Mangia e Bevi

07/10/2008 Posted by Josey818

I went here for a bachlorette party... The plus: Their fried appetizers, salads, and Penne a la Vodka were amazing and the music and dancing on tables was a fun experience Their Downfall: When we got to our table, two of our friends left to run to the ATM to get cash and the host asked us where they were. When we told him, he gave us an attitude and literally reprimanded us for them not doing it earlier. Random. Then when dinner was finished, instead of the waiter asking us if we wanted tea or coffee (which was included in our dinner package), he just dropped off our check. Of course we didn't have much time to even pass the check around because once we looked at the bill, the bus boys and our waiter began cleaning off our table and flipping it for the next party. I get that they have a fast turn-around because it's such a busy place, but they rushed us out of our seats which I think is completely rude. My friend and I, who paid with our credit cards, were even left standing in the doorway waiting to give our signatures. It was so awkward. I guess though with an automatic 20% gratuity included in every bill, the servers do not feel the need to live up to their tips. Conclusion: A fun and upbeat atmosphere, but I'd take a low-key restaurant with a wait staff that doesn't make you feel like a burden over Mangia E. Bevi any day.

Pros: Ambience, Food

Cons: Customer Service, crowded

06/01/2008 Posted by kstsomber

We went there for a birthday party and had a great time. The staff came out and sang happy birthday and danced for the birthday girl!! Lots of fun the food was like a taste of Italy.

03/10/2008 Posted by FDFNATK

I went for dinner last Friday to meet friends outside of my neighborhood comfort zone (I generally stay downtown). I was seemingly unimpressed with the decor but the dimmed lighting and warm service were enough to overlook it. It was busy but not crazy and I had the quatro formaggi pizza with gorgonzola (AWESOME) and a fantastic cabernet by the glass. It's rare that you see such obvious job satisfaction in such a small restaurant. A few times they turned up the music and had people dancing on chairs with tamborines which sounds crazy but you can't help getting into it while singing happy birthday to some stranger! DEFINITELY reccommend

Pros: service, staff, pizza

Cons: the tamborines could be overwhelming, better stick with weekday calm

01/22/2008 Posted by blossom365

We were a group of 15 women attending a bachelorette party. We had made the reservations at least a week in advance and someone from our party even stopped by the restaurant a few days prior to confirm with the manager that they would be able to handle our party. Our reservation was at 930 and we arrived at 845 like the manager had asked. At 1045 we still were not seated. The manager had triple booked the restaurant and there were 2 other large parties waiting to be seated. There was no room to wait in the restaurant so we were told to wait in the 18 degree weather outside. When we asked how long our wait would be, the manager was rude and hostile. We were told our wait would be indefinite. I WOULD NEVER EAT THERE!!!!!!!!!

Pros: There are none

Cons: Rudest people i ever met

01/19/2008 Posted by enjoy2travel

Ended up there almost by coincidence and could not believe the great prices, good food, excellent service. It may not be as colorful during the day as other "tourist-oriented" places but, believe me, after paying enough over-priced unworthy meals in other restaurants, this one was exactly what they doctor ordered.

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

08/27/2007 Posted by mershy02

Had reservations on a Saturday night with 4 girls. It wasn't a batch. party or anyone's bday, but we had just come back from trying on bridesmaids dresses with a soon-to-be-bride who had been here many times before and loved it. We were late about 20 minutes for our 7:15 reservation, and had to wait outside while our host made our table ready. 5 mintues later we were in and seated. About 6 girls in faux veils were dancing on chairs with tamborines and singing to the music. The waiters (if you can really call them that) are definately "hands on" with the customers as they dance, grind, and do body shots with these girls. Sounds aweful, but it's really funny and everyone was having a blast. Service was really good for a place like this and I was surprised. We had a good pitcher of sangria and the waiters were really attentive with drinks and everything. I'm sure it didn't hurt that we were cute and participating, too! I had the Penne Vodka, which was average, but still good and the prices I felt were very good for this location. This is definately not the place for a quiet, romantic night out or with the kids, unless your kids like places like H**ters or something. Saw a couple of families come in, look around wide-eyed and leave. It's just not that kind of place. However, NOTE: IF YOU ARE A SINGLE 20-30-SOMETHING MALE LOOKING FOR SINGLE, CUTE, FUN GIRLS THIS IS YOUR PLACE!!! Seriously the girl-to-guy ratio was probably 20-to-1 and nearly all the girls were cute and young-ish. We were here early and I would think that later in the evening things really get heated up in this place. I would definately come back. Not for a good meal, but for a good time out with the girls!

Pros: Different, Fun, Lively, Entertaining, Great Value food, drinks, etc.

Cons: Loud if you don't like dancing, laughing half-drunk batchelorettes. Average food.

07/04/2007 Posted by kholmes71

I went here for my friends bachelorette party. The food was good, the sangria was also good. The service was great. There is alot action when you go into this restaurant you will see people dancing on the chairs. You also have dancing servers.

Pros: Lively place, great servers, good for bachelorette parties

Cons: Long wait to get a seat

06/09/2007 Posted by myef25

The food was great and tha ambiance was excelent. Its a good place to go on Friday or Saturday night to go eat, drink and enjoy with your friends a great time. The servers were very polite and attentive. This is one of the best night spots that I have been to in NYC. Watch out for the tamborines!!!!!!!!

Pros: Great time

Cons: Even with reservations you may to wait.

06/09/2007 Posted by homebound

We have been to MANGIA e BEVI too many times to count, and for good reasons: Excellent Food, Generous Portions, Wonderful Service and a Great Atmosphere. A great (and reasonably priced) dinner for two, or bring a group for a fun night out! Here's where you'll find that home style Italian cooking that's missing from the restaurant scene, as well as a fun time almost every night of the week. There's a reason we keep coming back for more! I really recomended.........as for the waiting or on time reservations well.....Hey you can have it all !!!!!!!! But I thing is worth it.

06/09/2007 Posted by lostinyc

For the best Italian food and a good time ever, you have to go MANGIA E BEVI, you will find original homemade Italian food, their "ragu" sauce is outstanding.... the antipasti are great as well, every time i go there i have a lot of fun with .....REAL FOOD for real people at great prices. good selection of italian wines as well......... i just love Mangia E Bevi....