By Andrew C. Hardison
Johnny Carino’s specializes in Italian food, which means pasta, pasta, and pasta. They really do serve a lot of pasta at this place. Being a student at Skagit does mean that if you plan on eating here while already being on campus, then you will have to take into account that this restaurant is in Burlington. That being said, it only takes about ten minutes to get there. This would be a good place to go after classes.
Pulling up to the establishment the very first thing you notice is the huge parking lot. Johnny Carino’s is right next to the Cascade Mall, so you get to use all of the parking there when you eat here. It is also helpful to know that the restaurant stays open late, so you don’t have to worry about getting there in the day time because it stays open well into the night.
The front doors have a walkway with no stairs so it is easy for people in wheelchairs to get in. The lobby is big and there are workers waiting to seat you as you come in. Once you are seated you are given menus and water. A loaf of bread is also set out on your table. The atmosphere is warm and cozy with dimmed lighting and beautifully designed Italian plates on the walls near the ceiling. All the booths are red and there are many tables that fill up the middle of the dining room.
The menu is a few pages with drinks, pasta, burgers, salads, appetizers, soups, etc. The food can get quite expensive. Almost all of the food is over ten dollars and some even goes over twenty. In this place it does seem like some of the cost is spent on the nice atmosphere you eat in. The bathrooms are clean and well kept. They do not smell either, which is a something you always hope for when going somewhere to eat.
The food comes out fast and hot with a pretty big portion. Some meals will be bigger than others, making it a little hard to gage what you will be able to finish. If you ask a server, they will be able to describe the meal and give you an idea of its size. The meals are tasty and filling, making you feel like you get your money’s worth.
If you are wanting to try the place out yourself than you can find it at the Cascade mall in Burlington. It is visible from the street as you drive by so it is hard to miss. They are located at 150 Cascade Mall Dr. If you would like to make a reservation than you can contact them at (360) 757-4535.
