Restaurant Review: Romano’s Macaroni Grill (Las Vegas)

SHOCKER MONDAY BARGAIN:

ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL

This place was a shocking recent discovery for decent Italian fare. It’s also one of the best deals in town Before fainting or calling me names or putting a hit on me, please read on. There’s a surprise at the end you don’t want to miss.

Until last month, I had set foot in a Macaroni Grill maybe once. Twenty years passed. Macaroni Grill was one of those places I passed on the street many times without ever giving it consideration as a place I’d want to eat. Chains have never been my thing, especially with so many excellent Italian restaurants in the cities I’ve lived and places I’ve visited.

Then, Marieta saw an online coupon of “buy 1 get 1 free” on Mondays for Romano’s Macaroni Grill. It applied the certain meals, usually the standard Italian dishes. Hey, why not? Let’s give it a try.

Yesterday was the third time on five weeks we’ve dined at Macaroni Grill (on Rainbow Blvd.). All visits were on Mondays. We had the Chicken Parmesan (good), but the Lasagna (we’ve now tried twice) is really, really good. I give it a solid 7.5 on a 10 scale.

I felt like we were stealing. We received 2 baked lasagnas. With grated cheese. Tangy sauce (very serviceable and far better than some other places that serve bland sauces). Good layering. Generous meat and Ricotta. Baked perfectly. Nice size. House salad (including an excellent Caesar) optional for a small up-charge, like $4.

Best of all, the entree was $22, and we received another $22 entree for free — as in “buy 1 get 1 free.”

The Surprise and Special: All you have to do is sign up at their website to get email notices on the specials. They advise what dish is featured on the special each Monday morning, which (I think) applies to both lunch and dinner. You don’t even need to print up anything or join any clubs. Very easy experience.

Also, the house bread (complimentary) is very good. Freshly baked. Real butter. I inhaled two loaves, plus 6 squares of butter.  Okay, it was 8.  Maybe 10.  Butter = my weakness and addiction.

What I don’t understand is why this location has been almost empty on each visit. This Monday special is incredible. Not sure where else you can dine for 2 for under $25 (plus tip, of course) and get such hearty fare. I take the special and lack of business as a warning sign. Perhaps this location or the chain is in trouble. I don’t know any details. But I do know this is a great opportunity to take advantage of a bargain. Daren, who served our table each time (he’s from New Orleans) also took great care of us. Ask for him — he’s terrific.

Good food and service deserves praise. It also demands being shared. Romano’s Macaroni Grill was a surprising re-discovery.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT AND SIGN UP