Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo Restaurant Review:

Although it feels like a one-of-a-kind restaurant, this lively Italian spot is actually part of a national chain. It’s known for its boisterous atmosphere for parties of two to 200, along with generous portions of well-prepared but formulaic dishes served in kitschy surroundings. Overflowing platters of pasta, salad, veal and chicken arrive and dazzle with their sheer surface area --- each dish is intended to serve three to five persons. The 12-layer lasagna, oozing meat sauce and cheese, is the size of a shoebox. Pizzas are two-feet-long with yeasty, cracker-thin crusts. Veal piccata doesn't impress, but the chicken cacciatore, a whole bird in a red sauce studded with capers, mushrooms and garlic, is satisfying. A full bar offers libations to please everyone, and the dessert menu ranges from classic tiramisu to chocolate chip-studded cannolis. Be prepared to hear Dean Martin sing "That's Amore" at least once, and festive groups singing "Happy Birthday" at least twice.