about whether to keep drinking there anyway, so it wasn't a big deal.

The food arrived within a reasonable time and both of the entrees were enjoyable. We finished our meal but had to wave down our server since she paid very little attention to our needs. Literally ten minutes later, she arrived with the bill. Eager to progress with our NYE plans, the waitress leisurely returned with my credit card and gave us a weak "thank you". I returned the sentiment by giving her a weak tip.

I don't expect cartwheels and a goodbye kiss but especially during the holidays, a little bit of warmth and attention makes a huge difference in gratuity. I love family-style Italian restaurants so it's disappointing that both of my servers at two separate Buca di Beppos were lacking.

01/08/09

Good for big groups

by thatguy6 at Citysearch

My parents love coming here for there birthdays, and this restaurant is great fro big crowds. The food is served to share. The servers were really friendly and i liked that they take the group through the outside of the kitchen to describe the way they serve the plates. oh the the food here is also incredible. This place is always crowded and i suggest getting a reservation but still be prepared to wait awhile.

• Pros: Food, staff, and a lot of stuff to look at on the walls
• Cons: wait time

08/20/07

Above Average Chain Restaurant

by laocwoman at Citysearch

The food at this location is good, above average for a chain, but the location at Universal City Walk has been the best by far. I have tried multiple locations to compare. The managers here are great but I only know that because I have had MANY experiences that have required their attention (and I do not believe in complaining in a restaurant), so needless to say, the dining experience has left much to be desired. I recommend the Penne with Spicy Sausage and a Large Pepperoni pizza TO GO !!!

The decor is super cool and the ambience works great if you are not there during peak hours where it gets VERY loud and people allow their unbehaved children to run around the rooms. This place is great if you're going with a ton of people or you have friends with monster-children (no one will notice)

Do yourself a favor and visit Gaetano's on Whittier Blvd in La Habra. They are family owned and they come from Italy. THE BEST FOOD EVER! Their prices are even better than Buca's and it's homemade!

• Pros: PIZZA
• Cons: Loud Atmosphere, slow service

06/29/07

good food, but not clean

by csammy2k at Citysearch

service is great, atmosphere is ok, but our table was really dirty, seats were dirty. the wine was vinegar, but they did replace it for free. food is typical italian food.

• Pros: food, service
• Cons: not clean

02/05/07

Mediocre Italian food; best decor

by panchamora at Citysearch

Although the food is served in plenty, because it is meant to be shared, my and my boyfriend were able to enjoy a romantic evening...we had made reservations and still waited a while but a waitress came out offering pizza to us in the lobby/entrance...we had a small table though and there was a menu section perfect for us...it had a variety of their pasta selections and it came in twos! we became full quickly but the food was great..