Basta Pasta

The outdoor Tiki Bar review only...

On a lovely evening in May, outdoor seating to grab a few cocktails and suck up the beautiful spring air is at a premium.  So get here early, try to find a parking space in the fucked lot in front, and enjoy a cocktail in a plastic glass or a bottle of beer from a lacking selection, because there ain't no drafts available outdoors.

The food is below average bar food such as pizzas, salads, wings etc.  We had a 1 star pesto chicken flatbread which looked good on the menu but did not live up to what one would have hoped.  The wings were 1 to 2 star worthy and the mussels were an above average 3.5 stars.

The place gets very loud and the service exists, but I am a nice guy and won't say how attentive it is.  And getting your check if you are paying with plastic, took 10 minutes for delivery and 10 more minutes to get rung up.  

But overall I will return, it's fun to sit outside with a good friend and catch up no matter what the deficiencies.

I had trouble deciding whether to give Basta 3 or 4 stars. I do like the restaurant though it has some notable weaknesses.

But first and foremost I want to say that service has always been fabulous at Basta. I am really confused by the reviews that say otherwise. I am rather particular about service and I can't say enough good things about their waitresses.

I think one of the issues with Basta is the decor and ambiance. The tablecloths are just icky, it's dark, not elegant and not very Italian. I think the prices are fair but since it's not a romantic place to go with your husband or a stylish place to go with the girls it may seem expensive since it is a family restaurant. Also while they have outdoor seating it is in a parking lot. Not exactly a beautiful al fresco dining experience.

There is some very good food on the menu but also some notable weaknesses. Don't order the caesar salad- they serve it with some sort of bland creamy dressing. Order the Rucola salad - fresh baby arugula with shaved cheese and a bright lemony dressingl. Never order the risotto, it is very strange. Sort of like a savory rice pudding, and made perhaps a week before you order it.  The piccata is pretty good and the fusilli with crab and pancetta is terrific. The chicken florentine is also good. I am not wild about the pizza but my son and his friends like it. There is one with arugula on top that is good.

Exercise caution with the cocktails. I ordered something recently that tasted like poison. It had cherry in it and when I thought about it I realized that it didn't even sound like it would be good but it was truly gross.

I think the hardest thing for Basta is that it's not From The Boot. I think they would be wise to take a look at FTB's decor and menu and get a few tips!

Food is good and helpings are large, but it's quite expensive for what it is - a neighborhood pizza/ pasta joint.  My wife and I each had a simple pasta dish and a soft drink each, no starter, no dessert, but the final check was nearly $50.