The Landing at Lake Jackson in Sebring is not a new restaurant, but it does have a new owner and a new way of doing things. Sandra and I had eaten there on several occasions under the former name of The Sunset Grill. Each time it had a different management team and each time, despite high hopes we came away somewhat disappointed.
Imagine our surprise and delight when we learned the place had a new name, a new manager, and a pledge to support local food suppliers. We were happy to learn that they would be serving Strangely Warmed Coffee – roasted in Sebring, and Sutton Dairy products. We’d previously visited their Milking R Dairy in Okechobee and came away amazed at the quality and flavor options.
Our first trip was probably the best single experience we’d had at that location. We’ve been back since and had a better experience each time. You can read about it here.
The Outside
As I said, they had changed the paint scheme from the traditional orange, to a Lake Jackson Blue. In addition, there were new Landing at Lake Jackson logo signs and an effort to clean up the landscaping around the place.
Probably the most striking improvement was the transformation of the back deck into a huge Tiki Hut. “It’s shady, it’s breezy and it doesn’t leak,” said the waitress triumphantly when we asked about the new addition.
The covered area also is used for entertainment. On our second visit, a local duo was setting up and getting ready for an evening of light jazz for the enjoyment of the patrons.
Although it looked inviting, we opted to sit in the air conditioning for our lunch. The new thatched roof has not diminished the view over the big lake. Sadly, we’ve not seen much water traffic.
Owners say they plan to extend the dock, which currently is landlocked due to the seasonal drought. They also hope to see the return of sea plane traffic. The aquatic aircraft regularly do touch-and-go practice landings on the big lake, The new owners hope to lure them in for lunch or dinner.
The Menu
Our focus was the menu. They have a full compliment of choices starting with their signature soups – including Swamp Soup. Sandra got a bowl of the southern chicken dish with local kale, black eyed peas and Andoullie sausage. The verdict? Pretty good.
And there’s a full slate of starters including (but not limited to) southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, southern fried okra, and catfish nuggets. You also can get fried pickles with ranch dressing if that suits your fancy.
The Landing at Lake Jackson also serves up Top ‘0 the Food Chain Lakefront Dinners, Pasta dishes, Handhelds, Salads, and even an Old Bay Seafood Boil. As many of our longtime readers know, we’re not seafood types, so I stick with the handhelds – mostly burgers, while sometimes Sandra will order a medley of sides instead of a meal.
To date, everything has been good and with good sized portions. The waiters and waitresses have been extremely attentive and the food has come out fairly quickly and precisely as we ordered.
Drinks
Again, Sandra and I are not drinkers, but for those who like to enjoy libations by the lakeside, there’s a good-sized bar at the Landing. There’s a good assortment of spirits including (but not limited to) Vodkas, Tequilas, Rums, Gin, Scotches, Bourbons and Ryes.
But in addition to the regular house wines and beers, in keeping with their focus to local products, there are craft beers from Daughters Brewing in Clearwater/St. Pete, Labelle Brewing in Labelle, and Sebring’s own Turn2 Brewery.
In addition to the brews, they use Natalie’s Lime Juice, which is produced out of Vero Beach, and serve Strangely Warmed Coffee – which is imported then roasted to perfection at the roastery in Sebring. We now are tremendously spoiled. Although we drive over and buy ours – if your not in the area, click here and have it delivered. You’ll thanks us later.
A Great Little Dining Experience
The bottom line is that whether it’s a plate of starters and a couple of drinks, sandwiches or a full meal. This place has everything from ribs, fried chicken and hush puppies to burgers, sandwiches and tacos. They even have some entrees with an Indian (real India like Chicken Tikka Masala) flair.
If you want to plan your visit, every day is a holiday at the Landing at Lake Jackson: Mondays is All Day Top Shelf Happy Hour, then there’s Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, Thirsty Rib Thursdays, Fish Fry Fridays, Shrimpfest Saturdays and Seafood Sundays.
You can see the whole menu here.
And if you have to run and eat – they do have catering services available.
The Bottom Line
We’ve been there a few times, and overall, it’s been pretty good. If you want to hear our first impressions, you can tune into the Florida Fun Travel episode on the Barry Foster show by clicking here.
