Carrabba's is my favorite chain restaurant business - PERIOD. This review is for this location, specifically because I think that the food prepared in this location is better than in other locations.
I eat out a lot and because I love local-fare, chain restaurants are definitely not on my to-eat-lists. However, this Carrabba's is frequently in my rotation for 2 reasons - #1 I really love a few of their menu items and #2 the service.
So, the food is always good here. I've never had a bad meal and from my experiences with other Carrabba's across the country, I think this one prepares their food the best.
Now, on to the meat of my review - the service in this establishment is impeccable. I've gone in here on more than one occasion and ordered things that were not on the menu - if they have the ingredients in house and can make it - its a done deal. You know how you DVR a show and watch it 3 months later and see a commercial for something "new" Carrabba's is serving and get there and it is no longer on the menu? I can't tell you how often that has happened and how often I was able to get the item prepared for me. I've been there and had the manager offer to make a shrimp item with the shrimp prepared 3 different ways. WHO DOES THAT?
I was there for lunch recently with a friend and I overheard a manager telling a customer that this restaurant never had a particular item on the menu, but they have all the ingredients. He informed her that the dish takes a while to prepare, so if she would call him an hour in advance, he could have it ready for her when they got there. Uhm... Yeah. That's why this Carrabba's gets a 5 star from me.
There are only a select few National Chain restaurants I would choose, this Carrabba's is one of those when I'm in Phoenix.