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Americano
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Americano
7.7
Counter-service Italian deli and pasta spot known for hefty sandwiches and straightforward pasta plates. Easy parking and fast service make it a low-stress option with kids in tow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatball marinara sandwich, Chicken pesto penne, Lasagna slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Big-value Italian sandwiches and speedy counter service.
Who should go: Families on a budget
When to visit: 11:30am–1:00pm or 5:00–6:00pm
What to order: Meatball sub, pesto penne, garlic knots
Insider tip: Grab deli sides to build an easy picnic dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot out front plus easy street parking along Murrieta Boulevard—rarely fills up except during weekday lunch rush.
Dress code: Totally casual; jeans, tees, and ballcaps fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly order-and-go traffic with background kitchen sounds.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; quick service even on Fridays.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak noon window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—caprese, pesto pasta, and veggie sub options.
Vegan options: Limited—can build a custom veggie sandwich or salad with no cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated menu, but some salads and deli sides work for gluten-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a casual counter-service setup than a sit-down experience, better for quick lunches or no-fuss meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed; order at the counter and grab a seat inside or outside.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are patient with families, and the menu has kid-approved pasta, sandwiches, and garlic knots. Plenty of space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster and cheaper than most sit-down Italian spots in town—perfect for lunch or low-key family dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for wine service, ambiance, or plated entrées; this is a deli-style stop, not full-service dining.
Americano
7.8
Counter-service Italian spot blending hearty pastas with stacked sandwiches and house sauces. It’s a quick, affordable move for casual carb cravings without the formality of a sit-down trattoria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne Vodka, Meatball Parmesan Sandwich, Chicken Pesto Panini
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Handy counter-service pasta and sandwiches at friendly prices.
Who should go: Lunch break diners and students
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30am–1:30pm for fastest service
What to order: Penne vodka; meatball parm; chicken pesto panini
Insider tip: Order ahead online to skip the line at lunch rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot out front with plenty of free spaces; overflow parking available along Murrieta Blvd.
Dress code: Casual – come as you are; many guests drop by in work or school attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate – generally easy to chat except during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Minimal to none – steady takeout traffic but rarely a line for dine-in.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak; faster with online order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta and sandwich options can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited – some sauces and salads qualify if ordered without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Not formally listed, but some dishes can be adapted; check with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance – it’s more a casual lunch or quick bite spot, though it’s fine for a relaxed, no-pressure meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – seating is open and first-come-first-served; tables turn quickly even during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely – simple menu, fast service, and family-style seating make it an easy choice for parents with kids of any age.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable pasta or sandwich meals without waiting for table service.
Skip if: You’re seeking an upscale dinner or a wine-and-candlelight Italian experience.
Americano
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Italian-leaning counter spot known for hearty, made-to-order sandwiches on fresh rolls. Lines move quickly at lunch, with generous portions and bold, classic flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo (capicola/salami/provolone), Chicken Parm Sandwich, Veal Saltimbocca Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Big-flavor Italian sandwiches built fast with generous portions.
Who should go: Lunch regulars and Italian deli fans
When to visit: 11:30am–1pm for peak energy, early for parking
What to order: Italian Combo; Chicken Parm; Veal Saltimbocca
Insider tip: Ask for heated rolls and extra peppers for a kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot shared with nearby shops; fills fast during weekday lunch rush but turns over quickly.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are from work or errands.
Noise level: Moderate at lunch with steady chatter, quieter mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: Closes early; mostly lunch-focused so dinner hours are limited.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes typical during peak noon rush; walk-ins fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Caprese, roasted veggie, and customizable cold sandwich options.
Vegan options: Limited—can build from veggies and condiments, but no plant proteins.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread, though some salads can substitute.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More casual than romantic—better for a quick, low-pressure lunch date where conversation matters more than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, seating is first-come, first-served; most orders are takeout, so turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—spacious booths, simple sandwich options, and friendly staff make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Italian-style sandwiches made fast with fresher ingredients and bigger portions than nearby chains.
Skip if: You’re seeking a leisurely dine-in experience or formal service—this is built for quick, satisfying meals.