The Old Spaghetti Factory050

From the brightly-colored plush velvet settees in the lobby, to the popular booths and tables in the "trolley car," to the warm bread and butter deposited on the tables after orders are placed - even to the ornate cherubim watching over the restrooms! - Old Spaghetti Factory is a pleasing place for families to feast, and feast their eyes. All the gaudy trappings belie the place's cozy, informal atmosphere - for kids it must be like being invited to scribble on the walls at Versailles. They are likely to love the over-the-top faux elegance of the decor as much as the blandish food and welcoming waitstaff. Maybe it's because it's one of only a handful of locations in the entire Midwest, or because the building seems so unique, but the restaurant just doesn't feel like a chain outlet - even though it is. The parent company is based in Oregon. Families passing by after skating at the nearby Depot or visiting the Mill City Museum should consider stopping in. The kids menu offers a half dozen versions of pasta as well as grilled cheese, and meals come with drinks and desserts. As if the decor didn't provide enough to look at, crayons and paper menus are provided to distract kids while they wait for their food, and a few video games are tucked away in an area off the dining room. Adult portion sizes run from generous to big-enough-to-swim-in, with all the Italian standards represented well enough. Whole wheat pasta may be substituted upon request. Entrees come with soup or salad at lunch, and also include a beverage and ice cream at dinner. All in all, it's a great deal for hearty food served in a fun setting - especially when you can get several days of lunches from the leftovers!