When I first moved to Flower Mound around a decade ago, the go-to place for brilliant authentic Italian was Bari's. That was when it was in a strip mall, a couple of doors down from a Baskin-Robbins. The place was packed every night. The line was out the door for pizzas to go. The elder gentleman who owned the place sat in his booth accepting visitors with a warm handshake, as his sons feverishly worked the counter. It was like something out of a Coppola or Capra movie. And the food was delicious, consistent, and joyful.
Later, the little strip mall place was abandoned and a huge building erected down the street. Impressive to behold inside and out, and ""Mama"" seemed to take the helm of the operation. The bar and dining room are quite beautiful in this family oriented icon of Italian food.
But along with the move, something happened to the food - and not in a good way. Hard to put your finger on it too. The food was acceptable, moderately priced, service good. But something about the flavors turned from ""outstanding"" to ""Chef Boyardee"" - more bland and generic than before. Who can explain this? It is still a family run business with the same staples as any Italian place. It is not bad - just not superior. The parking lot is always full of loyal family diners, but the food simply is not the same.
Bari's - what happened? I know I am not the only one who would now prefer to go across the street to Salerno's. And I hope I don't get stuffed in a car trunk to be beaten in some alley for saying so.
Mark Robbins
Pros: Large location, lots of parking
Cons: Slow, browbeaten service, lousy food
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