When you say Buca di Beppo, you've said a mouthful. (Literally, what you've said is "Joe's basement," because the first Buca was opened in a basement, presumably by Joe.) But the chain has grown, apparently because people love its over-the-top Italian-kitsch feel, its extra-exuberant staff and its impossibly large family-style portions. And speaking of family, children will love the ambiance and the food (what kid doesn't like pasta?) Guests are encouraged to share among their own group, as well as chat up diners around them. Think of your Nonna's kitchen, if Nonna had a penchant for overindulging in homemade wine. Though Buca does not serve top-of-the-line, innovative Italian cuisine (they call it immigrant Southern Italian cooking), you can find all the tried-and-true dishes, including fried calamari, baked pasta, spaghetti aglio olio, linguine with clam sauce or marinara and various marasalas and parmigianas. It's a terrific family eatery that almost serves as two outings in one, since the restaurant itself is worth a tour. But it's definitely not the place to go for a romantic date, unless your idea of romance includes the Pope's head on a platter.

Categories: Foods-Carry Out, Banquet Rooms, Restaurants-Italian, Restaurants

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