Carmen's Italian Cafe

I have dined at Carmens about 7 or 8 times always got a excellent meal, several nights ago i took friends there for a special night out. We were told the specials,maybe it was our fault we did not ask the price, but should of been told when waitress was telling us what they were. First one entree sauce tasted burnt, which surprised me it was always great when I got it, second pasta with a little lobster in it should not of cost $45.00,,( one of the specials). Only 2 out of the 6 of us were ok with our meal. i was very disappointed, but I will try it again,seeing it might of been an off night, to bad it had to be on a night I brought guest< but it won,t be a $230.00 night again.

From the outside it looks like a casual pizza place but inside it is quite charming with friendly staff and outstanding food. Enjoyed the martini bar after dinner with small band playing. Very enjoyable evening.

This place is set in the most unlikely of places and has the ambience of a place that feels like you want to write a song or create a poem. Seriously, the food is all tenderly prepared by Carmen, the hostess is his gracious and lovely wife, and the waiters are "familia" in the sense that they know what to tell you and will go ask questions if you have any that they cannot answer. We genuinely enjoy the feeling that we are welcome and remembered. The food is excellent, the wine selections within reason, and the desserts and coffee are great! You can be in a pizza mood or a fine dining mood and this inviting place will accomodate you. Dress is casual and folks come back and keep coming back. Sometimes you want to dress up and sometimes you don't. You are welcome here in a way that makes you feel special in a time in our lives and our economy that doesn't treat you so well. Need to feel safe, secure, well fed and happy? Drop in. We do whenever we can. Kaysie McAlister