Kaitlyn S.
Yelp
Gino's is a neighborhood Italian restaurant that has been open since 1989; its owner doubles as the chef. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM, but closed on Sunday. The Yelp restaurant reviews span from 2013 to present; this landmark has been open 33 years! At one time, it was the neighborhood staple. I would expect very good food from a business that managed to remain open so long. Unfortunately, I received OK food.
I was a guest here w/ a local resident who resides nearby. Being selective of where I will eat, I normally research a restaurant before going; however, I didn't have time to do so until after sitting down for an early dinner.
The MENU offers 8 Appetizers, 3 Burgers, 3 Subs, 3 sandwiches, 4 Flatbread Pizzas, 4 Entree Salads, 9 House Specialties (entrees), 5 Pasta Dinners, 6 Seafood Dinners, 2 Miscellaneous Dinners, 3 Healthy Choice Dinners (w/ steamed or grilled veggies), a Soup of the Day, & 5 Desserts. Chicken Fingers ($7), Cheese Ravioli ($6), & Spaghetti ($6) round out the KID'S MENU.
I am in agreement w/ many Yelpers over the last two years who awarded this restaurant one to three stars. My main issue was the oil-- so much of it! I also don't believe it was olive oil due to its consistency and taste-- likely canola oil.
The complementary white garlic loaf was definitely not made on site nor did it come from a local bakery. It tasted as though it was a pre-frozen bread. It would have been OK had it not sat in an oil that was not olive oil. But even in olive oil & garlic, its flavor still would have been nothing special.
After eating some of the bread, we ventured on to a Large Ceasar Salad entree ($9). It looked excellent-- see pic. It didn't taste bad, but once again this salad had an oil problem. Every leaf of this OK salad was coated in oil. Apparently, the dressing is unique; the salad does not have a standard Ceasar dressing. If only it were unique without the drenching of oil.
There are NO ITALIAN PIZZAS here, which was disappointing. However, there are 4 Flatbread pizzas, and diners may order a whole pizza ($16) or a half pizza ($9); it was nice having that choice. My half Margherita pizza was OK. However, the crust tasted similar to a Saltine cracker (but with less flavor), and although the crust appeared dry, my fingers and upper hand quickly became covered in oil-- see pic. Lord knows where the oil originated because it wasn't from the bottom of the crust. I also found the sauce to be uneventful. Due mostly to the oil, I would not order the pizza again.
My partner in crime ordered the Black Russian Burger w/ its grilled onions and cheddar cheese. Onion Rings were the selected side. I was told both were very good. Its cost was $12 . Ordered To-Go was Baked Zita w/ beef (in lieu of sausage) @ $13-- also very good. However, the side of Italian Wedding Soup consisted of overcooked noodles in a decent broth.
Now for the BIG ISSUE for me, although its likely many diners won't concur. There are NO STRAWS here and there haven't been for years. I suspect it's not a "Save the Environment" issue because the takeout containers are Styrofoam and the bags are plastic. I'm OK w/ no plastic straws, but there are no paper straws as well. As someone w/ an annoying space between two molars, I count on a straw to save me from the dreaded remnants of stuck food. I really really wanted a straw. I'm still bumming about the dearth of straws:)
Now for the interior. This restaurant has three rooms, w/ a bar in one. The decor is dark and dated (see pic), although there are expensive pieces of art on some walls.
Our service by young server "N" was very good. She was working on her birthday. We appreciated her friendliness, knowledge of the menu, and attentiveness.
There are Craft beers available, as well as wine and sangria. The DRINK SPECIALS are: WINE Tuesday ($5), Craft, Domestic, & Imported BEER Wednesday ($3.50 & $5.00), and SANGRIA Thursday ($4). HAPPY HOUR is 11 AM to 6 PM Monday thru Friday & 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday. House Wine is $5 & Draft BEER is $5.50.
Will I return? Yes, if I'm a guest and not paying for my own food. Otherwise, I'll spend wisely at one of the many excellent restaurants in Tampa. Gino's, I REALLY wanted to love local you like Boston loved Cheers-- you've lasted 33 years! Please return to the excellent food so many patrons loved. Then it will be an honor to return-- even without the straws. (I'll pack my own:)