Carmine's

My family and I have been going to Carmine's for close to two years now. We've become those regulars mentioned before, but even our first experience here was pleasurable. From birthdays to old college reunions, Carmine's has the environment for a great gathering. Tony D's is a different style of Italian cooking, I found it to be a little to loud and obtrusive for my taste, even if you have to throw down a few drinks at the bar for an hour Carmine's is defiantly worth the wait.

We had recently seen a special on HGTV about Carmine's, and were in midtown for an evening at the theatre. I tried to walk inside, and was confronted by a man who could have worked for the WWE--around 6'4" and 300+ pounds. He sounded like a character out of The Godfather, not like the warm, friendly, family types who were on the HGTV show. He wouldn't let us even approach the door, and told us categorically that there were no reservations available for after-theatre. I didn't give up and called the restaurant. A woman told me about the reservation situation (agreeing with the bouncer), but encouraged us to come after theatre, when "the wait" might be from 15 minutes to 2 hours. When our show let out, we rushed down the block and tried to enter the restaurant when we were confronted by the same bouncer, who barred the door and sent us to the bar to fend for ourselves. There was no host/hostess at the bar, where we understand you can eat, and after trying vainly to find someone who could help us, we gave up. Maybe they have enough "regular customers", so that they don't need us. Just FYI, there is a Carmine's in Chicago, and we could have breezed in there a couple of weeks ago when we were there on vacation, but I insisted that we go to the one that was picture on the HGTV special. I guess that I may never know if the food is any good. Certainly their bouncer doesn't want me to find out!

Every time I dine at Carmine's I feel like I am sitting down for a home cooked meal, the food is delicious and service is great.

My husband and I dine our frequently. Italian is not usually our first choice because we are Italian and eat the food often. We decided to dine at Carmines because of its reputation as a must see in NYC. We we not disappointed! The quantities are huge. One entree feeds 2-4 people as does one appetizer, so the value is a given. The taste and presentation is authentic italian. Not upscale or fusion or trendy, just good, old fashion, family style, Italian at its best! How could you not go there when you visit the city? I paid more for breakfast at a stupid coffee shop the same day. "Do the right thing".

Many people told me to check this place out b/c they said the food was so great. I went there with a group of 4 peopel and none of them were too impressed. I am a regular at Tony Di Napoli's, I would go there over this restaurnat any day of the week. Food is much better there. If you are looking for family style great food, check Tony's out instead.

This is the place to go with a group for great food, cheap prices, and a good atmosphere.