Carrabba's Italian Grill
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Seafood Italian, Seafood [Edit]
4503 Riverview ParkwayBirmingham, AL 35242
(205) 980-1016
Many Carrabba's locations are open for lunch on the weekend. Check the hours and join us even earlier on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 10 pm
Fri 4 pm - 11 pm
Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
3 reviews for Carrabba's Italian Grill
3 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle S.
Fremont, CA
6/12/2010
Today I decided to have Carrabba's for carry-out. I ordered it online and then picked it up at 6:15... My order was almost ready when I got there... I was a couple minutes early. I had requested silverware or should I say plasticware online, but they forgot but still asked so that the deliverer went back and got some. The food was hot which I loved, including the bread. The lasagna was a small portion, hard and kinda burnt. The chicken parmigiana was good though. I'd go back there for carry-out, but not dine in on a weekend as the parking lot was packed.
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Review from Keith C.
Helena, AL
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
My review of Carrabba's... well, so I don't get blasted for the rest of this review, most of thoughts/opinions have a lot to do with my experiences at Johnny Carino's, which closed some time ago. So take this review for what it's worth, based on that...
My wife and I decided to give Carrabba's a chance finally, after years of talking about it. (Some time after it opened, we visited and upon walking in the door, the place had a crazy, funky smell that I can only describe as maybe fresh-paint-from-a-can meets stale marinara meets raw, days-old catfish. That was enough to make us grab our noses and the door on the way back out.) (Johnny) Carino's at Patton Creek happened to be one of our favorite Italian cuisine offerers, but since they closed down, and we were in the mood, we gave it another go. This time walking in, the smell was not quite as nerve-damaging, but there's no hiding the food being served, that's for sure. Apparently that doesn't bother the masses, though, b/c the place was packed (Fri night, 7:30p). After a bit of a wait (half an hour or so), we got a booth and sat down for some grub.
The bread brought to the table was good I guess, but I was a little disappointed due to it tasting like that you'd get at Cheesecake Factory, instead of being focaccia. (See? Nitpicky... Carino's brought out the latter.) Still, with a little olive oil and seasonings it tasted just fine. Once we had a chance to order, my wife got the Italian Classics (Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna) while I opted for the large order of Chicken Parmesan. I didn't have the opportunity to try the lasagna, but the Chicken Parmesan was pretty tasty. The large portion size was more than enough to fill my belly and still have plenty for take-home. (My wife ended up taking food home as well.) One thing that we were a bit baffled about, though, is that with the Chicken Parm, pasta doesn't come with it. So basically it's just seasoned, coated chicken, flattened to schnitzel size/depth, all by its lonesome. Now every entree comes with a side, so you're more than welcome to select any pasta for the side; but still, just seemed a bit odd for an Italian restaurant that you'd have to specifically ask for pasta as a side for any dish. We didn't opt for dessert as the entrees (and soup for me/salad for the wife) were enough to swell our stomachs substantially, so
I can't comment on those.
So, my experience at Carrabba's I think is worth three stars. The atmosphere was nice/busy, and the wait staff was very polite and attentive, which is definitely worth 5, or at the very least 4, stars. However, the food was tasty but not exactly so memorable that I'd long to revisit the place the next chance I got. In fact, I think the next time we crave Italy's best, we'll head to Joe's Italian in Alabaster. And it's that thinking which leads to the 3 star review - for me, the experience, the food, was just average. -
Review from Cody C.
Hoover, AL
2/26/2011
We dined on a Friday night at 6:00.. Almost 90 minute wait for a table! The food was good and service was good, but I wouldn't wait that long again.
We were able to have drinks and appetizer at the bar. The crab cakes appetizer was excellent. I also liked the glassware that my beer was served in.
Specialties
Ciao and welcome to Carrabba's where you can enjoy a casual dinner in a warm, festive atmosphere. Discover a variety of fresh, handmade Italian dishes cooked to order in our lively exhibition kitchen. Join us any night for our house specialties including crispy calamari, chicken marsala, tender filet, unique pasta dishes and handmade pizzas baked in our wood-burning oven. But your Carrabba's experience is not complete until you've tasted the "Thrill of the Grill!" Fresh fish, seafood and meats basted with our special seasonings, grilled to your liking over our wood-fired grill and served with a variety of homemade sauces. Magnifico!
History
Established in 1986
Carrabba's Italian Grill was founded in Houston by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola in December of 1986. Both Johnny and Damian have extensive restaurant experience and belong to one of Houston's most successful restaurant families. Many of the recipes on our menu are those of Damian's mother Grace and sister Rose. Damian has preserved the Italian authenticity of Carrabba's food by traveling the world in search of unique Italian dishes and by taking numerous trips to his grandparents' native Italy. After many travels to the Houston area, Carrabba's caught the attention of Aussie-themed Outback Steakhouse, Inc. owners. A joint venture partnership was formed in January of 1993. Under the joint partnership, 10 locations were opened in Houston and in Florida. In January, 1995, Outback Steakhouse, Inc. acquired the rights to develop Carrabba's nationwide. There are currently over 200 Carrabba's Italian Grill locations.
