I attempted Olive Garden’s Never-Ending Pasta Bowl. It was a reminder of why chains can’t quit bottomless deals.

Why stop at seconds when you can go back for thirds, fourths — even fifths?

I recently visited Olive Garden’s flagship Times Square restaurant for my first-ever meal at the chain.

While I couldn’t wait to try its iconic breadsticks, there was one specific deal I was gunning for: Olive Garden’s Never-Ending Pasta Bowl, which starts at $14.99, depending on location.

The limited-time deal, first launched in 1995, is running nationwide from August 31 through November 22, 2026.

Stomach empty and heart full, I ate my way through the promo and came away thinking bottomless deals are great for both chains and customers, if they’re done right. (Looking at you, Red Lobster.) Here’s what it was like to attempt Olive Garden’s Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion, why it makes sense for the chain, and if you should try it, too.