Are Flamingos really lazy? That’s the first thing that came to my mind when I heard about this seafood restaurant on Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida. But once I entered this lively place, I completely forgot about the name. The inside of this ultra casual, rustic restaurant is very small, with only 6 tables and about a dozen seats at the bar. Patrons go up to the bar to order and pay for their meals, then their names are called when the food is ready. The written orders are put on metals clips and then forced down a metal line into the kitchen. There’s a lot of noise in there, and that’s a good thing.

 
It’s all about the seafood here. Everyone in my family ordered the grilled mesquite grouper. It is so flavorful, you’ll be saying “mmmmmmm” a lot while you’re eating. It comes with delicious crispy fries and some excellent coleslaw. Other menu highlights include oysters, clams on the half shell, mussels and fried shrimp. The star on the menu is “The Pot,” a seafood extravaganza with oysters or clams or a combination of the two. If seafood isn’t your thing, you can order a great looking burger or grilled chicken. Don’t be horrified when you see “Dead Parrot Wings” on the menu; it’s just a name for their very, very spicy, hot chicken wings. There’s a nice selection of draft beers, bottled long necks and wine. The best way to wrap up your meal is with a slice of Key Lime Pie - that is if you have the room.

 
There are 3 Lazy Flamingo locations in Southwest Florida. Arrive early, no matter which location you choose. These restaurants are very popular with both the locals and the tourists. http://www.lazyflamingo.com/

Debbie Glade is the Geography Awareness Editor at Wandering Educators. 

All photos courtesy and copyright Debbie Glade