The Old Spaghetti Factory - Restaurant Review

This was my first trip to the Old Spaghetti Factory. Of course when I heard that they have both gluten free pasta and a cable car for the kids to dine in, I had to go check it out. My son is a huge train and cable car fan. I think I've rode every train and trolley within a hundred mile radius of Pleasanton. I have to admit though that I'm always reluctant about new places. I guess I prefer to spend my money on a sure bet but I'm really glad we took a chance on this place. The food was good. I like Macaroni Grill's pasta and marinara sauce better but this was a special treat for Sammy. He was ecstatic when he spotted the cable car and came totally unglued when he realized we were going to dine in it. 

Seating inside the cable car

They offer a full gluten free menu with many nice options but the gluten and dairy free options boiled down to about three dishes. Gluten free spiral pasta (corn and rice blend) with either marinara sauce or "rich meat" sauce (tomato based) and a gluten free marinated baked chicken (available in the evening only).

My meal, the adult portion of gluten free pasta with marinara sauce, came with a salad dressed with balsamic (gluten free) vinaigrette. It was good but was a typical iceberg lettuce salad with carrots and red cabbage. Even though I usually eat much healthier lettuce varieties, it was fun to have one of these. It reminds me of my childhood.

Salad which comes with adult meal. Balsamic GF Dressing

Adult portion of GF pasta with dairy free marinara sauce

When our meals came out, I was delighted to see a little "gluten free" flag. This gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling that I was getting what I ordered. Kudos to the Old Spaghetti Factory. It's the small details that matter. I noticed at the end of the meal that our receipt noted "gluten free." When a restaurant doesn't do this, I often wonder how exactly the kitchen knows. I'm sure they have a system but it always makes me feel better when I see "gluten free" or "allergy alert" on the bill. 

Receipt with the "gluten free" notation

I ordered the GF pasta with marinara sauce. It was fine. Again, I like the sauce at Macaroni Grill better but it was good enough for me. Sammy had the children's portion of GF pasta with the "rich meat" sauce which was served on a cute "Wally Trolley" plate. It came with applesauce as an appetizer. He loved the pasta and gobbled it all up. He did allow me to have one taste. It was a bit saltier then my sauce but was good.

Child portion of GF pasta with dairy free rich meat sauce. I thought the trolley plate was cute.

Dessert, Wild Cherry Fruit Bar

For dessert, the only GFCF option was the wild cherry fruit bar. It was tasty and they did not charge for it which I thought was a nice gesture. We definitely enjoyed our visit here. Again, it's not the best food on the planet but considering the unique ambiance and cable car dining, I have to say, it was a one of a kind experience. I think we'll take Sammy here for his 6th birthday dinner. I am hoping they will let us bring GFCF birthday cake. I'm sure they will. They seemed very nice and accommodating. I was also happy with our waiter's knowledge of the gluten free menu. I give the Old Spaghetti Factory a thumbs up!