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Carmine's - Upper West SideBWorth Trying
2450 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
· Italian restaurant, Caterer, Delivery service
· 4.4/5 Google (6961 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Big-portioned, old-school Italian-American built for groups; lively vibe, friendly service, and crowd-pleasing staples, but quality and wait times fluctuate.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Carmine's delivers reliable Italian-American comfort with warm, attentive service and solid food quality that shines on classics like eggplant parm and lasagna. However, quality varies noticeably between visits, and tight seating combined with service delays during rush limit the experience. It excels as a celebratory group destination with excellent value when sharing, but inconsistency prevents grade A-grade territory.
Restaurant Summary
The Upper West Side outpost feels warm and bustling, the kind of place where birthdays, big platters, and loud toasts mingle. Servers are often friendly and attentive, and guests rave about leaving with leftovers. One diner summed it up: "Huge plates, lively room, and we never felt rushed." The cooking leans classic Italian-American rather than trend-chasing—think red-sauce comfort, chicken or eggplant parm, big bowls of pasta, calamari, and Caesar. It suits groups who want familiar flavors more than culinary fireworks. On packed nights, quality can waver a bit and some sauces skew simple, but when the kitchen hits, it is richly satisfying and easy to share. Families do well here thanks to giant sharables like spaghetti and meatballs, penne alla vodka, garlic bread, and Caesar. There is no special kids menu, but the staples are kid-friendly and portions stretch easily. If you have strict allergies, communicate clearly; most staff try to help, though experiences vary.
At a Glance
- Massive family-style portions that deliver strong value when shared
- Lively, celebratory vibe perfect for groups and birthdays
- Quality and pacing can slip during peak rush
- Tight seating and long waits without reservations
- Classic Italian-American comfort over modern twists
What Sets It Apart
- true_family_style_portions
- group_event_friendly
- old_school_italian_american_vibe
What People Love
- Leaving with leftovers from huge platters
- Old-school red-sauce classics done generously
- Friendly servers who keep bread and water flowing
- A festive room that feels like a neighborhood celebration
Points of Concern
- Waits can exceed an hour for walk-ins at peak times
- Occasional bland or watery sauces and overcooked items reported
- Cramped tables for big parties on busy nights
- Allergy and special-diet handling can be inconsistent
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share two pastas (e.g., Penne alla Vodka $38.95 and Lasagna $41.95) plus one appetizer (Garlic Bread $18.95) for 3–4; add salad if needed.
Perfect For
- Birthday dinners with 6–12 friends
- Comfort-food cravings after a day in Central Park
- Family reunions where sharing is the point
- Pre- or post-event group meals on the UWS
Location Insights
Area: Residential-meets-cultural stretch of Broadway near Lincoln Center and Central Park; family-friendly and busy on weekends.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked corridors with steady footfall and lighting typical of UWS.
Nearby: Near Central Park, museums, and neighborhood shops; draws locals and visitors, strong pre/post-event traffic.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from classic New York delis and casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with many establishments catering to both locals and visitors enjoying nearby museums and parks.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is a cultural hub within the Upper West Side, home to Lincoln Center and several theaters. Dining here often includes upscale and trendy restaurants catering to arts patrons and visitors, alongside more casual options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–23:00
Saturday11:30–23:00
Sunday11:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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