Vino Loco Wine & Tapas — Restaurant in Florida

Okay so this was our third time visiting this place, first time we had no issues and did a wine tasting bought a prosecco from the tasting. Second time there were 2 couples and took home 4 bottles home 2 each couple from the wine tasting. This time there were 12 of us. The wine tasting and tapas went well, on the last two wines I wanted to have a bit more of the tasting we were not sure which one to buy.

We asked the girl serving the water if she can ask the owners for a bit more wine for us mind you they give you very little to taste, we waited no one came. I went up to the bar and Lisa the owner was not happy that I asked for more wine she said it was a tasting, not a full glass. Ian to defuse the situation said he would open another bottle, he did and gave our table a bit more to taste. I decided after the tasting I was going to buy that same bottle of wine it was delicious and also order one to drink there with our friends.

We asked the girl serving the water to let the owners know what we needed. Well, we waited for about 10 minutes and no bottle came. Our group was ready to leave some had to work the next day. My friend had order tapas to go for me assuming for some crazy reason it was free.....we got a bill for it no problem it was 8 dollars so we paid it. We had already left a 10 cash tip prior. So, on the 8 bill we did not include a tip since we had already done so, as we were leaving Lisa specifically took our tab from our table and came to the door asking if everything was okay. I explained to her that we were not happy because we had order a bottle for our table and it never came, plus we wanted to take another one home, she was dismissive and borderline rude. So we just left.

Here is the kicker as we are walking out into the parking lot this guy comes out from vino loco right behind us and start calling us names, using foul language on us, yelling to go back to NJ, mind you we are locals. The place is not safe, the owner is rude. We paid 70 dollars per couple for wine tasting from the get go and all we asked was for a little more wine to help us decide between the last 2 bottles. The place is also understaffed we are not coming back. Port Charlotte has a fine wine tasting, we will check that one out.

Update. 9/9/2022..to respond to the owner we never had multiple wine as she claims we had just the one Ian open for just not us he gave to the other tables. We did order a bottle of wine to go and one for the table neither one we got.

We never received multiple tapas as she claims. I did not order extra tapas to go my friend did without me knowing and we paid for it. Lastly why should we tip anymore when the service provided to us was lousy and you were rude? GRATUITIES are according to the service yours was lacking and if you have to be so cheap about the wine then why bother. You should have extra bottles for...

Wow!!!! Quite literally, the best food in Florida that we have yet to find. The menu items are creative and the combinations, like pears honey and blue cheese, are not something I’d think of but the whole is greater than the sum of its delicious parts. There are a number of gluten free items on the menu, they have gluten free carrot cake, and they have gluten free bread. So the items with ciabatta can be made gluten free.

Do you know how hard it is to find a really good gazpacho? It’s hard. Sure, you may say, it’s only cold tomato soup. And I think a lot of restaurants treat it that way. But you have to have the proper spices and background flavors like cucumber. Their gazpacho is the best I’ve had outside of my own. Buyer beware: it’s a bit spicy hot. If that’s not your thing, steer clear.

We were delighted that we found Vino Loco. 6 stars out of 5.

We came early evening in the summer and it was not very busy. Englewood seems like a sleepy old Florida town. I kind of hope you don’t read this. Then the next time we come, Vino Loco will give us a relaxed chill dining experience.

For their sake, I hope you read this and go there. You-and they- deserve your patronage.

P.S. and the gluten free carrot cake? Stop. Please. Just stop. It’s not allowed to be this good. I’m calling the authorities. Kidding. But do you know how hard it is to find good carrot cake on a restaurant? Again, most places look at it like Sara Lee with carrots. Just too much damn sugar. This one is perfectly balanced. Again, a true gem. Great carrot cake. Gluten free folk, trust me when I say this: if you long to try carrot cake but have been unable to try it: indulge. This is what carrot cake tastes like. It’s a great carrot cake, hands down.

PPS dinner was 37 each including one drink for me. We are stuffed....

I made reservations for my wife and I at Vino Loco Gourmet Restaurant for Valentine’s Day. When we arrived we received a very warm welcome by Val and we were promptly seated. She explained to us that the Owner (Joyce, who we had the pleasure of meeting at the end of our visit) and the Executive Chef (Katrina) decided to open 3 special bottles of wine from the wine shop to pair with the evening’s entrees. She offered us a taste of the red and the white and we accepted the recommendations. Our Server (Leslie) was wonderful and brought us the crab and shrimp bisque. It was fantastic. The entrees were brought out at the perfect time and I had the pan seared halibut with a squash medley and scalloped potatoes. My wife had the vegan Bolognese. Both entrees were outstanding. Executive Chef Katrina creates and prepared each entree to perfection. I honestly did not want the meal to end! The desert that was chosen was the vanilla gelato covered in strawberry preserves and drizzled with a chocolate syrup served in a chocolate cup. It too was delicious. My wife and I were extremely impressed with every aspect of the evening. We highly recommend...