BUCA DI BEPPO
Restaurant Review
Reviewed: 1/30/00

Wow, whatta place! Buca di Beppo is an Italian eatery for the entire family. In fact , if you don't bring the entire family you'll be eating leftovers for a week! This entertaining new venue on the west side of town offers typical Italian family style dining. One platter of incredibly heaped pasta is passed to all the guests at your table so everyone has a chance to enjoy. If you order spaghetti and meatballs, you'll get 2 pounds of imported durum semolina pasta with three 1/2 pound each meatballs! Your eyes CAN be too big for your stomach here. The pastas are served hot and fresh with obvious southern Italian cooking care.

Start your family off with a huge plate of Fried Calamari. A tad on the spicy side, but you can cool it down with the side of marinara sauce which accompanies it. If you like white pasta sauces, try the Tortelloni, smoothered in creamy cheese sauce with peas, mushrooms, broccoli and tomatoes. Their Neopolitan pizzas have a thin crust to allow the various flavors of the sauce, cheeses and toppings to tempt your palate for another bite. Don't forget dessert. Traditional Tortoni, Chocolate Cannoli or Tiramisu are at the top of my list.

There is a small bar area inside which offers a full array of beer and cocktails. Or you may select from their inexpensive but nice wine list.

The atmosphere is fun and entertaining. The walls and ceilings are covered (every single inch) with charming, dated memorabilia to delight your visual senses. The menu is written on the wall so you may want a table away from the menu so other guests aren't staring at your dining habits. The service is good and very personable. My water glass was always full. They really cater to families so if you're looking for a quiet cozy little place you better try somewhere else. They do have two separate rooms for small parties under 15 people.