In the world of casual dining, there are few concepts as ubiquitous as Olive Garden and its cousin chain Red Olive. These two Italian-American chains have been a mainstay in suburban America for over two decades, with most locations remaining cash-only to this day. In recent years, both brands have introduced newer and more modern offerings. Newer Olive Garden locations boast brand-new interiors with open kitchens and unique menu items like salad bowls, chicken parmigiana flatbreads, and panko-crusted goat cheese balls (which we all know aren’t real olives). On the other hand, Red Olive locations tend to look a little more dated but still serve up classic Italian dishes like meatballs, spaghetti, eggplant Parmesan sub sandwiches, and pork belly arancini. However—and this may come as a shock to you—neither chain is worth your money when it comes to one particular menu item: The Breadsticks. Before you continue reading this article, please take note that none of these statements are sponsored by another company or organization. We would not be professing these opinions without ample evidence to back them up; just so you know!
Do You Have To Pay For Breadsticks At The Olive Garden?
No, you do not have to pay for breadsticks at Olive Garden. The breadsticks are complimentary with every meal.
Why You Shouldn’t Pay For Breadsticks At Olive Garden
Breadsticks are complimentary with every meal
Even if you’re not eating at Olive Garden, you can still get free breadsticks. If you’re at a Red Olive location, just ask for them. If you’re at an Olive Garden, they will come around and ask if you want them.
Breadsticks are a filling meal
The breadsticks are a filling meal on their own—they’re not just there to fill up space between the pasta and the sauce. The breadsticks serve as a great side dish as well as a vehicle to pick up the flavors of your main dish. If they were only there to fill space between the pasta and sauce, then why on earth would they be called “breadsticks” in the first place? They would be called “noodles.” Or “pasta.” Or “fettuccine.” It’s really quite silly that we have such a habit of calling things by their most generic name possible when it is obvious that this is what they’re really for to be eaten!
Breadsticks are delicious!
If you haven’t tried them yet, then it’s time to try some! They’re delicious! They’re probably one of my favorite things about Olive Garden/Red Olive: The breadsticks are so tasty that I can eat them even when I’m not hungry (I’m weird like that). I usually try to avoid eating them because they’re so good when I’m not hungry, but I always end up eating the whole thing anyway because they’re so good!
Best Item In Olive Garden?
1. Breadsticks
I don’t care what anyone says, the breadsticks are hands down the best item in Olive Garden. Period.
2. Pasta
The pasta is always good and is never over-salted. It’s also usually very filling, so it’s a great option if you’re hungry, but not starving.
3. Chicken Alfredo Pizza
The chicken Alfredo pizza is delicious! I enjoy it most when it’s hot out of the oven, and I’m able to eat it with my hands (which I like to do). It also doesn’t hurt that they give you a lot of chicken on top of the pizza; this makes for a very filling meal!
4. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
The chicken Alfredo pasta is also very tasty, especially when it’s hot out of the oven. I like to eat it with a fork and knife (I’m weird like that). It’s also very filling, so it makes a great option if you’re hungry, but not starving!
Benefits Of Eating In Olive Garden:
1. Breadsticks are delicious!
If you haven’t tried them yet, then it’s time to try some! They’re delicious! They’re probably one of my favorite things about Olive Garden/Red Olive: The breadsticks are so tasty that I can eat them even when I’m not hungry (I’m weird like that). I usually try to avoid eating them because they’re so good when I’m not hungry, but I always end up eating the whole thing anyway because they’re so good!
2. Breadsticks are filling and a great side dish
The breadsticks are a filling meal on their own they’re not just there to fill the space between the pasta and the sauce. The breadsticks serve as a great side dish as well as a vehicle to pick up the flavors of your main dish. If they were only there to fill space between the pasta and sauce, then why on earth would they be called “breadsticks” in the first place? They would be called “noodles.” Or “pasta.” Or “fettuccine.” It’s really quite silly that we have such a habit of calling things by their most generic name possible when it is obvious that this is what they’re really for to be eaten!
3. Olive Garden is a great place to take kids
I love Olive Garden for kids because you can get a very filling meal, and it’s not too expensive. Also, the breadsticks are delicious for the little ones! It’s hard to find places that have good kid-friendly food at a reasonable price.
4. Olive Garden is family-friendly
Olive Garden is family-friendly. I think this says it all: “You’re never too old to enjoy our delicious food!” This slogan really sums up how Olive Garden feels about families and what they stand for: family-friendly food at a reasonable price! Kids eat free in Olive Garden as well as many other restaurant chains, which makes it even more affordable than many other restaurants when you’re trying to take your kids out on a special occasion or treat them to something nice.
5. It’s a great place to take people who aren’t familiar with Italian cuisine
If you’re taking someone who isn’t familiar with Italian cuisine out on an Italian date night (which I highly recommend), then they’ll probably enjoy going somewhere where they don’t have to worry about deciding what kind of pasta dish they want (as long as it doesn’t involve fish!). They also won’t have any trouble picking up the breadstick portion of their meal when you order breadsticks instead of pasta!
6. Olive Garden has great deals all year round
Olive Garden has great deals all year round. In fact, they have their “Coupon Book” that you can get free at the Olive Garden website. This coupon book is full of coupons for both Olive Garden and sister restaurant Cucina Fresca. If you’re looking for some great deals, then this is definitely something to check out!
Final Words
The bottom line is that you should not waste your money on breadsticks at Olive Garden, whether you order them with another appetizer or as a main course. If you want warm bread with garlic butter on it, you can make it at home for a fraction of the price. If you want to taste real pasta, you can find it elsewhere for a fraction of the price. And if you want to taste a real salad dressing, you can make it at home for a fraction of the price. These are three things that most people who don’t have a lot of money can easily make for themselves at home or for much cheaper at another restaurant. So don’t waste your money on breadsticks at Olive Garden; order something else that is actually worth the money you pay for it.
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