Carmine's give people a Bang for the Buck
Written: Nov 14 '04
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Pros: Large portions make the price of food worth it, and it tastes great.
Cons: A bit too noisy inside, and the No-Smoking signs are everywhere.
The Bottom Line: Each major dish costs around $20 to $50, but the big dishes make the price worth it. Best used by large groups, especially for birthdays.
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| quipowerty's Full Review: Carmine's - Upper West Side |
Basically Carmine's is a large family restaurant with large portions of Italian food for an average of $19 to $25 per plate. I arrived there with a female cousing and her boyfriend at the boyfriend's behest. He works in Manhattan as a children's physical therapist, and he's especially familiar with the Upper West Side, where this restaurant is located.
The waiters served us big dishes of the meal for $25 on a single plate. In this case, we ordered two dishes, including flat noodles of linguine with chicken cutlets and wine sauce. We got the dish after reading the big menu on the wall next to us. Yes, there is a big menu panel on the wall, so there is no need for big thick menu books we're all used to. (I collected a paper menu on the way out though) Also served to us was the usual bread, plus pieces of Sicilian Pizza two inches long and wide, with tomato topping, but strangely no cheese.
The environment of Carmine's is generally best described as nice but noisy. Big table outnumber little ones, although we did get a little one. The big round tables at Carmine's are generally designed to hold as many as 6 or 8 people at a time. The tables are meant mostly for large groups of people, particularly families. The atmosphere is jovial but hectic, and waiters and waitresses are constantly moving in and out, so it would help if people kept their seats tucked in while eating. While I was in there I witnessed at least 3 birthday celebrations at various tables.
The food is great overall. The pizza made up of pepperoni and mushrooms was excellent, and so was the linguine with chicken cutlets and wine sauce. I never bothered to put salt or pepper on the serving I took from the main plate.
One little annoyance, though. The No-Smoking Signs are everywhere, no thanks to NYC law. I understand that smoking isn't allowed in this restaurant, or in other Manhattan restaurants for that matter, but to put signs on every wall every 10 feet apart is overkill. I don't smoke (I don't drink alcohol either), but yes, this is annoying, and a clear indication of what the city government thinks about its residents. But let's move on.
In general Carmine's is intended to serve customers, especially families with children, who enjoy eating from big plates. It's not cheap to maintain the tables and the wooden walls, never mind keep things clean, so be prepared to open up your wallets wide. But at the very least, you and your family and friends will get your money's worth with $25.
Those who want to check the place out can find it at 2450 Broadway between 90th and 91st St. Just remember to arrive by bus or subway instead of by car. Finding parking in the Upper West Side can be a headache and traffic is nothing short of painful during rush hour.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Best Suited For: Large Group
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Epinions.com ID:
quipowerty
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Location: Queens, NY
Reviews written: 127
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
Bring Back the Twin Towers! Save New York City from the NIMBY's! Thank You.
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