East Side Mario’s at M-59 & Crooks in Rochester Hills offers good portions of American Italian food at affordable prices. Most importantly, the food satisfies.
Entrées
As American Italian food, the entrées are large and satisfactory, though a little bland. However, the blandness of the sauces allows the flavor to come out in the different foods of the dish. Most pasta dishes come with a meat and an assortment of vegetables.
Vegetarians and vegans will be happy with the choices available to them as they can choose a marinara or olive oil sauce with primavera or a vegetarian pizza. Many entrées include seafood as an option as well.
Starters
Every entrée comes with a loaf of fresh baked Italian bread brushed garlic and olive oil served hot with a cup of real whipped butter. The entrées also come with choice of bottomless soup or salad.
Though the salad is nothing out of the ordinary, the minestrone soup with bacon does not live up to expectations set by the bread. It comes with large chunks of vegetables including broccoli and zucchini, but they are too few. It’s more like a slightly spicy bean soup with bacon, soggy noodles, and a few veggies.
Experience
Though the restroom wasn’t dirty, it was unkempt. Other than the restroom and the minestrone soup, East Side Mario’s is a good restaurant for American Italian food. The prices are good and the portions are large including bottomless bread, soup, or salad. Don’t go there looking for pricy, garlicky, or authentic food.
The Best: Dinner bread
The Worst: The minestrone soup
Food Taste: 7
Food Quality: 8
Food Quantity: 10
Service: 8
Cleanliness: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Options: Vegetarian, vegan, sports bar, outdoor patio dining
Dinner Prices: $8-15. most entrées around $11
Website: www.eastsidemariosusa.com
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