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Nicolo's Bar Gets Positive Response

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A staff report

Published: November 21, 2007

CARROLLWOOD - A full-service bar and live music have replaced the bakery at Alessi Woodstone Oven as the longtime restaurant has reconfigured itself for a new clientele.

Owner Phil Alessi Jr. opened Nicolo's Bar & Lounge at his restaurant at 11115 N. Dale Mabry Highway in June.

"We had the bakery where the bar is now, but that just didn't fit in," Alessi said. "We have live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They do a great job, and people really enjoy it."

Nicolo's was named in honor of Alessi's great-grandfather who founded Alessi Bakery at 2909 W. Cypress St. about 100 years ago. The Alessi name is synonymous with fine cakes, baked goods and catering in Tampa. The popular area favorite is operated by Alessi's father, Phil Sr.

The restaurant's original concept was something called "fast casual," Alessi Jr. said. Patrons ordered food in a buffet line, and their meal was delivered to their table. That concept gave way to table service in a few months.

"It just didn't work out," Alessi said. "People just want to be served in this area."

There also have been menu changes.

"We're still doing a lot of pasta entrees," Alessi said. "But now we do fresh fish on the weekends, and we're going to have a tapas menu on the bar."

Tapas are Spanish appetizers.

Tim Roulette, Alessi's director of marketing and sales, said he thinks the bar will bring more business.

"It's one thing to stop here for an entree," Roulette said. "But now, people can come here if they just want a drink or an appetizer."

The bar was a hit with the Carrollwood Area Business Association during a recent networking function, said then-CABA President Lori Rodriguez.

"They did a nice job with it," she said. "It was one of the better meetings this year."
South Tampa resident Virgil Pride shared Rodriguez's enthusiasm.

"This bar makes the restaurant 100 percent better," he said.

Liz Townes of Carrollwood followed her favorite bartender, Kelly Wright, to Nicolo's. Wright took over the job of managing Nicolo's when Townes' previous favorite, Paisan's, closed.

"Kelly makes the best martinis in town," Townes said.

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