Palermo Pasta House

I would give a 4.5, but as with other reviews I’ve done, that’s not an option. This place is a fun little spot in Downtown Round Rock. I love the old building and the feeling like I’ve been there hundreds of times even though I haven’t. The food was fresh and tasty. The 4.5 is because they don’t have a ton of gluten free options. I’m not going to be too harsh because having gluten free food in a kitchen is tough for restaurants. My server, Kiersten, was friendly and knowledgeable. She led me to the antipasti salad. I could not finish it. It was a generous helping. I plan to come back. It’s a lovely gem in the heart of Round Rock

Honestly, I think this place is wildly overrated! If you want to pay for what presents to me as pretty basic pasta (no whole wheat or gluten-free options there by the way) in a busy/crowded, slow-ish service, chi-chi & noisy AF environment in downtown RR with a $9 beer possibility to support your survival of the experience, be my guest -- and plenty of patrons seem to flock there. This truly baffles me. Yes, there are a variety of sauce choices... I haven't specifically tried their calzone but I'm not motivated to pay to do so. And: I don't frequent the area; the lunch special might be worth a shot if you do. My brother's family including my picky eater niece & SIL (whose favorite take-out foods include Whataburger & Torchy's -- which I have nothing against) really like it and choose to dine in here over ALL other casual family dining options(!!) for many a special occasion; so I have been dragged more than once. Smh. Perhaps I'll get an overpriced drink & caprese salad and/or offer to play with the kids outside while we're waiting to be seated or served. (And I'll resist the urge to run away or throw myself into oncoming traffic.)