Recently, The Old Spaghetti Factory (TOSF) has opened in Redwood City. It’s in the same building the movie theater is in, but on the other side, away from places like ‘Pizza My Heart’ and the other yummy food spots there. I finally got a chance to check out this new TOSF location.
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Most Spaghetti Factories used to be decorated with older looking furniture that was collected from various sources, so when you arrived, the furnishings were all different between the tables and some booths. Much like the Spaghetti Factory in downtown San Jose.
But this TOSF is a little different.
This location made the effort to make the furniture look alike, and though that’s a departure from the norm, it worked. They used an old look, but all the booths looked alike.
Then there’s the trademark trolley car in the middle of the restaurant. It always seemed like they actually installed a trolley car in the middle of the facilities and you had to climb up into it to have dinner there. It’s quaint, but not exactly the most convenient eating location.
This Redwood City location didn’t install a trolley car, but built a trolley car-looking eating section that is more convenient to get into and easier to be served in.
Nice idea!
As always, the food is awesome, priced for all budgets and well, I’ve never been disappointed by any TOSF yet. And I’ve been to a few dozen locations around the country and no matter what, I can’t help but get the Mizithra Cheese & Browned Butter dish. Too awesome!
For those who have never been, with the price of their dishes, you also get a drink, salad and small scoop of ice cream included in the price. It’s always a good deal when you go to Spaghetti Factory.
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The only concerns I had was that where we sat, near the windows facing south, it wasn’t air conditioned and on this miserably hot day, it was still a touch warm.
The water tasted like tap water. (Not a big deal, but thought I’d mention it.)
And THEY DO NOT VALIDATE for parking, which surprised me. But the pay parking lots around the location offer the first 90 minutes as free parking so you should be OK unless you’re planning on some large get-together or an outing to dinner and a movie. Then plan accordingly. But all the parking lots take credit/ATM cards, so this is another minor point. But I thought it worth mentioning.
The Garlic Bread Appetizer - Quite Satisfying
These are all seriously minor points in an overall great dining experience. Our server’s name was Fernando. He said if we liked his service, to not be afraid to ask for him again the next time we go. He was very thorough and very thoughtful and made our visit a great experience. I’d suggest asking for him, but then again, I suspect everyone there is just as great.
About Bruce Simmons
I've been writing newsletters since 1999. Of late, I've been focusing on the entertainment consumer angle on mostly the sci-fi, fantasy and action genres of TV, movies and books.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Mmm… That photograph of their garlic bread is making my mouth water. :q
I love the aesthetic of the place. Especially those menus; the stained glass appearance is a nice touch. I had to stare at it for several moments before realizing it wasn’t an actual window.
I’ve never eaten at an Old Spaghetti Factory before, but if I ever see one, I’ll definitely have to try it.
Pseudo…
I would suggest/recommend going out of your way to hit one up if there’s one near you… but CALL AHEAD. Some of them close mid-day to prepare for dinner, and that includes weekends. Also, don’t believe the website hours. They were incorrect for the Redwood City location.
But go, go go …. I think you will probably agree with me, that the place is awesome and the food matches up.
-Bruce
Thanks for the advice!