FRI-YAY FIELD REPORT:…read more Alright you beautiful chaos goblins, it's Friday night and I found myself back at Randi's. You know the place, strip mall chic, nothing fancy, the kind of spot where you show up in whatever you wore to Target and nobody blinks. I've been here before, and honestly the experience has always been a bit of a roulette wheel: sometimes great, sometimes just ....meh. Tonight? Buckle up First, the service. I'm not asking for Broadway jazz hands and a standing ovation when I walk in, but a hint of pleasantness would be nice. My server looked like smiling might actually cause structural damage to her face. Honey, that scowl was so deep it came with its own zip code. Those cause wrinkles, sweetie. Just saying. While I waited (and waited... and waited...) I was treated to a lovely soundtrack of staff conversations about doom, gloom, and existential dread. Babe... I'm just trying to order carbs, not prepare for the apocalypse It was not exactly the light Friday night vibe I was going for while trying to order a drink. BTW It took a solid stretch of time just to get that drink and put in an order. I kept checking my watch like I was waiting for a delayed flight. Eventually, we got the drink and the order placed. The food shows up and let's give the kitchen the applause it deserves because the food crew clearly came to work tonight. Actually good. Not "call the Vatican we've witnessed a miracle" good, but solid. The antipasto salad was fresh and yes they included peppers, which I appreciate because some places act like peppers are a controlled substance. And the calzone? The bread was homemade. And listen... when you bite into bread that clearly came from a real human effort and not a Sysco freezer tomb, you notice. It was warm, chewy, and legitimately good. So now I'm emotionally conflicted. The kitchen is back there doing honest Italian-food work while the front of house is acting like they're being forced to serve pasta at emotional gunpoint. The Breakdown: Calzone bread: Homemade, heroic, deserves a medal Antipasto: Fresh, crunchy, pepper-inclusive (we love representation) Food overall: Solidly good Service: If enthusiasm were calories this would be a diet plate Randi's, my chaotic carb dealer, I will probably return because that bread had my attention. But next time maybe let the staff know it's okay to experience joy.

Mom and pop vibe and pizza was great. We got the cheesy garlic bread which was yummy. I was…read moreskeptical to get more cheese on bread since we were ordering a pizza but the group was ready to devour anything. It definitely did not disappoint. House wine Chianti comes in different sizes. Price is great - but the quality is that next day head ache quality. We didn't end up finishing our wine since the price was so good anyways. Service was mostly fine, but it is younger kids working and they are quick to come by and leave. Catch them when you can and they will deliver! It's located in a strip mall so parking is interesting with the nearby King Soopers. Family friendly in the fact they had high chairs, but no changing tables in the bathroom.

Oh honey, let me paint you a picture... You walk in and it's…read morelike*BAM*you've been emotionally transported to grandma's house... but not your grandma, someone else's grandma. The one with aggressively dim chandeliers, dusty landscape paintings, and family photos that may or may not be watching you judge the bread basket. It's nostalgic, it's confusing, it's a little haunted, but she's committed to the bit, and honestly? Respect. This place has been around forever, and you can feel it. Same recipes, same energy, same "we're not changing for anybody" attitude. Iconic. Stubborn. A little chaotic. Now let's get into my evening of sacrifice. I ordered the chicken Marsala with homemade noodles and a salad, because I believe in indulgence AND patience,and yes, girl, it took a minute. But I sat there, sipping my drink, minding my business, growing spiritually. Now, let's talk food. I ordered the chicken Marsala with homemade noodles and a salad because I believe in treating myself and testing my patience. Yes, it took a minute, but darling, I wanted it, so I stayed seated and emotionally stable (for once). Meanwhile, I'm ALSO ordering a small pepperoni pizza for my couch-goblin of a friend who was like, "I refuse to leave my emotional support sofa... but bring me food." The drama. The audacity. The hunger. Don't worry, I absolutely ate first. I have boundaries and self-respect. Service started a little... interpretive. I think Tom was supposed to care about me, but spiritually he was elsewhere. Enter Cecily, stage left, who picked up the situation and said, "don't worry babe, I got you." and she DELIVERS. We love a redemption arc. Now THE dish: chicken Marsala.MISS THING. Would you just look at her?! Rich, a little spicy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with mushrooms living their best life. Paired with those homemade noodles and that sauce? I was ready to propose. It has to be the best thing on the menu. I refuse to believe otherwise. The salad? ...she tried.Not offensive, not impressive. Just... there. It existed. It participated. The spicy Italian dressing had a little kick (because apparently I crave chaos), but the tomato was wilted like last night's bad decisions. And the bread? Good, but not "grandma woke up at 5am and baked this with love" good. Overall?A chaotic little experience wrapped in nostalgia and butter. Final verdict: 3.5 stars. Final thoughts? Would I return? For that Marsala? I'd crawl back in heels.

We hadn't been here in a couple of years, so my husband and I decided to give it another try for a…read moreSunday lunch. Arvada Villa is a special place. Open since 1960, it has a small-owned, family feel but it does feel a bit dated, and some minor upgrades could really lift the perceived quality. For example, our waters were served in chipped plastic cups with plastic bendy straws. The prices are just too much for plastic cups and bendy straws for me. I think it was one of the owners who served us when we went. He made sure to mention to every table he seated that none of his staff showed up that day. There was just one other person in there also helping him. We felt bad so gave them grace for the long waits, but it certainly did start our lunch out on a strained, uncomfortable note. I've seen several other reviews from the past year mention staffing problems. Food: The housemade blue cheese dressing is really good. I'm glad he convinced us to try that. The salads are little basic iceberg salads. Now, the lasagna and the chicken parm were delicious. That's why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 3. We did really enjoy our entrees and the leftovers we took. (And I am glad for the prices that we had leftovers and made multiple meals from it). I'm not a fan of the thick cut spaghetti pasta, but my husband loved it. If you want, they will bring you bread, but know that's it's just nontoasted, plain dry white bread with little packets of butter. You could probably be better off skipping that. I'd like to come back for dinner again sometime and see if the vibes are a bit classier.

Food is always good and service is great! Ambiance is ok. I think they tried but just a super small…read morespace.

Seems like a very family friendly restaurant with a wide variety of food options on their menu,…read moree.g. Greek, Italian, American. I came here once with a partner and his kids. There was something for everyone, and the wait staff was super kind and patient in the ordering process. Lots of seating for groups, though I was overstimulated by all the TVs on in the background. I recall the food being decent, though I don't remember exactly what I got - at least some Avgolemono Soup. Not sure I'd visit again but at least I know I can recommend it to my friends with kiddos!

Went here for the first time tonight. The food was pretty good but what was amazing was the…read moreambiance and the people! The busser's name is Monica. And she is just a little ray of sunshine! Just a delightful human being! We gave her hugs on the way out! Will go back Edit: went here a second time for my 50th birthday. It was just what I needed. The same folks helped us and they were delightful again. The aforementioned Monica was super sweet again. Then was telling a customer down the way that we were celebrating my birthday and this lady got up from her table and came and sang me a birthday song! One I had never heard before. It was so sweet! Thank you Gretchen! What a wonderful little place!

Incredible food and a classic, homey vibe. Can't wait to go back again and again and again.read more

We have been wanting to try this place for a while and I'm a bit upset that we hadn't after eating…read morethere tonight. The food was SO good! We got their "garlic knots". Fried pizza dough with incredible marinara to dip it in. Wow!!!! We got the chicken Parmesean and the meatball casserole. So good! And the salad was perfect with the creamy Italian dressing. You order at a counter, but the team is awesome and they also deliver it to your table. If you think about going here, do it!

When I am in Arvada are going to the Alamo Drafthouse to watch a movie I usually get takeout…read moreusually a pizza or spaghetti to go. They are always really fast and the place is always very clean and the kids cooking and taking the cash really nice. I've been going to this restaurant for many years and never had a complaint. salads are great too. also, I really do like the red sauce.

I've been here with my girlfriend many times by now. The staff are always friendly even when the…read moreplace is full. The food is always great. We usually go for the spaghetti and a pizza. The noodles here are the best I've ever had and the sauce is just perfect. The pizza is good too, and it reheats well. The vegetables and other toppings on the pizza are always done very well. The restaraunt is decorated well and I like the various things on the wall, especially next to the entrance. They always make me laugh. We will be coming back here!

This has been out go to place for solid no frills Italian food. Homemade spaghetti, meatballs,…read morethe best Italian salad dressing on the planet and good bread. Everything about this place is 80's old school and it hasn't been updated ever but that's part of the charm. Come here for good food, great prices and friendly staff. Don't forget to get your salad with the Italian dressing.

I've been following Vinny & Marie's Italian Street Food online for a while, so I was excited to…read morefinally stop in for lunch. I ordered their bestselling Chicken Parm Sandwich with a side of fries, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The sandwich was hearty, loaded with perfectly fried chicken, incredible ciabatta bread, rich homemade red sauce, and an epic cheese pull that made every bite worth it. The fries were a great complement, and the portion was so generous that I had enough left over for a second meal. It's easy to see why they had a line out the door during the lunch rush. They deserve all the success that's come their way. If you're looking for authentic Italian street food in Arvada, this place is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back!

Ambiance/Service: 4 Located in a bland, charmless shopping…read moreplaza (perfect for a Jeffco DMV that is also there). But the cozy, kitschy fun interior with Italian/American, NYC, Sopranos pics & articles on the walls is a pleasant surprise. The owner was at a table with others & warmly greeted/thanked everyone who came in. Get takeout if you don't want to hear random convos or others to hear yours. Food/Value: 3 + The popular Mosco ($16) is their twist on the classic Italian sausage/peppers roll with the addition of diced green chiles. Tasty, but I missed the classic messiness of biting into juicy sausage LINKS/chunky peppers/hearty roll as opposed to their slim patties, artisanal bread, diced peppers. I'm a fried zucchini/pickles "connoisseur" & prefer a lighter batter, balanced seasoning. But some might like their more heavily coated/traditionally seasoned fried zucchini ($9). The drizzled sauce was tasty but the coating was just not for me. Overall: I'd come back for another try if I'm in the area (esp after a trip to the DMV!). But the prices were higher than I'd expect for lunch & "street food" especially for the area & in this economy.

First time visitor. Went up to the counter. The gentleman up front walked away. No greeting…read more Another guy came up and said "sorry, what do you want?" Then another guy came up and I told him what I wanted. He entered the wrong amount. Couldn't find the code for my order after a few attempts. Finally just charged an amount below the cost of my item. The item I got was good. The young man who helped me was nice. It just seemed disorganized and dirty. I did love the stop hate sign in their window. A young disabled woman, who may have just been a customer, did greet me when I entered. All for hiring the disabled.

Scrumptious little sandwich spot with the cutest VW bus out front. This is a great spot to stop in…read morefor a quick bite or to take to the park nearby. Owned by Jacks (I think) it has the same great quality and also offers the same coffee!