This was my first visit and had come highly recommended from many people, maybe an off night but I didn't understand the high reviews in my experience. We were seated in the backroom which was fine except it was very apparent there was an overall odor in that room, sour or methane which a dining partner indicated was stronger when going to towards the bathrooms, ok older building odors aren't enough to turn me away. Enjoyed the bread, warm when served. Ordered two diet cokes, they were brought out in cans, always weird to me but more restaurants are doing it so ok but both cans were terrible tasting, server was great, brought two more, also terrible, server tasted also and agreed something was off, so that was strange. Ordered the Louie salad which was special, I didn't try it but person said it was ok. Another member of our party had the arugula and raddicchio salad and thought it was good and bigger than expected. Also had wedge salad, underwhelming, large slices of tomatoes and large slices of cucumbers served in a bowl not big enough to cut any of it. Was excited for the gorgonzola dressing but tasted like almost just mayonnaise. Table ordered veal chop Parm with polenta, the polenta was the highlight, very creamy and buttery. Also ordered the veal special, breaded, it was fine, but also underwhelming, and finally ordered the stuffed shells special. I believe it had five cheeses in it, one was overpowering the rest, would've loved more ricotta and also more seasoning. Our dinner was fine, server was attentive, but after all the recommendations I was expecting a little more, would go again if invited for a celebration or by others but wouldn't choose it myself given so many other options in the area. I get the vibe the people that love it are from the neighborhood and have probably been celebrating and dining there forever so I am sure there is some nostaythat comes into play as well. read more