Romano’s Macaroni Grill

SO being new to the area, and wanting to try something that i hadn’t tried before, and being lazy, i googled this place and decided to order my food online.
I ordered the lobster ravioli, spicy meatballs, ginger root cream soda, tiramisu with no cocoa powder. My order was slated to be ready at 3:29. I arrived at the place at about 3:33 (say… not even a full 5 minutes) there was no hostess there to greet me or to lead me to the to go order pickup, so i went to the bar, no bartender there to help me find out where to go, so i ended up going to the buffet line thingy, i don’t know and asking a cook, he told me to go where a young man, who was presumably off work was standing in order to get assistance.
i stand there for another 4 minutes while two people tell me that the person to help me was on her way. she finally came, and it took her another 8 minutes to just check my card and have me sign a receipt…
by the time i got to my truck, being as hungry as i am… i went to try one of my spicy meatballs… two for literally ten bucks, i might ask, i thought i would get at least three or four, but… i don’t care about prices, it happens.
My meatballs were COLD and TOUGH… like. you could bounce them. there was no steam coming off my food, no condensation from the food being hot on the togo plates, it was cold and had been sitting for a while, because the tough meatballs soaked up that joke of a sauce they used.
My ginger root cream soda, was literally ginger root cream water, no carbonation, no flavor.
knowing that my meatballs were cold, i assumed that my lobster ravioli would be cold, so i travelled 7 minutes back to my residence and popped it in the microwave for a minute. The ravioli was so cold i had to heat it up as if it was in the refrigerator for a day. there was no sauce on it. the pasta was tough as the meatballs, the food was just garbage.
i went on to try my tiramisu. the one thing that shouldve been a little cold. guess what y’all. ROOM TEMP. and disgusting… needless to say. i’ll NEVER EVER EVER go back to this place ever again. customer service was crap and the food was worse than crap. i would’ve given this at least two stars if my tiramisu was on point. but sadly it wasnt. complete waste of my money.

Absolutely worst restaurant experience ever, seat cushions ripped, terrible service, waiter must have been stoned, food cold and chicken smelled like bad fish this used to be a great place to eat.

I am definitely a fan. Thanks Ally for making our night worth it. Ally was our pint size, smart mouth, funny as hell waitress. You see I’ve really been going through a hard time, and my cousin took me out to just grab a bite to eat while I had a few hours to myself. So we decided on Romano’s. Perhaps we got lucky, but our petite comedienne was exactly what I needed to forget my woes. On top of that the mac and cheese bites were awesome. The farmhouse pizza was good, I really like the texture of the crust. We ordered like 3 appetizers and a family size classic bake. I was not disappointed. The manager came over to see how we were doing, and he joked she better be good cause he beats his staff if they don’t perform. That made us chuckle even more. My cousin had some drink that brought a huge smile to his face, and Ally and I joked about which big toothed girl he’d bring there for a date. I’m glad we came. the experience made it worth while. By the way, the operatic birthday, and anniversary salutes are a nice touch. Kudos.

While I enjoyed my $ 2 Mimosas off the new brunch menu, I opted for an old favorite since it has been years since I have eaten here. I wanted everything to be as a remembered but unfortunately my pasta was chewy. I will try again in the future but I hope the actual brunch menu is good.

Had great memories of this place and had not been there in a couple of years so we were looking forward to an enjoyable meal. Huge letdown. After ordering, female waitperson returns to tell us they are out of sausage. In an Italian restaurant? She told us it has been happening as lot. During the meal we overheard that they were about to run out of bread. There was no Chianti wine on the menu except for a $ 50 bottle. I ended up ordering a pizza that was hard as a rock. The service was very sub-​standard. We will not be back.

If it had not been for the Lord on my side… and sheer hunger in my gut, I would never (I repeat Never) found this meal acceptable.
Let me count the ways.
Hubby-​man calls to make a pick up order, the poor person on the phone seemed to have the foggiest idea of what was on the actual menu (not that it was his/​her fault) because the info on this Unilocal is not «up to date» we were informed… I doubt that was the problem, I digress.
We finally order & its downhill from there. The «crustini» appetizer was more old bread than toasted & yummy, I am fond of prosciutto but the salt level dried up my spit. My husband wasn’t thrilled about his canellini or canellono (no flavor) & my lobster ravioli had 10 lbs of uncooked sliced garlic. Now, I loves me some garlic, Lord knows I do but RAW & by the truck load… in a less than entrée sized portion? Nah son.
While I reserve a rating of 1 for a truly horrible dining experience I definitely can’t give this any higher than 2.
Ps: this was my first meal here & last

Visited this location today along with a friend and was greeted by the hostess immediately. She sat us near the front door which was not too bad. The server seemed to be a bit distracted since her tables were spread out all around the restaurant. After she brought us our bread she took our drink orders then returned to take our food order. During this visit I ordered the Chicken Marsala which turned out to be really good. My friend order the lasagna and the portion was just right and my friend had no complaints. Overall, this visit was not too bad however the service could be a little more attentive. After we finished our meal, the server brought us our check and ended up running my credit card for the wrong amount. Good thing I was paying attention unless I would have overpaid. I would revisit this location again especially with their special of $ 9 dollar express meals.

Absolute horrible experience! Secret boss show needs to come here! The manager is horrible! He yelled at the kitchen staff which seemed to slow things down & make things worse rather than better. And then walked to the half wall above our table & started screaming a servers name!!! So we started mockingly calling for him too (quietly) & the manager laughed, like he thought it was so funny. My daughter’s order was wrong so our server corrected it. It was still wrong. They didn’t have the ingredients to make what she ordered first. And even though she said no garlic, it easily had six cloves of garlic. I needed gluten free which they provided a menu but did not have gluten free pasta anymore. In addition, I know there was either flour on the chicken or cross contamination because I’m so nauseated & have a sick headache. By the time my daughters food came, all our food was cold. And… no offer for a free desert or adjustment on the bill after they were out of everything we ordered because «of heavy traffic & weather in Dallas». Poorly managed. Only saving grace… our server was lovely!

I wish to report on my recent experience at Macaroni Grill. What was planned as a fun evening out with friends quickly turned into one of the most unpleasant experiences we have had in a long time.
I came in with a group of friends to celebrate a hard week over. The hostess was sweet, courteous, and sat us outside promptly. We were immediately greeted by our waiter (Austin Freeman) who walked outside and asked us how we were doing tonight… which was wonderful until he stated that our visit was stopping him from watching the «New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys» game. I thought he was joking so I left it alone. However, every time he went inside the patio door, he would rush in screaming at the TV (which is immediately to the right as you inter the door from the outside dining area.) He would ask if we were ready to order yet, only to roll his eyes (when he found out we were not) and would run back inside to continue watching his game. He’d come just a minute later and continued to rush us as if he had other priorities… Again, we figured we’d let it go until he stated that his day would have been pretty good, if he didn’t have to work and could stay home and watch the game. After he took our order, I stated to Austin that I would like to speak to his manager ASAP.
He stated that was fine and left the table (I assumed to get the manager but in fact it was to watch a bit more of his game). He came back and asked me what I would order, so I advised him that I was interested in the «create your own pasta» option and reminded him I still needed the manager. He brought the menu and threw it on the table and went back in. He returned a minute later again to pick up my create your own pasta menu, and I again stated to him that I needed to speak to his manager. He said, «Calm down… he has other things to do in the back…» The manager finally arrived and I stated to him how rude Austin was, and that we would not only need to have another waiter, but someone else to serve the food. The manager (Kristopher Acuna) stated that this was fine and apologized. He then stated that although this was his first time working with Austin, he had heard rumors and several complaints from customers this week. He also advised us that he would immediately shut off the game and that Macaroni Grill would NOT tolerate this any longer.
We assumed everything was going to be okay until Austin walked back outside, and began glowering me as he noisily picked up glassware from another table. I ignored him the first and second time. However, he continued to walk to the tables outside leering at me as if I had done something horrible to him. I asked him «Is there a problem… you look like you have something to say…» He then asked me, «Do you have a problem?». I immediately got up and walked past him with my friend Andi behind me to find the manager for the second time. As we were looking for the manager, Austin was yelling to get our attention in the background, «What’s the Problem? SIR… SIR?» At this point it was clear that my three friends’ and my evening was completely ruined and some of my friends apparently were talking to each other that Austin looked too scary and unpredictable for comfort.

I found the hostess and asked to speak to the manager again. He walked over and asked us what the problem was. I advised him that not only was this guy retaliating by leering at us, but he was walking right by our table any chance he got, and now he was yelling at me. I stated to the manager to hold the food, we needed to go. Kristopher immediately stated that he was sorry… and that he specifically told Austin NOT to come around our table, NOT to deliver, or handle our food. Kristopher immediately talked to Austin again as Andi and I walked past Austin to our table.
We were introduced to our replacement waitress Tamira to take over. I stated it was nice to see her again (we’ve had her serve us several times and have never had bad service with her). As she started to ask us if we ordered our food, Austin walked outside again to slam the olives I ordered in Tamira’s hands and walk away (looking directly at me). I stood up again, and said I can’t do this… Tamira reassured me she would take of it and walked inside and to talked with the manager yet AGAIN! Both Tamira and the manager walked outside to the patio and stated that they were very sorry (again)… They claimed they sent Austin home for the evening. The manager stated that although he’s talked to him several times, he cannot control his actions. We told him we understood as Tamira brought our appetizers out. We tried to eat, but every time we seen a car or heard a noise, we thought he might retaliate, so we were all on edge until we asked Tamira to be moved inside… and she agreed. At the end our food was taken care of, but our experience will never permit us coming back until this is rectified indefinitely.

I love love love this place!!! My waiter Joseph was wonderful. On this nite, someone sang an Italian song. The crowd joined in by clapping. I had the chicken scaloppini and a glass of chianti. Never a dull moment here.

I love the atmosphere and the ambience … I think it’s a romantic restaurant. The service is excellent! The food looks beautiful, but it needs a little bit more flavor, and fresh vegetables.

Amazing the food and the atmosphere were impeccable. Our server was pleasant and attentive and this place will see more business from me and my friends, because will take them myself.

Went here lastnight our waiter was Stan he was not that attentive. He seemed overwelmed with to many tables. It took him forever to bring our drinks just one Lemonade. He seemed to be that fake nice like he was irratated but had to deal with us. It seemed like he didn’t want to be there.
Now the food it was not good it was just as bland as it wanted to be. The appitizer was so greasy. I had fettuchini alfrado with chicken it was dry and with very little chicken. I had to ask for more sauce and they come and bring a drip of sauce to me. My husband had the chicken marsala very small portions and it was not hot (temputure hot). We will not be going there again. The wait was so long for eveything there and there where only like only 6 other tables. Needless to say we will not be going here again. Just terrible

Since I went to the trouble to slam them before, I feel it is only fair to give an update after a recent visit.
Much improved…
The menu has been changed, and new menu items freshen the experience.
The food was much better, even good. The service was much, much better: very attentive.
Glad to see they are pulling it out of the ditch.

This is the first Macaroni Grill I’ve ever been to, and frankly I wasn’t impressed. The décor was cute and cozy, but the stone was definitely leaking inside the dining room as it was raining really hard the night I went.
We (party of 9) had dinner reservations on a Monday night, and the restaurant wasn’t too full. The atmosphere was great, and the waitress was super helpful and friendly. The oil/​pepper and rosemary bread was tasty, but I was also starving. I ordered the Penne Rustica, which had non-​existent proscuitto. It tasted okay though as a whole.
However, the good service we received at the beginning of our meal began to taper off drastically as the night progressed. I’m convinced the poor girl was working the entire restaurant. It took forever to get a single water refill (only got 1 new carafe all night), and even longer to have our checks picked up so we could leave. Our empty plates sat on the table for far too long afterwards that we ended up stacking them on an adjacent table so we had room to exchange gifts for our Christmas party.
This place reminds me of an Olive Garden that’s trying too hard to be fancy. The food wasn’t worth the price, and I probably won’t be back.

This is place is horrible. The food has really gone to the dogs! Service was ok, did I mention the food was horrible?
TJ and I haven’t eaten here in a while and now I remember why. Don’t waste your time and most of all your money.

It’s sad that so many dining establishments in TX still permit smoking. Not only does it cause an unpleasant experience but it ages the restaurant exponentially. This ceiling and walls were black with smoke.
Also, the disgruntled employees verbally expressing their distaste for certain tables and lack of tips/​paycheck with vocabulary typically found in a locker room or construction site, has no place in earshot of a customer. The repeated «f-​bombs» by a female server who had been cut made me embarrassed for her.
The food was mediocre at best.