You’re walking through Midtown Manhattan, dodging Elmos and confused tourists, and suddenly you hit West 44th Street. The smell of roasted garlic hits you before you even see the sign. That’s Carmine's Restaurant Times Square.
Most people think they know the deal here. They think it's just another tourist trap designed to overcharge you for mediocre pasta because it's near Broadway. Honestly? They’re mostly wrong.
Carmine's isn't just a restaurant; it’s basically an endurance sport. If you walk in expecting a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner for two where you each nibble on a small plate of ravioli, you’re going to have a very confusing night. This is Southern Italian "Sunday at Grandma’s" style, but Grandma is on steroids and she’s invited 400 of her closest friends.
The Portion Size Reality Check
Let's get the big thing out of the way first. The portions aren't just "large." They are gargantuan. We’re talking about platters of food that require two hands to carry.
When you see a price tag of $42.85 for Penne Alla Vodka or $46.15 for Lasagna, don't gasp and walk out. That single plate is designed to feed three to four adults comfortably. If you’re a duo, you’re essentially buying lunch for the next three days.
The Chicken Parmigiana ($41.95) is a stack of breaded cutlets so high it has its own zip code. People often make the mistake of ordering "an entree each." Don't do that. You’ll end up with enough leftovers to feed a small village. One appetizer, one pasta, and maybe one meat dish is usually plenty for a group of four.
Basically, if you aren't leaving with a heavy paper bag full of plastic containers, you did Carmine's wrong.
Why the Chaos Actually Works
The atmosphere is loud. It’s chaotic. It’s 1930s-style New York with the dark wood, the black-and-white photos, and the massive chandeliers.
Waiters are zooming past you with trays held high like they're competing in an Olympic event. You’ll hear "Happy Birthday" being sung at least six times an hour. But that’s the charm. It feels like a wedding reception where you don’t actually have to talk to your weird cousins.
What to Actually Order
If it’s your first time, you sort of have to get the Fried Calamari ($46.95). It’s a mountain. It’s crispy, not rubbery, and the spicy marinara on the side actually has a kick.
For the main event, the Rigatoni Country Style is a sleeper hit. It’s got broccoli, cannellini beans, and sausage in a buttery, rich broth. It’s less "red sauce" than the rest of the menu and feels a bit more soulful.
But if you want the quintessential experience? It's the Meatballs. They’re a mix of beef and veal, simmered in a combination of marinara and ragu. They’re roughly the size of softballs.
Pro Tips for the Times Square Crowd
Getting a table here isn't always easy, especially if you’re trying to catch a 7:00 PM curtain.
- Reservations are mandatory. Don't just show up at 6:00 PM on a Friday and expect to sit down. You can use OpenTable or call, but do it weeks in advance for weekend slots.
- The Wednesday Matinee Rush. Wednesdays are brutal. Between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, the place is swarmed with theater-goers. If you want a quieter (relatively speaking) experience, go for a late lunch around 2:30 PM.
- The Bar is the Secret. If you're solo or just a pair and didn't get a reservation, the bar is first-come, first-served. You can eat the full menu there. Plus, the bartenders make a mean Very Italian Manhattan.
- Mind the "Service Charge." For large groups, they often include the tip automatically. Check your bill before you double-tip, though the service is usually fast enough to deserve it.
Is it Actually "Authentic"?
Purists might argue that "authentic" Italian is found in a tiny basement in the West Village or a hole-in-the-wall in the Bronx. They aren't wrong. Carmine's is Italian-American. It’s the food of immigrants who finally had access to plenty of meat and cheese and wanted to celebrate that abundance.
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It’s not refined. It’s not "light." It’s heavy on the garlic, heavy on the oil, and heavy on the salt. But it tastes like New York history. Artie Cutler, the founder, opened the first one on the Upper West Side in 1990 with the goal of making every meal feel like a feast. He nailed it.
The Times Square location (200 West 44th St) has been there since 1992, and it’s one of the highest-grossing restaurants in the country for a reason. It delivers exactly what it promises: a loud, fun, filling experience that won't leave anyone hungry.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to Carmine's Restaurant Times Square, here is your immediate checklist:
- Download the Menu Now: Look at it before you go. Because the portions are shared, you need to have a "group huddle" about what everyone likes. You don't want to spend 20 minutes debating between Ziti and Linguine while your waiter waits.
- Book 21 Days Out: If you want a prime-time dinner slot, three weeks is the sweet spot for reservations.
- Plan Your Leftover Strategy: If you’re staying in a hotel, make sure you have a fridge. You will have leftovers. If you don't have a way to heat them up, consider ordering half-portions (only available at lunch) or just sticking to one shared platter.
- Budgeting: Expect to spend about $50–$70 per person including a drink and tip, assuming you're sharing dishes properly.
Skip the bread basket if you want to actually finish your pasta. It's tempting, but it's a trap. Save that stomach real estate for the Titanic—their massive chocolate brownie and ice cream dessert that looks like it could sink a ship.