Apollo's Bistro

A friend and I stopped in for lunch today after a lovely visit to the manatee viewing. It’s inside the racquet club facility, so dress was very casual. A woman seated us, then proceeded to tell us she was the waitress as well, I’m not sure if she’s always alone or understaffed, today. The restaurant should have a backup to help as needed, but I digress. We ordered two appetizers, loaded homemade chips which were tasty but the toppings were sparse or all on a few leaving numerous empty chips. We then had artichoke heart cakes which were interesting w/ spinach, cheese and bacon, also tasty. I wish there was a little texture as it was all one note, soft. I ordered the onion soup as my lunch entree as I absolutely love and friend had Caesar salad. They both were fine, my soup had a decent ratio of broth/cheese/bread but lacked the deep beefy broth, veal stock and sherry flavor profiles. Would I rush there, no.

I’m glad I’m not the only who wasn’t greeted when I entered. I walked into this establishment twice in the same week. I needed to burn some time while my kids were in class next door. On Tuesday I walked in, not knowing there were any hostess. The nice bartender asked was I sitting. “I said I’d come back.” So, I returned Thursday the same week. I walked in as I did on Tuesday, no hello, just are you eating here, by the bartender? This time I said “sure” I sat close to the bar, as I didn’t need a large table. I wanted a drink and appetizer. Unbeknownst to me the two ladies (the same two ladies that were sitting in the same spot on Tuesday were the hostesses), I only found that out because the BOTH jumped up to greet another woman who entered. They also greeted others who came in while I was there. The bartender took my orders and brought out my food. . The food was pretty decent (crab cakes), however customer service is a big factor and I wasn’t shown much. Also, to note there was only one other person there when I entered.

If you're looking for a cozy neighborhood spot with great vibes, fantastic service, and delicious food, this is the place to be. Whether you're stopping by for a casual bite or a night out, this restaurant has something to offer everyone. First off, the service is top-notch. The bartenders and servers are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in, which really adds to the overall experience. It's clear that they care about making your time there enjoyable. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food and service you're getting. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.