This place is a well oiled machine. I haven't been to one of these in several years, but it's not hard to see why they are so popular: service is quick and friendly, ambiance is nice, and food is a great value.
My wife and i walked in and had what turned out to be a 15 minute wait. No problem: sat at the bar and asked for wine and some fried risotto and were promptly obliged. Did i mind that the sauce tasted like Ragu? Not at all considering we paid $7 for the deal.
We did not order it, but a special part of the menu offers 'buy one take one home' as an option... something an italian place could only pull off, probably (i think Maggianos does this too) and a great value. Also, unlimited breadsticks and soup/salad with an entree... In any other restautant, it would seem like they are just asking to lose money. I suppose the economies being realized with the vast and powerful Olive Garden chain allows them to get away with this.
Basically you will love every part about the OG if you weigh everything you are getting with what you paid for it: nothing's great... but it's all great for the money.