My friends surprised me with a wonderful birthday ...

My friends surprised me with a wonderful birthday dinner at La Barra, a place we tend to frequent at least twice a month, and this visit was no exception. We sat out on the patio, which is equipped with a full bar and roughly 2 dozen tables and settings for any size party that plans to visit. The patio itself is heated in the winter with high-quality heat lamps as well as large glass-enclosed fire pits. In good weather, the patio sits right up against a really lovely pond and, with the right lighting (subtle and understated, not gaudy or garrish), makes for a cozy and inviting dinner setting. To add, they also have 2 private rooms you can rent out for nearly any occasion, and they are typically being used when we have visited.
On this particular night, La Barra featured a DJ, who was kind enough to dedicate 2 songs to me and wish me a Happy Birthday announcement more than once. And he wasn't half bad- took requests and played a good combination of classics and Top 40s, along with some decent dance music. People were up and dancing too, so he did a good job.
Backtrack a little to why we visit so regularly and if you haven't yet tried the place, I hope you do. The house manager, Alicia, is fantastic. She's everywhere and knows everything and is so friendly and upbeat, you can't help but have it rub off a little. The staff in general is fantastic. We have a few regular bartenders and waiters that know us by name and favorite drink. They have a decent size specialty cocktail list but any of the bartenders are adept at concocting whatever you fancy.
As for the food, it's a midgrade-upscale Italian, and isn't incredibly simple nor pretentious. The pizza is always scrumptious and they have a variety of toppings that include italian beef with spicy peppers, artichoke, or for the less adventerous, their magherita pizza is enjoyable too. Braciole - a short rib with a creamy cheesy polenta- is one of my favorite dishes. I have Doordashed once or twice when I've had a craving. Worth it.
My son, who is autistic and 17 years old, a picky picky eater, can even find a half dozen menu items that he just loves.
It's listed as casual dining but overall, a great place for a first date, anniversary or birthday celebration, a family night out, or girls night out. They're very versatile and that's something hard to pull off just right.

And if you find yourself there, don't skimp on the desserts. Anything from the menu is amazing.
La Barra is open 7 days a week for lunch or dinner, and can get pricey- the only drawback- depending on your meal and how many cocktails you order. Overall, a consistently great experience if you're looking for a nice night out.