Time Out Plus — Restaurant in Cocoa

Time Out Plus- Cocoa Village, FL- 1-Star

188 days sober and a Sports Bar and Grill comes up on my random name generator. Let the test commence, I thought as I pulled into the lot of Time Out Plus Sports Bar in Cocoa Village, FL. The story on the internet is that they were so successful in their previous location in Cocoa, that they expanded to a full kitchen and banquet facilities here in Cocoa Village. If this is the case, and I have no reason to doubt it is not, that speaks to a loyal following of regular patrons.

As I entered my olfactory nerve went on overload with what had to be the cleanest smelling bar in which I have ever been. Again, this tells me that the continuing world of COVID is not all bad. As I approached the bar I was warmly greeted by the barkeep, Mandy. Mandy was on top of her game, minus the ten minutes she spent chatting with other staff members. I asked for a single malt, neat and again, at 188 days sober, I just sat and admired the overly generous pour.

I asked Mandy if they actually made the burgers here and after a brief hesitation, she said "yes." Which instantly told me the answer is no. I then asked for a burger medium-rare. She informed me that they don't cook them to that grade of doneness. (Which also means this is a frozen burger.) Deciding discretion is the better part of valor, I relented and settled for a medium burger. However, that is a huge tip-off to me that the burgers are not made fresh to order. I also asked for an order of Cottage Pie (Shepherds Pie made with Beef instead of Lamb).

Before too long, my food arrived and I snapped some quick pictures before digging in. The first thing I noticed were the components of the Cottage Pie. Traditional Shepherds Pie, or in this case Cottage Pie is a mixture of carrots, celery, onions, herbs, bay leaves, meat and gravy topped with mashed potatoes. As this included peas and corn, you know this was made with a frozen vegetable mix. Boo. Not only that, but I know for a fact it wasn't made fresh, rather it was reheated in the microwave. I knew this because the center was ice cold. Incorporating the use of a Salamander or like device is a much more prudent way to reheat leftovers (just saying').

I then turned my attention to my burg...err, I mean Patty Melt? When did I order a Patty Melt? Unreal, she didn't place an order for a burger. Top-notch all the way. What a train wreck!! I'm outta here. Mandy turned out to be a cantankerous and shrewish employee who decided to not place my order. Oh well.

The Big Boys says, "Don't. Just don't order food here. The drinks and drink specials are the only reason to ever set foot in this car crash of a Sports...

Food is pretty good, friendly staff, however watch out for the upcharge they add to your bill as a service fee, when we asked what the charge was they claimed that the restaurants suffered from COVID so they are adding the additional fee! They said it was to cover the credit card fees, however under Florida law section 501.0117 this is illegal. "Credit cards; transactions in which seller or lessor prohibited from imposing surcharge; penalty.—

(1) A seller or lessor in a sales or lease transaction may not impose a surcharge on the buyer or lessee for electing to use a credit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means, if the seller or lessor accepts payment by credit card. A surcharge is any additional amount imposed at the time of a sale or lease transaction by the seller or lessor that increases the charge to the buyer or lessee for the privilege of using a credit card to make payment. Charges imposed pursuant to approved state or federal tariffs are not considered to be a surcharge, and charges made under such tariffs are exempt from this section. A convenience fee imposed upon a student or family paying tuition, fees, or other student account charges by credit card to a William L. Boyd, IV, 1Effective Access to Student Education grant eligible institution, as defined in s. 1009.89, or to a private school, as defined in s. 1002.01, is not considered to be a surcharge and is exempt from this section if the amount of the convenience fee does not exceed the total cost charged by the credit card company to the institution. The term “credit card” includes those cards for which unpaid balances are payable on demand. This section does not apply to the offering of a discount for the purpose of inducing payment by cash, check, or other means not involving the use of a credit card, if the discount is offered to all prospective customers."

Lowered the review because of the poor reply by ownership or management, who not only acknowledged the added illegal charge which is placed on EVERY bill before distinguishing whether you are paying cash or credit but than had the audacity to throw an insult at the customer in the public eye, instead of simply addressing and fixing the issue. Seems they think we are not aware of the paycheck protection program, restaurant revitalization program, and EIDL grants and loans that went out from the government to all business effected by COVID.

Seems they also think they are the only ones effected, as they are the only ones making this illegal charge, and the only restaurant to choose from.

Wouldn't it of been easier to simply raise the prices on the menu?

And reply...

I don't like giving five star reviews, perhaps because I'm getting old and cranky, but I think not, dangit. Now get off my lawn. Too many times a rave review comes from a relative or even the owners and employees. It's hard to take them seriously. I was going to give Time Out Plus a four star rating but the more I thought about it, the more it didn't fit. What's not to like?

It's got a great location near Cocoa Village but far enough from the Knick Knack shops that it's convenient. Parking isn't great, but there is some, so they don't lose points over that. The building is relatively new and in great shape, sporting indoor and outdoor seating, along with a well-stocked bar and more TV's than is probably healthy. The staff is friendly and efficient. (Our server smiled sweetly and called me, "Babe." Grumpy old men like when that happens.)

The menu, while not particularly innovative is still pretty well varied. I'm 99.9% sure you'll be able to find something you like, though that is of course not a legally binding promise. Our food arrived without a long wait, it was hot, delicious and reasonably priced, so it'll fill the hole in your belly without putting a gaping hole in your pocketbook. (I especially like the wine deal. If you buy two glasses, you get the whole bottle. Sweet.)

Part of being a Crotchety Old Fart means checking out the bathroom and Time Out passed the Geezer Test with flying colors. It doesn't take much to pass that test, the bathrooms just have to be bigger than an airliner closet, relatively clean and fully functional. It's amazing how many places don't get that right but Time Out does. Well done.

So as much as I wanted to give them a four star review, I couldn't. They get it all right. Kinda ticks me off, to be honest. So I'll be back....