With a couple Germans in tow, the boyfriend and I headed over to a late dinner at Oregano's. It was a Thursday at about 9pm and we were seated immediately. The hostess was friendly and our server was prompt with taking drink orders. The high four tops in the dining room are way too small for four people and while I know they are trying to cram as much seating in there as possible, there really shouldn't be more than two people at those tiny tables.
We ordered drinks and appetizers. I like that they serve Four Peaks beer on tap. I always appreciate when a restaurant uses local products. The Italian fries were decent, the calamari....not so much. I thought it was quite rubbery and too thickly cut. For an entree, I ordered the Southwestern Shrimp Caesar salad. This is my favorite item at Oregano's. I know, I know it's a pizza place, but I really love this salad. The shrimp are always cooked well and they take the tails off which makes it much easier to eat. I love the cilantro mixed with the salad. The salad this night didn't disappoint. The boyfriend ordered a pasta dish with gorgonzola stuffed sausages, which he didn't even touch because he was so full from the appetizers. But it looked great. The Germans ordered a pan pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers. The pizza looked great and between the two of them they happily polished it off. Our server was attentive throughout the meal and was patient during the translation process when we ordered.
Oregano's is a place I've been to many times. My only complaints are table size and the wait that you normally have. I like the food but they are getting to be a bit chain-ish for me. For pizza I'd still rather go to Grazie or Grimaldi's, but when some want pizza and some want pasta Oregano's is a decent alternative.