InsideLongBeach.com

Tricky to review this one -

Food was actually quite good, but the atmosphere was confusing - not laid back and comfortable. We got a sort of mixed vibe from the staff.

With a few tweaks, this place could be great, but it's just not our style at the moment in terms of atmosphere.

I'd be interested in hearing other perspectives from anybody who's been here.

mrk

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How timely! We just ate there tonight with friends. I really liked the food (I got the gnocci) but I hear ya on the atmosphere. It was like they were trying really, really hard to be Manhattan. Also, and this is nothing huge or anything, but the scented Pier 1 candles on the tables we could probably have done without. Just a little bit overpowering. Other than that, no major complaints. Our waiter was very attentive. Dessert was yummy too.

Yes - they definitely have some very nice desserts!

We also got the "we're really trying to pretend we're in Manhattan vibe" - and on the night we were there, we felt like most people were out-of-towners, coming to/from the train perhaps. I like when a place feels like a Long Beach place.

Some restaurants have managed to get a nice hip vibe, without subtracting the local LB feel as well. Speakeasy is probably a good example of that.

We went near when they first opened, so there may also be many differences between today and when we were there.

I should note that in the summer, we tend to stay in the West End more (where I live) and like to eat outside where possible.

Anyhow, I think Sugo should open up the wall in the front so that you can see inside the restaurant from the street and vice versa - I think that would give it a warmer feel.

mrk

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btw, MZ, was Sugo crowded when you were there? i'm curious if they're drawing a crowd.

mrk

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sleep? who needs sleep?

It was quiet when we first arrived, but there were people waiting to be seated when we left. I've also walked by several times where it appears crowded. I would probably go here again.

Perhaps we'll give it another shot.

Thanks for the feedback

mrk

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sleep? who needs sleep?

We tried the fixed price meal here lasy week.
It came with 3 different prices, we did the 29.95 one, it was ok, but samml.
Will I do it again........?????? Maybe

I liked this place and the owner was extra nice to me so I will definitely try again. For Italian food, it's a nice break from the other Italian restaurants in the area. Sugo's dishes were different, but good. Expensive though ...

We didn't prefer the atmosphere here, but we did like the food. We will definitely check it out again one day soon.

They definitely get credit for probably being the only restaurant in town that has a more unique menu with something different than the usual.

If you've noticed in LB, it's almost as if every place has the same menu! There's no originality - there's no where you can go for a change of pace from the usual.

Sans Minnesotas, actually. They get slightly more creative for a bar/grill restaurant.

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Yeah I agree. it's great if you want a slice of pizza, a burger, or even a bagel! we definitely need more variety. I wish we had some healthier choices as well...
I love a burger and fries as much as the next guy, but I'm getting older and my stomach is getting bigger... haha

I've tried it here only once and was not crazy about it...there is something about this place and the owner?host whoever he is that turns me off. But to be fair, I haven't been here in a long time.. Maybe it's better now?

seabythecity, i definitely agree that a healthy style place or a place that served the usual LB tidbit sandwich and also had GOOD healthy choices. it's hard to say when you are not in the restaurant business but i don't understand why that is difficult.

michael - i felt the same way when i went to sugo. the food was pretty good from what i remember but the atmosphere and owner where what turned me off. my last visit was when they first opened. i think i'd try it again but generally i've found it's best to stick with my gut instinct. problem is, this isn't manhattan, so you tend to give places a few extra tries. more times than not, the first experience is the same as the second and third.

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I think that the owner here at Sugo's needs to get some good advice on how to run a restaurant. Many people I run into seem to feel that although he may try, he need to go back to the school of Etiquette!
Order taking, and listening to what his customers are saying. Never ask the open ended question. “how is everything" It sounds like you read that in a book of What to say and ask!
But the main problem that I have found here is the improper service training.

When I was there it was very , very empty. Maybe 2 or 3 tables at the most

We tried it twice, the first time we had very bad service, so we gave it a second try...we wern't too happy either ..