You’re walking through Times Square. The lights are blinding, people are shoving, and honestly, you’re just hungry. You want a place that doesn't feel like a sterile tourist trap, but also something that can actually fit your group of eight without a three-hour wait. That’s usually when you spot it—the quirky, glowing sign for Buca di Beppo Nueva York.
It’s underground. Literally.
Most people walk right past 1540 Broadway, not realizing there’s a massive, kitschy Italian labyrinth sitting right beneath their feet. While the chain itself had a bit of a rough ride lately—filing for Chapter 11 in late 2024 and getting snatched up by new owners in 2025—the Manhattan location remains a beast of its own. It’s loud. It’s over-the-top. And if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic corner to whisper sweet nothings, you’re in the wrong basement.
The Weird, Wonderful Vibe of Buca di Beppo Nueva York
Walking into this place feels like stepping into a 1950s fever dream of an Italian-American kitchen. The walls are practically invisible because they’re smothered in thousands of framed photos, vintage posters, and random memorabilia. It’s "intentionally in bad taste," as founder Phil Roberts once put it, and that’s exactly why it works in the middle of New York’s most chaotic neighborhood.
You've got themed rooms that feel like mini-movie sets. There's the Pope Room, where a bust of the pontiff sits right in the middle of a circular table. Then there's the Sinatra Room, the Nun Room, and the Wine Room.
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My personal favorite? The Kitchen Table. You’re basically sitting in the middle of the heat, watching the line cooks sweat over pans of penne while waiters zoom past you. It’s chaotic. It’s fun. It’s quintessential New York dining without the $200 price tag.
Why family-style is the only way to go
The biggest mistake first-timers make here is trying to order like they’re at a regular bistro. Don't do that. Buca di Beppo Nueva York is built on family-style portions.
- Buca Small: Feeds 2 to 3 people (usually more like 4).
- Buca Large: Feeds 5 or more (basically a small village).
If you order a "Large" lasagna for yourself, you’re going to be carrying a five-pound box of leftovers through the subway. Trust me, I’ve been that person. It’s awkward.
What to actually eat (and what to skip)
Honestly, you aren't coming here for Michelin-starred innovation. You’re here for red sauce. The World Famous Meatballs are the size of softballs. They’re heavy, dense, and smothered in a marinara that’s surprisingly balanced—not too sweet, not too acidic.
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The Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is another heavy hitter. It’s got that creamy rosa sauce with a kick of crushed red pepper that actually wakes up your taste buds. If you’re feeling extra, the Apple Gorgonzola Salad is a weirdly perfect palate cleanser between the mountains of carbs.
Wait, skip the pizza. It’s fine, but you’re in New York. If you want pizza, go to a slice shop. At Buca, stick to the pastas and the parms. The Chicken Parmigiana is massive and crispy, and it’s basically the ultimate comfort food after a long day of sightseeing.
The 2026 Reality: Surviving the "Chain-pocalypse"
It’s no secret that casual dining has been through the wringer. After the 2024 bankruptcy, a lot of people thought Buca was done for. But the Times Square spot is one of the "survivors" for a reason. In a city where a burger and fries can easily run you $30, the Buca Bundle—which feeds four people for around $40—is a literal lifesaver for families on a budget.
They’ve also leaned hard into the group dining scene. You’ll see high school bands, corporate teams, and massive birthday parties here every single night. It’s one of the few places in Midtown that can handle a 50-person walk-in without the staff having a collective nervous breakdown.
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Insider tips for your visit
- Book the Pope Table early: If you have a group of 12-18, this is the most iconic seat in the house. It's ridiculous and makes for great photos.
- Check for coupons: Seriously. They almost always have a "$10 off $40" or a "Free Pasta" deal on their website or via email.
- The "To-Go" trick: If the wait is too long, order a Party Pan to go and take it back to your hotel. You get the same food without the noise.
- Watch the service charge: For large groups, they usually tack on a 22% service charge. Just keep an eye on your bill so you aren't double-tipping unless the service was truly stellar.
Making the most of your Times Square dinner
If you’re planning to hit a Broadway show, give yourself at least two hours here. Because everything is family-style and cooked in large batches, it can sometimes take a minute for the kitchen to sync up your orders.
Basically, Buca di Beppo Nueva York is exactly what it claims to be: a loud, messy, calorie-dense celebration of Italian-American culture. It’s not "authentic" Italian, and it doesn't want to be. It’s Joe’s basement. It’s your loud uncle’s house.
To make your trip smooth, download the Buca app before you go to rack up points, and definitely use their online reservation system instead of just showing up. Times Square wait times are no joke, even for an underground restaurant. Grab a bib, order the meatballs, and enjoy the chaos.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the official Buca di Beppo website for the latest Buca Bundle deals before you head to Times Square.
- Make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance if you're eyeing the Kitchen Table or Pope Room.
- Coordinate with your group to pick two or three "Small" dishes rather than everyone ordering their own—it’s cheaper and you get more variety.