TLDR
Casual, accessible Italian-American spot delivering cult-favorite spicy rigatoni and classic chicken parm at a fraction of fine-dining prices.
Details
A casual, accessible destination for classic Italian-American comfort food, this eatery is frequently celebrated as a budget-friendly alternative to its higher-end sister restaurant, Carbone [1]. Guests often flock to the menu for staples like the spicy rigatoni and chicken parmesan [1]. While many diners cherish these signature dishes, recent feedback notes some inconsistency in quality and execution [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic Italian-American fare, with the spicy rigatoni and chicken parmesan emerging as the most talked-about highlights [1]. The turkey sandwich is also frequently recommended for its high-quality, house-cured ingredients [3]. Conversely, some patrons have expressed frustration with overcooked pasta and chicken dishes [2], as well as occasional issues with temperature-sensitive menu items like the Thanksgiving sandwich [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The spicy rigatoni and chicken parmesan are highly favored for their classic flavors [1], while the turkey sandwich is frequently praised for its house-cured meat [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •parm(3)
- •spicy rigatoni(2)
- •pasta(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customer sentiment is polarized; while many diners appreciate the value and reliable comfort food, others have reported disappointing experiences regarding food consistency and service quality [2].
Caveats
Some recent reports suggest a decline in standards, with specific complaints regarding overcooked entrees and potential use of frozen ingredients [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PARM
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Chicken Parmesean In Nyc Recommendation
"Parm used to be liked, but the commenter feels the quality has decreased due to thicker cutlets now being served."
NegativeFrom post: Trying To Decide If Carbone Is Worth It For Lunch
"States that Parm serves one of the best parm dishes around, especially after Volare closed."
PositiveFrom post: Trying To Decide If Carbone Is Worth It For Lunch
"Recalls Parm's parm dish being very good in the past."
PositiveFrom post: Trying To Decide If Carbone Is Worth It For Lunch
"Parm is referred to as the 'OG' (original) for its parm dish."
PositiveFrom post: Trying To Decide If Carbone Is Worth It For Lunch
"The commenter states that Parm's food was not like Carbone's and was bad, even worse than chicken parm from a pizzeria, with overcooked pasta."
NegativeFrom post: Trying To Decide If Carbone Is Worth It For Lunch
"Parm is recommended as a more affordable alternative to Carbone for spicy rigatoni, with the commenter stating the dishes are identical."
PositiveFrom post: Trying To Decide If Carbone Is Worth It For Lunch
"Recent experiences at Parm were disappointing, with both service and food quality being significantly bad, including overcooked chicken and pasta."
NegativeFrom post: Trying To Decide If Carbone Is Worth It For Lunch
"Parm is suggested as a more casual alternative to Carbone with the same pasta menu."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Have Any Chicken Cutlet Sandwich Recs Have
"Parm offers several decent chicken cutlet sandwiches served in different ways, at least at the UWS location."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user recommended Parm as a cheaper version of Carbone."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user has been really loving Parm recently."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Best Mozzarella Sticks
"Parm was recommended for mozzarella sticks."
PositiveFrom post: Things We Ate In Nyc When We Remembered To Eat A
"The user's brother-in-law, who is Italian and a food snob, considers the rigatoni carbonara at Parm to be one of the best pasta dishes he has ever had."
PositiveFrom post: Things We Ate In Nyc When We Remembered To Eat A
"The user visited Parm and enjoyed a comforting chicken parm with pasta and a salad, noting it was a good option for food not available in Raleigh, NC. The meal for two was about $75 with tip."
PositiveFrom post: Spumoni Dessert Location
"The commenter stated that Parm on the Upper West Side used to offer a spumoni ice cream cake that they considered the 'platonic ideal'."
PositiveFrom post: Spumoni Dessert Location
"The commenter mentioned that Parm restaurant used to have spumoni, but they are unsure if it's still available."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Random Dish From A Random
"Buffalo Cucumber from Parm is mentioned."
PositiveFrom post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre
"This user acknowledged that Parm has good happy hour drink prices but prefers a place where food can also be ordered during happy hour."
NeutralFrom post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre
"In response to a negative review, this user defended Parm, stating they still have the best roast beef sandwich and good happy hour drink prices."
PositiveFrom post: Solo Date Spot Near Beacon Theatre
"This user stated that Parm is 'pretty lousy now'."
Negative