I stopped into Gecko's on a Monday evening around 7:00 PM for a quick bite. Being a sports bar, I expected a lively atmosphere, but it was actually fairly quiet with only a handful of customers. Several TVs were showing different games and programs around the room, but the audio that was broadcasted didn't match any of the screens I could see from my table. The décor was simple and casual, but appropriate for a sports bar. I ordered the buttermilk chicken sandwich with a side of coleslaw. The chicken was thick cut, nicely fried, and served on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato. It was good but tasted more like a country fried steak than buttermilk chicken. It comes with Gecko's "special sauce," which I requested on the side. The sauce had a noticeable kick and was a bit spicier than I prefer, but you may enjoy it. The coleslaw was fresh and very good. Though my server was friendly, greeted me promptly, and took my order quickly she was somewhat inexperienced. When the food arrived, she placed it on the table and immediately asked, "How is everything?" I've always felt that question works best after a guest has had a chance to take a bite, check that everything is there, and actually evaluate the meal. At that moment, all I could honestly say was, "Everything looks fine." Unfortunately, that was the last time I saw her until the end of the meal because had she checked in with me, I would have mentioned that the sandwich was supposed to include pickles, which were missing. She asked whether I'd like dessert. The menu specifically highlights the cheesecake and encourages guests to "ask your server" about it, so I did. "Tell me about the cheesecake." "It's New York style," she replied. "Do you make it in-house?" "No." "Where does it come from?" "I think we buy it at Publix." That conversation pretty much ended my interest in ordering what I thought was a pricey dessert. The payment process also felt dated. The check arrived as a small register receipt. When I said I'd like to pay by credit, the server told me to give her my credit card so it could be taken to a register elsewhere in the restaurant. I explained that I use Apple Pay on my watch or iPhone and asked if they could bring a card reader to the table. They don't have a portable payment device but she offered to take my watch or iphone to register. I typically don't even carry a credit card anymore and I certainly wasn't going to handover my Apple Watch or my iphone. I happened to have a credit card with me that day, but I don't like handing it over anymore as I have had my card compromised on multiple occasions. It was surprising to encounter a restaurant that still doesn't offer tableside card processing. In total, the food was good, the atmosphere was comfortable, and the staff was pleasant. Gecko's would benefit from a bit more server training, and a more modern payment system. If you decide to visit and pay by credit, make sure you bring a physical credit card with you. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich with Gecko's special sauce and a side of coleslaw. - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Saw this place capping a shopping plaza, thought nothing of it, but glancing through the windows it seemed to be a bona fide restaurant, kinda cozy even, so: Food: I had grilled shrimp "Boom Boom" tacos, niece had brisket mac n cheese, brother had chicken tacos- everybody liked! Darn good shrimp taco, no kiddin (not the absolute best ever, but pretty close second!). I'd skip the fried pickles, which were saltier than a brick of salt. Service: we were seated immediately despite the place being very busy, waited upon in a split-second by an energetic friendly young lady, food came out promptly (did have to ask for drink refills, yeah, I'm spoiled). Bar: we didn't get any alcohol, but the bar area was separate from the dining area, which I appreciated; they also have a covered patio but it's just looking at a parking lot. Price: pretty reasonable for FL, honestly, despite being near two hotels, it seems like more of a bargain area - not downtrodden or anything, actually quite a clean and safe-feeling zone, anchored by a typical perfect Publix. read more

Grilled salmon was perfectly cooked. Good ambience. We sat outside but under the shade so it was nice for a Florida winter. Not too noisy. Service was good. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Steak, salmon. - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Food was good, drinks was a little expensive. The hostess was very rude. The server was nice.

This is our second time there. We go there as part of the 9n Dine. They have delicious Boom Boom shrimp and Tuna bowl. The server, Cherice, did an excellent job serving 28 of us without a problem. Everyone seemed happy with their meal and service. Looking forward to eating there again. read more

Not exactly service dog friendly. Can tell they only served me because they have previously been called on ADA Service Dog issues. They deliberately overcooked my burger. read more

Very good bar food Easy location here in Tara Plaza Easy parking I hear they might be losing our lease so check on their status if going there read more

Have been to Geckos several times for lunch. Great lunch menu choices, service is alway good and food is prepared well.

PAY ATTENTION to the reviews for the correct location you're inquiring about! There are several local locations and they're all different with different experiences. This has been our "go to" dinner and weekend lunch spot for over 25 years. The ambiance is cool and comfy and the managers are awesome! The food overall is consistent, but if you're not happy they will make it right! Our fav is the Grilled chicken sandwiches and homemade chips. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

My husband and I stopped here because we were ravenous! The host sat us quickly and brought out our drinks equally fast! My husband got unsweetened iced tea and I got an ice water, no lemon. I ended up getting a bottled water because the water had a "moldy" aftertaste to it, but the server was super nice and brought me a bottled water and that was fine! I got the Mediterranean GF pizza and it was absolutely delicious!! My husband got a Reuben and Potato Puffs. The meal was served quickly and we loved it. The place was definitely a sports themed bar and it had lots of TV's playing a variety of sports news and games. It was an inviting atmosphere and had the perfect lighting. We will definitely go back when we are in the area!! read more

We've been to Geckos multiple times before, but I had to leave a review after coming back twice just for the Buffalo Bills Mac Bowl from the football menu. It's that good! The Mac and Cheese Bowl comes with crispy chicken, buffalo sauce, multiple cheeses, and bacon--absolutely delicious! Hope, our bartender/server, was fantastic--super friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. Seriously, this Mac Bowl needs to become a regular menu item, at least for the winter months. We'd definitely come back even more if it was! Highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already! read more

Great food, ambiance and fancy drinks. We had fish and tater tots, chicken tacos and adobo tacos. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Family - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Waited 22 minutes for a glass of wine - the server Nyah never came back after bringing our food to see if we needed anything else or offer a refill of any beverage. I had to go inside to ask for a to go box. No smile , super unfriendly - manager walked by several times and never checked on us either. No thank you . Threw the bill on the table and walked away. No interaction. read more

Great burgers, good atmosphere. Friendly staff, great for football games. Gets crowded on weekends.

Gecko's on 351 cattleman was a terrible experience. Waited to be served then when we were it was a robot that directed me to pick up my own food. Never saw server again until he wanted us to pay. But he was there for his tip. Robot left could not ask for ketchup or anything. The ladies rest room was a disaster. Place looks & feels dirty * read more

Not all Gecko's locations are the same. I'm sure the food is similar and drink offerings too but this location often seems to find a way to disappoint. I went in today around 2:00 and the bar area was so dark a couple next to me had to ask for some light to read the menu (the bartender let them use the flashlight feature on his cell phone). The general feeling in here is dark and worn out. They really need to revamp this location like they did at the Hillview location. I started going here about 16+ years ago and it was a fun place to go. Now, not so much. The food is decent and the drink options are pretty good (not Great) but it just feels like a tired out chain restaurant that deserves to be updated. I hope the owners will consider fixing it up since it is low on my list of choices in this area. There's a little better option directly across the street. Take note. read more

Bartender "HOPE", was absolutely fantastic and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend this place and Hope did an amazing job! Places like this need more people like her!! read more

I was pleasantly surprised how good this Geckos was. The service was great. The food was delicious. Look forward to going back. . The restaurant was very comfortable. read more

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Though we've been to Gecko's Grill restaurants before..... We've just not been to this Bradenton location. It's back towards a Publix grocery store plaza. We were heading back from the Tampa, FL RV Show....it was time for lunch. Stopped at Gecko's Grill for a beer and we were greeted with a friendly smile once inside the door. We explained we were going to eat at the bar. Our Bartender, Ken, was quite pleasant. Ken promptly got our drinks and then we ordered their Grilled Cuban sandwich with homemade fries and a side of coleslaw. Large enough to share if your not very hungry. (which we did). Delicious !! read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Grilled/ Toasted perfectly!! Delicious !! Side of their homemade chips & coleslaw..... the BEST ! - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Good place. Lots of choices on the menu. Service was OK. My gf had the cobb salad and it was wonderful. I had the tuna nachos and they were also very good. Drinks were solid as well. I'll definitely go back; it's a great casual dining spot for lunch, dinner, or whenever. read more

Great service, cocktails and very good food quality- consistently satisfying! Table for 8 was in a quiet location for late lunch- nicely set up and food came out @ one time. read more

This place always gets crowded, so I guess that means it's pretty darned good, right!!?? Great local bar area, great food, TV's around to watch ballgames. Nice staff and we can't leave out Ms. Janie at the bar - she's the best. Go, and enjoy!! read more

We are having a great time playing in the trivia tournament at Geckos on SR 70. The food is fantastic, the manager Chris (I think that is his name) is attentive and has a great sense of humor. Tonight our server was Nick and he was excellent. I only wish they would host trivia year round. We do appreciate you hosting the summer tournament read more

We had a bite next door at the delicious Pho restaurant, and wanted something sweet. We ordered the beverage called 24 karat .... I forget the rest of the name. It was good, and it was sweet for sure. Our waitress recommended the dessert nachos and they did not disappoint! I just realized I did not take a photo. It is most definitely a shareable dessert. It's huge. Three people couldn't finish it. It's crispy cinnamon and sugar pita, ice cream, whip cream, with a chocolate drizzle. Soooo good. I would go back. At night there seemed to be no see ums biting and then a lady started smoking so that did rush us off. Now go get those nachos! Plenty of parking, within walking distance from the Tru Hilton hotel. Enjoys! read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Golden Gecko - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Excellent service for Mother's day. Had a large party of gentlemen Connie was great. Very attentive food was ok.

I've been coming here for a long time. At least stop in 1-3 times per trip down here. I have some friends that like Geckos and some that make fun of me for going. They are a little snobby though. Ok. Food is usually really good. I've had a hit or miss deal before but I really like the food. If you sit at the bar- you pretty much have to get service from Jacob or ? Janet - i think is her name. Jacob gets your order right. Asks the right questions to make sure you enjoy it. What questions? 1- want your bourbon short or tall? 2- want to start with a water? Yes. 3- refills were on point. I don't believe I had to ask. 4- recommendations were good and he explained why. 5- to go order- asked me if ai needed utensils - i forgot about it and said yes. 6- asked me & brought me a to go water. I appreciated that. 7- I asked for. Some mayo in my to go order- he brought me some ketchup. Mayo. And mustard. I needed all 3. This trip.... I started with a French onion soup.... It was really good. Next..... I ordered cuban sandwich and wings to go. Fantastic. Both of them. Wings are seriously good here. Inside the place- little dark but I don't mind that at all. I don't want to be flooded with a ton of lights. It's nice to get out of the blazing sun down here sometimes. THIS WAS A 5 Star experience. However. The next one was a 2-3 star. Went into the bar. Different bartender. She was super nice and all that. But when I wanted to order some food to go. I kinda sat around for 15 min and just decided to go somewhere else. Had the french onion soup again. It was really good again. I definitely recommend stopping in to this Geckos. read more

We stopped here on the final night of our vacation and it was the perfect little place to recharge. Our server was awesome and friendly, the food was really good, and it was FAST. We showed up 30 minutes before close, half-expecting to be told they were no longer taking customers. That didn't happen! We were so grateful. My youngest even put in a special request to have his kid's cheeseburger "smashed" and the server saw to it herself that it was smashed sufficiently, haha. Also, I ordered the super salad thinking it would be a modest plate of greens but they brought me a heaping bowl of salad (with shredded carrots, croutons AND bacon crumbles!) arranged like a work of art....and the ranch dressing must have been house made because it was properly thinned out. Bless them. We left with a smile. Will come back on our next vacation. read more

Always great curbside service. Food is hot and order is correct. The blue cheese chips always taste fresh including the add ons. Fried grouper was tasty although rather thin. It's a large piece by local standards. Cole slaw was a great accompaniment. I do miss the beer cheese soup that was on the menu for years. All said an overall great local spot in Braden River. read more

Our dinners - Turkey & ham club - "it was good, would get it again, recommended. Amazing tater tots!" Big fish sandwich - "it was okay, mediocre " French onion soup - "standard" 1992 salad - "Very light on the meat & cheese, lettuce crisp and fresh" We all (4) finished everything, it was good, not great. Atmosphere is pleasant, service was good, all in all - a recommendable. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Slow night..... - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Is it here about once a month when we break for our meetings. Food is always fresh and always comes out promptly as we only have to get in and out quickly. I have had multiple dishes and every one is always solid. My fav is the French onion soup. Perfect on a cool day. read more

Gecko's grill and pub on 64. The manager, Scott always has a smile on his face and tries to accommodate everyone. We haven't been there in awhile, due to tooth implants ... but once that was completed it was the first eating place we came to. Excellent hamburgers, that I could finally eat, steak fries, French onion soup and Merlot. We kept it simple since of the lengthy procedures that kept me away! Now I am back in the running and we will be dining here a lot. Kuddo's to our server Brad. He was attentive and very honest. We paid with a gift card, thinking there was only a certain amount on it that would have covered our bill. We tipped him and he came back with the card with the extra monies on it which he could have easily kept .What an honest man. Thank you Brad... we shall be back and will request you. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

10/10 for the Gecko's Fried Pickle Fries- my favorite part of visiting Gecko's! Always great service and tasty food and beverages, at all locations! Love Gecko's and everything they're about. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Gecko's Fried Pickle Fries - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

The boom boom shrimp (the boom boom name made me chuckle) were delicious. They were saucey and spicey!! The tuna poke was good, but they could have definately added more tuna and less won ton crunchiest on top! It was a little different as it did not have rice. Overall goodness! read more

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Food was subpar and the service was a hit or miss. Our server dropped the silverware on the floor and proceeded to gave us the same silverware to use for eating. It wasn't a busy time but the food came out later than expected. She was not attentive either. Not once we're we asked how the food was or if we needed our drinks refilled. The sever may have been new because she didn't know anything about the drink and food menu. Just like any pubs, the ambiance is not a factor to consider. read more

Had a huge half slab of ribs. Very good. 2 sides included. Cole slaw excellent. Fries very average. Nick was on top of everything. A local dinner spot that's very reasonable. We will be back. read more

We have been her twice so far and have no complaints. The service is great and the food is great. Must try their boom boom shrimp. They have good happy hour specials too. We had no issues worthy of complaining. I found 1 of the negative reviews rather comical, and I would not give it any credibility. Some people are just that way. Showing up with a party of 6 an hour before close and then complaining about everything should speak for itself as to they type of customer that was! Lol. Anyway, we love Gecko's and will be frequenting this establishment often as it's close to home and we enjoy the atmosphere. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Boom boom shrimp and. Moscow mule! - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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The wings were Big,Juicy and flavorful.Service was a little slow but over all good stuff.

Really good salmon and great staff! If you hungry and want a drink got found your place. read more

Gecko's Grill & Pub - Salmon - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

The chicken wings were horrible . They tasted like they were soaked in salt and way over cooked. It was like eating straw. Then when I told them how bad they were all they said was sorry. I will never go back again and will never recommend this restaurant to anyone. The Geckos on SR 70 doesn't even deserve a star, yes it was that bad. read more

So much fun Thursday nights are Bingo night! You play bingo while you eat. There is no charge just a fun way to pass the time.