From the name it’d be easy to peg Happy Eats Pasta as an Italian restaurant, but that wouldn’t be accurate.
Yes, there were plenty of dishes associated with Italy, but don’t expect Chianti or pinot grigio here. The place more closely falls into the fast (as in very fast) casual designation.
The first thing we noticed was the long counter with a soda dispenser and a vibrant display board listing menu items. At first we weren’t sure if this was an order-at-the-counter establishment, but were soon escorted to a table upon which a number was placed. The number and the speed with which food emerged from the kitchen furthered the fast food notion.
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Besides the number, we were given large menus that included the same information as on that above-the-counter board. Pasta reigns here. There’s a “Build Your Own Pasta” option that takes up two pages from which the type of pasta, sauce, protein and vegetables are chosen. The base price is $8 for a half portion; $12 for a full. It’s similar to selecting pizza toppings.
The interior at Happy Eats Pasta (The Gazette: Cody Van Hooser)
Staff was helpful acknowledging the expansive menu. Fried cheese ravioli ($10.50) were recommended as a starter, which bought us some time, but not much, to further peruse the offerings.
Six ravioli heavily dusted with powdered Parmesan cheese, with a small container of marinara, arrived in a red and white checkered paper-lined basket. The cheese-filled ravioli were crispy and, after wiping away some of the cheese topping, a nice way to begin the meal. The dipping sauce was thick and sharp.
We also shared a Caesar salad ($7) that came with a herb-buttered Hawaiian roll (these were also included with our entrees). Romaine lettuce shared the bowl with a lot of large croutons (made, most likely, from leftover rolls) and shredded Parmesan. The dressing was tangy and creamy, just as it should be.
Fettucine with half marinara and half Alfredo sauces at Happy Eats Pasta in Colorado Springs.
Robin Intemann, Special to The Gazette
From the Build Your Own options we selected the full serving of fettuccine with half marinara and half Alfredo sauce ($17). We added an order of meatballs ($5 upcharge). Although the pastas are not made in-house, all of the sauces are. The cream-based Alfredo tempered the tart tomato elements of the marinara. This was a plentiful serving, but the four meatballs did little to enhance the dish.
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From the “FanFavs” menu section, we opted for chicken Parmesan ($16. The larger portion ($18) includes two pieces of chicken, but one was more than enough. The thickly coated and overly cooked breading was crunchy. It required a knife, with a lot of pressure, to reach the chicken hidden within. Surprisingly, the meat was tender. It sat on well-cooked pasta bathed in marinara.
The food was fine, without being exceptional, but a few things were off-putting. First, the speed at which food arrived would rival a drive-thru. Second, the paper napkins were kiddie size; that is, they might cover a child’s lap, but it would have to be a young one.
Finally, the staff was attentive before our meal, but no one checked in during. Decor is relaxed and bright with no checkered tablecloths or Chianti bottles hanging overhead.
Happy Eats Pasta
Pasta, salads and sandwiches
Location: 1536 S. Nevada Ave.
Contact: 719-201-1663; happyeatspasta.com.com
Prices: $8 to $21
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Saturday; closed Sunday.
Details: Credit cards accepted. Wi-Fi.
Favorite dishes: Fried ravioli and fettuccine with marinara and Alfredo.
Other: Gluten-free and limited vegan options available.
Dining and Cooking