Restaurants I have been to recently in TV

[JSR22]

I have been to a number of restaurants since they have reopened. The places I have gone to I felt completely safe. One use menus, distance between tables, masked employees.
I have been to Chop House, BlueFin, Lopez Legacy and Sammy's. Lopez has been doing BOGO entree's with the purchase of 2 beverages. Chop House and BlueFin have delicious specials. I had dinner Sammy's last week and hat the best shrimp scampi I have ever eaten. Returning this week to have the scampi. The restaurants still have pickup and some have delivery.
We need to support are local businesses.
Feels great to be out again.

[raynan]

We went to Fiesta Grande and we felt very safe also. Tables spaced out with every other one x'd out, one time menus, waiters masked, hostess outside masked and gloved to handle door and to seat you, sterilization between seatings of table and seats. The food was excellent and it was so good to get out and not cook.

[Stu from NYC]

Until social distancing is over we feel safer by doing takeout, typically food we can reheat in a microwave or oven.

[John_W]

Went to Outback yesterday at lunchtime, and sat in the bar area and ordered the lunch Sirloin 6 oz for $12.99 with baked potato and salad with their own tangy tomato dressing, it's fantastic. It was just like normal times, there had a limited paper menu which was a mix of lunch and dinner items. The pumpernickel bread loaf is fantastic.

Also been to Giovannis at Southern Trace week before last at lunchtime and ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce, salad with house dressing and bread for $6.95. Prices are unreal and food was as good as usual, Every booth was filled and other than not having people waiting at the door to be seated, it was fairly normal.

Went to Olive Garden last week at lunchtime they had a limited paper menu and I ordered the Lasagna Classico at lunch for $9.99 with salad and bread. It was just as good as before, I always considered their lasagna almost tastes like candy, it's the best. Place was only about a 1/3 full and the bar area was closed.

Went to Fiesta Grande three weeks ago at lunchtime. We both ordered #6, that's a soft taco (beef or chicken) with rice and beans for $7.25. Tasted as great as ever and they have the biggest Cokes in town, 32 oz classes (we drink Diet Coke). Place was kind of empty.

We to Roberto's at Pinellas Plaza last week, (Giovanni's brother), ordered a medium pizza at lunchtime. Place was fairly empty, a lot of tables were missing. The booths they seating every other one, and only 3 parties were in the booth room. and about three groups were eating outside. The pizza was just like normal, very messy, I call it NY style since it's foldable. I think it was $10.99 plus a dollar for each topping, we only get green peppers.

Ate at McAlister's Deli at Brownwood two weeks ago at lunch time. I ordered my usual French Dip sandiwch with cucumber mix on the side and pickel, it's about $9. The place was almost empty at lunchtime, nothing like the normal times. The sandwich was good as usual.

Went to Miller's Ale House three weeks ago at lunchtime. Place was fairly crowded, we didn't wait at 11:30 but when we left they were waiting at the door. They had the tables and booths groups spread out. They have a limited menu on paper. I had the Philly Cheese Steak, if I remember correctly, it was just OK, I've had hamburger there before which was the best I had ever eaten, should stayed with that.

Went to Johnny Rockets last week for lunch. I wasn't a fan for a long time until a couple of years ago I discovered their Philly Cheese Steak. It's the best I've ever had, the bread is so fresh and I normally don't like cheese on burger or sub, but it's a Great sandwich with cheese!! My wife has an appointment today at LSL, so I think we're going again.

We haven't made any special trips just to go out and eat. We only stop for lunch when we have an appointment somewhere, just seems like we have so many places to be.

[PugMom]

Went to Outback yesterday at lunchtime, and sat in the bar area and ordered the lunch Sirloin 6 oz for $12.99 with baked potato and salad with their own tangy tomato dressing, it's fantastic. It was just like normal times, there had a limited paper menu which was a mix of lunch and dinner items. The pumpernickel bread loaf is fantastic.

Also been to Giovannis at Southern Trace week before last at lunchtime and ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce, salad with house dressing and bread for $6.95. Prices are unreal and food was as good as usual, Every booth was filled and other than not having people waiting at the door to be seated, it was fairly normal.

Went to Olive Garden last week at lunchtime they had a limited paper menu and I ordered the Lasagna Classico at lunch for $9.99 with salad and bread. It was just as good as before, I always considered their lasagna almost tastes like candy, it's the best. Place was only about a 1/3 full and the bar area was closed.

Went to Fiesta Grande three weeks ago at lunchtime. We both ordered #6, that's a soft taco (beef or chicken) with rice and beans for $7.25. Tasted as great as ever and they have the biggest Cokes in town, 32 oz classes (we drink Diet Coke). Place was kind of empty.

We to Roberto's at Pinellas Plaza last week, (Giovanni's brother), ordered a medium pizza at lunchtime. Place was fairly empty, a lot of tables were missing. The booths they seating every other one, and only 3 parties were in the booth room. and about three groups were eating outside. The pizza was just like normal, very messy, I call it NY style since it's foldable. I think it was $10.99 plus a dollar for each topping, we only get green peppers.

Ate at McAlister's Deli at Brownwood two weeks ago at lunch time. I ordered my usual French Dip sandiwch with cucumber mix on the side and pickel, it's about $9. The place was almost empty at lunchtime, nothing like the normal times. The sandwich was good as usual.

Went to Miller's Ale House three weeks ago at lunchtime. Place was fairly crowded, we didn't wait at 11:30 but when we left they were waiting at the door. They had the tables and booths groups spread out. They have a limited menu on paper. I had the Philly Cheese Steak, if I remember correctly, it was just OK, I've had hamburger there before which was the best I had ever eaten, should stayed with that.

Went to Johnny Rockets last week for lunch. I wasn't a fan for a long time until a couple of years ago I discovered their Philly Cheese Steak. It's the best I've ever had, the bread is so fresh and I normally don't like cheese on burger or sub, but it's a Great sandwich with cheese!! My wife has an appointment today at LSL, so I think we're going again.

We haven't made any special trips just to go out and eat. We only stop for lunch when we have an appointment somewhere, just seems like we have so many places to be.

this thread is making me hungry. am now seriously thinking about that Outback special :icon_wink:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’ve been to bone fish 3 times and bluefin 4 and chops once . I’ve felt safer there then at Publix . One tip though , because of people from who knows where coming into use barrooms I put mask on as I enter bathroom .Also I’m always an over tipper but I’m leaving at least $ 50 for 2 people until stimulus money is gone( and yes it gave some money to charity lol)

[JoMar]

I’ve been to bone fish 3 times and bluefin 4 and chops once . I’ve felt safer there then at Publix . One tip though , because of people from who knows where coming into use barrooms I put mask on as I enter bathroom .Also I’m always an over tipper but I’m leaving at least $ 50 for 2 people until stimulus money is gone( and yes it gave some money to charity lol)

Good for you......our minimum tip is now 35%....they need our help.

[Joanne19335]

Went to Johnny Rockets last week for lunch. I wasn't a fan for a long time until a couple of years ago I discovered their Philly Cheese Steak. It's the best I've ever had....


Obviously, you have never been to Pat’s Steaks in Philly.

[Viperguy]

Still eating at home mostly. Better food and value. This virus isn't gone if you look at the FL numbers. Be careful out there.

[sdeikenberry]

Here's the thing...you may "feel" safe inside a restaurant, but that doesn't mean you ARE safe. Air flow patterns can bring COVID across your table from several tables away...just sayin'. The best method is to eat outside only, or better yet, get take out.

[Stu from NYC]

Here's the thing...you may "feel" safe inside a restaurant, but that doesn't mean you ARE safe. Air flow patterns can bring COVID across your table from several tables away...just sayin'. The best method is to eat outside only, or better yet, get take out.

Agreed and that is why we are still doing takeout only.

[martynpat]

I have been to a number of restaurants since they have reopened. The places I have gone to I felt completely safe. One use menus, distance between tables, masked employees.
I have been to Chop House, BlueFin, Lopez Legacy and Sammy's. Lopez has been doing BOGO entree's with the purchase of 2 beverages. Chop House and BlueFin have delicious specials. I had dinner Sammy's last week and hat the best shrimp scampi I have ever eaten. Returning this week to have the scampi. The restaurants still have pickup and some have delivery.
We need to support are local businesses.
Feels great to be out again.
World of Beer is also open and following safety guides and their food is excellent.

[Chatbrat]

Noticed a lot of younger guests in TV this week, if they are visiting people in Tv and they come from high Covid zones, how do we know they're not carrying the virus

We are still staying out of any and all restaurants, unless you've noticed--Florida is currently experiencing a spike in Covid cases

Its your choice, be safe

[Rich42]

Grocery store and restaurant prices are bordering on usury!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We went to breakfast at IHOP on 466 a few weeks ago. The service was terrible and the food was not good.

Every other booth and table was empty. As we were being seated at a table we asked if we could have a booth as I saw a few empty. We were told that we couldn't because it wasn't sanitized and they had a tree step process before anyone could sit there. A party came in a few minutes after us and waitress wiped down that booth in about five seconds and sat them there. They and another group that came in got their food before us. Our food was cold and not very well prepared.

But worse than all this was a 95 year old guy sitting in the corner coughing over and over. He was obviously in some kind of distress and the servers tried to help out by bringing him water.

They had separate entrances and exits but few people paid attention and the staff did nothing.

When the 95 year old was exiting, his companion brought him within a foot of our table. She looked at me and said, "He's 95 and has a lot of problems." Now that is not the fault of the restaurant, but you would think that someone taking care of a 95 year old with problems that causes him to cough would refrain from bringing him into public places, especially, a restaurant.

After that, my wife refuses to go out to eat.

[La lamy]

Glad to hear about all the safety features that are implemented at restaurants, but my primary concern would be how the chef is being safe. Are they wearing masks? Somehow I doubt it since it's usually so hot in a kitchen. Don't want to instill paranoia in people who feel safe eating out, but restaurant food is always a question mark for me since I can't see the chef.

[Stu from NYC]

We went to breakfast at IHOP on 466 a few weeks ago. The service was terrible and the food was not good.

Every other booth and table was empty. As we were being seated at a table we asked if we could have a booth as I saw a few empty. We were told that we couldn't because it wasn't sanitized and they had a tree step process before anyone could sit there. A party came in a few minutes after us and waitress wiped down that booth in about five seconds and sat them there. They and another group that came in got their food before us. Our food was cold and not very well prepared.

But worse than all this was a 95 year old guy sitting in the corner coughing over and over. He was obviously in some kind of distress and the servers tried to help out by bringing him water.

They had separate entrances and exits but few people paid attention and the staff did nothing.

When the 95 year old was exiting, his companion brought him within a foot of our table. She looked at me and said, "He's 95 and has a lot of problems." Now that is not the fault of the restaurant, but you would think that someone taking care of a 95 year old with problems that causes him to cough would refrain from bringing him into public places, especially, a restaurant.

After that, my wife refuses to go out to eat.

Foolish that the guy was even in the restaurant and shame the manager did not ask him to leave or at least do takeout.

Been some time since we have seen an IHOP with good food and service either by us going or reports by friends.

[BlackhawksFan]

We went to breakfast at IHOP on 466 a few weeks ago. The service was terrible and the food was not good.

Every other booth and table was empty. As we were being seated at a table we asked if we could have a booth as I saw a few empty. We were told that we couldn't because it wasn't sanitized and they had a tree step process before anyone could sit there. A party came in a few minutes after us and waitress wiped down that booth in about five seconds and sat them there. They and another group that came in got their food before us. Our food was cold and not very well prepared.

But worse than all this was a 95 year old guy sitting in the corner coughing over and over. He was obviously in some kind of distress and the servers tried to help out by bringing him water.

They had separate entrances and exits but few people paid attention and the staff did nothing.

When the 95 year old was exiting, his companion brought him within a foot of our table. She looked at me and said, "He's 95 and has a lot of problems." Now that is not the fault of the restaurant, but you would think that someone taking care of a 95 year old with problems that causesn him to cough would refrain from bringing him into public places, especially, a restaurant.

After that, my wife refuses to go out to eat.

IHOP like Denny's is truly only good after about a half dozen beers and a close encounter with a big haired rocker girl who dances to all the Billy Idol songs.

Or at least it was in 1985.

[Stu from NYC]

IHOP like Denny's is truly only good after about a half dozen beers and a close encounter with a big haired rocker girl who dances to all the Billy Idol songs.

Or at least it was in 1985.

Sad when a pancake place cannot figure out how to make good pancakes.

[butch69]

Naldo's Mexican restaurant is doing a good job of separating diners (plus access to outside easting). Food, as usual was excellent. Best tacos we've ever had. Get the soft shell. One or two can fill you up (after free chips and salsa).

[Bill32]

We found the pancakes to be better et Perkins...

[John_W]

We went to breakfast at IHOP on 466 a few weeks ago. The service was terrible and the food was not good.


Went to IHOP on 466 about 2012 for pancakes and my wife had eggs, neither one of us liked our food, and gave them one more chance and it was just as bad. Found Bob Evans across the street had much better pancakes. When they opened the Bob Evans at Colony we started eating there about every other week. Much better experience, food, and choices.

[kendi]

Lemon ricotta pancakes at First Watch are the best. Yum.

[New Englander]

Noticed a lot of younger guests in TV this week, if they are visiting people in Tv and they come from high Covid zones, how do we know they're not carrying the virus

We are still staying out of any and all restaurants, unless you've noticed--Florida is currently experiencing a spike in Covid cases

Its your choice, be safe

:agree:

[tophcfa]

Been getting Sushi takeout from Sakura in Spanish Springs and VKI in Lake Sumter.

[Yucatan2]

We went to Los Maguyes last week. Called ahead and they said they were operating at 50%. Got there early, did not seem that they had any tables blocked off, and they kept filling up during our time there. Servers had masks and gloves, but the gloves looked dirty, putting fingers into used drink glasses to carry them away....I would rather they just washed their hands often. Probably won’t go back there for now.

Also, went to Oakwood this week for the rib special. They did have every other table blocked off. Servers had masks and no gloves. Tables were wiped off well, but I did not see them wiping the catsup and bbq sauce bottles in between diners. I always felt those could be germy, I guess one could bring their own sanitary wipe for the bottles.

[salgent]

This all sounds good other than IHOP. For us the only way we would go to one here is if we were broke. Its a cheap date..I do remember going to one when I was 20 after a night out of drinking to much.

[Stu from NYC]

This all sounds good other than IHOP. For us the only way we would go to one here is if we were broke. Its a cheap date..I do remember going to one when I was 20 after a night out of drinking to much.

Back than IHOP had pretty good pancakes and did like the various flavored syrups.

Somewhere along the line they forgot they were a pancake restaurant and were supposed to offer service to customers.

[kaniess]

Lemon ricotta pancakes at First Watch are the best. Yum.

Pleased to find that the lemon ricotta pancakes are back on the menu at First Watch. They were removed during the period that FW was doing take out only.

[NavyVet]

We have had very good luck with our restaurant delivery and pick up options. (Bob Evans, Bonifay, Havana, etc.) I still won't risk dining in, too susceptible. We try to do our part in stimulating the local economy. We always tip between 25 - 35%.
Two of the exceptional experiences we had were at Bonefish ordering their family bundle specials. Beautifully packaged with sauces/salad dressings on the side so you can control how much to use. For the 2 or us, it was easily 2-3 days worth of food or 4-6 meals. Delicious!

[Deanafoster]

Recently went to Gators Dockside in Brownwood. No one was wearing a mask--the hostess, the wait staff and the man clearing tables. Won't go back for a long time.

[coffeebean]

Recently went to Gators Dockside in Brownwood. No one was wearing a mask--the hostess, the wait staff and the man clearing tables. Won't go back for a long time.

Management is clueless.

[dewilson58]

Mentioned in another thread: went past City Fire at night and the outside area was packed. No spacing.


:ohdear:

[Bill32]

Went for takeout pizza and felt a little foolish....I was the only person wearing a mask, I guess trying to be safe doesn't work both ways...I noticed Jersey Mike's finally have their workers wearing masks, not covering their noses just their mouths but at least it shows that the company is trying...

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I wear a mask when I go into bathrooms at the restaurants I’m in , I also feel strange being only one wearing it , we need to get over that feeling because the unmasked in those close places are strange not us

[Chatbrat]

What a shame to have on a person's tombstone was dying to have a pancake @ IHOP. & did

[Stu from NYC]

What a shame to have on a person's tombstone was dying to have a pancake @ IHOP. & did

At least get a good one for your last meal.

[Chatbrat]

Would rather have had something way better than IHOP--if I was going to get hit, it better be something way better than a IHOP pancake--

[xkeowner]

I wear a mask when I go into bathrooms at the restaurants I’m in , I also feel strange being only one wearing it , we need to get over that feeling because the unmasked in those close places are strange not us

You are entitled to your opinion and your beliefs, since it appears to help you validate your position. We eat out 4-5 times a week and have not worn masks except, reluctantly, for medical appointments and have even cancelled two non-urgent of those because of the mask hysteria. We are back to enjoying our retirement and living life. If you prefer to cower in fear so be it. If you have medical issues, my sympathies, but don't ask me to restrict my activities because of them.

[Stu from NYC]

You are entitled to your opinion and your beliefs, since it appears to help you validate your position. We eat out 4-5 times a week and have not worn masks except, reluctantly, for medical appointments and have even cancelled two non-urgent of those because of the mask hysteria. We are back to enjoying our retirement and living life. If you prefer to cower in fear so be it. If you have medical issues, my sympathies, but don't ask me to restrict my activities because of them.

It is your life so your choice but why castigate others for wearing a mask that is highly recommended by medical authorities?

How would you feel if someone not wearing a mask sneezed and passed on the virus to you?

[Bill32]

Not fear XKE....common sense, respect for others and science...oh, and good luck ;)

"Health officials urge masks and protective measures as COVID-19 cases increase
June 17, 2020"

[Schaumburger]

It is your life so your choice but why castigate others for wearing a mask that is highly recommended by medical authorities?

How would you feel if someone not wearing a mask sneezed and passed on the virus to you?

Well said. Thank you. I wear a mask whenever I'm in public as a way to protect others in case I am asymptomatic. I still work full time...the two days per week I now work in my employer's office, I must observe my employer's policy that masks are to be worn whenever an employee is away from their desk. All production employees at my company must wear a mask during their entire shift. Refusing to wear a mask while in the office and away from my desk = no job for me.

If wearing a mask in public while COVID-19 is still around is the biggest sacrifice I have ever had to make, then I have led a very charmed and fortunate life.

[Schaumburger]

You are entitled to your opinion and your beliefs, since it appears to help you validate your position. We eat out 4-5 times a week and have not worn masks except, reluctantly, for medical appointments and have even cancelled two non-urgent of those because of the mask hysteria. We are back to enjoying our retirement and living life. If you prefer to cower in fear so be it. If you have medical issues, my sympathies, but don't ask me to restrict my activities because of them.

Just wondering...how does wearing a mask restrict your activities?

[Stu from NYC]

Just wondering...how does wearing a mask restrict your activities?

They can be uncomfortable in warm weather but something we feel we need to live with

[Bleudeturquoise]

Is there a list of the restaurants in and around The Villages that do not require their servers to wear masks?

[champion6]

Is there a list of the restaurants in and around The Villages that do not require their servers to wear masks?Yes, it's found at the website that lists all the deaths caused by COVID-19. [sarcasm OFF]

[coffeebean]

Is there a list of the restaurants in and around The Villages that do not require their servers to wear masks?

Someone on this forum was RAVING about Michelle's on 441 (next to Firehouse Subs). None of the employees had masks on. We stayed because there was only one other table with customers and they were not anywhere near us. Will NOT go back.

[coffeebean]

Wow talk about only thinking of themselves.

I tried to multi quote but I guess I don't know how to do it.

You missed the entire point of the comments of the poster you replied to with this WOW statement. The poster was not thinking of themselves. The poster was thinking of everyone as a community, a population......ALL AMERICANS. Please read those comments again and then explain to me why you think that poster was "only thinking of themselves".

[bilcon]

:a040::a040:We went back to Cane Garden CC Restaurant Saturday night, after avoiding it because of problems. We were very happy with the changes they made. They definitely do social distancing, but the biggest changes are to the kitchen and staff. They have a new chef who knows how to cook and operate the kitchen. They have also updated the kitchen and also have hired a new manager, Will. He is doing a great job, and we are very happy with the changes after a year of going down hill. The food was very good and the service was great. This was our very first restaurant when we came to TV in 2005 and we are happy it is back on track. Those of you who left, come back. You won't be disappointed again. (Only my opinion.)

[newchapter]

Glad to hear about all the safety features that are implemented at restaurants, but my primary concern would be how the chef is being safe. Are they wearing masks? Somehow I doubt it since it's usually so hot in a kitchen. Don't want to instill paranoia in people who feel safe eating out, but restaurant food is always a question mark for me since I can't see the chef.

I saw the chef and 3 cooks at Giovanni's as I picked up our food to go. NONE of them were wearing a mask, including the wait staff taking food to tables. Doubt I go back. I'll continue to cook.

[Stu from NYC]

I tried to multi quote but I guess I don't know how to do it.

You missed the entire point of the comments of the poster you replied to with this WOW statement. The poster was not thinking of themselves. The poster was thinking of everyone as a community, a population......ALL AMERICANS. Please read those comments again and then explain to me why you think that poster was "only thinking of themselves".

The wow comment is in the wrong place, all I can say is oops

[Stu from NYC]

I saw the chef and 3 cooks at Giovanni's as I picked up our food to go. NONE of them were wearing a mask, including the wait staff taking food to tables. Doubt I go back. I'll continue to cook.

This is our favorite Italian restaurant but have not been going inside restaurants since this started. Disappointed in them.

[valuemkt]

Thanks for the post and the many follow-ups.. There are plenty of other posts for people that dont plan to go outside their homes for the rest of their lives.. For the many who want to continue to enjoy life outside the confines of their home, seeing positive restaurant comments is a welcome respite to the doomsayers. Keep them coming !

[jblum315]

Olive Garden was fine

[retiredguy123]

I have only been to a restaurant a couple of times. Others have said they feel safe, but I didn't. They can wear masks and clean everything in sight, but I wonder how much good that does to prevent someone from transmitting the virus. I don't think anyone really knows how you get it. My biggest concern is that a restaurant employee will have the virus and spread it to others.

[JSR22]

We have continued going to restaurants. We eat at 3 of them frequently and feel safe. Food and service have been terrific at BlueFin, Chop House and Wolfgang Puck. I highly recommend them.

[Celebrator]

Is there a list of the restaurants in and around The Villages that do not require their servers to wear masks?

I think that a list of restaurants which require employees and/or patrons to wear masks would be a valuable tool to help customers choose places where they would be safer. I suggested this to the The Villages Sun but don't expect they will want to create any controversy among their advertisers.

[raynan]

We went to Carrabba's last Thursday a little after 4pm. We wore masks in until seated and wore them on the way out. My husband and I and one other couple were the only ones in the dining room til 5:30 and then a group of 4 came in. Hosteses, waitresses, cooks (all employees) wore masks, paper menus, individual salt and pepper packets if requested. We felt very safe and will go back. The food was terrific.

[Bay Kid]

Not doing restaurants still. Enjoying fresh seafood off my dock. Crabs, oysters and fish. Fresh veggies out of the garden. Life on the Chesapeake Bay is great this time of year.