This traditional Italian American diner has an air of familiarity accompanied by all the atmosphere of the Big Apple, minus the American accents.

The Venue
Located at the Aspects Leisure Park there is easy access via the ring road, plenty of parking and an evening out can easily be combined with other entertainment such as the cinema or bowling. The layout is straightforward, the bar on the left and dining room on the right.

Tables are in the style of a traditional Italian American diner, with booths surrounding the restaurant and tables and chairs in the centre. Pictures on the walls, generally black and white, reflect American sport and life. The toilets in Frankie and Bennys are also worth a mention as a trip there allows you to pick up a little Italian with language tapes playing continuously.

The Atmosphere
Frankie and Bennys is always energetic and this is reflected in the staff’s uniforms and attitudes, the music that is played and the clientele. Visitors tend to be families, couples and groups of friends from their teens to mid thirties.

There's often a wait for tables on Wednesday evenings and weekends but you could never accuse it of being empty. Staff have a very American fashion about them in the way they greet you and attend to your table but it has adopted a British style so as not to be in your face.

The Food
The menu consists of traditional Italian American dishes including pastas, pizzas, burgers and steaks. Starters are priced between £3.95 and £5.95. Main courses are priced between £6.95 and £12.95 with the exception of steaks which go up to £16.95 for a 23oz sirloin.

Desserts are very traditionally American with lots of ice cream, sundaes, tiramisu and brownies, and these are priced at between £3.25 and £4.45 or £6.95 for a shared dessert. Family platters are available as starters or between a small group could even make a full meal and are priced between £6.95 and £11.95.

Kids meals are also available and include a soft drink and a childrens dessert. There are two categories of childrens menu, one for children priced at £3.95 and one for juniors priced at £6.25, these menus include all their favourites, burgers, sausage and mash, fish and chips, macaroni cheese, pizzas and more. The portions are all very generous and the food is filling.

The Drink
Disappointingly Frankie and Bennys doesn’t, as you would expect of an American diner, do milkshakes unlike its sister restaurant Little Frankies. It does however do a great range of flavoured fruit sodas and cocktails. Fruit sodas are priced at £2.25 and cocktails are £4.25 per glass or £9.95 for a pitcher.

As you would expect from any restaurant with Italian roots they have a great range of coffees and liquor coffees all priced between £1.40 and £3.25. Bottled and draught beers are on offer also including the traditional Budweiser.

The Last Word
For an authentic Italian American dining experience that offers excellent value for money and an energetic atmosphere Frankie and Bennys is the place for you.

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