Times Sq Italian chain w/ legendary unlimited breadsticks & affordable drinks, polarizing for locals but a familiar fallback.
This Times Square establishment is a polarizing dining destination, often perceived by locals as a tourist trap to be avoided in favor of more authentic NYC eateries. However, it garners a surprising number of recommendations, with some appreciating its consistency and value, particularly for its famed unlimited breadsticks and affordable drinks. While many criticize the overall food quality, a few find specific dishes or the overall experience acceptable, especially for those with simpler palates or seeking a familiar chain experience in a bustling location.
The Italian-American cuisine is met with mixed reviews. While some users recommend it as a reliable option for familiar dishes like pasta, salad, and breadsticks, others find the food to be mediocre or even inedible, with one user specifically noting the breadsticks were too salty. The drinks, however, are frequently mentioned as being surprisingly affordable and a positive aspect.
"The unlimited salad and breadsticks are consistently highlighted as positive aspects. Drinks are also frequently mentioned as being surprisingly affordable."
Customer feedback on this restaurant is highly polarized, with many criticizing it as a generic tourist trap and expressing a preference for local options, while a notable minority find it to be an acceptable, convenient, or even surprisingly good choice, particularly for specific items like drinks or unlimited breadsticks.
Important Note
Some users express strong negative opinions, considering it a tourist trap or comparing it unfavorably to other dining options. One commenter noted a C health rating.
"The user suggests Olive Garden Times Square, specifically mentioning the steak & shrimp bucatini."
Positive"This commenter jokingly stated Times Square Olive Garden as their choice for a final meal."
Neutral"Sarcastically suggested going to Olive Garden Times Square as a better alternative to the reviewed restaurant."
Neutral"Responding to a recommendation for Olive Garden Times Square, the user expresses skepticism, assuming the suggestion is sarcastic and preferring to go to their usual spots."
Negative"The user recommends Olive Garden in Times Square as a practical choice for a large birthday dinner with vegetarians, clarifying it was not meant sarcastically and noting its capacity and options."
Positive"A user expresses affection for Olive Garden Times Square, calling it an 'underrated gem', likely in a sarcastic tone given the preceding comment."
Negative"The user simply suggests Olive Garden in Times Square as a dinner location for the group."
Neutral"Olive Garden Times Square is sarcastically suggested as an Italian restaurant in response to a request for recommendations."
Negative"Olive Garden was suggested as a restaurant option conveniently located right in Times Square."
Neutral"The Times Square Olive Garden is mentioned as a dining option, with implied negative sentiment due to its low upvote count."
Negative"Olive Garden is again mentioned, with "Gourmet" added, likely as a continuation of the sarcastic recommendation."
Neutral"Olive Garden is mentioned as a dining option. Given the context of the subreddit and surrounding comments, this is likely a sarcastic or gag recommendation for Times Square."
Neutral"The user ironically suggests Olive Garden, stating it's the subreddit's favorite 'no search' option, implying it's a sarcastic recommendation for when users don't research."
Negative"The user suggests Olive Garden in response to the request for garlic bread near Midtown West."
Negative"The original poster humorously responded to the Olive Garden Times Square suggestion, implying it sounds "exotic" in a sarcastic tone."
Neutral"Olive Garden Times Square was sarcastically suggested as a unique bucket list meal before leaving NYC."
Neutral"The Times Square Olive Garden is humorously stated to require only a shirt and shoes, mocking the concept of strict dress codes."
Neutral"A commenter highlights that wait times at The Olive Garden in Times Square can be hours long, depending on the visit time."
Negative"A commenter questions whether visiting The Olive Garden in Times Square is worth the 'indignity' despite the cheap drinks."
Negative"The Olive Garden in Times Square offers cocktails for $7.50, which the commenter verified during a recent visit."
Neutral