I organize a monthly dinner for about 20-25 people each month and we recently visited Nicola's. We were very disappointed that we had chosen this place as soon as we arrived. The first thing I was told was that they had forgotten about our reservation completely. We explained that we had a reservation for 20 people, and they proceeded to give us a table that was actually two tables pushed together and a table beside it that wasn't connected to our table. When we asked about pushing the tables together, we were told that we couldn't do this. Between all of the tables we were given, this only allowed us 12 chairs for 20 people. The staff seemed annoyed that we added more and more chairs to both of our tables as more members of our party arrived. I'm not sure why they took our reservation if they didn't plan to honor it. \r
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In addition to the seating problems, the noise level went up drastically once the lackluster belly dancers came out. The music was so loud that two members of our party (who are in their 20s!!) went to the car and returned wearing earplugs. We couldn't talk at all and ordering food was very difficult. Perhaps that explained why an appetizer we ordered upon arrival had to be ordered 3 times, and finally arrived after our food was brought to us. The music was never turned down even after the show ended. At one point almost all of the other customers in the building had gone, and we requested that the music be turned down, but our request was ignored. We had to stand outside the restaurant to talk. \r
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In addition to these problems, there is a $10 minimum charge for all people at your table. This is charged even if your party orders individual meals. One member of our party ended up paying $10 for Turkish coffee only. This seems unfair. \r
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The food? It was good, actually. Not one person disliked what they received, but all of the other annoyances ruined the food for us.\r
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My advice is to get take out. The decor is really shabby here, anyway.
Pros: decent food
Cons: service, extremely loud noise, did not honor reservation
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