Gecko's Adding More Craft Beers To Selection

There’s no football this Sunday, but there’s still reasons to visit Gecko’s Grill & Pub. We know it's one of the finest places to watch a football game in Bradenton. But a craft beer heaven? Apparently.

If you’re a fan of American craft beers, especially the obscure type that you can’t find just anywhere, check out one of the two Gecko’s in the Bradenton area. Or check them both out. Selections vary at each location.

I’ve learned that they’re adding new selections weekly, which means they’ll have added more by the time this column is published. Here’s what we have so far:

The Gecko’s at has recently added Shiner Bock, Breckenridge Brewery Avalanche, Jai Alai, Bells Oberon, Florida Lager, Breckenridge Brewery and Vanilla Porter. The Gecko’s at now has Wells Banana Bread, Southern Tier IPA and Wild Blue.

Also around town:

• Bradenton’s newest sports bar and restaurant is up and running in the location of the former Beef O’Brady’s. Bryan Pub Works, 6703 Manatee Ave. W., has a full bar, menu, plenty of televisions and a family-friendly atmosphere. But fans of the old Beef O’Brady’s need not fret. According to their website, they are reopening soon on Cortez Road.
• Scottish-born folk singer JJ Smith is playing live at , 302 Old Main St., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday night. Don’t be afraid to get there early: Happy hour drink specials are from noon to 7 p.m. and buy-two-get-one-free shot specials are every night.
• The 2012 Honda Cars of Bradenton Concert Series kicks off this Friday night at , 5520 14^th St. W., with live music from the up-and-coming Kip Moore, whose 2010 single “Mary Was The Marrying Kind” became an instant hit and was followed by “Somthin’ Bout A Truck”, which is currently making its rounds on country music stations. This is his first time at Joyland. Tickets are $10. Get tickets at Joyland, , 5515 14^th St. W., or online.
• Joey Gilmore is playing live at , 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., at 9 p.m. Saturday. Ace’s website describes his musical style as “reminiscent of Albert King and B.B. King. He leaves no question that he can fire off notes, but he’s old school, aiming for a deep, soulful feeling. He watches an audience and like other long-time bandleaders, he can change direction to give them what they want.” Tickets are $5 at the door.
• Calling all Gator fans. Join the Manatee County Gator Club at , 427 Old Main St., Wednesday, Feb. 1, for National Signing Day when prep football players sign their Letters of Intent to play college football. Happy hour is 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with snacks provided and plenty of drink specials. Gator fans are mingling between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Please RSVP to gatorgallo@gmail.com by Jan. 30.