Fratelli Ristorante & Bar Bue'

07/09/09

What Happened?

by calico50

This restaurant used to be one of my favorites, but my husband and I dined here recently and it was terrible. First, it took over an hour for the main course to be served even though there were only about 4 other tables occupied in the whole place (now I know why). My fettucine w/scallops was lukewarm, the fettucine was undercooked, the scallops overcooked (all 2 of them), and the sauce tasted like it came from a can. The roasted vegetable side was 75% onion. My husband had the sausage dish and said it tasted like a Costco hot dog. For dessert I had a chocolate hazlenut torta that was obviously a frozen food service item (if it wasn't, it sure tasted like it). My husband had ice cream which was freezer burnt. Finally, it was my birthday so when my husband called for reservations he asked if they could bring out my dessert with a candle. Didn't happen.

We're both wondering if the restaurant is under new ownership because it's nothing like the place we'd been enjoying great meals at for many years.

03/08/09

Girlfriend says, "Best birthday ever!" Thank you Fratelli!

by statusfaction

I recently took my girlfriend to Fratelli for her birthday and we couldn't have left happier. Starting in the bar, we had tasty whiskey cocktails while conversing with the animated bartender and other patrons. When we finished those, the staff brought us to our table in the dining room and transferred the tab for us. All together we had gnocchi, ravioli, sausage, and braised lamb with a recommended bottle of wine by our server who was fun, knowledgeable and there when we needed him but pleasantly not when we didn't. Deciding to have a night cap instead of desert, we retired back to the bar. The staff transferred our tab once more. Thanks! We left very full, a little tipsy and very happy; the sausage being our favorite food. If I'm forced to make a complaint, it would be that we found a very small piece of bone in the lamb dish. Regardless, the service, ambiance and quality of fare was more than expected for how little the bill was. We'll be back very soon.

• Pros: Fun, knowledgeable staff, inviting ambiance, great food/value, extensive wine list
• Cons: No French or local wines (all Italian list)

03/02/09

Best Lasagna EVER!

by mrswiggle

I go to Fratelli often, sometimes just with my husband, and sometimes to meet friends, and have found the atmosphere is conducive to both! We love sitting in the bar (Bar Due). The food is really amazing, and one of the best happy hours that I've had (and I've been to a lot!). The pizzas are creative, but still have that Italian flare. The small plates menu is my favorite...I love their lasagna. Instead of a regular tomato-sauce, they use a bechamel that is completely to die for. Last time we were there, my husband ordered the meatballs and they were so good too! The atmosphere is great too. Some places in the Pearl feel a little pretentious, and this one feels like it's my own hidden gem. We love to sit at the bar, cause their bartenders are super friendly and I've never had a drink I didn't like. It always seems to be really clean, the lights are low, and it's just a fun, laid-back (yet special) place to go. I would highly reccomend it!

• Pros: Great service, Great bar, Unique & Delicious menu, decent prices
• Cons: Parking