Buca di Beppo
| Address: | 14300 Burnhaven Dr, Burnsville, MN 55306, USA |
| Phone: | +1 952-892-7272 |
| Site: | bucadibeppo.com |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
MA
Mark Fleming
First, let me start by getting the negatives out of the way (and there are quite a few): We went this past Sunday night before heading to a movie (at one of the nearby theaters). We arrived around 5-5:15pm. The host area was extremely crowded, and it seemed like they were unprepared for customers. We only waited 5 minutes or so for a table, however, so no harm done. Our server did his best to be attentive, but it looked like he had an enormous section. We counted what looked like 9 tables that he was supposed to call on (I dont think thats an exaggeration... it was the whole booth section by the bar, and also into the next dining room). As a former server at another Italian restaurant, I can say that we had a maximum section size of 3 tables ("to provide an excellence in service that cannot be replicated when stretched too thin"), and it was about right for a high-touch experience. That being said, while understandably rushed, his service was herculean. The food too way too long to come... (read: around an hour for a "small" Chicken Marsala, and side of fettuccine) so we really had to rush, and still were late for our 6:55 movie. But you know what? Its easy to write that all down after the fact, but at the time I didnt really mind that much. Okay, so how the heck did they get 5 stars out of me?? THE FOOD WAS FANTASTIC, and the portions were fitting of a family-style Italian restaurant. I have eaten at the Buca di Beppo in St. Paul many times, and have always enjoyed myself and the atmosphere, but never been especially impressed. While the overall experience may not have quite held up to that standard of timeliness, and service, I also may not have ever tasted Italian food as good as this was. Their Chicken Marsala was the best I have ever had - BAR NONE. Im not usually a big mushroom fan, but the sauce was so light, decadent, and delicious, that I was piling it on for more - mushrooms and all! The free bread was on point, and the Tiramisu was nearly perfect (okay - one bite left me wishing the ladyfingers had been a little more moist, but it must have just been that one spot, because every other morsel was rapturous) and huge. Overall impressions: Come on a slow night, and dont expect it to be fast. Take your time, stare into your sweeties eyes, and be prepared to roll out the door having been taken to new heights of gastrointestinal bliss. We will be back.
BI
Billy F
Went there for the "Thanksgiving Feast for three" with my partner and my elderly father. First off - they use some kind of sweet smelling sanitizer on their glasses. It was especially noticeable on the wine glasses. There was a lady at the next table who got the same wine at the same time - she smelled it too. I could also smell it, although not as pronounced, on the water glasses.....another reason I only drink bottled beer when out. Then - the food....Supposed to be a "feast" for three. The small bowl of mashed potatoes may have satisfied Michelle Obamas serving guide - but, it is Thanksgiving - give us enough for three people - not one. The gravy was from a can or jar, and was thin and flavorless. And this was served in a soup cup. The turkey was at least from a real, non-pressed breast cut. It was overcooked and dry, however. No dark meat at all. The sausage stuffing was flavorful, but scarce. The green beans were barely blanched - needed another few minutes in hot water. The bread was under-baked and ice cold. All that for $53.99 - what a profit margin. Here is the kicker - we asked for a second cup of gravy. It was brought out cheerfully after a 5 minute wait. And we discovered an additional $3.99 charge on the check for that ladleful of canned gravy. I assume their Italian food is better, but any chef/cook paid for the day should be able to put out something better than this. They should be embarrassed.
BO
Bob Jones
Hostess tried to seat us next to an extremely loud crowd. We asked for a different seat and she was irritated. Place was nearly empty. Waiter came to the table when I was quickly looking at a message I just received on my phone. I responded to him quick, almost immediately, and he seemed angry from that point on. Carded my wife (above 50 yrs old) and we joked about it (company policy, I know....). He made a comment that was uncomfortable at best. We smiled and laughed to try to help and he did not react, kept straight face and just stared at us. Damn near walked out. Portions are way too large, seriously. do they only want to serve 6+ people at a time? Waiter was bringing the bill and was suddenly a "split personality victim". Nice as you could be now that he wanted money. Nice try dude. Never going back. Will add that if it was not for the manager (John) that brought us several drinks and packed up our leftovers (for the village back home), I would have demanded a credit for the poor service. I get that the waiter was busy with a large table. But its not my fault.
SH
Shaun Anderson
Im so excited, my 1st review... character limitations??? We were told it was a 5 min wait when we called ahead, wouldnt take our reservation. Arrived, "5-10min wait", 45 mins later we were seated. Waited 15mins for a server to show up, ordered immediately. Over the next 30 mins bread, plates and silverware show up in no particular order. Waited almost an hour and at 3 reminders for our drinks. 30mins later kids food is ready, the rest of our order is nowhere to be found. Hit the restroom, umm, we were seated before them and they have their food?? 20mins later when we are getting up to leave the rest of the food shows up. Manger has no clue, no excuse, and no sense of remedying the situation. Truthfully, it didnt matter...lost customers who will share the experience with others. But hey, if youre into horrible hosts, servers, service, and management...follow the red balloon on Google maps! Dont get me wrong, Im disgruntled, but the wait times above are no exaggeration. 1 of 5 stars is generous...
MO
Mojo Matt
Ok where do I start...? Terrible service - but worse than that, our server didnt even know how poor her service was. O.K. so no tip for her. Restaurant was seriously dirty. dried food and a bug stuck on the walls and lamps - seriously gross. Booths have had the life beat out of them - very uncomfortable. Very depressing atmosphere. None of the staff looked like they took pride in their job and I dont blame them. An establishment that is run as poorly as this wont be able to keep competent or happy staff. Food was mediocre. Overall this restaurant is the perfect candidate to appear on the show Restaurant Impossible. It likely wont last much longer without a major makeover which makes me sad because Buca use to be sooo good and a fun place to go. Now its just depressing. To the management - take 1 day and deep clean your restaurant. Then replace the booths and train your staff and hopefully youll survive. I dont want to see Buca go.
PE
Penny Lest play
Can I give this God awful place NO stars?! I just left this place and man, I shouldve trusted the reviews I read. All Ill say is the server Jessica had a runny nose and kept sniffling over our drinks and food!! As we were boxing up our food to feed to our dogs, I asked the server if she wanted a tissue, and she lost it!!! She then proceeded to get some young kid who was supposedly the manager, Jason, who came over. I explained I had no issue and that I only asked if Jessica wanted a tissue and she freaked out. I stated its sort of gross to have a sick server serving food! He apologized, walked away and chuckled. I asked him if something was funny and he ignored me. I asked again and looked at me and smiled. As we were walking out of the door he gave us the finger!!! Wow who does that??? This was our first and very last time coming here. Hopefully our dogs will like this overpriced junk, otherwise I just wasted $40 on nothing.
