Carmine's On Penn

Sort by

Filters

1. RW

   ReneeW

   Denver

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   It was so delightful to be able to sit with a friend, a lovely glass of wine, excellent food (their garlic buns are yummy too) and we could actually hear each other, what a novel concept in today's places. It was a leisurely meal, very attentive wait staff, just an all over nice evening and good value for the money

   Report
2. a

   amyo03

   Denver

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on March 22, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food at Carmines is always fantastic. However they just added a 22% service fee where “part of it goes directly to the restaurant”. Turns out only about 10% goes to the server. So then what? I just got charged an extra $130 and now I also have to tip $50 more dollars? If the restaurant wants more money raise your prices. This seems very sketchy and I won’t return unless this fee is taken off or I know that all of it is going to staff. Everyone went through the pandemic and this is the first place I’ve ever seen where part of the service charge is going directly in the owners pocket.

   Carmine's On PennResponded 6 days agoAmy: We appreciate sharing your comments with us.

   Report
3. D

   Disappointed

   Denver

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 20, 2023

   overall4food5service4ambience3

   Here's the thing. the food is good, its the same Carmines that we've had in the past. Unfortunately here's another post about the weird service charge they've added. they say its "to off-set increased payroll taxes and increased wages among all of our employees. Instead of the servers keeping all gratuity, which is how the traditional tipping system has been set-up, we are now able to maintain our front of the house staff wages while increasing the kitchen staff wages by 20%". They dont say they increased pay for the front of house, but the kitchen staff. they're essentially getting around raising costs of the food, and implementing this 22% service charge to take tips away from their servers to cover the increased overhead of their business. I wouldn't be surprised if they lose the great waitstaff they have because they're essentially taking money out of their pockets. just increase your prices, and keep the traditional system - or pay your staff a living wage so you don't need to rely on the tips of strangers to offset your costs.

   Carmine's On PennResponded on March 22, 2023We appreciate you reaching out and sharing your comments with us.

   Report
4. AB

   AlanB

   Denver

   51 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   51 reviews

   Dined on March 19, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   At this point, I would only be repeating myself; Dinner was fabulous, again. The Carmines Team was on their game, again We had another wonderful evening, again !!!!!!!!!

   Carmine's On PennResponded on March 22, 2023We are grateful for your comments Alan!

   Report
5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Denver

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 18, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   They add very weird and disturbing surcharge. There is card on table telling you the restaurant adds surcharge to all checks . They don’t tell you how much . They state it is for staff but then go on to say that the Resturaunt keeps part of it for taxes? Turns out they add 22% and waitress only get 11-12% . Staff gets small piece and Resturaunt takes portion. Very dishonest way to increases prices. Give all to staff and waitress!!

   Carmine's On PennResponded 6 days agoThank you for your comments.

   Report
6. 3

   303texasguy

   Denver

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on March 13, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   service was amazing but restaurant now charges a 22% “service charge” that is supposedly shared between all staff, of which 5% goes to the waiter so you’re expected to tip additional on TOP of that. i hope management addresses this exorbitant charge and brings in line with the 3-5% industry standard

   Carmine's On PennResponded on March 22, 2023Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us.

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Denver

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The best Italian restaurant in Denver. I have been going here for over 10 years and it is consistently good every single time.

   Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023Thank you for sharing your positive comments with us!

   Report
8. TE

   TeddyE

   Denver

   1 review

   vip
   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall2food2service2ambience2

   I was hoping for better. It felt a little more like mass production Italian as the food came out so fast that it was impossible for quality. Pasta was too al dente on the carbonara and it was only luke warm, and too much sauce, also really was a brown garlicky sauce take on Carbonara. Eggplant parm was good. Timing on all food was not good. Space seemed very chopped up and I was under the tent like structure outside with heaters in ceiling. I'll admit I am a picky Italian eater, who grew up eating it in NYC, but there are better in Denver.

   Carmine's On PennResponded on March 14, 2023We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience when dining during Restaurant Week Teddy. Timing is of essence we would agree. Apologies that this appeared to be an off night for us. Our physical space of 29 years cannot be changed. The heated patio where you were sitting has offered us additional space in the winter months and is a popular seating area requested in the summers when the canvas walls are open. We apologize that we did not meet your expectations.

   Report
9. PR

   PriscillaR

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience4

   The penne with vodka sauce 👌 chefs kiss. Tried it for restaurant week and we were not disappointed

   Report
10. D

    Denvereater

    Denver

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    This used to be a favorite place, but it’s been at least a decade since we ate here. I don’t know if our palates have changed or if the restaurant has changed—likely, both. We had good though rather slow service and a very friendly, helpful waitress. Food was so-so. The Caesar salad was absolutely drenched in dressing. The other dishes we ordered were okay, nothing special, with the exception of short ribs with polenta, which was very good. $50 service fee added to our bill. I understand the need for a service fee to adequately compensate staff, but this seemed over the top, and on inquiring about the fee, were encouraged to tip further to compensate our particular server. So the service fee was basically what we would have tipped anyway + tipped an add’l 10% on top of that. Because of the lack of clarity around this and more importantly the less than outstanding food, we probably won’t be back.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023We are embarrassed of what you experienced when recently dining with us. Table tents and verbiage on our online reservation platform explains our newly implemented service charge. This added fee is designed to be shared with all staff (front and back of the house), not just the servers, as has been the tradition in this country's tipping system. We state that additional gratuity is not expected and left to the customer's discretion should they choose. Sincere apologies this was not made clear.

    Report
11. RY

    RobinY

    Denver

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    The food is great. Service is always good. My one complaint is that now they have a surcharge of approximately 23 percent. We found out when we sat down at the table via a notice left at the table. No mention of how much of a service charge. The service charge is split among the employees this issue is that management keeps a percentage of the surcharge with again no mention as to how much that percentage is. For all I know they are keeping the majority of it. I love this place but not sure I will return

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023Robin: Thank you for sharing your comments with us. Our 22% service charge is to off-set increased payroll taxes and increased wages among all of our employees. Instead of the servers keeping all gratuity, which is how the traditional tipping system has been set-up, we are now able to maintain our front of the house staff wages while increasing the kitchen staff wages by 20%. We apologize that this new charge is confusing. We trust you will return and continue to support our restaurant.

    Report
12. m

    mcfree2b

    Denver

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. House salad was awesome. Great chicken marsala and pasta with chicken, sausage and shrimp as well. Great service. We were in the back and it was nice and quiet.

    Report
13. BS

    BarbaraS

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. Servers were attentive and helpful. Totally accommodating. Love the place and will be back for more!

    Report
14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Puerto Vallarta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoyed the food and the service was great. The 22% service charge that doesn’t all go to the wait staff is upsetting. The information provided is that the restaurant itself takes a portion for increased expenses and taxes. Not okay!!

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023The portion that goes to the 'house' is used to off-set increases in payroll taxes and payroll itself. Since implementing this service charge, we have been able to maintain the front of the house pay structure while increasing the kitchen staff pay by 20%. Thank you for your comments.

    Report
15. KM

    KellyM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    service was terrible the food was ok very slow and unorganized

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023We are disappointed that you had a dining experience that did not meet your expectations during Restaurant Week. Please accept our apologies.

    Report
16. BK

    BKRose

    Denver

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4

    Service was slow but pleasant. Food, other than antipasto, was almost terrible. Not good. Chicken was overcooked. Salad dressing was without oil, just vinegar and wasn't tossed before plated so one diner had no dressing and mine was all vinegar and not edible. Even chocolate cake was dry. Strawberry was good.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023Thank you for sharing your recent dining experience with us, BKRose. We sincerely apologize that the items your ordered did not meet your expectations. Trusting that you alerted your server or a manager as to the issues you had. We will share your comments with the kitchen staff and management.

    Report
17. h

    hdst03

    Denver

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience5

    The food was good, not really great. I’ve never been there and always wanted to try it. The red sauce was missing something. Plenty of garlic. Maybe some basil and oregano. I’m not complaining just was worth noting. It wasn’t busy but the service was slow. Two drinks came out separately about 4 minutes apart. Weird. Caesar salad was great. Chicken Parmesan very good but back to the sauce. Could have been better. Plenty of salt. ?!?! I’ll go back. Maybe it was an off night.

    Report
18. H

    Hare

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Good service! Good food but a bit pricey. No parking area. And they charge a automatic 22% to your bill after taxes ? Sad for severs as they now get less for a tip:(

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023Hare: Thank you for dining with us during Denver Restaurant Week. Parking in our neighborhood has always been challenging with the various new businesses, multi-unit buildings, etc. established over the last several years. The 22% service charge is calculated on the food and beverage amount before taxes. This allows us to maintain our servers wages in addition to increasing the wages of our kitchen staff by 20%.

    Report
19. L

    Lloyd

    Denver

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good food, ambiance and service. Hadn't been to Carmine's for a while but will be back again soon!

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    Everything about the place was very over rated. Food was not warm , portions were less than desirable Service was very poor

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023We are disappointed that you were unhappy in dining with us recently. We trust you alerted your server as to the food quality and a manager as to the service you received. Please accept our apologies.

    Report
21. ML

    MichaelL

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Been to Carmine's a few times. Always great food and service. Not a fan of the service fees tacked on now due to the fact that if I get good service I usually tip well. I've heard that a few Denver restaurants are putting the fee in and I can't speak for other customers who don't tip.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on March 13, 2023The recent 22% service charge implemented was something that took many hours of discussing, calculating and sharing with management and staff. We are now confident that we can provide an increase to our kitchen staff wages (by 20%) while maintaining the front of the house wages vs. the traditional tipping system that has been adopted over decades. Our payroll taxes and staff wages have increased dramatically over the last few years as well which are being off-set by this fee. Thanks for sharing.

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Mom and daughter night! The food was spectacular, and our wait staff was excellent!

    Report
23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Parents met my boyfriend. The food was great! It was a bit loud for conversation.

    Report
24. S

    Sully

    Denver

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Decent food, not worth pricing.

    Report
25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    Family occasions

    Report
26. G

    Greg

    Denver

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    Would not recommend this restaurant. The service was horrible and the food was not good

    Carmine's On PennResponded on February 21, 2023Greg: We trust you were able to speak to a manager to share your experience when you were there. We apologize that you were disappointed.

    Report
27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went for Valentines Day dinner. It was very busy (as expected) once we were sat at our table, had very quick service. The food was amazing, as it was our first time trying Carmine’s! We loved the doodle paper table settings. Made it all the more special. We will DEFINITELY be coming back to Carmine’s again. Our server had great suggestions and details about our food and wine options, too! 10/10 recommend checking this cute little place on Penn out!

    Carmine's On PennResponded on February 17, 2023Thank you for joining us on a celebratory evening. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to having you dine with us again.

    Report
28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Incredible food and service!

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    While the wait staff was great it seems that they were entirely too busy. The portion and quality of food was sub par for the price.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on February 21, 2023Thank you for joining us on Valentine's Day for dinner. It is one of the busiest nights of the year for us.

    Report
30. CG

    CarrieG

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We love Carmines on Penn! It’s the best Italian, great ambiance, terrific service. Even on Valentine’s Day they were efficient and delicious!

    Report
31. w

    willstacy1

    Denver

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went for Valentine’s Day and had an amazing time!

    Report
32. D

    Dave

    Denver

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and food! Only problem is parking...

    Report
33. FG

    FoodieGuy1812

    Denver

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great experience. Service was excellent, friendly people even though the restaurant was packed full. Food was delicious and wine recommendation from Brad was outstanding. Can’t wait to go back.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on February 17, 2023Thank you Foodie Guy-We look forward to having you back!

    Report
34. LK

    LaurenK

    Denver

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was delicious! Great service too.

    Report
35. RF

    RoryF

    Denver

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience3

    We've been going to Carmine's for many many years and always had great experiences with excellent food and good value. We were very disappointed this visit. 😔 The flavors were off, not what we've come to expect. We only learned they've joined the growing ranks of restaurants adding a "service fee" to the bill when I reviewed the check after it was dropped. The 22% fee was explained by the server, when questioned, to include all staff (front of house, kitchen, and management) as well as a portion going to the business. It just feels dishonest to to list prices on the menu and then drop a 22% service fee without notice. If you need to increase the revenue... raise your prices (which they have done) don't hit your customers with a fee you didn't communicate beforehand. I worked in the food service industry for nearly a decade and tip well. That should always remain the customers' decision.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on February 17, 2023Dear Rory-Thank you for your feedback re: your recent dining experience with us. We are doing everything we can to communicate with our customers this new service charge-from publishing it on Open Table when making reservations online, the printed table tent on every table explaining our position to an explanation printed on checks. We strive to help guide our waitstaff in communicating this to our guests. Your point is justified that you were not made aware of this fee verbally by the server.

    Report
36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    31 reviews

    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    Good service, food ok but other Italian restaurants have upped their game, serving lighter more innovative fare.

    Report
37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience2

    Good food; a bit pricey. Casual dining…I think I was expecting it to be a little more upscale at that price point. Good service. Overall a lovely casual dining experience.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on January 28, 2023Thank you for letting us know your comments when dining with us recently. We look forward to your return.

    Report
38. PE

    PETERF

    Denver

    75 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience1

    We once visited Carmine's regularly but hadn't there in two years. Sadly, we will never come back. Our family favorite for many years has been the spinach salad, which was described as "Spinach leaf tossed with carrots, red onions, red cabbage, cucumbers, sweet grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, gorgonzola cheese, croutons, olive oil and balsamic vinegar." The salad we were served bore no resemblance to what we once enjoyed. The only ingredients included were the spinach, red onions, the dressing, and strawberries! Strawberries? Luckily, the pear salad we ordered was as advertised. When the family came here in years past we each ordered an entree and were advised that the portions were so large, we should not do that. Each entree was either for 2 people or 4. We chuckled at the servers, explaining we wanted to take home a lot of leftovers, which we always did. NO MORE THE CASE! Portion control has come to Carmine's. The two ravioli dishes we ordered were barely enough to feed one person; the Bolognese the same. Only my entree (meatballs in vodka sauce) merited a take-home box. On the plus side, the service was friendly and attentive, as always, but our evening was made even more disappointing by the fact we were seated in a small room along with a party of twelve, who created so much noise we couldn't hear one another speaking. To say we were dissatisfied is an understatement. If you remember the "old" Carmine's on Penn, you will likely be as disappointed as we were when you return.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on January 28, 2023Dear Peter, Please accept our sincere apologies for your disappointing dining experience you had recently. The spinach salad has changed over the past year which needs to be updated on our website. There should have been 12 pieces of ravioli in one family size order. Large parties can be tricky with the noise levels they emit. We certainly do appreciate you letting us know how much you were let down. We continue to strive through the many challenges we continue to face.

    Report
39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Key West

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service is fantastic! The best Italian in the Denver area

    Report
40. KC

    KarenC

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent restaurant with quality food and wonderful staff and owner. We really enjoyed our evening.

    Carmine's On PennResponded on January 28, 2023Thank you for your kind words, Karen.

    Report