Florence Wine and Beer Garden

Reviews

• KL

  kimberly lawrence

  6 days ago
  5.0
  True family style eating in a beautiful historic building downtown. We had several menu items (meatballs, fettuccine, pappardelle, salad) and all were fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented. The service was prompt and professional. We even got a sample of ice cream as a complimentary treat! It is a family friendly, locally owned restaurant to enjoy homemade Italian food.
• JC

  Jessica Cristini

  Aug 12, 2026
  2.0
  I do NOT understand how this has such a high rating! It’s a counter serve Italian restaurant in a big room. There’s no “felt like I was in Italy” atmosphere. I am convinced these reviews are a lie. The focaccia was dry and had no salt. It was given to us with oil and no balsamic vinegar. The cheesy flatbread was good but that’s quite basic. The gnocchi was unpleasant and the sauce was so sweet, again salt was needed. My friend got the ravioli and it was decent. If I go to a restaurant with a 4.9 rating and this amount of reviews, I’m expecting my socks to be blown clean off but I’ve had significantly better food for much cheaper. Parking was weird because of your lot is a floor above the door, you would think there would be stairs down but instead we had to walk around a barrier and down the road to the entrance.
• TS

  Tennille Smith

  Aug 8, 2026
  5.0
  The service is amazing! I had never been here before and right from the start at the counter when I ordered I was helped by Logan. He was so helpful. He let me taste the Alfredo sauce which was amazing. So I ordered the shrimp Alfredo which they let me add bacon and spinach at no extra charge. Then I ordered a beer. Logan even went and poured it for me. The food is amazing. We had a family of 10 people and everyone’s dishes were awesome!!
• SD

  Sebas Davila

  Aug 8, 2026
  5.0
  Food: What can I say the taste of everything including the salad was fresh and very tasty. The pasta sauces were definitely made in house. You can taste the herbs, spices, and natural ingredients used to make the sauces. Not some generic sauce like food chain restaurants. I normally don’t like Alfredo pasta, but this Alfredo tasted amazing. The red sauce had a very good balanced flavor and not overly tomato. Atmosphere: The atmosphere is very welcoming and has a delightful vibe. Service is great. The history of the building mixed with all the Italian decorations and flowers/plants everywhere makes you feel a bit like you’re in Italy. Verdict: Defy will come back and try more things on the menu. And every one should give this place a try.
• CR

  Craig Reidinger

  Aug 7, 2026
  5.0
  Florence Wine and Beer Garden is the rare hybrid that actually works — an Italian soul wrapped in bier‑garten energy, delivering a night-out experience that feels both elevated and effortlessly cool. Florence Wine and Beer Garden hits that sweet spot where tradition and modernity vibe together instead of competing. It’s the kind of place you wander into expecting a casual sip and end up having a full‑blown culinary moment. The kitchen leans Italian — not the heavy, overdone kind, but the high-caliber cooking that respects ingredients and lets them shine. Think soulful sauces, pastas with personality, and mains that feel crafted rather than assembled. The bier‑garten influence isn’t just aesthetic; it’s atmospheric. Long tables, communal energy, and a sense of “stay awhile” that makes the night stretch in the best way. It’s the kind of environment where you can talk food philosophy with strangers or just sink into your own corner with a glass of something beautiful. The wine list is a standout — curated, intentional, and priced like the owners actually want you to enjoy it rather than fear it. Bottles and glasses feel accessible without sacrificing quality. If you’re unsure, the staff guides you with the kind of confidence that comes from actually loving what they pour. Beer? On point. A selection broad enough to satisfy any palette, from crisp lagers to moodier seasonal brews. And if you’re torn, ask for a tasting — it’s encouraged, not performative. Every dish feels like it was plated with purpose. Ingredients taste fresh, textures land exactly where they should, and flavors hit that balance of comfort and intrigue. It’s Italian, yes — but with a modern sensibility that keeps things light, bright, and deeply satisfying. Desserts are crafted with the same care as the mains. They don’t overwhelm; they complement. A sweet finish that feels earned after a meal that already overachieved. Florence Wine and Beer Garden is a must — the kind of place that proves you don’t need white tablecloths to deliver a five‑star experience. It’s well‑priced, beautifully executed, and effortlessly enjoyable. A hybrid concept that doesn’t just work… it thrives.