Why: The Old Spaghetti Factory was established in 1969 in Portland and has since grown to include restaurants from Ohio to Hawaii. Each restaurant is designed to impart the essence of a bygone era when stained glass and trolley cars were commonplace. The company is known for serving a three-course meal, including its signature spumoni ice cream for dessert.
What I tried: I had the Sicilian meatballs, and my dining companions had the chicken Marsala and the Famous Baked Lasagna. We also tried the Sicilian garlic cheese bread.
The garlic cheese bread was served in appetizer-sized sections with house-made marinara alongside for dipping. A tasty combination of three cheeses were melted on top of the garlic bread and made for an appetizing start to our meal.
The salads were disappointing due to their lack of freshness. Much of the iceberg lettuce was not crisp. An area in the center of each salad that initially appeared to be crushed sunflower seeds actually was, upon closer inspection, discolored lettuce.
Dining Out review: The Old Spaghetti Factory
Hours: Lunch is 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is served 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Where: 730 S.E. 160th Ave., Vancouver.
More information: 360-253-9030 or www.osf.com/location/vancouver-wa
Health score: The Old Spaghetti Factory received a score of 5 on Feb. 27, 2014. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
The meatballs on my entree had pieces of gristle throughout them, which was unappetizing, and the flavor was somewhat bland.
My dining companion enjoyed her chicken Marsala dish. She said that the mizithra cheese and browned butter paired well with the tender, juicy chicken breast.
The lasagna was a generous portion of layered noodles, marinara sauce, ground beef, ground pork and four cheeses. My other dining companion said that although it was not the best lasagna he has had, it was satisfactory.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Classic dishes such as chicken parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo and spinach tortellini with Alfredo sauce are on the menu. Seafood options include garlic shrimp capellini and gourmet jumbo crab ravioli. Sauces include marinara, rich meat, white clam, mushroom and mizithra cheese and browned butter. Olive tapenade, shrimp, spinach and artichoke dip, Gorgonzola dip and shrimp scampi are among the appetizer options. There also is mud pie and chocolate mousse cake for dessert.
Atmosphere: Rich colors and velvet upholstery, stained glass fixtures of various sizes and design, ornate furniture and family seating arrangements greet diners with a warm, welcome vibe. A trolley car has more seating inside, and there is seating at the bar. Two main dining rooms will accommodate approximately 300 people.
Other observations: The atmosphere has old-fashioned appeal and charm and is one of the most family-friendly-feeling restaurants in Clark County, with many tables set to accommodate large groups. I found the waitstaff very professional and attentive. The standard three-course meal options are a bargain, but the quality was hit and miss. On the evening I was there, a gentleman visited tables to make balloon hats and animals for children.
Cost: Lunch and dinner items range from $7.25 to $8.95 for appetizers and $9.25 to $19.75 for meals. Lunch sides cost $2.99 to $11.75. This includes the gluten-free options. Senior menu items cost $8 to $11.49. Kids menu items are $5.99 with sides for $1. Desserts are $6.25. Milkshakes are $4.25. Soda is $2.99. Italian cream soda is $4.75. Other beverages include tea, lemonade, limeade, milk and coffee for $1 to $3.25.
