Carmines - Best Restaurant in Riverside?

[cline]

I had heard talk of a soon to appear "real" wood oven fired pizza place.Sprung from Orsay employee or interest I recall.
Is Carmines the result?

I think you're referring to Pele's which is slated to open eventually on King.  Different place.  Doesn't really sound like you're a pizza fan though. 

[Captain Zissou]

I think once Kickback's expands and can expedite their service time, they will regain top honors on King Street.  Carmines is a great addition, but in my opinion Kickbacks is King of King Street.

[77danj7]

Oh man...it's only 9:40 AM and I'm craving a Carmines deep dish and a Jersey Shore Fried Calzone!

[manasia]

I will try Carmines for Lunch today.

[NotNow]

Wow, you are the (pizza) man!

Mrs. NotNow and myself (as well as a portion of the NotNow clan) are going to try Carmines this weekend.  (Allthough pizza is DEFINITELY not on the diet).

[JeffreyS]

I heard this one time someone went there and there was a long line but they let some of their employee's go first and then didn't apologize very well so ...... wait I am thinking of the wrong place. 

Carmines is wonderful.
P.S. I like that other place too.

[Jimmy]

NN, the wings are probably also not on the diet.  But if you like wings at all, try the Gold Rush flavor.  Depending on the size of your brood, an order of 11 makes a tasty appetizer before the pizza.  And you'll have more pizza to bring home for leftovers.

[NotNow]

Thanks Jimmy, we'll throw in the appetizer!

[undergroundgourmet]

So I heard that Pele's pulled out of the pharmacy space? The landlord had to actually get a lawyer to get Peles to put the glass back in from where the windows were pulled out....anyone know?

[ralmdb]

 

There is no pizza or Italian food in Riverside, Murray Hill, or Avondale that can compare with Carmine's. I have gone there at least once a week since it opened. One of the owners  came to our table yesterday and just chatted about ideas for the beer menu. The staff is down to earth and friendly, and has caused this Moon River fan to leave Moon River behind. Try the strombolis, calzones, pizzas, and pasta dishes---- you won't go wrong!!! Even better, the strombolis and calzones are affordable, as is their slices of pizza!!!! I paid $6.49 for my stromboli and still have half of it left for another meal. You definitely get what you pay for at Carmine's!!! Enjoy and good eats!!

Randy L

[A-Finnius]

Carmines was good but it didn't blow me away or anything.  Maybe I need to try it again.

I'm curious, What did you have?

[A-Finnius]

I think once Kickback's expands and can expedite their service time, they will regain top honors on King Street.  Carmines is a great addition, but in my opinion Kickbacks is King of King Street.

I like me some Kickbacks but it's hard for me to compare the two restaurants. 

Also, Kickbacks is going to need to do more than just expand to fix their services issues.  That entire wait staff needs an overhaul.  It's not only the entrees that are slow.  Drink orders move at a turtle's pace as well.  My friends and I regularly skip Kickbacks simply because we don't want to deal with the service.  Which is a total shame because the food and beer selection is excellent.     

[MusicMan]

Quote from UnderGroundGourmet: 

"So I heard that Pele's pulled out of the pharmacy space? The landlord had to actually get a lawyer to get Peles to put the glass back in from where the windows were pulled out....anyone know?"

Just spoke with The Goddess of Fire and your source should jump into a Volcano. Those windows are "low-E" energy efficient new windows installed by 'Pele' himself. 

A buildout like this takes time because they are doing it one way: the right way. Rest assured Park and King will be the world epicenter (at least NorthEastFlorida) of wood-fired pizza (plus other delights).

[manasia]

I enjoyed the waitstaff, and the environment, but the food was not memorable. I had the two slice special (Beef and Sausage), a drink and the cheesy bread.

They tasted about the same as Vino's in San Marco that I tried for a first time too, they were just kind of bland.

Picasso's' is still my favorite in the city for Pizza. It is Picasso's and then their is everything else.

[MusicMan]

I like Kickbacks but pretty much stopped going because it often takes 8 minutes to get a beer, after you have ordered it. If you go someplace several times and have the same "problem" there each time then you stop going. Kickback's may have cured this problem, I don't know. I do know that I get my beer much quicker at Carmine's. 

I also stoppped going to Al's because their staff is bizarre. I go in, sit at the bar, order food, and then have to ask for fork knife and napkin when the food arrives because they never brought me one. Isn't that the most basic thing at a restaurant?? Also, the staff there is concerned with one thing: getting the hell out of the place. They close early, etc etc etc.................. They don't give a 'rat's behind' about the business, just their pay check and going out afterward.