[IrishEyes]

First, I just want to say that I understand the issues restaurants are having with staffing, etc. and usually will not post negative comments. However, I’ve worked in that industry, so I tend to be a little more critical when it comes to service and food quality.
A group of 8 went to Fratello’s on Saturday evening at 5:45pm. Called earlier to make a reservation but they do not accept reservations even for large groups. We waited almost 40 minutes for a table. Once seated and ordered, it took over an hour to receive our food. I had the eggplant appetizer, which used to be very good, but on Saturday it was dry and overcooked with very little marinara sauce underneath the eggplant, none on top. I ordered a side of gluten free pasta to go with it – and was charged $10! Are you kidding me? I could purchase 3-4 lbs. of GF pasta for that price. I don’t mind paying for good service and quality food, but dislike price gauging especially after waiting over an hour for the food. We told our server we were going to the Opera House at 8pm and needed to be served soon or we would cancel. No attempt to placate us when we asked about the wait; just got an attitude from the server that she was doing all she could and then avoided coming by our table. The food finally arrived at 7:35 and we asked for our checks at the same time!
Overall, very disappointing meal, service and wait time. Their seating capacity (they now have tables in their parking lot, upstairs outside patio, etc.) is far more than their small kitchen can handle so hence the hour+ wait for food. If their attempt is to make more money by having more tables, they will end up losing more business with bad service and wait times. Won’t be going back anytime soon.