Carley's Ristorante & Piano Bar

I've been here a few times since my first review and have had mixed experiences. I find the appetizers are the best things to get and split with friends. Their wines are all from Italy - which is awesome and definitely the way to go. The cocktails are good, but their wine is really what to order as the cocktails arent really all too special.

Only problem we've ever had was a misinformed OK on a dish that 'didn't have nuts' that most definitely did. Always a fun adventure with a nut allergy though.

My first time here was about 18 months ago and I have been here maybe 6 or 7 times since. I have always sat at the bar and it has always been on the weekend.

I have to say that I really enjoy the place. The crowd is always fun and the piano players are entertaining (albeit sometimes they are a bit loud and overpowering)

I have had a pasta dish that was very good and my favorite is their "meatball" for an appetizer.  Very simple, but very good--a favorite.

I see that many people are panning the food in these reviews, but I have often said that good service can go a long way to overcome poor food.  I have not had poor food, but the service I have received..and I will name name --Trent-- has been awesome.

When I come in, he remembers my name and my drink, and the conversation picks up from the last time which may have been 6 months ago. VERY attentive, VERY nice. VERY professional.  For example, was there two weeks ago and he said he "had a feeling" we would be in so he stocked up on the beers we like.  OK, likely a line of bullshit, but an effective one!

As I said, I cant; speak for the service at the tables, but it gets a thumbs up from me!

I decided this would be a great place to have dinner as a pre-birthday celebration with someone close to me. It was early on a Tuesday night and we almost had the place to ourselves.

The atmosphere is wonderful. Subtle lighting and nice decor. A young musician showed up and sat down behind the piano and played some excellent music with a great voice the entire evening.

We shared the meatball which is on the appetizer menu. I wouldn't recommend ordering this as an appetizer for yourself as it is huge (12oz.) and comes with three dipping sauces. The only downside to the food was the pesto dipping sauce was different than before. The new version is more of a shredded basil with some garlic and olive oil. Not the creamy pesto that they once had.

We also shared a salad which neither of us could finish. The waitress also brought out some bread with olive oil, spices, vinegar, and grated parmesan to dip into. This pairs well with the meatball and a glass of wine.

Finally, since it was in celebration of my birthday they gave me a choice of dessert which was on the house. I chose the smores dessert. The musician spoke out that it was my birthday and asked everyone to sing along. Just then, the waitress came around the corner with the smores dessert with a single candle in it.

It was a great time with great food. And quite a coincidence that the waitress shared my birthday and the bartender shared my name. I recommend this place to anyone who wants to enjoy a nice meal with a quiet and cozy atmosphere!