I think both the inside restaurant and the beer garden are great spots (I like the bar area inside). They have really expanded the beer garden and now there is a full tented stage area in addition to more tables, etc. If the band causes mayhem downstairs and you also want to really enjoy the main menu, sitting outside upstairs is a great middle ground.
I do love the food here. The pastas are always great, love the crudo options (they change from time to time), and the octopus is the best in the area (including the presentation).
I only have two gripes to share. 1) They have an off-menu cacio e pepe pasta, done up in a cheese wheel. I love cacio e pepe. I know it well. It can be good with different cheeses, I know because i make it at home sometimes with reggiano, sometimes with padano, sometimes with pecorino, or a combination. Not sure what they do here, but it is just wayyyy to salty. I think the wheel is reggiano, and my only guess is that they also add salt. Not necessary for this dish no matter what cheese is used, as all are salty enough , especially pecorino (locatelli).
Gripe #2. Ordered the beer garden burger once. The description was that of a gourmet burger, and knowing how the place approaches food, I was very excited for it. I think it was priced at about $14. When it came, it was a small, overcooked patty with maybe a sad tomato and wilty lettuce. Something that is served at a 4th of july cookout for 100 people. I was sad.
But overall I think it is a great place and will continue to frequent it.
