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Battista's Hole In the Wall
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
4041 Audrie StLas Vegas, NV 89109
Neighborhood: The Strip
(702) 732-1424
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
T H. said: "I visited Pasta Cucina in Aug 2011, the place was pretty new. . It is located inside palace station on Sahara inside Palace Station just off the interstate on Sahara. The location is Not really close to anything but you can see it…" read more »
188 reviews for Battista's Hole In the Wall
Review Highlights
"Love the Garlic Bread, with wine."
(in 41 reviews)
"as much red and white wine as you want."
(in 17 reviews)
"The accordion player is a real delight as well."
(in 15 reviews)
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188 reviews in English
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Review from Joe D.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/26/2012
The atypical Italian Restaurant, huge portions, wine, checkered tablecloths, wine bottle centerpiece holding a candle.
When last in Vegas, my friend John had said he came here a few years earlier and raved about the white clam sauce. He mentioned at least a pound of succulent little morsels of clams over a full pound of linguini. It was our last night in Vegas, and frankly, I was sick of buffets.
We arrived, and if I hadn't been shown how to find this place I would have never found it, It literally is a hole in the wall. But when you enter the place is a full sized eatery. It's like Bucca De Beppo without the clutter.
Our waiter arrived just seconds after being seated, dressed in black pants and a white shirt, slicked back hair, looking around, all the waiters looked like clones of each other. With him were two carafes of wine, red and white. Then he expertly explained the daily specials, including an eggplant lasagna that sounded amazing. But I had my heart set on this amazing linguini with white clam sauce. John ordered the eggplant lasagna, and I ordered the Linguini, and we said we'd share since the portions were so huge. John also got a meatball.
We sat a bit talking about our success at the blackjack table and how we were always so close on the Roulette table. I had a good day at the sports book, picking the Steelers over the Browns (duh) and picking the rams and teasing them with Buffalo. So yeah, I was picking up the tab. Not bad wine for being free. Garlic bread was delivered, nice and cheesy, garlic out the wahzoo! Very good indeed.
Our waiter arrived with two HUGE, oversized bowls, one containing my linguini, the other the eggplant lasagna. and two smaller plates for us to share. (no extra charge for sharing!) Can I say I come from a big Italian family, I saw my father eat healthy amounts of pasta at one setting, but I had never seen a bowl of linguini with clams as big as this for one person. I even said to the waiter "are you sure this is mine and not for a table of four?" He assured me this was a single serving. I swear it was over a pound of pasta and a pound of clams. Fresh grated Ramono cheese was dusted over the top, and plenty of cracked pepper. He even left the cheese grater and a healthy block of cheese at the table for us to help ourselves.
The pasta was perfectly al dente, a bit of bite and wonderful flavor from the clams. The clams were very tender, meaty and succulent. John's Eggplant Lasagna was very dense, flavorful, but a bit greasy from frying the eggplant. There was a lot of different cheeses used, I could taste ricotta, Parm, Romano, and a smokey cheese, maybe Provolone? Aside from the grease, it was delicious, rich and tasty. The meatball was very dense, stuffed with all kinds of fresh herbs and garlic. It was easily six ounces.
Battista's is a great place in a great city, after you've had your fill of buffets and quick bites, go have a wonderful sit down meal at an Italian restaurant that does it right. -
Review from Travis D.
Las Vegas, NV
1/29/2012
Long Long ago Battista's used to be one of the Better Italian Restaurants in Vegas. It has now taken over as the WORST Italian Restaurant in Vegas (knocking Capo's to second worst). I can't imagine that Battista or Desi or any of the Battista family member have anything to do with it anymore because of how terrible it is.
It has expanded over the years and still has the look and charm of its better days. The hostess doormen are friendly. "The future is in your hands" sign next to the mens urinals is still there. I took a friend here that has never been but always wanted to try it. I hadn't tried it for 7 years so I was happy to revisit again with my BFF. I remember 7 years ago, the food was going down hill and was average at best, but everyplace deserve a second change and especially since it had been so long.
It was just the 2 of us and we were seated shortly after our 7pm reservation in the section to the back left as you face the kitchen. The meal comes with your choice or Minestrone soup or salad, garlic bread, wine with whatever dish you order. The wine is in large carafes on the table when you are seated. 1 is white the other a red blend. It comes with the 3 ounce glass. The wine is drinkable but its basically church wine.Even though I'm not usually a white wine fan the white was better than the red. Shortly after our server Brittney came over explained how the ordering and options work and took our orders. We both chose the Minestrone soup. I was split between that or a salad but on Brittney's suggestion I chose the soup. The soup comes out fairly quicklyand took the first sip...It's FRIGGEN' Progresso Minestrone or canned stuff for sure. It was closer to luke warm than hot but I eat about 3/4 the soup since I was starving. Its not that the soup is bad it just not good and canned soup is never okay to serve without at least doctoring it up. I was unimpressed but so far not bad just not good. The garlic bread comes out and it was the highlight of the meal. It is probably the frozen garlic hated as the consistency was not fresh baked or from a bakery at all. The pre perforated slices were a give away too. It was fairly good though. We both order the Cheese Ravioli. They give you quite a few Ravioli unlike most that give you 5 or 6 at most you get twice that here. Unfortunately just like the rest of the food, it was just frozen Ravioli heated up and covered it what was most likely Ragu or some jarred garbage sauce. There was nothing home made tasting about the entire meal. Asked if we wanted the Cappuccino at the end , I couldn't stomach it after the disappointment of what I was put through the rest of the meal.
The highlight was the service and the original decorations/pictures hanging everywhere. Brittney was a sexy, attentive and good server. The busser was also quite good and of course the accordion player who was built with the place.
Even with the service and atmosphere pluses I can't give Battista's any more than 1 star because the food does a disservice to Italian food and now Las Vegas. They exist now solely to trick the poor tourists into buying crappy food and cheap wine making them believe it is a deal. They need to close up shop or if they want to stay in business move shop to the Circus Circus Buffet. I can't believe the Locatelli's would have anything to do with Battista's anymore and they just handle the real estate they own around the Valley now. That's what I believe at least. -
Review from Jeremiah K.
Tempe, AZ
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not the best Italian food, but pretty decent and the cost covers everything. So even though $20 is a bit high for some spaghetti, it comes with house wine, salad/soup and after dinner coffee/cappaccino/hot chocolate.
Food size is quite large and filling. Flavors have a lot of garlic, which I like, but is not to everyone's taste. Everything tastes good and was cooked well. I think it's better than an Olive Garden and actually has better quality.
Ambiance dark and cozy with a ton of random stuff on the walls. Definitely book reservations if you can. There is not a lot of room to stretch out and the tables are tightly packed in.
We came here the night before the Las Vegas Rock N Roll Marathon for some carb loading. Reservations were key; there was a 3 hour wait when we left at 8 pm. -
Review from Chelsea H.
Bakersfield, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Typical Italian restaurant but it has good food and is always busy. The portions are gigantic and I love the cappuccino that is served at the end of the meal. Good stuff, just remember to come here hungry!
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Review from Robert G.
Happy Valley, OR
2/4/2012
The name says it all: "Battista's Hole in the Wall."
It overcompensates for its really mediocre food by all the other kitsch items they have and the all the wine you can drink feature, for those that are interested in that. I think the service was "middle of the road," as well.
I have had better Italian food at the chains out there (Carraba's, Macaroni Grill, Olive Garden). They do serve you a filling meal but it's just not that great. I guess people go try it because of its novelty value and its long history, being adjacent to the Strip. Sorry, but that's not enough for a return visit.
I thought I might be in the minority - but there are a host of other 1, 2 and 3 star reviews for this place. -
Review from Belinda D.
Tipp City, OH
1/25/2012
This place was outstanding. The salad, the bread, the lasagna and more wine than we could drink! Atmosphere was so cool I thought I was in Italy. Definitely a must do! Located behind Flamingo.
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Review from Ashley S.
Columbus, OH
1/25/2012
This is our favorite restaurant in Vegas, perhaps favorite anywhere!! My husband and I go everytime we're in Vegas and we always try to take friends too. The atmosphere is incredible, very old school ratpack era. Spend time looking around while you wait to be seated, there are alot of pics of famous visitors to the restaurant on the walls. The lasagna is absolutely the best I've ever had. I really want to try other things on the menu, but I literally crave the lasagna between visits so I have to have it when we're there.
There is this adorable little old man that wanders around the restaurant and plays the accordion for tips. He can play every song we've requested, including the Ohio State fight song (GO BUCKS!).
Your meal comes with salad or soup, bread, cappuccino and all the wine you can drink (house red or white). Food portions are huge so save room. This place is not to be missed!! It's right behind Flamingo and Ballys so an easy walk from the middle of the strip but totally worth taking a cab to if you're farther away, -
Review from Todd C.
Fresno, CA
1/24/2012
I love finding a good hole in the wall restaurant. The food was excellent and so was the service. Complimentary garlic bread and two carafes of wine was a plus. I had the chicken rio which I highly recommend.
Overall, a great fun experience. Will definitely return when I'm back in Las Vegas, NV. -
Review from Joy D.
Santee, CA
12/6/2011
We were recommended this hotel by a local.
Walking in, I was delighted. Fun to look around (as we waited an hour to be seated). While waiting we were approached and asked if we'd like a drink. When we asked what they had, we were told 'there's a long list on the table behind you' - the table with people sitting at it. FYI - they have a full bar, but nothing on tap.
So, the food. Great salad and a yummy hot chocolate they call cappuccino. The garlic bread and wine that also come with the meal were mediocre. The food was...just ok. I guess when I pay $30 for a bowl of spaghetti I am expecting to get wowed! Not the case here - and the portion is not a family style portion which would have helped explain the cost.
We were entertained by the accordian player - sweet, little old man who made us smile and enjoyed the overall ambience of the restaurant. Not sure I would return, or even suggest to it a friend though. -
Review from Denise B.
Raleigh, NC
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is always a favorite of mine when I go to Vegas.... I think primarily due to the atmosphere. The food was above average but not stellar. For the price you a large quantity of food and free house wine. It's a price performer and worth the trip here.
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Review from Carrie H.
Carlsbad, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great little hole in the wall! Free wine with dinner so you can't go too far wrong. The portions are huge so girls I would suggest sharing especially if you plan on going out after! The best is they have an elderly probably ninety year old little Italian man that plays the accordion he alternates between take me out to the ball game and I left my heart in San Francisco... It's fabulous! This is a true las Vegas gem that is a nice break from the neon lights of the strip
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Review from P S.
Sacramento, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is good old school Italian. For $32 We got soup (delicious minestrone) or salad, garlic bread, very good veal parmigiana, a full liter of house wine and a delicious cappuccino for dessert. It was worth the cost.
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Review from Robert F.
Southwest, Las Vegas, NV
1/3/2012
Food is basic Italian and comes with all you can drink wine, but it's around 30 bucks per person. Not worth it...
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Review from Kathy N.
Santa Ana, CA
9/9/2011
This place is really good. One of the best Italian food I've tried. I had the eggplant Parmigiana lasagna and my bf had the chicken fettucini. Both were flavorful. It comes w/two free house wines (white and red) and garlic bread!
My co-worker and his girlfriend recommended this place to me a while ago. So now, every time i'm in Vegas with just my boyfriend, this place is a MUST go to place because i'm a fan! -
Review from Victoria R.
Long Beach, CA
11/27/2011
For years, DH and I have wanted to visit Battista's when in Vegas. Finally, on Wednesday, November 23, the day before Thanksgiving, we came to have dinner. It definitely gets a star for environment. It's like stepping into Old Vegas. You expect to see Sinatra and his Rat Pack sitting around the corner. DH and I commented that our parents would have been right at home in this replica of the 1960s Italian hangout.
We were seated and immediately offered red and white wine. As the waitress said, "It's on the house." Of course, it's on the house. It's common red table wine, a bit vinegary for my taste but what the heck!
Immediately, DH said, "Look at the tablecloth." I glanced down to see old food stains on the tablecloth. Don't they wash their table clothes?? Yuck! Should have gotten up and left right there.
We saw our waitress three times. When she brought the wine. When she took our order. And, when she brought the bill. The second star goes to the young man who was the bus boy. He took it upon himself to serve our food and check up on us.
Now, let's talk food. Having the menu off the wall was a cute gimmick. DH ordered the Chicken Cacciatore and I ordered the Manicotti. His soup was ok but a bit watery with a few veggies floating on it. I had the salad. Really liked the dressing that came with it. A bit strange to see a piece of lunch meat on the top of a green salad, however.
Our entrees came. Extremely generous portions. Both of us commented that we could have shared one dish. DH's chicken had a very interesting sauce on top. I've never seen an off red sauce on Chicken Cacciatore before. I had a bite and the sauce tasted like it had tons of celery. DH liked it. Whatever was placed in front of me was definitely not Manicotti. Manicotti is a long tube pasta. I got what looked like a round ravioli filled with way too much ricotta cheese. We didn't have their dessert drink because it doesn't come decaf. The nice bus boy brought us decaf coffee instead. Overall, average food if the prices were low. But, considering the prices ($20s and $30s), it's outrageously and inexcusably bad.
Finally, I want to say something about the creepy old man with the accordion. I know that some people think he's absolutely adorable. Sorry, I don't share the feeling. He really made me feel very uncomfortable by leaning into me. I even told DH to quickly tip him so he could leave us alone. Thankfully, he never came back for more.
We came, ate, and will never come back. -
Review from Mark H.
Rochester, MI
8/14/2011
No. We went here, since we had a group of 8 and it was late on our first night in Vegas, and it was close. What a mistake. This place is so overpriced it is laughable. Paid $23 for cheese tortellini with "meat sauce". With that you get a salad, garlic bread, and their house wine (red wine vinegar, perhaps?). My pasta had clearly been sitting in a vat too long, and there was no meat to be found in the sauce. I could have done better with a bag of frozen pasta and a jar of Ragu, and I hate Ragu.
Seriously, I don't know why anyone who reads these reviews would come here. Dining in Vegas can be pricey and it can be bad, but at Battista's you get both in one visit. -
Review from T H.
Lincoln, NE
1/17/2012
My first visit was the summer of 2009 and returned in april 2011. The first time was very interesting eclectic type place. Reservation reccomended. A bit expensive for average and potentially too much food. But all encompasing meal, wine, bread, salad, meal, cappucino etc. So if your not very hungry or a pig this may not be avery cost effective choice. It is easily accessible from monorail by exiting the flamingo hotel rear entrance at ground level and out and around alos close to ballys. The wine I had both times was cheap ad crappy... Great for a first timer but may or may not return. I think one is paying for the atmosphere rather than the food and not sure that;s worth it either, and agree with other comments about the accordian entertainment, nice jesture but can be a bit annoying....too
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Review from Kimberly S.
San Jose, CA
11/1/2011
Food was average. Service was bad. Glasses and plates dropped on to the table. Waiter and busboy were almost rude.
weird, aweful place for dinner. spend the $$ elsewhere. -
Review from KATHY S.
West Hollywood, CA
10/19/2011
Complementary Wine with dinner...Sold! Meals include salad and garlic bread as well as a cappucino after your meal. Prices are between 18 to 36 dollars...for all that you are getting the prices are decent. The food is amazing..I have been here a few times and have always left satisfied and happy! The place screams old Hollywood with pictures of actors from back in the day. Lots of charm and the service is excellent. If you are in Vegas and are tired of all the usual buffets and such..check this place out ...you will be glad you did,
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Review from Jessica C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2011
I'm really not one to give crappy reviews. If you check my yelp ratings, you'll see that I usually only review things that i LOVE or HATE.
Battista's Hole in the Wall...i HATE this restaurant. It's SOO over-priced -- yes you get free wine, but it tastes like vinegar; yes you get a "set" menu, but it sucks. everything just tasted SOOO bad. I can't believe the waiters don't feel bad serving you this food.
Also, that little accordion man...he's sooo creepy. shamelessly panders by playing a BAD song to get a tip at your table.
BEWARE. DON'T GET TRICKED BY THE 4 STAR REVIEWS LIKE I DID. DO NOT COME HERE. -
Review from Jenna C.
6/27/2011
I think the food deserves three stars, but really... unlimited wine? How could I give it any less than 4 stars? (Disclaimer: Since they do offer unlimited wine here, please keep this in mind as you read this review. Due to certain reasons, I may have somewhat of a selective memory.)
I've gone here with big groups on trips to Vegas before we go out. Always make reservations if you have large groups! The place is huge, but usually pretty crowded.
They have their food menus written on the walls, and they have these meal combinations that include an entree, salad or soup, bread, a hot chocolate type drink, and of course... as much red and white wine as you want! I believe they range $20-30. But again I repeat... unlimited wine.
I usually go with the eggplant parmesan, which is delicious. Cheesy goodness. Probably a 3.5 star, but gets the job done for a dinner before a night of dancing and drinking. Other things that friends have ordered just looked okay.
So I know I keep talking about the wine, but what really stands out to me about this place.... is the first time I went here, they gave us two giant to-go cups of wine! I'm talking Big Gulp size! That's the Vegas spirit! -
Review from Annie Y.
Fremont, CA
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is only one block off the strip, behind the Flamingo. Mr Man and I love this place for their unlimited house wine with your meal. I love their Seafood pasta, Eggplant Parmigiana, and their Linguine with Clam. Mr Man recently tried their Special of the Day - a huge 16oz steak with mashed potatoes. All the guys' jaws dropped when that big ol' hunk of meat came out. All the guys tried it and instantly regretted not ordering the steak. hahahah Regardless, we all loved the food and had such good service from our waiter.
1 star taken due to being a bit pricey. But hey, it's only 1 block away from the strip so you can't expect it to be cheap! -
Review from j b.
Las Vegas, NV
12/2/2011
I feel so sorry for people that come here as a tourist or with out of town guests. Folks, this is as bad as it gets.
Living in Las Vegas I can deal with having a crappy restaurant experience and paying too much because sometimes you just don't know or have a choice. Unfortunately, I had never been here and had a couple of out of town guests who googled Italian food on their phone and this one popped up and was close to their hotel.
I tried to steer them away from this place as restaurants on or near the strip are usually incredibly overpriced and the food is usually at best mediocre. Well my attempt at steering them to a known commodity did not work.
Battista's it was.
I'm not going to get into details on this place as they have been discussed ad nauseum on Yelp.
The food in this place is not only unpalatable but is probably dangerous. Chemical tasting food that I can picture being cooked up in large tubs in the back is what this place serves.
The 'wine' they serve is not quite up to the same quality someone on food stamps would buy to use as cooking wine. Don't get me wrong I don't mind cheap wine but this stuff was not fit to be consumed by humans.
To top it all off they serve a Nescafe Corn Syrupy type chocolate drink at the end.
This place has a cozy ambiance according to other review but that's where the positives end. This place preys on unsuspecting tourists who don't know any better until it's too late. I can't imagine anyone ever going back to this place.
This place treats its customers like cattle, well, maybe worse actually. They could care less about your experience and possible return business since they are located in a spot that see's a few million new visitors each year. This restaurant wouldn't last 3 months in another city that must rely on return customers and positive word of mouth.
Please people do not go to this awful place with these awful people. This restaurant represents everything that is wrong with the Las Vegas dining scene. -
Review from Benny Valentino X.
Muncie, IN
9/25/2011
The first time we went here, it was one of my favorite stops to eat at in Sin City. But after our last visit, the novelty has kind of wore off. Battista's is located about a block off of the strip behind the Flamingo. Plenty of parking right by the door. Expect a little wait, but it's worth it. We usually pass the time by stopping at the dive bar in the same parking lot for a couple cheap PBRs.
Like other reviewers have noted, it is a bit overpriced. You can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $60 with tip for two adults. But hey, it's Las Vegas, who cares!? You wont leave hungry or without being at least mildly buzzed. My wife usually gets fettucini and I'll order Spaghetti and Meatballs. As soon as your wait-staff approaches your table you are offered a craft of house wine. Its good enough, you wont be disappointed. The garlic bread is very very good and i'm usually not that generous with garlic bread. My wife gave the salad a thumbs up and you can sub applesauce for the picky eater in your crowd. The entree portions are large and we have no complaints with the food at all. The complimentary desert Cappuccino is AWESOME. I don't drink coffee or cappuccino and I love it. I think its closer to hot chocolate than any kind of coffee/cappuccino. But seriously, it's a tasty way to round out the meal.
The biggest bummer is the increasingly creepy accordion player. The first time we went to Battista's we were entertained and thought it was a neat touch, the rest of my family loved him as well. He'll ask you where you're from, pretend to play a song associated with that place and mumble out-of-tune some lyrics for 20-30 seconds and then stand there uncomfortably until he sees some money. I didn't really have a problem until our last visit. Being that we were on vacation, I didn't have any bills smaller than a $50. We hoped to avoid him, but he was unavoidable. Once he was done singing his 20 second off-key rendition of "Back home again in Indiana", we thanked him as he tapped on the money clip on his Accordion. I explained that we appreciated it and we would catch him later in the night once we paid our bill. We got a snide, "Well I guess we'll just see about that" back at us. Super awkward and embarrassing moment in front of my wife and others seated near by. Really!? We're here eating $30 plates of spaghetti, do you really think i'm trying to cheat you out of a couple bucks for a tip? We're on vacation and only have large bills/credit cards. Once we paid our bill my wife tracked him down and gave him a tip, but made sure to tell him how disappointing he made our stop.
It wasn't until I read a few reviews on here that I found out I was not alone. We decided we're just going to decline as soon as he steps up to our table if we go back in the future. Though it would be fun to try out some new places and see if he has a song for Madagascar, Bokoro, or somewhere else equally obscure.
I'm not saying I wouldn't recommend this place to someone else, but the accordion guy can suck one. If you try somewhere exotic, post and let me know what he plays. -
Review from Jeremy H.
Los Angeles, CA
5/17/2011
I should have read the yelp reviews first...
I'm surprised at the people who believe this is an authentic Italian restaurant. I admit, I was pulled in by the sign...I was given the impression that this was an old school italian joint so I thought maybe the food had a chance.
I'd rather go to Olive Garden and that's pretty sad. Beware of any restaurant that has a bunch of bullshit on their walls and some dancing monkey doing tricks. It's usually a sure sign that they're trying to distract you from their mediocre food.
This is pretty much standard SYSCO food supply. I ordered the cioppino, my girlfriend got the veal parm. The cioppino was acceptable, but still a bit bland. Not much seafood and like 5 strings of pasta at the bottom.
My girlfriend's veal was very bad. Had a strange aftertaste that for me, made it fairly inedible.
Everyone mentions the garlic bread. Sure, it's good, but it's garlic bread. If you go to an Italian restaurant and your lasting impression was the garlic bread, the restaurant has failed.
I didn't need the accordion guy. Again with the gimmicks. I know people think that guy is cute and funny, etc, but personally, I found him very uncomfortable. He bets on that uncomfortable to you pass him some money so he'll go away. I felt kind of bad for him. In a town where selling your soul for the hustle is standard practice, I didn't need it in my face while I'm trying to have a good meal.
I've been eying this place for a while, so I'm glad I got it out of the way but with all the great restaurants in this city, I felt like I wasted an opportunity. -
Review from Megan S.
Wichita, KS
5/23/2011
I had a blast here, and sort of wish that the accordion guy was my grandpa, but that may have been the all you can drink wine talking.
This is definitely an "experience" type of restaurant... don't come here if you are a huge foodie looking for authentic Italian food. The inside of this place is totally kitsch and slightly cheesy, but I loved it. There is a fixed menu, everyone picks their entree and that includes salad and bread and among other things.... all the wine you can drink. The red wine was great! Not the best wine I've ever had, it tasted like sort of a cheap chianti. My salad was very tasty, and the cheese ravioli I had were good, but I liked my companion's dishes better. They treated our birthday guest to a great little song and dessert, and we had a blast laughing and talking with the tables around us. Like I said, it's more about the atmosphere than the food, so take that for what it's worth!Listed in: Las Vegas
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Review from The Godfather G.
Rowland Heights, CA
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always a stop whenever I'm in Vegas. Been here forever. Being Sicilian, I'm very picky with Italian restaurants. This one is the best. It's not cheap, but worth every pennt.
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Review from Kye B.
Las Vegas, NV
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is truly a hole in the wall AND a perfect place to come hang when you want a nice environment with a quiet ambience. They supposedly have an accordion player. Cure place, I'll definitely make it one of my "locals" getaway.
I've been told that the food here "aint' bad", I'll get back with you when I know more about that, but for now, it's such a great place for groups of friends to hang out together, be NEAR the Strip but not on it, have a great bar, drinks that aren't overpriced, Cider (which I love) and, at some point...some dude on accordion.
Where, in Vega$$, can you get all that??? -
Review from Adam R.
Stockton, CA
3/26/2011
I don't understand why anyone would eat here. it's not Italian food. it's American crap that's one step below chef boyardee. if you ate here and like the food you need to come out from the rock you've been living under and try a real restaurant.
to be fair, the garlic bread is yummy -
Review from Christa K.
Pleasant Prairie, WI
5/18/2011
I'd always heard about this place when I lived out here, but never got around to eating here until now.
While back in town, a group of five colleagues went here for a weeknight meal before heading out to a show. Food was solid and classic. Loved the garlic bread. My lasagna was good and I enjoyed the white wine (though I've read others may not care for it here in the Yelp reviews...) With two carafes on the table, you've got your choice.
The decor was a hoot. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Buca di Beppo design was inspired from this place.
Not the best Italian food I've every had, but a fun experience. And it ain't a chain. Bonus points for that! -
Review from Debbie H.
Santa Clarita, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
We have been here for two years in a row as a post carb-up meal for the Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in December. The food is fine, and the atmosphere is awesome, cheesey yes, but fun.
Wine is included, and you can order from a variety of dishes off giant menus on the wall - and the best Accordian player makes his rounds and sings songs to you! We love throwing bucks his way to hear him sing state-specific songs to us like "California Here I Come", and "New York, New York". I think next time I am going to be from Oklahoma.
Its perfect for a big group - make sure you have a reservation because its been packed when we have been there.
You can either park in the lot or walk from the strip (its back behind Flamingo/etc.) -
Review from Patrick W.
Anaheim, CA
7/12/2011
Visited on 7/11/2011 for my friend Tim Young's 37th birthday.
This place rocks, (Thank you Phil Browning!)
PROS:
OVERALL FEEL.. This place is THE authentic Italian joint! Everything from the Over sized (bullet proof?) door, to the personally signed photo of Elvis Presley (The King) and all other photos, this place overwhelmingly reminded me of an Italian restaurant out of the movie CASINO. (WITH ALL DUE RESPECT :) ) I think this place is where Bucca di Beppo got its inspiration with with real food that doesn't come from a bag...
THE BREAD: FUGHETABBOUT IT..... Just remember, ask for the oil & vinegar. Delish!
THE WINE: ALL YOU CAN DRINK HOUSE WINE. Enough said.
THE FOOD: I had the spaghetti w/ Sausage Cacciatore. Really, really good!
THE SERVICE: Our waiter patiently explained all the ins and outs of each dish giving a well scripted definition of the dish which set the expectation of the guest.
CONS: Be prepared to pay around $30 per person, but hell it's Vegas and every trip should have at least one solid meal.
OVERALL:
Great conversation, Great food, Great environment.
And as always friends and neighbors, when it comes to Food, Drink or Overall Value........Always trust a FAT MAN! :).
Pat Walters
Anaheim, CA -
Review from Keith B.
Pasadena, CA
7/27/2011
love this place, no trip to Vegas is complete without visiting here. Go with
a big group and be loud and fun, or go with an intimate date. -
Review from Andrew C.
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Battista's Hole In The Wall is another spattering of Old Vegas amongst modernization. After you've escaped the pretty people in The Cosmopolitan a few blocks away, you may find yourself walking into one of the most kitschy Italian restaurants I've ever seen anywhere. Battista's is Old Vegas dining in its purest form. And the man, hunched by age, who walks around to each table to play a tune on his accordion is perhaps the longest standing fixture.
This is simple Italian. "Red sauce Italian," if you will. And I will.
Battista's menu is grouped by price. From basic pasta dishes at the lowest price and on up as the meat options get better and better.
I had a few bites off some coworker's plates. One of which the chicken parm which was really, really good. The other was the canteloni and I rounded it out with the steak pizzaiola. I think my dish won the taste test between the three of us. The meat was cooked so perfectly that our server made remarks about how awesome that dish was going to be.
After powering through it, and part of some side pasta that was included, oh and a ton of garlic bread as that basket was never empty.... I was pretty much ready to pop.
All in all, a good dinner. A little on the pricey side but that's due to the complimentary wine that comes with your meal. Red or white or both. And multiple carafes should your table need them. Not too bad. Not too bad at all.Listed in: Sin City, NV
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Review from Kaitlin D.
Cleveland, OH
3/12/2011 1 photo
I truly loved my experience here! We heard that there was an hour wait, so we went to the bar and ordered drinks while we were waiting. I enjoyed a Fat Tire Ale *love* and the bartender was sassy and a lot of fun. We had a good time chatting with the people who were waiting at the bar as well. I really liked the decor and we had calamari as an appetizer, which came out really quickly and was super.
The meal was delicious and the house wine was good, even though I shouldn't drink wine due to a sensitive stomach; my half glass was good! We all got the feeling that the server didn't really like us, for whatever reason, be it our behavior (we were actually pretty well behaved at this point in the trip) or his night not going so well.
Keep in mind the portions are very large and the minimum charge per person isn't so bad, even if you share a dish between two and have to tag on the extra $, because you will leave full and satisfied.
All in all, the food was tasty and we had a great time!Listed in: Las Vegas
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Review from Alyson K.
Las Vegas, NV
2/15/2011
Battista's will always have a special place in my heart. My boyfriend proposed to me here. The food is great (the garlic bread is the best hands down) I love the atmosphere, and the service is all done with a smile. The menu hangs on the wall at each booth, free wine, and hearty portions of food. You will not leave hungry.
The parking is a mess and the strip mall is very questionable, but they have a posted guard which made me feel safe going to and from our car.
LOVE THIS PLACE!! Just try it!! -
Review from E R.
Tracy, CA
8/16/2011
The is overpriced olivegarden. I would not recommend this place to anyone. I go to Italy every year and this food does not even come close to the taste. Try the spinach its canned for sure and taste like black licorice. The Red sauce taste canned I really hope someone goes there and trys the sauce and spinach and tell me im not right. Terrible
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Review from Amanda M.
Tiverton, RI
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I enjoyed every second of my meal here and can't comprehend why anyone would write a bad review. If you want to dress up and spend $200 on a meal, go to Sinatra.
If you want free wine, fun decor, an accordion player that plays at your table and food like your Italian grandmother used to make, then come here.
I got the Chicken Cacciatore and it was better than some other fancy places I've been to. I can't say I love the Marinara, which came with my boyfriends Veal Parmesan (it's on the sweet side), but it wasn't bad.
You start off with a basket of hot buttery garlic bread, followed up with a big bowl of Italian salad with their excellent house Italian dressing (or Minestrone soup if you want it) and then you get your meal.
I did think the plates were a little small... I would have loved more pasta to use with that delicious Cacciatore sauce.
Your meal is followed up with a hot chocolate-esque flavored Cappucino. By this point you would have realized you're not getting Starbucks here.
Gordy the accordion player comes to every table and asks you where you're from. Then he'll hit a few keys and attempt a song related to your state. Ask him to play more and he will, just don't forget to tip!
I only had the red wine, but for free wine, it's not half bad!
This place really reminded me of my Italian grandmother and the food she used to cook up every Sunday. I'd take that over a $200 meal at some posh Italian joint anyday. Our flight got canceled and we already plan to go back before we leave. -
Review from Kerri L.
3/18/2011
We came here for dinner a few nights ago with family. The decor is fun, and the staff is friendly.
Red and White wine is included with dinner, I can't drink because i'm pregnant, but the family enjoyed it. The man says that the free red wine was good. :)
Also included with dinner is soup or salad, and garlic bread. The garlic bread was good, nice and warm. I really liked the dinner salad, but I had to pick some of the stuff out before I could eat it (no lunch meat or unpasteurized cheese), it was perfectly dressed though. The soup was run of the mill, nothing memorable.
I had spaghetti with meat sauce and a side of italian sausage. It tasted good, not great, but there was barely any sauce on it, and i'm the kind of girl that likes a lot of sauce with her pasta so I can dip bread in it. There was always a different person waiting on the table, never the same person twice, and they didn't come around that often, so I didn't get a chance to ask for more sauce. However, besides that, the staff was very friendly when they did come around, and the guy playing the accordion was adorable.
After dinner everyone gets free cappucino, ( yet another thing i can't have, WTF man, it's a conspiracy!) the family all enjoyed it.
When we go back to Vegas I don't think we'll head back here, overall it was just ok. -
Review from Karen M.
Mesquite, NV
8/18/2011
I read the reviews and should have steered away...but it looked interesting. Salad was wilted, menus are on the wall, with no explanation so you are ordering blind, service was NOT with a smile from the bartender to the waitress, to the server who helped the waitress, and the waitress never checked back to see how everything is. Terribly overpriced for what you get, and as an Italian, this does not even pass for a facsimile thereof! Stay away for sure. I only gave them one star, as I had to fill something in, they should get no stars!
