I stopped into Gecko's on a Monday evening around 7:00 PM for a quick bite. Being a sports bar, I…read moreexpected 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.