Went to Espresso last night during the block party and what a horrible experience. We got there early, a little before 6pm and we were only the third party in the restaurant. No one was sitting outside yet. We placed our order and then proceeded to wait, and wait, and wait. There were 4 of us and we all ordered just sandwiches. After 45minutes, and after seeing other trays of food going past us and being taken outside, we asked where OUR food was. The waitress quickly snipped, "It's coming right out". 10minutes later, and after asking again where our food was, we got our food dumped onto the table. The 3 people who ordered the chicken fajita wraps, got chicken fajita on a panini roll. When questioned about it, the waitress said that they were "chicken fajita paninis". (2 of the people in our group had gotten the chicken fajita wrap a couple of weeks ago and it had been in WRAP, not on a panini.) The chicken tasted odd also. We had 4 kids with us and one of them also ordered the chicken fajita wrap, but got chicken fingers, and then proceeded to have to wait as long as the adults did for her correct order. The sandwiches, which were supposed to come w/ chips and a pickle, came with nothing. When we asked the waitress, she left and came back w/ 4 bags of chips which she tossed on the table for us. When we asked her about the pickle, she left again coming back w/ pickles on a plate. Then we had the distinct pleasure of having the owner come over to our table to ask us what the problem was. When we told her we felt that we had waited way too long for sandwiches and that the order was screwed up, she rudely said, "Well everyone's waiting!". After that fiasco, a different waitress came over to give us our bill and to explain that there were 2 different menus that night, one for outside customers and one for inside customers. The sandwiches that we had gotten were off the outside customer menu and that the waitress had gotten confused and put in the wrong order. No explanation as to why it took so long for our order, but people who had come after us and were sitting outside were getting there food before us. After leaving and speaking w/ the owner again, the watiress then took the bill and said we wouldn't have to pay. As we were telling the waitress that we would be willing to pay for what the kids had eaten and part of the bill, the owner then came over and said "you don't have to pay anything just leave". Unbelievably rude and horrible customer service. Food not very good. Don't go there if you can help it. There are much better places around to eat.
Went last night based on a review I read. I have been in for lunch and the sandwiches are very good. Dinner was not so good. The salad was very small with a slice of a tomato and one cucumber slice. The meal portion was adequate but it lacked flavor. I had the chicken marsala and my wife had the eggplant parm. Both were lacking the flavor kick.
Great Italian food, pleasant atmosphere and frendly service. A menu that offers a variety of choices. Definately will return to sample more off the menu.
Still a solid place for a really good meal.Predictable Quality is always a good thing.Comfort Food when you want some really good Italian without the fancy prices.I've brought friends there many times and as they say "Don't judge a book by it's cover." It may not look fancy but when we get right down to it, it really is all about THE GREAT FOOD HERE.Try it and you will be a convert & in this recession it's a BARGAIN!!!!.
i travelled with sharon and have to agree what a little cracker Espressos is.The staff were polite and helpful and the atmosphere of the whole place made our evening enjoyable.i especially enjoyed my fresh seafood and know that our whole group enjoyed themselves and will be returning asap.
travelling from england to gloucester for the first time it was a lovely surprise to find such a welcoming and friendley little jewel that is Espressos.we have no complaints about the food from there homemade focaccia bread to there excelliant seafood.As a group we ordered many differant items but sampled all.many thanks for such a wonderful evening and the memories we took back home with us
Agree with the previous poster, Espresso is a hidden gem. Very good Italian food, good bread. Lunch prices reasonable, waitstaff wonderful. Go on a Saturday afternoon. An old-fashioned good food experience. Crystal is a sweetheart.
Posted by: jo at February 3, 2009 03:48 PM One of Gloucester's hidden gems.Espresso is so yummy and always dependable, I know I can't go wrong eating at Espresso's.I especially love the chicken dishes and the Pizza's out of this world.
love this place. this is the best pizza in town imo. haven't tried much else...tried the shells and they were great. place has a nice, old fashioned vibe.
Posted by: g stacka at June 29, 2008 12:08 AMI LOVE ESPRESSO THE FOOD IS GREAT EVEN THOUGH IT HAS CHANGED HANDS PAST 2 YEARS THE FOOD IS GREAT THE PRICES ARE A BIT HIGH STILL LOVE THE FOOD
This is an excellent place to take kids or if you just want some real great italian food for the right price, this is the place for you. The pizza is great, and we go specifically for the baked ziti, it is the best I have had. The waitstaff is always friendly and accomadating. Nothing romantic but if you just want some good food for a reasonable price with or without the kids, I would highly recommend it.
I didn't think I would be saying this about an Italian restaurant but I just had their clam chowder and it is the best in New England!!! Chock full of clams and not too thick and pasty like some can be. An unexpected suprise! Reasonable prices and great food, period.
dinner is a joke... maybe for half the price, but come on... $12 for pasta still floating in water... i can cook better pasta and i got as much italian in me as.... well i have none... and no cooking skills... but i can make pasta and save $11.50
lunch is great tho... marissa is awesome 
No pretense here. Just great mom and pop style Italian food at reasonable prices.
best pizza in the region, my girl friend loves the italian dishes and says they are easily comparable to the north end. Prices are frighteningly inexpensive.
Good, inexpensive home style Italian food. Best pizza in Gloucester. Sweet and friendly service. Try the meatballs.
I love Espresso. My Italian mom's a great cook, but dinner's on me, Mom. We're going out
This could be the best kept secret in Gloucester. Food is WONDERFUL - the best outside of the North End - service friendly. Food keeps us coming back!
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