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Carrabba's Italian Grill

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MY REVIEW: I am a big fan of Carrabba’s on Kirby Drive. I have always found their food to be first rate. Now that they have built their new building, I have experienced a new side of Carrabba’s. To-go dining! Although, you could always get to-go food from Carrabba’s in the past, it was a hassle having to fight the crowd waiting to be seated to get your order.

Now, Carrabba’s has a separate take out area on the side of their new building and lots of to-go parking spaces to cater to the to-go business. Everything we have ordered has been top notch, plentiful and good tasting.

This week we had the Calamari appetizer to go, Chicken Sicilian soup and a Chicken pasta dish. We called it in, because it does take about 15 minutes for them to prepare the order. Everything is fresh!

After paying inside, they have you to wait in your car and they bring your order out to you. Orders include their wonderful bread, a small bottle or two (depending how much you order) of olive oil, spices for putting in the oil to dip your bread in, just like you would have if you dined in!

They also include all the sauces, such as the Mariana sauce, grated parmesan cheese, and plastic eating utensils.

Carrabba’s food is a little on the pricey side, but I find it well worth it for the great taste, quality and quantity you receive. Reviewer “X” rates Carrabba’s Calamari appetizer as the best Calamari in the city! Reviewer “X” loves Carrabba’s to-go! What could be better then eating great Italian at home on your own patio.

NAME: Reviewer "X" aka Markh
SUBMITTED: 5/8/2013   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/2013
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: This was our first trip to any Carraba's and I was surprised to arrive to such a chain restaurant atmosphere. We began with a wine sampler and crab cake appetizer. The crab cakes were good (it's hard to make poor crab cakes) but the wine sampler was lacking. For dinner my wife had the antipasti appetizer and I had the spaghetti with Italian sausage. Neither of us could finish due to volume and flavor. After the wine sampler I ordered a glass of Coppola Claret which turned out to cost $15. A bottle of Coppola Claret can be purchased at most local grocers for less than this. The wait staff was attentive and packed up the remaining food despite our not asking for a to-go box. With tip the whole meal was close to $100 and worth much, much less.

NAME: Old Miles
SUBMITTED: 4/24/2013   LAST VISIT WAS: April 13
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We dine here often and it is the best Italian anywhere in the area. Salads are always so fresh as are vegetable sides. Pastas are cooked perfectly, but their various sauces compliment the pasta. The wood grilled chicken dishes are excellent, Chicken Bryan, Rosa Maria, or Marsala, all excellent. Portions are large usually resulting in a take home doggie bag. Try their sautéed spinach as a side veggie, they do it right every time. Thanks to our server Chris A. for his excellent service tonight, he was very attentive but not intrusive. He knows the menu well and readily handled our pasta order with a couple of ingredient substitutions. Wednesday is a great night to go as all their bottled wines (excellent selection by the way) are $10 off per bottle, and they will seal up the bottle if you don't finish it so you can take it home with you.

NAME: Randall
SUBMITTED: 4/12/2013   LAST VISIT WAS: April/2013
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: Decided to try them again as our last THREE visits were disasters. Salads arriving after the main meal, waiter disappearing, no service, bad drinks. WELL, this time I was surprised at the small servings. Waiter started to clear the table before I was finished eating. Must be the ECONOMY!! Next time we will drive to Humble as the Italian restaurants there still offer great food and service. Carrabba's is definitely not worth the money or the time!

NAME: Disappointed Again
SUBMITTED: 12/21/2012   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2012
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: I ordered the veal It was so tough you could not cut it with a knife. I complained to the manager and he said he would bring out another plate of veal.

I was just as tough. I asked the manager if he had checked the veal before he brought it to me (after everyone at my table had finihed eating. He gave me a funny look and told me there would be no charge for the veal.

NAME: Ed Bersin
SUBMITTED: 9/26/2012   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/02/12
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: I had not visited this restaurant for quite some time and today my sister and I had lunch here. Not only was all of the food delicious, the service was outstanding! We haven't experienced such excellent service in years, anywhere. Steve M. was our waiter and he did everything you might expect in excellent service and more. What a delight!

NAME: foodie9
SUBMITTED: 8/11/2012   LAST VISIT WAS: 08/12
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: Who am I to knock the king of franchised Italian food down a peg or two, but I'll give it a go. I've eaten quite a few times there and the food has always been consistent, service acceptable, pricing in line with all others. On this visit I ordered the Penne Franco, which was a mistake. Penne pasta tossed with garlic, olive oil, sun dried tomato, black olives, onion, artichoke hearts, and riccotta salata. The flavor planks were so confusing I didn't know what I was eating. Plus the ricotta salata, was as bland as shredded paper. This cheese is salty and gets creamy when applied over heat. The restaurant is using a cheap blend of it. My bread had a raw spot in the middle of the loaf. When I notified the waitress, she returned and said the manager said it was cooked fine. I pulled out some dough, rolled into a little ball of clay, and showed her. She agreed, the pizza man agreed ( I was seated at the 'pasta bar'), yet nothing was done to correct the problem. My ice tea sat there until it became luke warm, and was finally refilled after I was finished eating. I was sitting right on the counter, surrounded by wait staff, expediters, even a manager or two. Overall this experience on this night was very unsatisfactory. Of course I'll be back. Like I said, its the king of Italian franchisewhen you are in the mood for chicken cooked 7 different ways. But for a while I shall put them on strike and frequent the few mom and pop joints in my area.

NAME: Fatman of Clear Lake
SUBMITTED: 8/3/2012   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/26/2012
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: Took my wife there tonight. Food was not as good as they usually are. Service was terrible. Waiter did not bring items we asked for. When packing up food to go he left items out of the bag that we paid for. When I talked to the manager he did not offer to replace the items. If this is the new Carrabba's I will not be going there in the future. Prices up and food and service down.

NAME: marine
SUBMITTED: 11/20/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2011
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: Sirloin steak topped with mushrooms, Chicken Bryan, barley soup with Italian sausage, side of penne pasta, their hot bread---it was all good. Never had a bad meal or bad experience at Carrabba's.

NAME: Steve D.
SUBMITTED: 6/4/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/11
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: Took my "little" sister there for her birthday (60 yo) - delighted with the fried zuchinni which we had not tried before. Wonderful meal-wonderful service-and delicious chocolate kahlua cake. Wish I could go every night!

NAME: VeryGoodCook
SUBMITTED: 9/10/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/05/2010
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: Carraba's catered an event for us at the Berry Center. Keith and staff went out of their way to make this event absolutely fabulous! The food was superb. The staff was extremely efficient and friendly. They worked like a well oiled machine and the food for 150 guests was served hot for each one. The desserts were beyond description. I can't thank them enough but to just say that if you ever have a meeting or event that needs catering, call Keith at the Copperfield location. He will take care of you and your guests will be amazed!

NAME: Happy CFISD VIPS
SUBMITTED: 5/16/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: April, 2010
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: VERY disappointed last night; both the food and the service were lacking! A bit of a special occasion last night, so we headed for Carraba's. Our waiter was distracted at best, and we had to ask for refills on anything and everything. Salads are definitely "less" than before, guess they are cutting back. Understandably,with the current economy, but there was no excuse for cold food, and small portions on what were to be the "regular" sized chicken parmigianas my sons had! My lasgana was only warm in the center--was going to send it back, until it took our waiter 15 minutes to bring back the fresh parmesan cheese he offered for our dinners..which got Colder, waiting on him!

Just decided it was not 'worth it" any longer, to come again. Next time, we go back to I*talian*'s, which is in nearby Humble and Still gives its' patrons Great service, ample portions, and HOT homemade rolls that are great!

Carraba's is too expensive for "passable" food and service, when so many places are offering specials and incentives, for food Just as good..or better!

NAME: cupcake
SUBMITTED: 3/19/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/10
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: It's been a long while since I was at the Bay Area location and I'm asking myself why. The food is so good and really pretty affordable, that I'm kicking myself for being absent too long.

I had a sirloin with 2 grilled scallops, 2 grilled shrimp and asparagus. Can't remember the name of the dish, but for $6 you can substitute sirloin for filet mignon. Which is what my wife did---the filet was large and melt in you mouth good. Salad with house dressing (creamy parmesean) and chicken soup were exceptional. And that warm, dense bread with the crusty crust and unique flavor ought to be against the law.

The place was packed but the kitchen had our food in no time and the service was great. Can't remember the last time I enjoyed a meal this much. Good job, O*utback, for not screwing up a good thing!

NAME: Sandy from League City
SUBMITTED: 3/18/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/10
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: I am writing this review again as it was not posted when I sent it in last week. Our visit was horrible. No other way to describe it. First the pager didn't work (after we waited ONE hour). We were told that they would seat us at the next available booth. Didn't happen!! Husband's salad did not have the meat in it that was described in the menu. My sangria was very cloudy (sent it back). Very disappointed. Each time we go the service is worse. We will not be back. Kingwood deserves better! If this review doesn't make it in then this website is not honest.

NAME: Disappointed
SUBMITTED: 2/8/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/10
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: Only the Voss & Kirby Road locations are still owned and operated by Johnny Carrabba. All the rest are owned by O*utback Steakhouse.. Therein lies the difference, in both service, quality of food and personnel. Never had a bad experiance at the original locations. Been going there for years !!

NAME: Richard B
SUBMITTED: 1/18/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 1-10
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

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