Alex S.
Yelp
I've been meaning to review this Cafe Gecko for probably a month now. Now, typically, whenever I put something off, it's because it is sure to be an unpleasant experience - things like making a dental appointment, buying a wedding gift or succumbing to OCD convulsions when alphabetizing my record collection fall into this category. Reviewing Cafe Gecko does not belong in that category. Every time I have been here has been excellent, and I think I've been obliviously assuming everyone else in the 10-mile radius feels the same way - no review needed! But just in case someone missed the memo, this review is for them.
My first experience with this place was years ago when it was in Austin Ranch and the after-party from the wedding ended up here. Due to the intoxicated haze surrounding that evening, as well as the fact that my date was certifiably cuckoo, it's an evening that was pushed out of my mind, save for the delicious pizza they served. Fast forward a few years and I'm going to Cafe Gecko in Addison with coworkers for happy hour. Brief tinges of recognition flared up in my brain, and I anticipated excellent food and company that would not make me want to see if it was possible to strangle myself. Alas, at the time, the Addison Cafe Gecko did not have pizza. It did have a more relaxed atmosphere than the Austin Ranch Cafe Gecko, I seem to recall. Plus, more parking.
All of this traipsing down Memory Lane is to show that now there exists a Cafe Gecko that gets the best of both locations in one spot... even though it has moved out of Austin Ranch to make this possible. To everyone still reading, thank you for indulging me as I recount my various bar visits and moments of temporary insanity. Now, to the good stuff.
Cafe Gecko is as welcoming to regulars as it is to folks to who may go to a bar once a decade. It's the kind of place where you can go toss back a few beers and watch whatever sporting event is on, or you could go and celebrate your birthday with your immediate family - one Saturday, we somehow combined both of these as my Mom had her birthday luncheon here during a football game. (I actually think my parents have been here more than I have, which is both awesome and kind of surprising.)
The place is built almost like a long hallway. There is a bar stretching about halfway through the dining room, while high table tops are spread out before giving way to booths and low tables along the back wall. Pool and Golden Tee are available, as is a pretty spacious patio, and a television set is never too far from your field of vision. Even with all the seating and activity to take in, it does not feel crowded nor like we are all sitting on top of each other. Staff have plenty of room to navigate the dining room and demonstrate how everyone working here brings their "A" game.
I've never had anything less than exceptional service here, with Emily being an especially stand-out member of the team. Remember how I mentioned my Mom celebrated her birthday here? Emily took care of the seven of us that day, and she made it look effortless. I've seen a manager periodically walk around and visit with the guests, too, which goes a long way in my book.
Yet all of this would be kind of pointless if the food was not up to par. We all know someone who frequents their version of "Cheers" and tries to sell their friends on the prospects of eating "bar food that's actually good." Cafe Gecko's food does not deserve to be classified as "bar food." It's food that has been universally solid across the board, with everyone I know ordering something they have loved. Their nachos are legendary, their sandwiches are delicious and that pizza is the kind of thing Bob Dylan would romanticize in a song for 11 minutes. (Also of note, a "small" pizza is big enough to take home for another meal, making me fear a "large" is actually delivered to the table by way of a steam engine.)
So yes, after a month of putting it off and seven paragraphs of literary exposition, Cafe Gecko is more than worthy of the highest praise it can get. The atmosphere is easygoing, the staff is made up of wonderful people and the food surpasses "bar food" in every way. Stop in and enjoy. I always do.
