Carrabba's Italian Grill

In Woodridge.

Work is taking us here for lunch next week. I know it's a chain so I'm not expecting much. I have this feeling it's on the same level as Olive Garden (which I can't stand.)

Anyone been there?

I actually found Olive Garden to be more enjoyable. Although, the spread served with the bread, or was it the bruschetta, was nice.

Flip

Well, low expectations is probably a pretty good start.
IMHO, Carabba's is a bit better than Olive Garden, at least the one in FL near my parents was. Stick with pasta. The eggplant parmesan isn't really half bad.
The salads are abysmal little iceberg monsters, and I would steer clear of seafood, at least in this area. In FL the dishes made w/ shrimp were pretty good, but I suspect that may have been a fluke. Grilled chicken things are reliable.
Good luck-- I at least hope your office is paying for it! LOL!

In my one experience with Carrabba's Italian Grill, the food was a lot better than Olive Garden - although all the meals that I have had at OG have been pretty terrible. However, when I am the one of ONLY two tables in the whole restaurant at 2:30 pm and they sit me right next to two mothers with two newborn babies, it is a strong encouragement not to return again. And I have not.

I agree with others that say Carrabba's is much better than Olive Garden. The grilled chicken pollo rosa maria is pretty good as is the chicken bryan. None of the appetizers punched my ticket. You'll be fine, especially if you're not paying.

Carabbas has a good salad, I believe it is called the Carabbas Salad, with a good mixture of greens, grilled chicken and a tasty balsamic dressing.

Thanks everyone. I'm sure it will be edible.