Lightsey’s Restaurant
10435 Hwy 78 W, Okeechobee, FL, 34974
Lightsey’s Restaurant Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Okeechobee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Okeechobee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Okeechobee for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
10435 Hwy 78 W
Okeechobee, FL, 34974 - Phone (863) 763-4276
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Nicolas L.
I have visited Lightsey's on two occasions. During my first visit the waitress recommended the whole catfish. The fish, as the name implies, is cooked whole with bones and fins. This fish was delicious, full of juicy meat and covered with crispy breading made with a mixture of spices. This is a dish where you have to do some work and get your hands dirty removing the bones from the meat but it is worth it. I prefer this style of catfish to basic catfish strips. My most recent visit was a little disappointing. I decided to be a little more adventurous and tried the Cooter (a type of soft shell turtle) and Gator. The dishes were ok but not very memorable. The Cooter had a nice beef like texture and light flavor. The breading was nice and flakey but the meat was a little tough to chew. The Gator had a nice flakey breading but the meat was mild on flavor and a little on the chewy side. The prices were also on the high side. For lunch portions the Catfish was $13, the Cooter was $8 for about 5 oz, and the Gator was $15. Overall, Lightsey's is one of the better restaurants in Okeechobee and is worth a visit if you like seafood. However, I recommend sticking with the catfish.
(3)Mike G.
Monday afternoon and very slow was Norma to return with our drinks. But the food shined as our Crab cake/fried green tomato app was great with 2 very large cakes and 2 slices of tomato on a sweet sauce. Fried catfish with fry's, hush puppies, slaw and an extra side of collards were loved by my southern food loving wife. She said all was outstanding! Looking for something a little different I had the BLT salad. It was a chopped salad with shrimp & bacon mixed in and was outstanding. Large portions of everything and we brought plenty home. Location is scenic and out in the middle of nowhere, nice ride on the Harley there.
(4)Mary B.
Planned on going to the Okeechobee flea market today and ended up here for lunch. I had read the positive and negative reviews but my hubby is a big fan of fried oysters so thought we'd give it a whirl. Yes, some things service wise were odd. My husband waited in a short line for a table but was told they were short staffed in the kitchen and we'd probably have a 15 minute wait. Even though they had tables available and my husband pointed out a booth he'd like to have, he was told by the manager that he'd rather have him wait. Ok??? So I found him sitting on a bar stool. Just weird considering that after we waited, and then reminded the waitress who started seating people that we had been on the list of people waiting, we sat in that booth anyway. Yeah. So why the 4 stars?? From that point on, service was stellar and the food was great. So an inauspicious start ended up being a terrific visit and yes, we would definitely return when in the area. Our waiter couldn't have been better. Husband ordered the fried oysters (he enjoyed them very much but not the best he's ever had and considered it a small portion) and I had the blackened fish wrap. With some help from our waiter, I chose Tile fish and the wrap was pretty darn awesome. Packed full of fish that was not overly done with the blackening spice (and doesn't that happen way too often??!!) and the sauce on it was just wonderful...and it had grilled corn which added a nice twist. Both meals came with fries which were hand cut and there was a sauce on the table that went great with them. So all in all a great visit with an odd start.
(4)N S.
Seems to be declining in quality over the years. If you liked fried food this is your place. Some good dishes, like crab corn chowder. Has unique seafood/lake food options.
(3)Brooke H.
Lightsey's has always been a local favorite but some recent menu changes have really made it great. Excellent variety of seafood, especially if you want cooter (turtle) or gator. The hushpuppies are awesome--or as my Yankee husband calls them, balls of dough. The taxidermy, outdoor seating, aquariums, and waterfront location make it an Okeechobee gem.
(4)Jeff B.
What a nice little treat on a visit to Okeechobee. Visited on a recommendation from a friend, and it did not disappoint. Yes, it's a little 'old school' with stuffed mounts and a quiet location next to a campground. But the food did not disappoint! It's not a healthy fare, but really good food all around. It capped off a great day trip to the lake.
(4)John D.
Food is great, fried shrimp, raw oysters, any fish!! Location beautiful! Wait staff should be trained.
(4)Mark T.
I ride in a casual motorcycle club, we are not "bikers", but motorcyclists (mostly middle-aged professionals). We had a confirmed reservation for 40 tp 50 people for Sun. 01/13/13. This was a fundraiser lunch to help out one of our riders who just had surgery. He actually was able to make the ride in a car to meet us there. Upon arrival they were completely unprepared for us, even though we confirmed the reservation the previous day by phone. They were short handed in wait staff and kitchen staff. Although the restaurant was completely empty, they made us stand outside for over an hour without offering drinks or anything, and took in groups of 4 at a time to populate just a few of the many empty tables. THEY WOULD NOT EVEN SEAT OUR FRIEND RECOVERING FROM SURGERY, OR OFFER HIM WATER!!!! How stupid??? All they had to do, after explaining they were short handed, was let us in, and bring pitchers of water and iced tea...we would have been happy to have somewhere to sit and talk, etc. while they slowly took care of us. But one stupid decision after another, and then one of the staff suggested that we go down the road to Lunkers because they didn't want to deal with us. SO WE DID! (And it was GREAT, btw and just 4 miles down the road!) After waiting for over an hour with more than 1/2 of us still out in the hot sun, we complained, then manager told us to take a hike, which we did, costing him approx. $800 plus in sales. Never, ever will we return, even though they were on our regular list of stops. We will also tell everyone who will listen. We are a respectful group of people, not loud, not acting like children, and there was no excusable reason for them treating us like that. What used to be a regular stop for us at the top of the lake, we will never stop again. The food is not that great when they do take care of you, and this experience was bad enough for us to never stop there again. P.S. Lunkers took us in without warning, provided good food and service.
(1)Albert D.
Second time here. Had the Catfish Tender lunch today. Was awesome! Coleslaw, which I usually hate, was absolutely fantastic. I'm from South Beach and will bring a backpak or something for an order to-go for the slaw (I'm a sport biker- hard to carry stuff on a 300 mile roundtrip) when I visit again. Cat was great and fresh tasting. Batter vs fish was just right for me. Hushpuppies so sweet and yummy. The meal and experience was very very good. Really bad with names, but our server, I''ll call him Rudy, did a great job on our 4 top! When I rembember your proper name I'll be sure to add it. Another great lunch guys! Thanks. Also, my friends enjoyed three diferent soups. The oyster soup LOOKED amazing. Wish I could have tried it. Full pieces of Oyster (and parts of course).. He stated that it was fantastic. He also had the Dolphin special. Liked it so much there was no sharing from his plate. Grr. Portions seem shareable. Soup and Dolphin were too good to share. That means pretty darn good. Next time, hope for the Sunday smorgasborg. (Buffet). Friends say it's great. Finallly rembered Rodrigo. He was great.
(4)Spike P.
Went for a ride one day and came across this Place. We had a great lunch.The fried oysters melted in your mouth cooked to Perfection.My wife had the Grouper wings that were very good. Will recommend to everyone we know.
(5)Elizabeth W.
Lightsey's is located on a spit of land at the top of Lake Okeechobee where the Kissimmee River enters into it. They are a seafood and meat market as well as a restaurant. The decor is kitschy redneck sportman's lodge with taxidermy animals and fish. The music is good-they were playing satellite radio when we were there the last two visits. My husband and I like to spend weekends and holidays in our rv on the lake and enjoy going to Lightsey's for at least one meal during our stay. They have a deck with ample seating, an outdoor mini-bar and lots of shade to enjoy the view. Even when the weather is hot, a breeze off the lake is very refreshing. They have several chef's inspired specials which may include blue water fish such as cobia, wahoo, snapper and dolphin but may also include some of the local specialties like gator, turtle, catfish and frog's legs. Fresh oysters are available much of the time and The service is fast and friendly and the food very good.
(4)Barbara R.
Over fried, over done and under served .. Be sure to pass this one by when looking for a seafood restaurant in Okeechobee. The place was one third full yet it was forty-five minutes before we finally saw our food. It was a sorry example of seafood and was unrecognizable in the sampler plate.. The food was expensive but of the quality of a roadside dive.
(1)Suzanna N.
This place was a nice surprise. We ordered raw oysters and they served them by the pound, which I thought was odd, but ended up being a surprisingly good deal. They were plump and tasted great (they have been good lately everywhere this season). They also had the option to have the raw oysters with sour cream and caviar which is my favorite way to eat them and they were awesome. We opted for grilled shrimp and scallops for dinner and those did not disappoint either. The sweet potato fries they serve here are wonderful. Nice 'feel' to this place as well. I had a very tasty drink called a pink cooter. We enjoyed our meal and will return.
(3)Morgan G.
In any major metropolitan area, this would get 2 stars, one for Cajun ambiance and one for decent food.... but this is Okeechobee. Before eating here tonight, we stopped and asked 2 locals for a good place to eat. Both said "there ain't nowhere good to eat... but Lightsey's is the best we have." I concur. Don't be in a hurry, the folks running the place are trying hard and the waterfront atmosphere on the screen porch is pleasant. The oysters and sweet potato fries were great. The gator and other things on the fried sampler platter were pretty chewy. With tip, it was $36 for the sampler and a coke. Expensive? Yes. Slow service without much smiling? Yes. Would I go back? Probably, where else are you going to eat in town, the Golden Corral, Popeyes or Burger King?
(3)Brian C.
My motorcycle riding club went there today for lunch. Very accommodating, great food & great service. Very fresh seafood and a friendly atmosphere.
(5)Tom M.
We had the Mahi Mahi. My wife had it Cajun fried and loved it! " it has a light breading with perfect seasoning"! I got the grilled Cajun Mahi Mahi and it was also PERFECT! The service was great, but we caught them during a slow night (to be fair). We are outside and love the decor. The price was fair for the quality.
(5)Lynn B.
Went for the first time on Father's Day! An hour after eating my husband and I became very ill. To make a long story short we both ended up in the hospital with food poisoning. We both ate the coleslaw. Doctors/blood work confirmed we did have food poisoning. Symptoms start within 1-4 hours after eating. Was definitely from the restaurant. After IV antibiotic & two oral antibiotics got better. Thankful the 3 children with me didn't eat the coleslaw. I did call the restaurant and the gentleman said "everyone loves our coleslaw".
(1)Jemmie W.
One of the culinary universal truths is that the worst thing you can do to a steak is to overcook it. One of the most culinary universal ignorances is that that same thing is also true of fish. People tend to overcook fish, and then almost all fish tastes like dry chicken breast (except Chilean Sea Bass, which a monkey can cook to perfection). I ordered one of the fish of the day - pompano - and it was overcooked and dry. Horrible. The flavoring was ok. The sides were actually ok - two different kinds of fries and mashed potatoes. But the main dish was overcooked. People need to be far more conscious about not overcooking fish. I know - first world problem. But Yelp is a first world service.
(2)Wendy S.
Decor is sportsman themed with fish and game mounted on the walls. My dinner was full if flavor and fresh-- don't miss the key lime pie-- is a little on the tart side, but oh so good and home made as well. Stay away from corn on cob -- it was below average.
(3)Suzi D.
lunch on porch,nice catfish fingers very good cole slaw running not very good corn and crab{?} great fish wrap hard to eat, runny, seasoning over powering nice waitress
(3)Jason R.
Great surprise while driving past lake okeechobee. Great fried seafood (oysters, catfish) and amazing hush puppies and coleslaw. Sat on the patio eating and watched boats go by the canal. Great service and a real pride in what they do.
(4)Josh D.
After reading the reviews I was hesitant but the food was excellent. They have been in business for 35 years so something is right. We were new in town and looked around for a place to eat....I had the broiled shrimp...with seasoned red potatoes and fresh corn on the cob....they get extra credit for the corn not soaking for hours....my wife had the broiled scallops...they too were awesome...the server was very attentive and even better for a Saturday night...when back in town we will come back.
(4)brian g.
this is a great example of what a divey florida seafood joint should be. lots of dead animals on the walls, slow service, sweet tea, everything fried, and t-shirts that say "i got cooter at lightsey's." what else could you possibly ask for? the food is better than you'd expect, especially if you're coming here looking for something like cooter, catfish, or gator. i got the catfish, and it was actually quite good. and the hushpuppies were some of the better ones i've ever had. oh, and please do not leave without seeing the cobra/mongoose taxidermy piece on the front counter.
(4)Paul C.
Wonderful restaurant situated in a large weathered lodge type building with a nice veranda. Views of boat launch and docking facilities. Our excellent meals were selected from an extensive seafood menu with reasonable prices.
(5)Steve K.
OK...I have not been here in 10 years, BUT this place had the best smoked fish spread that I have ever had.
(4)Janeen K.
Visited this fantastic seafood place twice and found it to be the best sea food ever! Not to mention the "Pink Gator" now that is one heck of a drink, friend of mine traveled 1200 miles for the seafood..recommend the gator or cat fish or grouper, heck it's all good! Hush puppies delicious, sweet potatoe fries delicious also! But wow did we enjoy the drinks! Service was very good and friendly....if it wasn't so far I would make it a weekly thing!!! Yum Yum! You won't be sorry!! amen!
(5)James P.
Awesome, old Florida Feel, out of the way gem. To be in the location it's in, they do offer seafood that you'd be hard pressed to find on either coast such as Sheepshead and Pompano. As soon as you walk in the fish case is right there with all the fresh seafood that they have shipped in. Sat outside as as storm was rolling in off the lake and it felt awesome. The food was prepared excellently, the pumpkin bread was a surprise treat, and even though crawfish weren't on the menu, my server Remy, coaxed the manager into rustling me up some. If you're in the Okeechobee Area I highly recommend this joint..... you won't be disappointed.
(5)