Gio's Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar

Over the years Gio's has transformed itself from a sit down Pizzeria to an upscale Italian restaurant with numerous face-lifts and decor changes. They are now known as a Martini Bar, they do make some great cocktails, and they have a nice small bar area which is perfect for while your waiting, but don't be fooled, they still do the basics justice and the price hasn't gone as upscale as the surroundings. 

They've always had some of the best Pizza around, and that's still true today. They use an Italian thin crust recipe that will keep you coming back time and time again. The menu has changed but they will generally accommodate your order to your liking. Below is their delicious cheese pizza substituted with their house "La Vodka" sauce instead, which used to be a menu item but they have no problem making. No need to add Parmesan now, just a little crushed red pepper and we're good to go! They're house marinara is equally amazing and good on everything from their pasta to their pizza and great for dipping, I seem to always end up with a side of sauce when I'm there.

They also have a revolving soup list with a different soup made fresh for every day they're open (Monday: Cream of Tomato Basil, Tuesday: Focaccia Onion, Wednesday: Tortolini in Brodo, Thursday: Pasta Fagioli, Friday: Shrimp Bisque, Saturday: Potato Leek) I am personally a huge fan of the Focaccia Onion (Essentially an Italian "French Onion Soup", but with focaccia bread and Italian seasonings) and their Shrimp Bisque, very rich and creamy with chunks of fresh shrimp. But don't stop at their soups, they have a great list of appetizers and salads. And besides their pizza they have great entrees like hand rolled lobster ravioli and some of the best chicken Marsala in town. And of course any of their Parmigiana's will win you over, made with their delicious marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella, you can't go wrong. I'm not a vegetarian but I'll eat their Eggplant any day of the week!

I definitely recommend you give Gio's a try, if not just to give their Fabulous pizza a try, to give some of their classics a go, with flavors and quality that will blow many of the local big chain restaurant's out of the water!

Restaurant Info:

Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar Website
Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar Facebook Page
Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar Foursquare Page

Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar
4805 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, FL 34210

Phone #  (941) 792-3388

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: Noon – 9:00pm
Friday: Noon – 10:00pm
Saturday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Closed Sunday

Menu:

 

Eleni's Pizza Works

What can I say about Eleni's? How about great food, very reasonable prices and combo platters for a start! Eleni's is a Greek inspired restaurant that features excellent pizza, pasta, gyros, wraps, grinders & subs. You can view our full menu below at the end of the article. They've also spent some time updating their interior with stunning wall art.

There's really no one else to even get a Gyro from around here, but after having Eleni's, you won't want to look anywhere else anyway. A fabulous house made Tzatziki sauce makes everything blend and the meat is carved fresh off the spit just for your gyro! Your choice of steak, chicken, or classic as well. Get your Gyro as an platter for just $8, comes with fries and a Greek salad ,also with house made Greek Dressing, it's enough to fill you up and not empty your wallet doing so!

All their burgers use Angus beef, so you know you're heading in the right direction with one of these, but next they use fresh baked ciabatta style / greek rolls and top it off with all sorts of tasty goodness. Below is a simple Bacon Cheeseburger, just pic your cheese and get ready to be satisfied.

They also have tons of pizza loaded with toppings. Their crust is mixture between thin and NY Style but it definitely works. As they put it, you're lucky we don't charge by the pound! They aren't lying, they pile on those toppings in a big way, I walked out with all 5 pounds of my small meat lovers one time. Very satisfied, no complaints! 

Go give Eleni's a try, great Greek Inspired food in a good atmosphere, with an affordable menu. (See prices on menu below)

Restaurant Info:

Eleni's Pizza Works Website
Eleni's Pizza Works Facebook Page
Eleni's Pizza Works Foursquare Page

Eleni's Pizza Works
6711 15th street east
Bradenton, FL 34243

Phone # (941) 758-8700

Menu:

   

Caragiulos Italian-American Restaurant

If you want NY Style Pizza in a real NY Style Pizzeria environment this is your place! The first time I walked in I felt like I was back in New York grabbing a slice. Truly an Italian American Restaurant with all the great classics on the menu! To start off, how about some of the best focaccia bread you may ever taste, freshly baked and served hot with their choice aged balsamic and olive oil for dipping.

Then, there's only a few good places to get really good calamari and this is one of them! These are not some of those frozen rings that other establishments serve, these are freshly caught, prepared in a light breading, fried to perfection and served alongside fried zucchini, delicious! Comes with a spicy/robust marina and an anchovy mayo for dipping. Try the mayo, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Now you can never go wrong with a Margherita Pizza, fresh basil, tomato and great mozzarella. They have a true NY Style Crust baked to perfection with their house marina and homemade mozzarella, and always with the freshest toppings, absolutely delicious!

And the sauce just doesn't make the pizza, you can go sauce-less and still be extremely satisfied with their bianca (white) pizza. A menu item of theirs named the Bella Bionda is loaded with aroma tomatoes, arugula, and pancetta. Essentially an Italian BLT Pizza! And they don't make the mistake some other restaurants make by cooking the lettuce in with the pizza, it's fresh and crispy served right on top with a mixture of light olive oil. But of course you can make your own pizza to your liking with nearly any topping, always fresh!

Like any good Italian restaurant, calzones! Their amazing pizza dough wrapped around fresh homemade mozzarella and ricotta cheese with whatever toppings you like! Served with their delicious house marinara.

If you have never been to Caragiulos I wouldn't miss out on this authentic NY Style Italian American Restaurant, in operation since 1989. You'll know why "At Caragiulos, the food speaks for itself."

Restaurant Info:

Caragiulos Website
Caragiulos Facebook Page
Caragiulos Foursquare Page

Caragiulos Italian-American Restaurant
69 South Palm Avenue
Sarasota Florida  

Phone # (941) 951-0866

Menu:

Fresh Start Cafe

One thing I wasn't expecting walking through the door of a cafe/bakery was that I was about to have THE best bowl  of chili I think I have ever had! Seasoned well, not overly spicy, and garnished with Fresh Jalapenos and a little sour creme to combat the heat. And some freshly baked loaf to help you take down that chili.

This is named the Fresh Mozzarella and it doesn't disappoint. I ordered mine with the optional Prosciutto and it is well worth it, the freshest mozza with roasted red pepper and sun dried tomatoes in a Ciabatta Bun with a Basil Spread! An instant classic for me, and I hope for you too! 

Now here's an updated take on a simple egg salad sandwich. I've never seen a croissant-hoagie before but I'm glad they made it, it works wonders for this sandwich. Crispy, crunchy, and soft on the inside. And now loaded with fabulous flavors! 

Here's a snap of their current menu, which has all prices listed too. But they do custom menu's as well from time to time, depending on current events. This week it was the annual street chalk event, so in addition to their normal menu on the left they had special chalk festival creations with some kids in mind for sure. And hey, don't knock the green eggs n' ham! Your kid will thank you.

The most important part about this location is the fresh bakery, they make some amazing creatings and classics. Miss those NY Bagels, well look no further than this bakery where they get prepped bagels strait from the Bronx and bake them golden brown right here in their own ovens! Everything is always fresh and delicious.

Fresh Start is a must go cafe with much to offer!

Restaurant Info:

Fresh Start Website

Fresh Start Facebook

Fresh Start Foursquare Page

Fresh Start Cafe

(Located in the Burns Court District)

630 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236 

Phone # (941) 373-1242

Rotten Ralph's (Mainland)

If you didn't know, Rotten Ralph's has re-opened in a new location (5942 34th St W, Bradenton, FL 34210) it's now way more convenient (Especially if you don't live on Anna Maria Island) and right across from State College of Florida so you know this bar is going to get some use, but when you show up during the day it's nice and peaceful, you can enjoy a meal without any inconvenience.

First off (If you haven't already) you must try the Escargot, it's called World Famous for a reason! You just can't beat snails, cheese, and a good Crostini! And they do it right!

Second, the classics are always good, and if it's fried, it's even better! A simple basket of popcorn shrimp and fries cooked to perfection can do no wrong. This picture may not do it justice but your taste-buds will rejoice when you polish this off in a hurry. 

And for those who like Sea Conch, there's a basket for you too. Conch Fritters prepared in a spicy batter and deep fried golden brown, served with the best fries around. You can't go wrong.

Speaking of classics, they also do an endless Fish 'N Chips platter made with fresh Haddock that will make any Brit homesick for England, plenty of Malt Vinegar to go around! And their Clam Chowder is some of the best being served in town (Since Leverocks went out of business years ago). 

I definitely recommend you you give Ralph's a try! It may not be considered good for you, but it is that good!

Restaurant Info:

Rotten Ralph's Website

Rotten Ralph's Facebook Page

Rotten Ralph's Foursquare Page

El Conquistador Plaza 

(34th St W & 60th Ave W)

5942 34th St W
Bradenton, FL 34210

Phone # (941) 778-1604

Menu:

Flying Dog Cafe

On the Northern outskirts of the Sarasota Airport lies a cafe unlike no other. They have big sandwiches, a big bar, and live entertainment on select days, not your typical sandwich shop! Their signature sandwich, a Boars Head Grilled Reuben is a picture worth a thousand words! Comes with your choice of side or soup (even Wisconsin Cheese). And in the rare chance that you're not satisfied, as advertised: "All of our sandwiches come with a money back guarantee! If you're not satisfied neither are we..." So there's no risk not to stop by, hang out, and get some really good sandwiches. 

Flying Dog, After Dark..

If you decide to stick around after the sun goes down you will be treated to live entertainment. And a fully stocked bar with some good local brews on tap. Definitely not something to ignore on a weekend night!

Or if the night's been long and you prefer to get take out, you'll get the same great food, prepared and packed to go, with the same care to attention as if you were eating there. I have NEVER had a bad meal or experience from this place takeout or in house! (Below is the Chicken Caesar Sandwich which you can order on any bread they have, and their always delicious potato salad.)

My personal favorite is the Jackson, a mile high of prosciutto (Literally a 1/2 lbs), provolone cheese, and stacked on roasted red peppers with fresh olive oil and spices, in between a crispy fresh baked ciabatta bun (or bun of your choice). And of course the potato salad. Wish it was still cheesy, but this classic version is just as good! And delicious!

I would guess not many people know this is a sandwich shop, let a long a fully functioning beer hall with live entertainment. It's not like you need me to egg you on any further, go, have some great food, great beer, and a great time! "Guaranteed Good"

Restaurant Info:

Flying Dog Cafe Facebook Page
Flying Dog Cafe Foursquare Page

Flying Dog Cafe
500 Tallevast Road
Sarasota, FL 34243

Phone # (941) 359-9788

Carr's Corner Cafe

This is a cafe where you should pay attention to the specials board, they change daily and are fantastic! With a fresh soup and quiche made from scratch to start things off! Here's some examples of what you'll get. How about a Turkey BLT made with Gouda,  Apple-wood smoked bacon, fresh spinach/lettuce, and heirloom tomatoes.

Or a wrapped Philly Cheese Steak! Made with a fresh Spinach Tortilla and a cheese of your choosing, it's all that Philly goodness with no mess, and less carbs.  

But even if you don't go for that sort of thing their standard menu has some pretty strong contenders. How about a grill cheese, you can make it the american way or step it up with 2 cheeses, bacon, tomato and your choice of fresh breads!

Maybe a Turkey Sandwich on Rye, with select cheeses and fresh vegetables.

And quite possibly the best Reuben in town, perfection in a sandwich on toasted marble rye! Expertly cooked corn beef surrounded by a homemade dressing and sauerkraut so good you will not know how you missed this place!

If you can't tell, I highly recommend Carr's, they have a constantly updating specials board with fresh ingredients and their regular items are never dull! Enjoy!

Restaurant Info:

Carr's Corner Cafe Facebook Page

Carr's Corner Cafe Foursquare Page

Carr's Corner Cafe

3025 N Tamiami Trl 

(US41 & Patterson Dr)

Sarasota, FL 34234 

Phone # (941) 355-4051

Menu: