This is a solid bar!
The drinks are well made, no waffling and questioning about classic cocktails. Â In other words, the bartenders don't embarrass themselves and they know their business Â
The food is great and just as solid.
The service is speedy, efficient and frequent. Â Your waitress will glide in on the wind, replace your ashtray, take your empty glass and take your order then leave on the same breeze she flew in on. Â
The patio and the indoors are a contradiction. Â Inside is a traditional bar. Â Outside is a semi-caribbean patio. Â Ignore the contrast and just enjoy whichever you're in the mood for. Â I'm told that it gets a bit more jumping at night. Â I've only been there for early evening drinks. Â It would be interesting to see if the service holds up at night. Â Anyway, whoever manages that place knows exactly what they're doing.
Gecko is one of those places you take a date after dinner to have a night cap. Â The inside is nice and welcoming. Â The patio is nice albeit a little crowded (tables to close together). Â Yes this used to be a smoking bar but seriously you cannot smell it. Â If you can't walk past the smokers on the patio you need to just go live in a bubble (and I don't even smoke). Â The food is great but its not someplace you will sit down and tuck into a full blown dinner. Â The service is very quick, do yourself a favor have the seafood nachos they are the bomb. Â If you go with your friends I highly suggest drinking then playing the "Ring" game it's too much fun. Â Only down side is if someone is trying to play darts you are going to be in each others way. Â Aside from that a good all-around drinking/snacking establishment.
Review Source:I'm going to assume this place did not get its name by exhibiting characteristics of a gecko in that it easily blends in with the scenery and you could very well drive past it to some other establishment because you never figured out where it was. I'm also going to assume that type of camouflage applies to geckos and I'm not getting them confused with chameleons because if that's the case, then this analogy went nowhere and we're already starting off on the wrong foot. No matter - Cafe Gecko has been around for years and it isn't hard to see why.
A group of us went here for a happy hour/farewell celebration/excuse to drink one night after work and being that it was in December, we opted to sit inside and not out on the cramped patio where we would possibly run the risk of freezing to death. The inside is pretty basic: it's a bar, there are tables, near the bathrooms are darts and some funky game where you try to let a hook on a string swing out and get caught on a stationary hook on the wall - if I didn't do a good enough job explaining that last game it's because I'm not sure I understood the rules and plus you run the risk of taking out unsuspecting patrons as they wander into the bathrooms to relieve themselves. So I guess come for the food and drinks and ditch the games unless you are the World Champion String Hook Swinger. And if that's the case, why are you reading this instead of being on the World Tour of String Hook Swingers playing other professionals for top dollar and bragging rights?
There's a few booths inside but mostly high tables and a few low ones, aside from the bar area which is deeper than you might initially realize. We pushed two high tops together and proceeded to down appetizer after appetizer. The chicken nachos were average which is not necessarily a bad thing. But when you stack them next to seafood nachos that demand to be feasted upon, you kind of discover they're just there to take up valuable space in your stomach that can better be used for other items. Such as jalapeno poppers. My mind is a little foggy from that night but I'm pretty sure I ate somewhere in the neighborhood of 11,000 of those things. They're the perfect balance of "hot" temperature and "hot" spicy. And they went very well with the Heinekens I was downing.
Which brings us to the one problem area here: service could be stepped up a bit. For a Wednesday night, the place wasn't bursting at the seams but it wasn't empty, either. And, at least to my eyes, it looked like the servers all helped each other out via a "pool" system and they all wait on the tables equally. This works to an extent but when two of your four floorstaff are able to accomplish more by holding up the wall than by making sure drinks are always stocked on the tables, you may need to rethink the approach. Oddly enough, when our boss ordered rounds of shots, those came out pretty quickly. I guess if you order in large quantities, they arrive faster. So buy in bulk and pretend you're at Costco.
And then there's the smoking factor. Smoking doesn't really bother me - I don't do it because I figure I'm killing myself fast enough as is, but even with four smokers at our table, it never overwhelmed me in here. I don't know if it's due to a superior ventilation system or the fact that I was too distracted staving off the drunken advances of one of my inebriated coworkers, but the smoke was never too much to deal with. But if you're leery of that, you definitely may want to take that into consideration before choosing to eat/drink here.
The interesting thing is that this place is literally across the street from a number of other Addison haunts for drinking - Flying Saucer, Social House, Ninth Circle of Hell- sorry, I meant Sherlock's, etc. And every one of those places pulls in stupidly large numbers of crowds while it seems like Cafe Gecko skates on by from the locals who "are in the know" and aren't concerned with trendy nonsense or cougars desperate for a sense of purpose.
Yeah, the smoke may be a factor and the fact that this location does not have pizza(!) means you'll have to brave the horrors of Austin Ranch(!!!) for your pizza fix, but hey, it could always be worse. Their pizza really is amazing but I'm giving the edge to this location because of, well, its location.
Blackened fish sandwich!
When I'm up at midnight craving something NOT McDonald's, I want to hug this place for existing. Most of what I've tried here has been pretty good, but that grouper sandwich outshines'em all (and crispy waffle fries, om nom nom). Portions are great, prices are tolerable, service is good.
I am a non-smoker, so of course I find the smoke obnoxious. My boyfriend smokes and enjoys not having to leave the building to light up after his dinner. To each their own! Just, y'know... bring along a gas mask, maybe. For your lungs' sake.
HALF-PRICED APPETIZERS AFTER 11PM MY GOODNESS WHY ARE YOU NOT DRIVING THERE NOW?
Oh, and the regulars seem fun, and very... regular! I've seen some of the same patrons there literally every time I've gone. But hey, if it ain't broke!
Hubby and I went here this past Friday after reading some Yelp reviews...We both ordered the sour cream chicken enchilada and chicken wings for appetizers. Â Our waitress was very nice and attentive, but the SMOKE. Â Omg...I felt my sinuses getting more and more clogged up as the evening went on. Â
Overall the enchiladas were decent. Â I really was not impressed-they needed more "sauce" or something on them. Â
If you are a smoker this would be the place for you. Â We are not and therefore will not be returning. Â My clothes and hair reeked after just an hour of being in this place and I was congested for the rest of the evening. Â Hardly worth it.
Great local dive to hang out at, but it is one of the places where they allow smoking. Â
If you are in the mood for some bar food, this is the place for you.
Their sour cream enchiladas are amazing.
Wings are good, and the celeries that come with it are crispy and fresh.
Queso is one of the better ones I've had at any restaurants.
Prices are reasonable too.
I love it!
I love it! I expected a cafe, sandwiches, tea... WRONG! haha, it's a cozy, wonderful, friendly little pub. Nothing fancy, but it feels homey and intimate in a casual, no pressure atmosphere. I almost feel bad for exposing this lovely little place because it seems like a sweet little Addison secret meant to be treasured by locals but enjoyed by anyone who stumbles upon it. They do have food but we didn't partake that night even though the menu sounded pretty tasty for bar food. It was a tad smoky but that's my only complaint.
Review Source:This place rocks. The service is always friendly with all smiles! Â The food is very good and the the FULL MENU is offered till 2AM! Â
Things you have to eat when visiting:
Queso. It's damn good.
Sour cream enchiladas. My Fav! It has a little  more cheese than I like tho.
Spicy shrimp tacos. Wow.
Coconut ice cream and brownie. Nuff said.
Key lime pie. Made here.
This is a great pre-party place or hang out. Â The patio allows dogs and if you are hungry after the gym, come sit on the patio! Â Been here quite a bit now and def like it.
4 Stars based on my overall experiences there.
3 stars from Tuesday lunch.
Got the jerk fish and fries basket. It was good but there are so many better choices (I really like Gecko's food) so I came away disappointed. We got the queso before our meal and that stuff is good!
It's finally nice so we sat outside - I'm not a smoker so I'd rather sit outside anyway. I wish the set up was a little better (and nicer actually) but I'm not really complaining as its a bar. Our waitress was great - friendly and fast and the food prices are very reasonable.
Will be back and (based on past experiences) will be giving them 4 stars next time.
Word of advice - Get the crab claws if you ever see them on the chalk board!!
We love this place for it's strong drinks, and food. The not so great service is kind of that mindset of I know everyone who's in here already, so if I don't know you, be glad you're here and just order. Â Except for one time we came on a weekday there was this really cool chick that was a diver, and my husband's a diver so they really hit it off. Â haha. Â
Minus the smoke this is a great place. We always get the seafood nachos, jerk fish, everything is just great here. GREAT salsa..
The three star rating is because it averages out that way.
Five stars:
1. Â The food. Â Really, really good--how do they make a fish sandwich taste so good? I have no idea, but loved it. My husband also loved his enchiladas.
2. Â The service. So efficient, and over-the-top friendly. Â They all act like they really love working at Gecko.
Three Stars:
1. Â The queso. Everyone raved about it, so that's why we got it. It was good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Two stars:
1. The bar atmosphere=smoke. It was too hot to eat out on the patio, and it seemed like most everyone inside was smoking. Also, very dark inside.
One star:
1. The margaritas. Everyone raved about their happy hour prices, however if you're not drinking beer, their happy hour is nothing to make a special trip for--only 50 cents off their regular prices. On top of that, I couldn't taste any alcohol in my frozen margarita.
Food - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3/5
Atmosphere - 4/5
Best Dish: Stuffed Jalapenos
What a great surprise! My friend called me up and asked me to hang out with her at Cafe Gecko and I thought it was going to be some quiet coffee shop. So when I got there and I see that beer was being served, I smelled fried foods cooking in the back, and I heard music being played... it put a smile on my face. To top that off, the Stuffed Jalapenos which are stuffed with not only cheese but chicken as well were downright delicious. Enjoy!
Sour Cream Nacho are a must have for any Nacho lover!
The patio is a great place for a date. Â The interior of the spot is way too loud though. The food is what you would come to expect from a bar, but the incessant smoking is less than ideal for a dinner date.
I only go here for the Sour Cream chicken nachos... They are to die for!
My friend brought me to this place for lunch one day. Â What a deal! I don't generally like the though of seafood tacos, but here the shrimp tacos are amazing! The come with a great honey mustard (or maybe you have to ask for it) Â It was very well priced as well, something like $5.95 or $6.95 for three tacos rice and some kickin' beans. Â I take everyone there now.
Review Source:There isn't really anything I dislike about Cafe Gecko.
Their happy hour prices are amazing, the draft beer is less than $2 a glass, and don't be fooled by those glasses that look little, they are 12 oz. Â They only have two things on draft though, Budwiser and Miller Light.
The servers have always been great and they somehow remember what I drink when I stop in for Happy Hour even though I don't go there frequently. Â I have friends that are regulars though, maybe that is why.
I love their queso- it is like crack and I have to stop myself from eating the entire bowl. Â YUM!
They have a small patio that allows dogs too, always a bonus.
I cant really comment on the food as I havent had a full meal here, but I have had some of the finger foods and appts. They were really good.. I had some crazy shrimp thing and it was really good. Sorry I dont know the name of it.. But regardless it hard to miss on the menu. But the service was good, the people were nice and its been here for ages, so they must be doing something right. Even the people visiting this place were really nice and laid back. I had a good time, just drinking and talking to my company. So if you are looking for a good place to relax and have a good time and have a good cold drink. I think this place is your spot.. Ill save you a seat!
Review Source:Not a whole lot I can chime in on that hasn't already been said. In the spring and summer this is probably one of the best patios in Addison to plant your happy self and enjoy some cheap beers or some well-poured (stronger than average) drinks along with some quality queso. It definitely beats going to Addison Circle and watching the physically active folks get in a workout while you cram your fat hole.
I started coming to Cafe Gecko when my beloved Industry Bar closed down for renovations and I am thrilled that I did. The people are great, the staff made me feel like a regular on my first visit (since I've added on quite a bit more visits I feel even more at home), and it's a solid spot for people watching. Â
The only reason I would ever say I prefer the Austin Ranch Gecko to this one is the fact that the Austin Ranch location has a little game called 'washer on a string.' -- If Beltline has this now, game over, they win for life.
I can't wait for the weather to warm back up (aren't we on a 3 day cold snap?) so I can resume patio living as it was always meant to be. . .half drunk with a stomach full of cheese.
Okay. I know I like Gecko for it's late night kitchen but last night, I had the veggie burger that changed my life. Seriously. Their veggie burger is crispy and so well seasoned that it's absolutely ridiculous. Â Pair that with their waffle fries and it's late night heaven. D and I were so satisfied that we decided that their queso and a burger is more than enough for the both of us. Oh and it's so ridiculously close to me. How can I not love that?
Review Source:I use to live us this way and this was my go-to place... for QUESO! Â Yes, the queso is the best in Dallas. Â Hands down, there is no arguing about it. Â I thought that everybody should know. Â My wife makes me drive her up this way every so often just to get queso. Â It's that good. Â We'll even bring the kids and sit on the patio if it's during the day. Â
After frequenting it for a while I can tell you that the bar has a lot of regulars. Â I know a few of them now. Â They are always there... Friday happy hour, Wednesday night, Sunday afternoon. Â You'll find them at the bar, far left. Â
It's a great neighborhood bar, great atmosphere, and great service. Â I love it.
And the queso!!!
I've only gotten a chance to stop by once but the food and service was great. My friend who went with me is a veggetarian so there weren't many options for her but she went with the veggie burger and loved it. I got the cajun chicken pasta and man was it good. It was spicy chicken, served really warm with spiral pasta on top of a bed of cold lettuce. We also shared the queso and chips which was ok. Our drinks were always refilled and we never felt rushed or anything so we ended up staying for a couple of hours just chatting on the patio. It was interesting to see the transition from the 5ish o'clock crowd to the late 8ish comers. It started to get loud and I noticed there was a lot more men. Don't get too excited though ladies it seemed like most of them were older and married. I do need to come back and try these sour cream chicken quesadillas though!
Review Source:The menu is very diverse but everything I've eaten here has been really good. Back in my Fox and Hound days, my old roommate and I made it a tradition if we left work at the same time to stop at the Austin Ranch location and pick up queso and pasta salad to split. They're my staples to this day at this place.
They have great lunch menu prices too, and the service is always top par. My friend Alysa probably still bartends here, and she's one of the best in the industry by far. I give you my word that you'll get a good drink if she's working.
Gecko's is the perfect meeting place for me and my friends to kick off a night of, well.......inebriation. Â We usually head out in Addison, so it's a perfect starting point. Fantastic food, chill atmosphere and good music. Â We'll meet there, have a few cocktails and some food - Â one of my fave's the sour cream chicken nachos. Â They rock some serious flavor skills. Â The staff is so friendly, you feel like you've walked in to an old friends place. Â It can get a little louder later on during the night, but I like it both ways.
Review Source:I know one of the bartenders as she is dating one of my best pals Scotty. I mentioned to here that this is a place where the hardcore, seasoned drinkers come to drink. It a fun place to people watch and to come with groups of people. It has a small patio, booths, a few high tops and the bar. The only thing I didn't like was the chair at the bar itself sat low, guess it's to keep the drunks in line.
by the way the place is called Cafe Gecko, not Gecko Cafe.
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