Buca Di Beppo

Doesn't Recommend

CJBastyr

Joined 10 years ago

Got Garlic?. Buca's is a garlic-lovers paradise. And by garlic, I mean whole cloves on the garlic cheese bread. Whole cloves in the pasta. WAY TOO MUCH. Atmosphere is family style with the menu on the wall. Everything is served in family-size portions. Lose all the garlic, and I would return. Until then...

Recommends

princeofpugs

Joined 10 years ago

Missing the point. For anyone that thinks they are going to get an extraordinary gourmet Italian meal, of course they will be disappointed. That's not what Buca is. It's Southern IMMIGRANT Italian cuisine. Made from what these people could afford and/or find upon arrival to the states. Is it bland? Sometimes, yes, but rarely. But then again, immigrants had...tomatoes, and garlic.

This is coming from someone whose close friends grew up like this. That's how it was, and Buca does an EXCELLENT job of replicating Frank Sinatra's parents' living room on the walls.

As for the ambiance, it's SUPPOSED to be loud. These families were big and it was crowded and there was alot of food. Do your homework, please.

Doesn't Recommend

billybobjr

Joined 10 years ago

Buca = Chef Boyardee. The food is so totally overrated! It tastes like it's fresh out of the can!

The ambience is fun and the servers are great, but they don't make up for the bland, bland food.

Much better places around town than this mega-chain.

Recommends

AshleyTopeka

Joined 10 years ago

Succulence with a smile!. From the moment you walk in, you know you are in for a great experience. Your eyes are treated to Buca's traditional Italian ecclectic decor. As your waitress escorts you to your table, you can't help but stop at the many different and often surprising pictures and statues.

The food is superior to all other Itailian restaurants. Your taste buds will be delighted. The authentic ingredients and culinary masterpieces make you ask, "Am I in Italy?"

Despite the lack of parking, my experience was truly remarkable.

Recommends

bigshooter320

Joined 11 years ago

Bucas-Worth the drive!!. My name is Derrick and I am from Sartell, MN. We went to Bucas during the State Swimming and Diving meet last year. The food was phenominal, the atmosphere was unbelievable and the people were great. For prom, a bunch of seniors drove two hours just to eat here. All around a great family and friends resturaunt!

Doesn't Recommend

gbrimacombe

Joined 11 years ago

Very Overrated. Way too much food of mediocre quality. For those who know very little about good Italian food. Bucas are also typically noisy and sometimes on the rowdy side.

Recommends

kacie427

Joined 11 years ago

How can anyone not love Buca?. Buca's is the feel-good restaurant of St. Paul. Walls covered with kitschy memorabilia (have you SEEN that picture of Sophia Loren in the St. Paul location?), old Italian favorites crooning over the stereo system, and a fun, festive atmosphere make this a memorable dining experience. Large portions that serve two or more are Buca's hallmark. A classic Caesar was our choice to start, followed by a beautifully-dressed bruschetta and their trademark ravioli. A hearty marinara left me relieved that at least one restaurant in the city won't serve those runny, tasteless tomato sauces that plague most other Italian restaurants! The full bar makes this a great place for after-work get-togethers, and the staff will work with you on preparing a three-course menu for your family party needs as well. Also a great ice-breaker for first dates! It's tough to beat this energetic combination of great food and a fun-loving atmosphere.

Recommends

linda27_us

Joined 11 years ago

Good (& Loud). The food is really quite good. The place is loud. Great for a work function or large family gathering. Sometimes the ordering process, family style, can get confusing and time consuming. Overall, a good place to gather. Some sound control would improve the ease of conversation.

Doesn't Recommend

battistini

Joined 11 years ago

Overpriced. The food was acceptable, but I can do as well at a local pizza joint for much less money. And the family-style portions get in the way of sensible ordering, because all prices are essentially twice what they should be. I ordered a salad, entree, and glass of wine, all of which I split with my wife, and the bill was 56 dollars. The service is eccentric with a lot of rule-reciting. I think there are better choices....

Recommends

karibeth23

Joined 11 years ago

buca's. Great food, but often crowded with long seating wait time even with reservations. Atmosphere is often noisy and not conducive to intimate conversations or really any conversation. Somewhat limited menu but GREAT daily specials.