This classy venue for great jazz unfortunately doesn't have the menu or food to match. My recent and first time visit to Spaghettini to celebrate my mom's birthday was one of disappointment. The bone-in rib eye steak I ordered ($38) was moderately flavorful and very tough to cut and chew. About 1/3 of my steak was inedible. My date's filet mignon ($38) was slightly better but rather plain and paltry. My father's mushroom penne ($24) was probably the best entree that evening, having a wonderfully savory creamy garlic sauce infused with fresh minced mushrooms. My mother's Spagehettini with meatballs ($24) was atrocious. The spaghetti was overcooked; the sauce was bland; and the meatballs were firm and chewy. The Caesar salad ($10) was so plain that I wondered if there was any dressing on it at all. The salad boasted Grana Pandano cheese but I didn't see any on my plate. Ironically, the highlight of my entree was my side dish of gorgonzola macaroni and cheese with broccoli. The mildly buttery cheese sauce was light and savory with hints of oven-crusted cheese. For dessert, the creme brulee topped with fresh fruit was a winner. The custard was very smooth and not too sweet - an item I would definitely order again. Being able to hear the live jazz from any place in the restaurant (including the restroom) was a plus. However, the sound system will tell you which instrument is closest to the microphone and the indoor acoustics could use some work. I wish "valet service" was optional, considering that the parking lot really isn't that big. The service was good and I enjoyed the interior decor. In summary, this restaurant seems to be caught in "no-man's land": it isn't sure if should be upscale restaurant or an amazing jazz venue/lounge. Its attempt to combine the two fail miserably and you may leave - as I did - wishing they would simply decide on one or the other.
Pros: Live jazz, great ambience, service, wine selection
Cons: Overpriced borderline average food, unnecessary valet service.
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