Geckos Bar & Grill Multiple Locations
Brewpub · 1900 Hillview St, Sarasota, Florida 34239
This is a chain with multiple locations - the address above is the one reviewed here.
★★★★½ 1 review(941) 953-2929
Menu Items
Reviews
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Octobertfest Menu was Amazing, Best Jagerschnitzel Ive Had!
Bar Food (Octoberfest Specials)
Best Jager Schnitzel & Fried Cabbage I've Ever Had!
I happened to end up here as the result of a chamber of commerce event. We traveled to beaches along the coast, checking in on a mobile app, and received a prize pack. Part of the prizes was a gift certificate to one of three restaurants. We picked Gecko's, having never eaten there before, and traveled to the nearest location.
The menu had a variety of items: standard bar food like chicken wings, burgers, nachos, etc., as well as some fried seafood and even poke bowls. What caught my attention was the Oktoberfest menu being offered at the time. The interior looked like your average pub diner, with wood-paneled walls, booths, lots of TVs airing sporting events, and a bar area.
When our waitress arrived, I asked about a side dish listed with the schnitzel plate called "powerblend veggies". She described it as shredded cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables. With limited alternatives, I decided to roll the dice.
When my food came out, the mystery veggies were revealed: German pan-fried cabbage with a bit of brussel sprouts, broccoli, and bacon — a familiar dish for me.
**Jägerschnitzel**
I cut into the Jägerschnitzel, which had a little brown mushroom gravy on it. The gravy was absolutely amazing. I've eaten at German restaurants all over the Texas Hill Country — places that are European, Bavarian, and German — but none of their Jägerschnitzel sauces have come close to this one. I asked the waitress if I could get a side of the sauce, and a few minutes later, she brought out a generous bowl that I poured over the schnitzel.
The schnitzel itself was tender, lightly breaded, fried to a golden brown crisp , a panko style breading, and had excellent texture and flavor. But the sauce was what truly made this dish. Even if everything else on the plate had been subpar, I could have drank that gravy — it was that good. The plate also came with pan-fried potatoes, which were a bit overcooked and had a slight burnt flavor, though still edible.
Photos are before the additional jagerschnitzel sauce.
**Pan Fried Cabbage (powerblend veggies)**
As for the veggies (pan-fried cabbage), they were great. The combination of vegetables, some of which I had never seen in German-style cabbage before, elevated the flavor. If I were to make pan-fried cabbage myself, I would try to replicate this mix as it was a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
**Service**
As for service, we were seated at a table almost in the aisle between two rows of booths. People squeezed past our table, including the waitstaff, making it feel a bit cramped. We waited a while for our drinks, and despite the restaurant being nearly empty since it was between lunch and dinner, the food took some time to come out of the kitchen.
Portions were good. My German plate was excellent — better than similar dishes I've had in Texas. Its just too bad I can't get this item all the time anywhere.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wh1ozoi7rSCymPN96
Geckos Menu
Jagerschnitzel Octoberfest Special, Fried Potatoes, & Pan Fried Cabbage
Jagerschnitzel Octoberfest Special
Hamburger with Sweet Potato Fries.
Appetizers, Wings, Wraps.
Salads, Burgers, Seafood
Entrees, Sandwiches
Sides, Kids food.
Dining Area
Awards
Geckos Street Storefront
— Paul