The wait is very long, and the proprietor is brusque. There is a sign nestled high up near the doorway (facing in so you can't see it from outside), asking customers to please be patient because none of the food is prepared ahead of time. My husband and I did not see this sign until about half an hour after we ordered, and we were STARVING by the time the food arrived (about an hour later). The wait would honestly have been OK if the food were spectacular...but it wasn't even halfway decent. The pizza was lukewarm and the crust was burnt on the underside. The seafood pasta was also tepid when it came (with small, rubbery shrimp and some other unidentifiable meat), and both dishes were shockingly bland. Bland, tepid food is inexcusable even at McDonald's. It's even more inexcusable at $20 a person. And it's just plain infuriating after an hour of waiting. The only positive thing I can say about this establishment is that the decor is cute, with an old-school Italian ambiance--but despite boasting authentic Italian cuisine, the food is NOT AT ALL reminiscent of the fresh, aromatic fare I had in Italy. The annoying TV playing sports in the background does not reflect the high prices on the menu. I honestly wish we had spent half the money and enjoyed a better meal at East Side Mario's.