Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Romano's Macaroni Grill in Burlington is the kind of place that gives chain restaurants a bad name.
Atmosphere(8)
Fun and festive. Boisterous bar with a quaint decor. The staff sings along with the Italian music playing in the background.
Menu(7)
Wide selection of appetizers, pizzas, salads, and entrees. Large and diverse wine list for a chain restaurant. But the cuisine is standard, cliche Italian.
Portions(7)
Appropriate sizes on most entrees and appetizers.
Appetizers(7)
Phantom sampled two specials: Fondue Gamberi had a plastic, Velveeta-like texture rather than the rich fondues in finer restaurants, though Phantom enjoyed the baby shrimp and artichoke. Pizza alla Cacciatore offered absolutely no fresh flavors.
Food and Drink(5)
Scaloppini di Pollo featured two nicely sauteed breasts of chicken in a thick and artificial-tasting lemon butter sauce. It was tossed with flavorful artichokes and capes, but rubbery mushrooms. Hearty but fairly tasteless Cannelloni di Pollo was at least smothered in a zesty sauce. This stuff did not taste fresh.
Desserts(6)
Unorthodox Tiramasu was as bland as Phantom's entree. The double chocolate cake was good, but severely unoriginal.
Service(8)
For a busy restaurant, the service is remarkably quick and courteous. Meal was timed perfectly, until Phantom had to wait 20 minutes for the check, and you know how much he hates that.
Cleanliness(8)
It's a new restaurant with gleaming utensils and shining plates. Bathroom can fill up with a little debris on busy nights.
Parking(7)
Just off of 95, across from the Burlington Mall. Phantom waited 10 minutes to find parking, but they do offer valet from Wednesday through the weekend, which can be a bit of a wait.
Value(7)
Appetizers from $5.50-8. Entrees for $7.50-15. Not a bad deal for a big family meal.
