Romano's Macaroni Grill

I generally do not write reviews — especially negative ones — but this experience was so disappointing that I felt compelled to make an exception.

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, I placed an $82 online order through the Romano’s Macaroni Grill website for three pasta entrées, one side of bruschetta, and one side Caesar salad. The order was scheduled to be ready between 5:25 and 5:30 PM.

At 5:29 PM, I entered the restaurant and went to the pick-up area where I saw three to-go containers on the counter, which I assumed (correctly) were part of my order. No one was present to assist customers, and I stood waiting for nearly 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged me — despite two employees walking by without so much as a greeting or offer to help.

When an employee finally assisted me, it quickly became clear that my order was incomplete: one pasta entrée was missing an ingredient, and both the bruschetta and the salad were missing. The pasta was taken back to the kitchen for correction, and the salad was retrieved.

When I asked about the missing bruschetta, I was told it would take more than five minutes to prepare — despite my having ordered an hour in advance. At this point, already having waited 15 minutes, I declined to wait further and requested a refund for the bruschetta.

I was then informed by the shift manager that corporate would need to process the refund, and that they would send an email. I found this completely unacceptable: I was expected to leave having paid for an item I did not receive, with no immediate refund and only the staff’s word that corporate would handle it?! Appalling! However, the shift manager said his hands were tied so I conceded, but I did ask for written confirmation that the refund request would be submitted, so the manager wrote a note on receipt paper.

By the time I left the restaurant, 20 minutes had passed — for what should have been a simple pick-up order. I left frustrated, inconvenienced, and frankly too irritated to enjoy the meal I had purchased.

By the time I got home, I did receive a refund email from DoorDash — which added to the confusion, as I did not use DoorDash for this order.

It’s unfortunate how one negative experience can cloud your judgment about an entire business — but based on what occurred, it is highly unlikely that I will ever choose to eat at Romano’s Macaroni Grill again. I wasn’t trying to be a “Karen” — I simply expected decent customer service and a properly prepared, complete order. This location needs to improve its service standards to ensure that customers like me do not walk away feeling disappointed and frustrated.

And while the item I did not receive (the bruschetta) was inexpensive, it’s the principle of the matter! No customer should be expected to pay for an item they do not receive and be left to navigate an unclear refund process.

Food was delicious 😋!! Family dinner night. Service could use some tuning. My dad is in a wheelchair... the table they sat us at was not really good. We were sat at the top of the entrance to the dining area. Everyone who walked by has to squeeze by. The reason for my rating.

I’ve always loved Macaroni Grill. But these days they need to step it up. The calamari is so overcooked that it’d make KFCs popcorn shrimp seem exciting. Prepare for a lack of personalization. Remember the waiter introducing themselves and writing their name on the paper table cover? Yeah, that not practiced here 🫣 Why?

Great Grill. Great food and staff!

Charming atmosphere, good friendly service ( by server Jay) and great prices. Pomodoro Torrtelacci was very tasty and marked as heart healthy. Also, the wine pours generous.
I'm updating my review after coming here multiple times now. I want to say that our waitress Betty has been outstanding, her ability to be enthusiastic and welcoming is a refreshingly attribute not seen in most restaurants.
I'm also adding a picture of the chicken marsala and or Woodford reserve select Manhattan cocktail for only $12.

THIS IS THE WORST RESTAURANT I'VE EVER BEEN TO.

We waited 30 minutes to be seated, and then waited another 30 minutes at our table, but no one came to take our order. At first, we thought they were just busy, but then we saw another table that arrived 20 minutes after us get their order taken within 5 minutes. I simply can’t understand this.

We left the restaurant without having a meal. As we were walking out, one staff member rushed over to us—but what was the point? It was the worst hour we've ever experienced.

Good food timely & affordable. Not many people. I love it

The food is ok. I have no complaints about the service. But I’ve been there 2-3 times in the last couple of years and have noticed the same weird thing both times: the chefs are constantly yelping (not like Yelp the reviews site, actually little shouts). I don’t know if it’s to signal that an order is ready or what. My best guess is there’s like a missing bell or timer or something and instead of that they just give a little (extremely loud) shout. A hoot. A holler. Like to the point that it’s got to disturb someone else besides me! It’s part of the place’s … charm, I guess? But I need to know what the hell it actually is! Especially since it’s not a fluke but something I’ve noticed multiple times. UPDATE: if it’s Tourette syndrome or similar, my apologies.

Chicken fettucini alfredo was pretty small for the price, and had barely any chicken. The taste was okay.

The food taste and quality has steadily gone down. 😩 we did not enjoy our meal. Obe person on our group recvd the x wrong order. Then when served the correct order it had done thing back st bottom of the dish.

Great service, good food, and drinks (blood orange cosmopolitan)

The service was awesome. The drinks was good. The hospitality was all there and the food was just as good as all the rest

GREAT ENVIRONMENT IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A COMBO OF BLOWING OFF STEAM OR MAY HAVE A NIGHT OUT! VERY AFFORDABLE AND HAVE ONE OF THE BEST SIDECAR TEAM KNOWN TO MAN! FROM MARCIEL TO QUINN CHRIS TO STACY TO RON AND TREY! NIC AND SOPH ARE AMAZING! HIGH RECOMMEND!

Great food, good service.

Terrible terrible service. I turned up at time of the reservation made by a friend and they told me that my friend hadn’t arrived and that the reservation was for an hour later. I told them to check and they insisted it was so. Turns out my friends were already seated. the staff gave me the wrong information. They wasted our time. It took so long for them to give me a menu we got it ourselves. Our food arrived cold and the pasta soggy. Never again.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1