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10/16/09
Not all it's cracked up to be...
by pahowes at Citysearch
We went into Caruso's last night for the first time in probably ten years.
Unfortunately we have to agree with most of the negative reviews here. The decorations are way too cluttered, the floor needs to be replaced, and the tables and chairs are completely mismatched. Some of them even look like (and are as uncomfortable as) school chairs! Seriously, the interior really needs an "extreme makeover". Oh, and don't forget, none of the plates or flatware match each other. Bizarre.
Prices are really high for what you get. We love a good mushroom and onion pizza. We bought a large, which turned out to be $15! Strangely, the toppings were very uneven, like they had been dumped on instead of spread out. We also had purchased a small cheese pie and two cups of Coke. The total bill was $30.
Now the fun part: We were all done and went to the counter to pay. It turns out that they don't take credit cards! I had to run 1/2 mile down the street to find an ATM machine so that I could get enough cash to pay the bill! Talk about embarrassing...
In short, the food is good, but not outstanding, certainly not justifying the price. The atmosphere and cash-only policy are real turn-offs.
- Pros: Awesome pizza
- Cons: Decor, cash-only, outrageous prices
07/10/09
Great Traditional Italian Food and Fanfare
by mmg60 at Citysearch
Mark G.
Peabody, MA
7/1/2009 I am in a group of co-workers who have fun enjoying a meal together now and again. One of our group had recommended Caruso's in Melrose to us, and the rest of us thought it was just a pizza joint. We usually go to much more elaborate (and expensive) places but we decided to give it a chance as he said the food was the real prize. Then I read some reviews about the supposed rude owner and the rude service, and I was not feeling good about our choice. But, we arrived last night, around 5:30PM and walked in to an unusually different setting, anything but elegant, but it had a certain charm as if someone really loved the place. And we ordered some drinks (we looked for a wine list, but found out that the only wine was the house wine -which by the way was terrific - so we got it). Then this nice older man (Don Michele Caruso - the owner) comes up to us with a very inviting discussion and welcomed us warmly, he then brought out a couple of plates of anti-pasto and then some fresh garden tomato's and mozzarella cheese which was fresh, and bowls of bread. We hadn't even ordered yet!!! This guy was great.
Then we ordered the famous Zaza pizza, Sicilian style for our 6 guests to share like an appetizer. This pizza was authentic, delicious, and came in a huge tray that allowed each of us 2 good size pieces. Then we ordered the meals. Our hardcore Italians in our group ordered the Tripe and said it was the "best they every had". They loved it, and couldn't say enough about it. 2 others (including me) had the Braciolla Plate - it was awesome - tender, tasty - and the sauce was excellent!!!! - I soaked every morsel of sauce up with the bread - AWESOME!!!. Another had the Italian Roast Pork, and loved it so much, he almost ordered seconds. Our friend who recommended the place, ordered his favorite meal - Escarole Soup, which came in what looked like a family size bowl that he finished every last bite of.
Mr. Caruso entertained us with stories of his days in Italy, and his coming to America, how he started the business back in 1961 in Danvers Square with almost nothing in his pocket but desire to succeed. He kept telling us how he was blessed by God so many times to help him on his way. And he told us he was helped by others (including Padre Pio and his faith), and how he had helped his family and friends to set them up in business, just like others had helped him- he didn't forget the ones who helped him. At one time he had over 20 pizza places around Boston. He now focuses on his Melrose store and it works really well.
He even broke out the accordian (which he hadn't played since he lost his good friend who played guitar along with him) and played us an Italian tune, to which some of our party knew the words and sang along with. Magical moments!
We also had a family style HUGE salad he brought our table, and I don't think everyone's meal had a salad with it, but he treated us right.
And one of our party, also had the Calamari Salad and he is usually a lighter eater, but he finished it ALL.
We finished 3 large carafe's of wine between the 6 of us as well.
Then came the bill. It was only $119 for tons of food, entertainment from a place that quality of food is as good as anywhere.
We left a $50 tip because we were so grateful for the food, the entertainment and the good time.
I highly recommend this place if you love great Italian food, eccentric, down to earth surroundings, and maybe, just maybe - you will have MR. Caruso show you a good time like he did to us.
Thank you Mr. Caruso, I look forward to my next visit.
- Pros: Awesome Food
07/05/09
One of the Rudest Places
by LRRP at Citysearch
Friend called saying they were going to pick up some pizzas from Caruso and I said that I didn't want this place because every time I go in to get a drink or slice I am treated rudely and the service is slow. To boot, I disagree with their politics but since my friends wanted to get the pizza from Caruso's I agreed to look up the phone number since they were on route. I found it amusing that many other reviewers have had the same experience I have had at this place. It's amazing that they have managed to stay in business so long.
- Pros: Can't think of any
- Cons: Rude, Slow and Attitude
