Olive Garden Near Me: How to Find the Best One

Let’s go to Olive Garden, you say to your spouse as he or she walks in the door. But then you think...is it nearby? And which one should we go to? Don’t stress yourself out over it—here are some simple tips on how to find the best Olive Garden near you!

What is an Olive Garden?

Olive Garden is a restaurant chain that specializes in Italian-American cuisine. The name is derived from the word, oliva which means olive in Italian. They've been operating since 1982 and have since grown into a franchise with 800 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. As of 2017, they claim to serve over 8 million people per year 

People are often interested in finding an Olive Garden near them when they're on vacation or craving some Italian food. So I put together this list of six steps that will help you find one!

What to Order at Olive Garden

While you may be excited about going to Olive Gardens, are you just as excited about what you're ordering there? Fortunately, many different menu items at Olive Garden will satisfy any taste! Here's a list of some menu items that you should try on your next visit.

-Pasta e Fagioli soup is hearty and flavorful with a little kick. This dish is made up of pasta and beans in a meat-based broth seasoned with black pepper and rosemary. Some people even add extra veggies to make it more flavorful! What really makes this dish special though is that they cook their pasta in the soup which creates a hearty, filling meal right off the bat.

Is the Unlimited Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks Worth It?

The unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks deal are by far one of Olive Garden's most popular. But is it worth it? After all, you're going to end up paying quite a bit more for this entrée than others on the menu. Let's take a look at some pros and cons that can help you decide if this Italian restaurant is really worth your time. 

# What You're Really Paying For 

When you purchase the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks entrée for $12.99 (a few dollars more than any other menu item), what are you really paying for?

When Should I Go To The Olive Garden?

If you want good food and a fun night out, Olive Garden is worth trying. But with all of their promotions, deals, and seasonal menus, it can be hard to decide when is the best time. As usual, there are no definitive guidelines for what time you should go because all times are equally great. That said, I've learned through my experiences that peak times (dinner) tend to be busier than lunch and offer less variety in terms of courses (breadsticks included). If it's your first time going or if you want more than just a pasta bowl or salad on your plate, I recommend going during dinner hours so that you can explore all of Olive Garden's culinary options.

Prices For Dessert At Olive Garden

In general, it's not a bad idea to avoid ordering dessert at Olive Garden. Why? Prices are a bit on the high side, and other desserts can be found at other restaurants for much less. For example, you could order an adult sundae at Dairy Queen for just $3.99, including tax and ice cream.

Tips for Going Out on Valentine’s Day

Planning Valentine’s Day date is tough, but with these few tips, you can pull it off. There are two ways to go about it: you can either try and surprise your partner with a special day or pick something she really wants to do. 

How you choose will depend on her interests and personality type. If she loves surprises and going out of her comfort zone, book a table at a fancy restaurant she’s never been to and dress nicely for the occasion. Alternatively, if she would rather stay in than go out then make reservations at one of those restaurants that serve meals for two over an hour; most often breakfast or brunch. This will require booking well in advance though as they are usually busy this time of year.

Take Advantage of Gift Cards For Sale Online

Gift cards are great for kids and last-minute presents, but they're also a lifesaver for anyone who wants to eat out but doesn't have any cash. They're easy to carry in your wallet, they work with pretty much every restaurant in town, and they can help you save more money than ever before. If you want a gift card without spending any money, it's best just to buy one online. Once you've got your desired amount in hand, find the Olive Garden near me using a map app or a quick Google search. Once there, ask about their various promotions (often time there will be something like buy one get one free) and take advantage of that before ordering anything!