Seemor
Carmine's - Time SquareB+Worth Trying
200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
· Italian restaurant, Caterer, Delivery service
· 4.5/5 Google (18385 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively, old-school Italian-American with huge family-style portions ideal for groups; good flavors and fun vibe, but service can be inconsistent and waits are common.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Carmine's delivers reliable group dining with solid food quality and iconic Times Square appeal, but quality variation and tight seating limit its standing. The restaurant excels at what it does—feeding large parties with generous portions and lively energy—though service speed fluctuates during peak hours, preventing grade A-level consistency.
Restaurant Summary
Step into an old-school red-sauce hall where platters sail past and the room feels warm and bustling. Servers guide you through family-style ordering while the walls glow with vintage photos. A diner summed it up: "Big flavors, bigger portions, and a staff used to the rush." It is energetic and group-friendly, though wait times and volume can spike around show hours. The cooking leans classic Italian-American comfort: hearty, shareable staples like lasagna, chicken parm, and penne alla vodka. When the kitchen is on, it is satisfying and generous; during crunch times, plates can arrive a bit salty or under-seasoned. You come for conviviality and abundance rather than culinary experiments. Families do well here: the menu is packed with kid-approved pastas, chicken cutlets, and simple salads. Portions mean easy sharing, but be ready for a loud room. No dedicated kids menu needed when a single pasta can feed three; budget for dessert splurges like the Titanic if celebrating.
At a Glance
- Huge family-style portions that feed 3-5
- Fun, lively vibe near Broadway theaters
- Strong value when sharing in a group
- Service and speed vary at peak/holidays
- Very loud; cramped seating at times
What Sets It Apart
- massive_family_style_portions
- pre_theater_location
- old_school_italian_ambiance
What People Love
- The thrill of oversized platters arriving to the table
- Comforting red-sauce flavors that feel nostalgic
- Servers who explain portions and steer ordering
- Iconic Times Square energy and memorabilia-covered walls
Points of Concern
- Waits and slow ticket times during peak and holidays; reservations may still see delays
- Inconsistent execution on busy days (cold entrees, bland seasoning, oversalted plates)
- Noise levels are high; tables tightly spaced
- Isolated but serious complaints about spills/cleanliness incidents and management response
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Caesar ($32.95) and Hot Antipasto ($59.95) for 4-6, then one pasta (e.g., Penne alla Vodka $38.95) and one chicken main ($39.95-$48.95). Share one dessert like the Titanic ($39.95).
Perfect For
- Pre-theater group dinners
- Birthday celebrations with dessert spectacle
- Tourist families seeking classic Italian-American
- Large parties wanting shareable platters
Location Insights
Area: Touristy, high-energy theater district drawing pre-show crowds and large groups; constant foot traffic and bright signage.
Safety: Busy, well-lit, heavy police and pedestrian presence; typical big-city pickpocket risk in crowds.
Nearby: Near Broadway theaters, hotels, and attractions; convenient for pre/post-show meals and large parties.
Theater DistrictThe Theater District is vibrant and lively, centered around Broadway theaters and entertainment venues. Dining options range from casual eateries to upscale restaurants catering to pre- and post-show crowds, with a mix of tourists and locals enjoying the nightlife and cultural scene.
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Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–23:00
Tuesday11:30–23:00
Wednesday11:30–23:00
Thursday11:30–23:00
Friday11:30–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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