Gator Country

**outbackjack** · 02-10-2013, 08:59 AM

Haven't been through Lakeland in 20 years (went to FSC way back in the day).

Going through next weekend, will be dining out twice.

Looking for recommendations from the Pubsters.

Is Cattleman's still The Place for a steak?

Also, any new places that are worthy?

I'm up for anything, hole in the wall, upscale, and anything in between...just as long as the food/atmosphere is really great.

Thanks in advance,
Outback

**alphaOmegator** · 02-10-2013, 11:29 AM

I lived in Lakeland, off and on, from 1968-1971; then again from 1985-1988. There used to be a little Italian place on South Florida avenue that was great! The last time I was in there was New Year's Eve, 1986. For the life of me I cannot remember the name of it. It was very small and intimate. I have no idea if it is even still there. Maybe some pub posters would recall?

I also remember the old Foxfire Restaurants but the last one burned down a number of years AGO.They had the best steaks and seafood back in the day. I don't think it ever reopened...

Lakeland was a fine town to live in.

**mamag8ter** · 02-10-2013, 11:37 AM

Jack, I was born in Lakeland and lived there most of my life. The Foxfire, unfortunately, was not rebuilt. The owner, Jim Neff, passed away recently. Harry's downtown is good, Bonefish at Pipkin Road is good. Texas Cattle is indeed still there and is very good for steaks. Happy visiting. Lakeland is still where my heart is. My friends and I spent a lot of time on the weekends riding our bikes all around FSC campus. The Moccasins, FSC baseball coach, Hal Smeltzley, was an intern Coach at my High School, Kathleen High. All the girls swooned over him.

**g8orbill** · 02-10-2013, 11:54 AM

Jack- I own the Firehouse Subs in Merchants Walk Shopping Center- i am there most days Mon- Fri- stop by and I am there I will treat you to a sub- I am a big baldheaded SOB- hard to miss

**gatorjjh** · 02-10-2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g8orbill

Jack- I own the Firehouse Subs in Merchants Walk Shopping Center- i am there most days Mon- Fri- stop by and I am there I will treat you to a sub- I am a big baldheaded SOB- hard to miss

^^^ amen to that but a Great Gator through & through!

**g8orbill** · 02-10-2013, 01:07 PM

LOL

**mamag8ter** · 02-10-2013, 01:08 PM

I second that Bill. Sorry I forgot to mention your place, but I assumed they meant for dinner.

Al E Gator · 02-10-2013, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outbackjack

Haven't been through Lakeland in 20 years (went to FSC way back in the day).

Going through next weekend, will be dining out twice.

Looking for recommendations from the Pubsters.

Is Cattleman's still The Place for a steak?

Also, any new places that are worthy?

I'm up for anything, hole in the wall, upscale, and anything in between...just as long as the food/atmosphere is really great.

Thanks in advance,
Outback

There's gotta be an Outback Steakhouse there...

**toon66** · 02-10-2013, 01:51 PM

I'd hit this place for some down home grub.

http://fredssouthernkitchen.com/

**outbackjack** · 02-10-2013, 04:11 PM

You are the MAN G8orBill. It's only Sunday......but if I can stretch it to Monday, I will stop by Firehouse for sure.

I know Merchant's Walk.

Can't wait to take my kids back and drive around Lake Hollingsworth...and the other lakes around downtown.

Such great memories.

Are Kau's and Spurs still the college nightlife places?

**mamag8ter** · 02-10-2013, 10:14 PM

I believe there is an Outback, but it is not one of my favs anymore. Lake Morton and the ducks and swans are a must see.

**mamag8ter** · 02-10-2013, 10:23 PM

Here is a neat story about hipster food in Lakeland.

http://www2.tbo.com/lifestyles/flavo...88381481237582

**ovillegator** · 02-10-2013, 10:29 PM

You want a really neat experience that you just can't find anymore, try the Silver Moon Drive In Theater. Yes, it's an old-fashioned drive-in in Lakeland. My wife and I heard about it and drove over from Orlando last year -- it was wonderful. I thought drive-ins were all gone, but this classic is still there. Great snack bar too. Here's their website: http://www.silvermoondrivein.com/

**mamag8ter** · 02-11-2013, 08:39 AM

Oville, my Husband and I watched movies at that drive-in when we were dating in High School. A man and his Wife who attended the same church as my Grandparents used to own it.

**outbackjack** · 02-11-2013, 12:27 PM

Mama, I think he was joking about Outback Steakhouse (my screen name

)

**mamag8ter** · 02-11-2013, 09:04 PM

Duh, I am blond ya know.

**ovillegator** · 02-12-2013, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamag8ter

Oville, my Husband and I watched movies at that drive-in when we were dating in High School. A man and his Wife who attended the same church as my Grandparents used to own it.

Very cool. It hasn't changed much, has it?

Just don't have those sound boxes you had to stick on your window that were wired to a post by the car anymore. Now it comes over your radio. Kinda miss that tinny sound those boxes used to make, though.

**mamag8ter** · 02-12-2013, 10:18 PM

I miss a lot of things oville. I went by with my Husband today to see Gator Bill at Firehouse Subs. He must have known I was coming, Lol, he had already left. That's OK, will catch you next time Bill.

RayGator · 02-14-2013, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamag8ter

I miss a lot of things oville. I went by with my Husband today to see Gator Bill at Firehouse Subs. He must have known I was coming, Lol, he had already left. That's OK, will catch you next time Bill.

Well, you should have let me know you were coming. I live just off S. Florida Ave and I'm just about 1/2 mile from the Fire House Subs. But then again maybe you knew that so you kept it quiet!

**mamag8ter** · 02-15-2013, 07:02 AM

No! Ray, I did not know that. I will have to stop by and see you sometime. If that is alright of course.