Sambuca's

21-Dec-08
Jorge J

Amazing! That's the only way I can think to describe this place. The atmosphere was amazing, the food was amazing, and the service was amazing.

A lady I ran into told me about this place several months ago. I was skeptical because we were both sitting having a drink at the Maine Fish Market and she thought that place was amazing. I personally think they sell overpriced, overcooked seafood mostly from cans.

I drove by Sambuca's several times and didn't think much of it. The sign on the building looked very pizza-kitchenish. God knows we have enough run-of-the-mill pizza kitchens in Connecticut. So, I never stopped.

Then, one day for lunch some of the guys that I work with decided to give it a try. What the hell? It had to beat Chinese food again. The buffalo-chicken pizza was amazing! I work with guys who speak English as a second language, and they loved it. Enough said!

I went back that night by myself. There was a line to get a table, and I could have kicked myself for being so late to discover this place. I grabbed the last seat at the end of the bar. I had the express intention and craving to eat Linguine with Mussels, but when I was handed the specials menu the Prime Rib sounded too good to pass up. Besides, Linguine with Mussels is always on the menu. It would be there next time. Although, it took me about an hour to make up my mind, Don the bartender kept my drinks flowing smoothly, and a young lady next to me kept me entertained while Don tried to replicate a perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cocktail for her. I think he finally got the last one right.

My Prime Rib arrived. One of the broiled potatoes I bit into was still a bit raw. But, the Prime Rib was cooked perfectly. The broccoli was steamed and still crunchy, just the way I like it. And, the rest of the potatoes were fine. Amazing!

I loved this place so much that I went back a few nights later with some friends. We couldn't stay long, so I ordered another special, Scallops and Pasta, to go. (I'll eventually get to the Linguine with Mussels; if they would just stop handing me that damn specials menu!) It turns out that the nice girl with the Pineapple Upside Down Cake dilemma is also a waitress there. Don was as friendly and quick with the drinks as ever.

Finally, the Scallops and Pasta were amazing! Even twenty minutes later when I finally got back home.

I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a quality Italian restaurant that's not the ordinary pizza place around the corner. The bar is lively, and the restaurant is romantic while still being family friendly. Don't let the sign fool you.