The Best Restaurants in Lakeland Florida

The Best Of Lakeland Florida

Lakeland is located in between Tampa and Orlando Florida, a huge tourist area convient to I-4. I have worked and lived this area for over seventeen years. Many restaurants have failed in these hard economic times but many have also succeeded. One long lived restaurant would be Champs Bar and Grill, located on S. Florida Ave. This is one place that is consistent, a good value with outstanding service. They have daily specials and drink specials. Champs reminds me of the old TV show, Cheers," where everybody knows your name." Famous for their Burgers and Wings, my favorite is the BBQ Pork Melt $6.95, well worth the price. They have done a very nice job at keeping long time loyal customers. Champs has .35 cent Taco night (minimum of five have to be ordered), .35 cent oyster night (minimum order requirement) and many different wing specials thru the week. Champs claims to have the coldest beer in town, well its true, the absolute coldest beer in town.

Lakeland has it generous amount of corporate restaurants, Outback, LongHorn, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Applebees, Bufalo Wild Wings, Chillis and Mimi's. The Outback also on S. Florida Ave. is the one I prefer out of these. Outback is the best with consistency, service and food quality. Outback actually lowered some pricing to make dining out still affordable. I usually have the 6 oz Outback Special, its price tag is only $9.99 which includes two sides and bread. Definetly a deal with the quality Outback is famous for.

Hungry for Prime Rib, I got a place for you. The Club at Eaglebrooke has by far the best Prime Rib in the area. Its not available everyday, The first Friday of every month (except December) is when you can plan on Prime Rib night at the club, located off of Carter Rd, in South Lakeland. Dinner inludes vegetable, potato, salad and bread. Always call to make a reservation for this night ahead of time to insure you get prime rib, it sells quickly. They also have a full service bar and it is open to the public. Alot of people still beleive the club is private but let me assure you it is open to the public 7 days a week. The public may also have private events at the club.

Reveiw For This week Dec 3, 2011

Jessie's, Brandon Blvd. Brandon Florida

One Monday evening, my friend and I wanted something different. So we decided to make a short trip to Brandon, about 15 miles West of Lakeland. I had not been to Jessies in years and wanted to see if they had added anything new. The Hostess sat us immediatly, I noticed it was the same decor and looking very old. Our server was at the table within a few minutes and took our drink order, I had my usual draft beer and my friend ordered an ice tea.

The server was friendly and smiling as she tried to sell us on an appetizer, which she succeeded since we decided on the French onion soup to share. Tables were very close together, dark colors, low ceilings and dim lighting made the room seem very small. Our drinks were delivered, I was extremely surprised by the size of my draft beer it looked like a 8 ounce glass with 7 ounces of beer, I have never seen a glass of draft beer so small and was disappointed.

We ordered the entrees and she disappeared to put the order in. Our meal started with the French onion soup, one of the best I ever had, lots of onions, a thin bread toasted crouton with a rich beef broth that wasn't over powering, topped with provolone, parmesan and a touch of cheddar. It was perfect. We had ample time to enjoy the French onion soup before our salad course. Another disappointment, the lettuce had alot of brown in it and was difficult to eat due from the small bowl it was placed in, to say the least, neither of us finished our salad.

The server returned to see if we wanted refills, I asked how much a rum and coke was she stated she had to go look because she did not know. The entrees were delivered and she told me a rum and coke was $6,00, I then asked how much my draft beer was she stated again she did not know and would have to go check. She returned and stated a draft beer was $3.25, I then ordered another beer even though I was not happy with the size of it. My friend had a Filet and fried shrimp and I had the Prime Rib (Jessies is famous for the Prime rib), all of our food was cooked perfectly. The prime rib was very tender and flavorful. I dont suggest having a draft beer with dinner, not a good value for the money. Also they need to watch the quality a little closer with their salad mix. We did not have dessert on this outing even though the server offered it.

Check amount for 2 including tip $60.00

Overall Rating 2.5 stars due to server knowledge, size of beer and brown salad mix, entrees were good

Value for Money 2 stars due from size of beer and brown salad mix