Macaroni Grill is one of many casual Italian restaurant chains like Olive Garden and Carrabba's that serve decent but not particularly memorable fare for a decent price. Normally, a restaurant like this merits a three-star review from me. This location gets an extra star because of the excellent service we received from a waiter named Joshua. A large group of 13 of us descended on this location on Christmas Eve at 6:30 after a candle light church service (we had a 7:00 reservation). We clogged up the whole entrance area for about 1/2 hour until our two tables became available (one for the adults and another for the kids). Joshua arrived at our table and was ready tell us about the Macaroni "honor system" Chianti deal. You're charged based on how many glasses you tell them you drank from the large bottle they provide. They cover the tables with butcher paper and provide crayons which makes it easy to tally the glasses as they're consumed. Since the family party I was with are teetotalers, Joshua didn't get a chance to make this pitch. Unfazed, he went into a detailed description of the best things on the menu. He also cheerfully answered the myriad of questions my decision challenged relatives threw at him. The restaurant was busy, so the wait for our food was longer than usual (perhaps about 1/2 hour). Joshua kept on bring more of their bread which we dipped in olive oil with black pepper (some garlic, basil, red pepper and balsamic vinegar in the mix would have been tastier). He became the darling of my mother-in-law during this time. The meal itself was solid. My shrimp portofino (sauteed shrimp with mushrooms, pine nuts and spinach in a butter sauce served with pasta) was quite good. I sampled a portion of my mother-in-law's eggplant Parmesan which was also tasty while she learned that Joshua was an engineering major at a local college. I really would have enjoyed the Chianti with the meal, but it ain't worth messing with the in-laws. We declined dessert but Joshua winked at my mother-in-law and asked whether she had a birthday coming up. She answered that "she had a birthday" and returned his wink. Soon, he presented her with a chocolate cake in a chocolate sauce, got down on one knee and began singing "Happy Birthday" in Italian with his basso profundo... Tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri a te... Priceless!!
(4)
John M.
Stopped in for dinner after visiting the Gibson Guitar Center. The place has a lively feel too it......they certainly weren't short-staffed. Service was an excellent. Everything was right an cue. Ordered the Portabello Chicken. Prices was reasonable for the quality. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, was that the chicken had a hint of propane or whatever their grill's heat source was. Made me think of Hank Hill from "King of the Hill"........"Taste the meat not the heat". I tasted some of the heat. Otherwise I'd give this chain restaurant 5 stars. Don't know if I'll ever be back, was in Nashville for business and the visit to the Gibson Guitar Center took me to this mall (I hate malls).
(3)
Virginia G.
I was very disappointed with this restaurant. I visited this restaurant on the last day of February when I had a $5 bonus gift card that was expiring the next day. I called before 9 pm to place my order, but the manager who answered told me they had closed early that evening so they could remodel. I ended up with a lousy meal somewhere else, then had to drive to his darkened restaurant and go to the back door to exchange my card for $5. He did not apologize for the trouble he caused me nor for the scary scenario at his restaurant, nor did he offer anything to make up for the fact he was closed when he was supposed to be open. This was extremely bad customer service, especially for a restaurant right next to the interstate. While I generally like Macaroni Grill, I wouldn't recommend this particular restaurant location to a dog.
(1)
Arnold M.
There were7 of us? The good is that they take reservations. The bad is that their food is on the decline. I was served a salad in a bowel with several chips & all the silverware was not clean. The Alfredo pasta was not edible!!! The pepperoni on the pizza tasted off & so on. Unfortunately our waiter must also have been having an off night. Although he was quite pleasant the service was at best fair to poor. Overall not a very good experience. There are better choices for Italian.
(2)
Oscar B.
Of the big Italian chains, Romano's Macaroni Grill is easily my favorite. I don't think I've ever had a bad dish here. But the real standouts for me are the Lobster Ravioli and the Pasta Milano. I could eat either of those any day of the week. As for appetizers, the calamari and spinach artichoke dip are hard to beat. And their tiramisu is hands down the best you will find in a chain restaurant around here. Oh, and they have excellent, excellent bread. Macaroni Grill definitely isn't the best Italian I've had in my life but when it comes to chains, it sure is. Bottom line... if you're looking for consistently good Italian food on the cheap, then Macaroni Grill is your best bet.
(4)
Emily L.
My family and I used to eat here a lot. But it seems as though it is going downhill. The restaurant was completely empty instead of the usual filled space I was accustomed to on a Saturday night at the dinner hour. That should have been our first clue but we stayed anyways. Took forever for the server to come. Ordered my usual pasta milano which is usually good but looked as though they cut the portion but not the price and the mushrooms were so undercooked I had to send the food back, which I had never done in my entire life before. The bread was cold and hard. They also replaced favorites such as Tuscan rib-eye with some bullshit "Mediterranean" menu, which my mother ordered but did not look good. All in all a big disappointment from our usual fave. Won't be coming back. Parking can be a bitch at times too. But service is usually alright.
(2)
Ken K.
Stopped in for a late lunch. Service was good. Food however was nothing special. I ordered the ceasar salad with grilled chicken. Chicken was good but the ceasar dressing was a dud. Tasteless and bland. Typical ceasar dressings are rich and add a lot of taste to lettuce. Romano's ceasar was just not good. Won't be back.
(2)
Bryan B.
Im going to agree with the other mediocre reviews and say that I ate here today and it wasn't good. I got chicken parm which is a pretty easy dish, the portion and ingredients were there but it just didn't taste right. The chicken was chewy, either fatty or undercooked I'm not sure which. Not real Italian I would go elsewhere in the future.
(2)
Khaki B.
Disgusting chain food! Loved coming when I was younger and just went again for the first time in 10 years. There was a hair in my salad. Meatballs were tough as nails. Minestrone soup tasted like it came from a can. Will not be returning!
(2)
Camryn P.
I ate here today around 11:30. It was my first time at this chain, and I had an exceptional experience. The waiter, JP, was great. He was quick to refill drinks without us having to ask, and had great customer service skills. The bread with dipping oil is great. The macaroni bites were a really good appetizer. The Caesar salad was fresh and had plenty of dressing. The lobster ravioli was delicious and a perfect amount of food. My boyfriend had the smashed meatball flatbread which he really liked as well, and it was quite a bit larger than most other places' flatbreads. The decor was very pretty and the restaurant clean. The prices are fair. I wish I had one closer to home!
(5)
Lori W.
Upon walking into this establishment I was excited as our Romano's Macaroni Grill had closed so it was great to see this one... I was concerned with the three star rating this one had. They are spot on.....right!!!!! The bread was old, they poured hot oil on it to make it look like it just came out of the oven. Ordered the stuffed mushrooms and ohhhh myyy they were burnt, brought back another one about 20 minutes later. The waiter asked us if we were ready for our Lobster Stuffed Ravioli, ohh (shocked with no hesitation..still wondering why it was cooked ahead) we said YES. We don't want it cold. So we had our ravioli before the appetizer. The appetizer did not taste right at all. We told him to take it back. It tasted spoiled. The lobster ravioli....the ravioli was hard on one side. It tasted like it had been cooked out of the water and dried out. The waiter said we would end up talking to the manager, never seen him/her. This was not a good experience. Would NOT come back to this establishment. Would NOT recommend. Three customers, including us, were the only ones in here. Something is NOT right.
(1)
Andrew F.
Terrible. Inedible chicken and awful ravioli. My wife said it was her worst meal in a year. I agree. Left most of the food behind. It looked okay but was awful in the mouth.
(1)
Eric Y.
I typically love Macaronis but this place is terrible. Slow service and the food tastes like it came from a microwaveable dinner. We saw a customer sit down and had to clean crumbs off the seat before sitting down. The manager started to say something about it to the lady who was busting tables nearby and she snapped at him! She snapped, "What?! I hadn't gotten to it yet. Sheesh!!" This place is a loss.
(1)
Amanda L.
Hopefully this location's service is not an indication of the chain's quality and service. We walked in around 7:30 pm on a weeknight, weary from a long day of travel with two preschoolers. In a nearly empty restaurant it took about five minutes to be seated. After a while at our table our waiter came by to bring us some warm bread and crack some pepper into our oil dipping dish. We ordered soon after and the food was out quickly enough. But then hidden soy struck in the midst of my salad. My bad--I should know to ask about soy oil in dressings, even if I asked for it on the side. (Note: "on the side" does not mean spilling over the ramekin within the dish. At least not to me.) We had to rush out, which was handled well enough, but it was overall a disappointing meal for the price. Next time I'll just go to Olive Garden.
(2)
Christina W.
I can't write about the food since we never had a server come to our table. After 20 minutes, we decided to leave. We were there at 2:20 in the afternoon and it was not busy at all. Very disappointing. Others seated near us and after us got prompt service.
(1)
Betty P.
What has happened to macaroni grill at Coolsprings? This used to be one of our favorite places to eat but tonight we went there and I should have known upon arriving at 7 PM on a Friday night that something was wrong because the parking lot was half empty andthe restaurant was almost empty. The waiter was not welcoming and neither was the hostess. The food was just so-so. Something serious is going on here.
(2)
Private P.
Very let down by our last visit here. We stopped by one night for a birthday dinner and walked up to the host to get a table. We weren't greeted at all or were asked how many were dining with us, or even given a smile for that matter. The only communication from the host was a simple "follow me" who just seemed irritated the whole time. We got seated and I sat down on a seat very damp with water but I just shrugged it off since it happens sometimes. We ordered two appetizers, and only one showed up at the table. Once the waiter showed up again they apologized and sent another order in for our appetizer that should have came. The waiter then took our meal orders, and I went as far as to point to the exact dish I wanted as I read the name. However, another girl brought our dishes afterwards once they were ready and handed me something that looked completely different than what I ordered. I even asked "Is this (the dish I ordered)"? And she gave a hesitant yes and walked away from us. We ate and of course, my tasted and looked nothing like what I ordered and didnt taste very good either, yet I kept quiet since I didnt want to send a plate back after they told me it was what I had ordered, and have others eat while I just sat there with nothing. We get the bill, and of course we are billed for the different menu item which just happens to be more expensive than what I ordered as well. I let our waiter know who seems puzzled then acknowledges they made a mistake and disappears to talk to a manager I guess. Their solution was to knock just a couple dollars off our bill to match the price of the order I had actually wanted, with no appearance from the manager either to explain why employees lied to us earlier. We left and filled out a survey for the restaurant letting them know we didnt have a good visit, and even checked the option that we would like to be contacted about our experience, and we never heard anything at all, which goes to show management doesnt seem to care about their guests here, which is really sad since we have given them a lot of business in the past. Goes without saying, we wont be setting foot in this restaurant again if they think so little of customers.
(1)
Barry V.
We have eaten here since this restaurant opened. The quality has collapsed. Too many problems tonight to innumerate.
(1)
David M.
Historically one of our favorites even though it's 40 mins from our home. However this evening has changed our entire Macaroni opinion. Haven't eaten at this location for quite awhile but Should've known something was wrong when the restaurant was only half full at 7:00 on a Saturday!!!! Service was poor, could easily hear the kitchen staff being obnoxious and inappropriately loud but the food was our main complaint and just plain awful. Every plate ordered at our table (five top) was over salted. I'm talking like could feel my blood pressure rise with eat bite overly salted. My penne rustica (my usual) was cold, not baked and mostly sauce. Not very rustic... In fact everything tastes pre/cooked but barely reheated which was not the original Macaroni way. We had to flag down our server (also the bar tender) for everything! Ironically the table next to us (10 feet away as the place was dead) was complaining and we could over hear the hostess taking a complaint call as we were leaving. Very dissatisfied and doubtful this place will return to our once beloved Italian restaurant. We won't return to this location and recommend you save your money and go somewhere else.
(1)
Zoraida K.
Took my mom on a Sunday afternoon as a little get away luncheon. We were seated immediately, enjoyed one of the performances of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by the hostess, and had one glass each of the house Chianti, which is very good, and served generously in a good size tumbler, Italian style. The food came promptly, Mediterranean Sea Bass for mom, and Pasta di Mare for me. Both came piping hot and with enough to take home for a second meal. We were served politely, promptly and efficiently even if the server spoke really LOUDLY. I'll bring her back soon.
(4)
Mark P.
Prime geographic location, premier name; but, pitiful situation. You'll see numerous other comments about 30-minute wait times with a half-empty restaurant. 'Tis true, I'm afraid. We visited on Easter Sunday and accepted an offer for a 15-minute wait. 30 minutes later, we were offered an undesirable table in the bar because 'they were swamped.' No, they weren't. They were understaffed. There's a difference. And that difference is management. We went elsewhere as I'm sure you will. This one is off the list for good for us which is sad--we love the lobster ravioli.
(1)
Allison S.
I had the best experience here last night. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great and the staff was amazing! We left our waiter a 40% tip just because he was the nicest server I can remember at a REALLY long time. Kudos, MG!
(5)
Cynthia T.
You can draw on their tables!! Eating at Macaroni Grill pleases not only my stomach but also the kid in me. Being handed crayons and allowed to draw on the table while waiting for the food just makes me happy. I've grown up eating at this restaurant chain and although it's not a place I frequent at this time, it's still on our list of places to consider eating at. I've always had great friendly service and they treat you well. MMM...now I'm thinking about their bread....mmmm....and I always like their calamari!! Plus, who doesn't love learning a new language while using the bathroom? All in all, a solid chain restaurant that is family friendly, date night appropriate, and celebrates their guests' special occasions.
Had lunch their last week. 1st timer the staff was real nice..The food was great I did something I'd never done before I had enough to eat left overs the 2nd day..aka they serve alot of food for the Price..I will definitely Return. .
(5)
Elizabeth L.
We ate here yesterday because we were in Franklin and have missed a good Macaroni Grille. We moved to Murfreesboro three years ago and have tried eating at the one here several times but we have given up on it we have had such bad experiences (toppings left off of dishes, frozen peas that would crack your teeth,etc.) And while we enjoyed the food at the Franklin location, the service was the worst I have had in any restaurant in a very long time. Our waiter would disappear for 20 minutes at a time (no exaggeration) and we would ask for something and when he would finally return he would be without the item. And they were not even busy and were over staffed (servers standing around). While the food was great, the service made this a less than pleasant experience and all the waiter did to acknowledge it was say, "Thanks for your patience" after he dropped the bill.
(2)
Layne P.
The waitress was awesome and the food fantastic. Order the veal scaloppine which is off menu but delicious!
(4)
Nancy P.
So why is this restaurant half filled on a Saturday night at 7? Because it is terrible. Before I get to the inexcusable, I will cover some good things. Our server Jasen (his spelling) was really good. The house wine was great. The bread was ok. I remember the original so I'll just leave it at that. The calamari was great. That's it. My son had a trio. The chicken parm was hot and good, the cannelloni was luke, and the lasagna was ice cold. Concentrating on that made me feel uncomfortable to complain about the worse problem. We asked them to heat the dish and it came back the same. He did not eat the lasagna. The major insult was the veal. How do you take veal, and turn it into leather? Apparently they know. I could not cut it with a steak knife. I was so disgusted. The brocollini was so hard. Yes veggies should be al dente but this was hard as a rock. Then there was a stick, like a giant black tooth pick that stabbed me. Why was that there? My husband found his. He had the pork, which was at least edible as far as the tenderness. The wine was half off. One app, three dinners and a soda. $110. I will never go back. I do not recommend. It was my worst meal in a long time.
(1)
Mark H.
Just back form Mac Grill. Have not been in a Mac grill in years but saw a commercial and thought what the heck, let give it a try. Should have gone to Kroger and bought a couple Banquet TV dinners and a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20. 5:25 was sat 5:31 (6 mins) waiter finally showed up to take our beverage order. My wife had time to find the restroom, do her thing and get back before we even saw the server.... Off goofing around. I'm sure the company spec calls for a great under 2 minutes. 5:36 (5 mins) show up with bread and water no drinks???? One diet coke and a glass of wine. In 5 minutes I could have walked across the street to J. Alexander's and brought all the drinks back. 5:39 (11 mins) oooohhhh here is our drinks (this server only had us and one other 2 top at this point. 5:39 take our order 5:51 (12 mins) Order is delivered great job! Now only if was as good as it looked on the commercial. The wife's' lasagna was dry and my meatballs and spaghetti looked nothing like on TV (should have known, I do this for a living). The meatballs are the size of quarter. On TV they look as big as your fist! Well hey... the bread and olive oil was good! Check before tip and waiting $42.00, for 2 entrees one glass of wine and a diet coke.
(2)
Lindy B.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place! In the last 6 months I've eaten at Amerigo, Olive Garden, and Maggiano's and MG is still my favorite chain Italian restaurant. They have THE best bread: Rosemary Focaccia! I love the atmosphere and the food has never been anything but amazing. Granted, I always order the same thing, Pasta Milano sans mushrooms. But if it aint broke, then don't fix it! Service has always been excellent. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Catrien M.
Really bad service and bland food. :( I wrote a long, specific review about one of the servers but chose to erase it because I felt bad. But really...I won't come here again.
(1)
Tamera C.
I have not been to macaroni grill in quite some time, so I was surprised by the new menu and specials. First off happy hour in the bar is pretty good $5 pizza, $3 house wines and draft beer and $5 signature cocktails. We saved 2.50 on each glass of wine. Speaking of the house wine has been changed, so if you loved their labeled stuff run to the nearest wine store because they have all that is available. I was however surprised to be served wine in a drinking glass. I was told this is for the old Tuscan feel and that table wine is served in drinking glasses. Smaller menu, I always like that because it means you can do things well. Their new special is quite amazing. For $25 you get 2 appetizers and 2 dinners. There is a $3 up charge for a few special dinners. Yes all that for 25 bucks. They are full size entrees. I was bummed that they had the lights turned up so bright, Friday night should be just a bit softer. Our waitress Abby was great. Wen had a lovely evening.
(4)
Jeff S.
Three stars from me isn't all that bad. There is something worthy in being consistently reliable. And that is how I feel about Macaroni Grill. I'm hooked on their Chicken Scallopine. But last night, I boldly ventured out of my comfort zone and tried the grilled pork chops with a balsamic/rosemary glaze and mushroom sauce, rice, and broccoli ($14.00). The chops, though a bit under-cooked, were delicious. The broccoli wasn't the best. The rice with mushrooms was to die for - but being that I am watching my carbs I reluctantly let some of it go back to the kitchen with my otherwise clean plate. $2.50 for a small bottle of Pelligrino is a bit steep IMO, but hey, I'm not complaining. Macaroni is one of the signs I look for when I am on a business trip. Consistently reliable is good - and they are good at it.
(3)
Aidan K.
I rated Ramonos Macaroni Grill 5/5 stars. I find it has excellent food. It is also very child friendly. They serve amazing bread, with a hint of olive oil, which makes it that much better! I prefer to have their spaghetti, though it is a portion for 2 - 4 people. Overall, I rate Ramanos Macaroni Grill 5/5 stars.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Dolph W.
Macaroni Grill is one of many casual Italian restaurant chains like Olive Garden and Carrabba's that serve decent but not particularly memorable fare for a decent price. Normally, a restaurant like this merits a three-star review from me. This location gets an extra star because of the excellent service we received from a waiter named Joshua. A large group of 13 of us descended on this location on Christmas Eve at 6:30 after a candle light church service (we had a 7:00 reservation). We clogged up the whole entrance area for about 1/2 hour until our two tables became available (one for the adults and another for the kids). Joshua arrived at our table and was ready tell us about the Macaroni "honor system" Chianti deal. You're charged based on how many glasses you tell them you drank from the large bottle they provide. They cover the tables with butcher paper and provide crayons which makes it easy to tally the glasses as they're consumed. Since the family party I was with are teetotalers, Joshua didn't get a chance to make this pitch. Unfazed, he went into a detailed description of the best things on the menu. He also cheerfully answered the myriad of questions my decision challenged relatives threw at him. The restaurant was busy, so the wait for our food was longer than usual (perhaps about 1/2 hour). Joshua kept on bring more of their bread which we dipped in olive oil with black pepper (some garlic, basil, red pepper and balsamic vinegar in the mix would have been tastier). He became the darling of my mother-in-law during this time. The meal itself was solid. My shrimp portofino (sauteed shrimp with mushrooms, pine nuts and spinach in a butter sauce served with pasta) was quite good. I sampled a portion of my mother-in-law's eggplant Parmesan which was also tasty while she learned that Joshua was an engineering major at a local college. I really would have enjoyed the Chianti with the meal, but it ain't worth messing with the in-laws. We declined dessert but Joshua winked at my mother-in-law and asked whether she had a birthday coming up. She answered that "she had a birthday" and returned his wink. Soon, he presented her with a chocolate cake in a chocolate sauce, got down on one knee and began singing "Happy Birthday" in Italian with his basso profundo... Tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri a te... Priceless!!
(4)John M.
Stopped in for dinner after visiting the Gibson Guitar Center. The place has a lively feel too it......they certainly weren't short-staffed. Service was an excellent. Everything was right an cue. Ordered the Portabello Chicken. Prices was reasonable for the quality. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, was that the chicken had a hint of propane or whatever their grill's heat source was. Made me think of Hank Hill from "King of the Hill"........"Taste the meat not the heat". I tasted some of the heat. Otherwise I'd give this chain restaurant 5 stars. Don't know if I'll ever be back, was in Nashville for business and the visit to the Gibson Guitar Center took me to this mall (I hate malls).
(3)Virginia G.
I was very disappointed with this restaurant. I visited this restaurant on the last day of February when I had a $5 bonus gift card that was expiring the next day. I called before 9 pm to place my order, but the manager who answered told me they had closed early that evening so they could remodel. I ended up with a lousy meal somewhere else, then had to drive to his darkened restaurant and go to the back door to exchange my card for $5. He did not apologize for the trouble he caused me nor for the scary scenario at his restaurant, nor did he offer anything to make up for the fact he was closed when he was supposed to be open. This was extremely bad customer service, especially for a restaurant right next to the interstate. While I generally like Macaroni Grill, I wouldn't recommend this particular restaurant location to a dog.
(1)Arnold M.
There were7 of us? The good is that they take reservations. The bad is that their food is on the decline. I was served a salad in a bowel with several chips & all the silverware was not clean. The Alfredo pasta was not edible!!! The pepperoni on the pizza tasted off & so on. Unfortunately our waiter must also have been having an off night. Although he was quite pleasant the service was at best fair to poor. Overall not a very good experience. There are better choices for Italian.
(2)Oscar B.
Of the big Italian chains, Romano's Macaroni Grill is easily my favorite. I don't think I've ever had a bad dish here. But the real standouts for me are the Lobster Ravioli and the Pasta Milano. I could eat either of those any day of the week. As for appetizers, the calamari and spinach artichoke dip are hard to beat. And their tiramisu is hands down the best you will find in a chain restaurant around here. Oh, and they have excellent, excellent bread. Macaroni Grill definitely isn't the best Italian I've had in my life but when it comes to chains, it sure is. Bottom line... if you're looking for consistently good Italian food on the cheap, then Macaroni Grill is your best bet.
(4)Emily L.
My family and I used to eat here a lot. But it seems as though it is going downhill. The restaurant was completely empty instead of the usual filled space I was accustomed to on a Saturday night at the dinner hour. That should have been our first clue but we stayed anyways. Took forever for the server to come. Ordered my usual pasta milano which is usually good but looked as though they cut the portion but not the price and the mushrooms were so undercooked I had to send the food back, which I had never done in my entire life before. The bread was cold and hard. They also replaced favorites such as Tuscan rib-eye with some bullshit "Mediterranean" menu, which my mother ordered but did not look good. All in all a big disappointment from our usual fave. Won't be coming back. Parking can be a bitch at times too. But service is usually alright.
(2)Ken K.
Stopped in for a late lunch. Service was good. Food however was nothing special. I ordered the ceasar salad with grilled chicken. Chicken was good but the ceasar dressing was a dud. Tasteless and bland. Typical ceasar dressings are rich and add a lot of taste to lettuce. Romano's ceasar was just not good. Won't be back.
(2)Bryan B.
Im going to agree with the other mediocre reviews and say that I ate here today and it wasn't good. I got chicken parm which is a pretty easy dish, the portion and ingredients were there but it just didn't taste right. The chicken was chewy, either fatty or undercooked I'm not sure which. Not real Italian I would go elsewhere in the future.
(2)Khaki B.
Disgusting chain food! Loved coming when I was younger and just went again for the first time in 10 years. There was a hair in my salad. Meatballs were tough as nails. Minestrone soup tasted like it came from a can. Will not be returning!
(2)Camryn P.
I ate here today around 11:30. It was my first time at this chain, and I had an exceptional experience. The waiter, JP, was great. He was quick to refill drinks without us having to ask, and had great customer service skills. The bread with dipping oil is great. The macaroni bites were a really good appetizer. The Caesar salad was fresh and had plenty of dressing. The lobster ravioli was delicious and a perfect amount of food. My boyfriend had the smashed meatball flatbread which he really liked as well, and it was quite a bit larger than most other places' flatbreads. The decor was very pretty and the restaurant clean. The prices are fair. I wish I had one closer to home!
(5)Lori W.
Upon walking into this establishment I was excited as our Romano's Macaroni Grill had closed so it was great to see this one... I was concerned with the three star rating this one had. They are spot on.....right!!!!! The bread was old, they poured hot oil on it to make it look like it just came out of the oven. Ordered the stuffed mushrooms and ohhhh myyy they were burnt, brought back another one about 20 minutes later. The waiter asked us if we were ready for our Lobster Stuffed Ravioli, ohh (shocked with no hesitation..still wondering why it was cooked ahead) we said YES. We don't want it cold. So we had our ravioli before the appetizer. The appetizer did not taste right at all. We told him to take it back. It tasted spoiled. The lobster ravioli....the ravioli was hard on one side. It tasted like it had been cooked out of the water and dried out. The waiter said we would end up talking to the manager, never seen him/her. This was not a good experience. Would NOT come back to this establishment. Would NOT recommend. Three customers, including us, were the only ones in here. Something is NOT right.
(1)Andrew F.
Terrible. Inedible chicken and awful ravioli. My wife said it was her worst meal in a year. I agree. Left most of the food behind. It looked okay but was awful in the mouth.
(1)Eric Y.
I typically love Macaronis but this place is terrible. Slow service and the food tastes like it came from a microwaveable dinner. We saw a customer sit down and had to clean crumbs off the seat before sitting down. The manager started to say something about it to the lady who was busting tables nearby and she snapped at him! She snapped, "What?! I hadn't gotten to it yet. Sheesh!!" This place is a loss.
(1)Amanda L.
Hopefully this location's service is not an indication of the chain's quality and service. We walked in around 7:30 pm on a weeknight, weary from a long day of travel with two preschoolers. In a nearly empty restaurant it took about five minutes to be seated. After a while at our table our waiter came by to bring us some warm bread and crack some pepper into our oil dipping dish. We ordered soon after and the food was out quickly enough. But then hidden soy struck in the midst of my salad. My bad--I should know to ask about soy oil in dressings, even if I asked for it on the side. (Note: "on the side" does not mean spilling over the ramekin within the dish. At least not to me.) We had to rush out, which was handled well enough, but it was overall a disappointing meal for the price. Next time I'll just go to Olive Garden.
(2)Christina W.
I can't write about the food since we never had a server come to our table. After 20 minutes, we decided to leave. We were there at 2:20 in the afternoon and it was not busy at all. Very disappointing. Others seated near us and after us got prompt service.
(1)Betty P.
What has happened to macaroni grill at Coolsprings? This used to be one of our favorite places to eat but tonight we went there and I should have known upon arriving at 7 PM on a Friday night that something was wrong because the parking lot was half empty andthe restaurant was almost empty. The waiter was not welcoming and neither was the hostess. The food was just so-so. Something serious is going on here.
(2)Private P.
Very let down by our last visit here. We stopped by one night for a birthday dinner and walked up to the host to get a table. We weren't greeted at all or were asked how many were dining with us, or even given a smile for that matter. The only communication from the host was a simple "follow me" who just seemed irritated the whole time. We got seated and I sat down on a seat very damp with water but I just shrugged it off since it happens sometimes. We ordered two appetizers, and only one showed up at the table. Once the waiter showed up again they apologized and sent another order in for our appetizer that should have came. The waiter then took our meal orders, and I went as far as to point to the exact dish I wanted as I read the name. However, another girl brought our dishes afterwards once they were ready and handed me something that looked completely different than what I ordered. I even asked "Is this (the dish I ordered)"? And she gave a hesitant yes and walked away from us. We ate and of course, my tasted and looked nothing like what I ordered and didnt taste very good either, yet I kept quiet since I didnt want to send a plate back after they told me it was what I had ordered, and have others eat while I just sat there with nothing. We get the bill, and of course we are billed for the different menu item which just happens to be more expensive than what I ordered as well. I let our waiter know who seems puzzled then acknowledges they made a mistake and disappears to talk to a manager I guess. Their solution was to knock just a couple dollars off our bill to match the price of the order I had actually wanted, with no appearance from the manager either to explain why employees lied to us earlier. We left and filled out a survey for the restaurant letting them know we didnt have a good visit, and even checked the option that we would like to be contacted about our experience, and we never heard anything at all, which goes to show management doesnt seem to care about their guests here, which is really sad since we have given them a lot of business in the past. Goes without saying, we wont be setting foot in this restaurant again if they think so little of customers.
(1)Barry V.
We have eaten here since this restaurant opened. The quality has collapsed. Too many problems tonight to innumerate.
(1)David M.
Historically one of our favorites even though it's 40 mins from our home. However this evening has changed our entire Macaroni opinion. Haven't eaten at this location for quite awhile but Should've known something was wrong when the restaurant was only half full at 7:00 on a Saturday!!!! Service was poor, could easily hear the kitchen staff being obnoxious and inappropriately loud but the food was our main complaint and just plain awful. Every plate ordered at our table (five top) was over salted. I'm talking like could feel my blood pressure rise with eat bite overly salted. My penne rustica (my usual) was cold, not baked and mostly sauce. Not very rustic... In fact everything tastes pre/cooked but barely reheated which was not the original Macaroni way. We had to flag down our server (also the bar tender) for everything! Ironically the table next to us (10 feet away as the place was dead) was complaining and we could over hear the hostess taking a complaint call as we were leaving. Very dissatisfied and doubtful this place will return to our once beloved Italian restaurant. We won't return to this location and recommend you save your money and go somewhere else.
(1)Zoraida K.
Took my mom on a Sunday afternoon as a little get away luncheon. We were seated immediately, enjoyed one of the performances of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by the hostess, and had one glass each of the house Chianti, which is very good, and served generously in a good size tumbler, Italian style. The food came promptly, Mediterranean Sea Bass for mom, and Pasta di Mare for me. Both came piping hot and with enough to take home for a second meal. We were served politely, promptly and efficiently even if the server spoke really LOUDLY. I'll bring her back soon.
(4)Mark P.
Prime geographic location, premier name; but, pitiful situation. You'll see numerous other comments about 30-minute wait times with a half-empty restaurant. 'Tis true, I'm afraid. We visited on Easter Sunday and accepted an offer for a 15-minute wait. 30 minutes later, we were offered an undesirable table in the bar because 'they were swamped.' No, they weren't. They were understaffed. There's a difference. And that difference is management. We went elsewhere as I'm sure you will. This one is off the list for good for us which is sad--we love the lobster ravioli.
(1)Allison S.
I had the best experience here last night. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great and the staff was amazing! We left our waiter a 40% tip just because he was the nicest server I can remember at a REALLY long time. Kudos, MG!
(5)Cynthia T.
You can draw on their tables!! Eating at Macaroni Grill pleases not only my stomach but also the kid in me. Being handed crayons and allowed to draw on the table while waiting for the food just makes me happy. I've grown up eating at this restaurant chain and although it's not a place I frequent at this time, it's still on our list of places to consider eating at. I've always had great friendly service and they treat you well. MMM...now I'm thinking about their bread....mmmm....and I always like their calamari!! Plus, who doesn't love learning a new language while using the bathroom? All in all, a solid chain restaurant that is family friendly, date night appropriate, and celebrates their guests' special occasions.
(4)Robert U.
As big chains go, some units are better than others. This location seems really good, and I've been here probably 10 times or more over the last few years. Here's what I like: 1. They take reservations. (Okay, maybe all Macaroni Grills do this, so I can't really attribute it just to this location, but I do like it, so I get to list it.) 2. When you walk in, they seem to estimate your wait times pretty accurately. 3. The restaurant is clean. I've never gotten a dirty piece of silverware, dish, or glass. 4. They don't overcook pasta like so many restaurants. (No, they are not properly al denté, either, but many patrons would send it back as under-cooked if they did.) 5. They don't coat their pasta with olive oil or other surfactant that detangles it but also makes the sauce slide right off. Pasta should be a bit sticky, so it will "take" the sauce. Macaroni Grill gets this part right. 6. The restrooms are always clean. No, this is not directly related to the food, but if the restroom is a mess, how do you think the kitchen looks? I find the food to be very good and fairly reasonably priced. Service is a cut above many similarly priced and nearby restaurants. I take that as a sign that this place is well managed.
(4)Jesse Q.
Had lunch their last week. 1st timer the staff was real nice..The food was great I did something I'd never done before I had enough to eat left overs the 2nd day..aka they serve alot of food for the Price..I will definitely Return. .
(5)Elizabeth L.
We ate here yesterday because we were in Franklin and have missed a good Macaroni Grille. We moved to Murfreesboro three years ago and have tried eating at the one here several times but we have given up on it we have had such bad experiences (toppings left off of dishes, frozen peas that would crack your teeth,etc.) And while we enjoyed the food at the Franklin location, the service was the worst I have had in any restaurant in a very long time. Our waiter would disappear for 20 minutes at a time (no exaggeration) and we would ask for something and when he would finally return he would be without the item. And they were not even busy and were over staffed (servers standing around). While the food was great, the service made this a less than pleasant experience and all the waiter did to acknowledge it was say, "Thanks for your patience" after he dropped the bill.
(2)Layne P.
The waitress was awesome and the food fantastic. Order the veal scaloppine which is off menu but delicious!
(4)Nancy P.
So why is this restaurant half filled on a Saturday night at 7? Because it is terrible. Before I get to the inexcusable, I will cover some good things. Our server Jasen (his spelling) was really good. The house wine was great. The bread was ok. I remember the original so I'll just leave it at that. The calamari was great. That's it. My son had a trio. The chicken parm was hot and good, the cannelloni was luke, and the lasagna was ice cold. Concentrating on that made me feel uncomfortable to complain about the worse problem. We asked them to heat the dish and it came back the same. He did not eat the lasagna. The major insult was the veal. How do you take veal, and turn it into leather? Apparently they know. I could not cut it with a steak knife. I was so disgusted. The brocollini was so hard. Yes veggies should be al dente but this was hard as a rock. Then there was a stick, like a giant black tooth pick that stabbed me. Why was that there? My husband found his. He had the pork, which was at least edible as far as the tenderness. The wine was half off. One app, three dinners and a soda. $110. I will never go back. I do not recommend. It was my worst meal in a long time.
(1)Mark H.
Just back form Mac Grill. Have not been in a Mac grill in years but saw a commercial and thought what the heck, let give it a try. Should have gone to Kroger and bought a couple Banquet TV dinners and a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20. 5:25 was sat 5:31 (6 mins) waiter finally showed up to take our beverage order. My wife had time to find the restroom, do her thing and get back before we even saw the server.... Off goofing around. I'm sure the company spec calls for a great under 2 minutes. 5:36 (5 mins) show up with bread and water no drinks???? One diet coke and a glass of wine. In 5 minutes I could have walked across the street to J. Alexander's and brought all the drinks back. 5:39 (11 mins) oooohhhh here is our drinks (this server only had us and one other 2 top at this point. 5:39 take our order 5:51 (12 mins) Order is delivered great job! Now only if was as good as it looked on the commercial. The wife's' lasagna was dry and my meatballs and spaghetti looked nothing like on TV (should have known, I do this for a living). The meatballs are the size of quarter. On TV they look as big as your fist! Well hey... the bread and olive oil was good! Check before tip and waiting $42.00, for 2 entrees one glass of wine and a diet coke.
(2)Lindy B.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place! In the last 6 months I've eaten at Amerigo, Olive Garden, and Maggiano's and MG is still my favorite chain Italian restaurant. They have THE best bread: Rosemary Focaccia! I love the atmosphere and the food has never been anything but amazing. Granted, I always order the same thing, Pasta Milano sans mushrooms. But if it aint broke, then don't fix it! Service has always been excellent. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Catrien M.
Really bad service and bland food. :( I wrote a long, specific review about one of the servers but chose to erase it because I felt bad. But really...I won't come here again.
(1)Tamera C.
I have not been to macaroni grill in quite some time, so I was surprised by the new menu and specials. First off happy hour in the bar is pretty good $5 pizza, $3 house wines and draft beer and $5 signature cocktails. We saved 2.50 on each glass of wine. Speaking of the house wine has been changed, so if you loved their labeled stuff run to the nearest wine store because they have all that is available. I was however surprised to be served wine in a drinking glass. I was told this is for the old Tuscan feel and that table wine is served in drinking glasses. Smaller menu, I always like that because it means you can do things well. Their new special is quite amazing. For $25 you get 2 appetizers and 2 dinners. There is a $3 up charge for a few special dinners. Yes all that for 25 bucks. They are full size entrees. I was bummed that they had the lights turned up so bright, Friday night should be just a bit softer. Our waitress Abby was great. Wen had a lovely evening.
(4)Jeff S.
Three stars from me isn't all that bad. There is something worthy in being consistently reliable. And that is how I feel about Macaroni Grill. I'm hooked on their Chicken Scallopine. But last night, I boldly ventured out of my comfort zone and tried the grilled pork chops with a balsamic/rosemary glaze and mushroom sauce, rice, and broccoli ($14.00). The chops, though a bit under-cooked, were delicious. The broccoli wasn't the best. The rice with mushrooms was to die for - but being that I am watching my carbs I reluctantly let some of it go back to the kitchen with my otherwise clean plate. $2.50 for a small bottle of Pelligrino is a bit steep IMO, but hey, I'm not complaining. Macaroni is one of the signs I look for when I am on a business trip. Consistently reliable is good - and they are good at it.
(3)Aidan K.
I rated Ramonos Macaroni Grill 5/5 stars. I find it has excellent food. It is also very child friendly. They serve amazing bread, with a hint of olive oil, which makes it that much better! I prefer to have their spaghetti, though it is a portion for 2 - 4 people. Overall, I rate Ramanos Macaroni Grill 5/5 stars.
(5)