Lighthouse Bar and Grill Changes

[mtdjed]

Anyone aware of any recent changes to the Lighthouse Bar and Grill. Usually has full tables and people awaiting seating. Within last week seems like crowds have disappeared. Just an observation, as we walk past every evening.

[asianthree]

Beginning of summer, most restaurants have more availability

[walterray1]

Anyone aware of any recent changes to the Lighthouse Bar and Grill. Usually has full tables and people awaiting seating. Within last week seems like crowds have disappeared. Just an observation, as we walk past every evening.

My wife and I visited there a couple of weeks ago. We sat at the bar like usual but noticed that the restaurant was not busy like normal. I asked for menus and received what looked like lunch menus. I asked the bartender and was told they were new and that the dinner entrees were eliminated. Basically now mostly sandwiches, fried food and apps. Was told that they were streamlining things to be more efficient in the kitchen. We previously really liked the butterfish and the baked fish options but no longer available. Might make sense for cost efficiency but not customer friendly imo. Maybe opening the new restaurant in Spanish Springs has spread them too thin.

[sbb1256]

Anyone aware of any recent changes to the Lighthouse Bar and Grill. Usually has full tables and people awaiting seating. Within last week seems like crowds have disappeared. Just an observation, as we walk past every evening.

We recently went there for dinner. Their menu has changed drastically. They are now a "seafood basket" only place. Seafood (fish, shrimp, scallops, etc) served with fries and a cup of coleslaw in a plastic basket and presented with the cheapest plastic silverware. I think they might have dropped their prices a tad also. But the restaurant is only a shell of its former self - it needs a complete overhaul inside and out, and the food is now only mediocre.
Such a shame - it used to be our favorite place to eat. What a waste of a great view.

[JohnN]

Such a shame - it used to be our favorite place to eat.

Ditto

[Stu from NYC]

We went there for the first time a few weeks ago.

Food was good but served a large piece of fried halibut in very small cardboard basket making it hard to eat. Not to mention plastic utensils.

[njbchbum]

Snowbirds are gone and prices/wages have increased...gotta trim costs somewhere?

[stan the man]

Ditto

Ditto again

[Aloha1]

The venue deserves much better. If they're having trouble meeting expenses ( which I suspect), sell it to someone who can make it worth the visit.

[Two Bills]

If the decibel level has dropped as well, can't be bad!

[dewilson58]

Ditto again

Can a double ditto be ditto'd ??

[bobdeb]

I thought nobody went there anymore because it was so crowded.

Groan...

[Stu from NYC]

I thought nobody went there anymore because it was so crowded.

Groan...

Used to be Yogi's favorite restaurant

[34gunner]

I dislike the new menu. We went last week. Good service, not so good food.

[tophcfa]

When we bought in the Villages 6 years ago the Lighthouse was our go to place. It was where we brought all our visitors for a very good meal with a nice view. Over the years it has gone through several changes, the only thing that has been consistent is change. With each change, quality and value has progressively declined. Kind of sad : (

[karostay]

Once they cut back no draft beer we stopped going

[Ben Franklin]

It was always a noisy place, but we enjoyed sitting outside and watching the sunset, Our first time there they served a delicious Mac and Lobster dish. A couple of years later the dish was gone and quality started going downhill. That's sad what's happened to it, especially since it is a great location to dine, especially for a gourmet, boutique restaurant.

[retiredguy123]

Once they cut back no draft beer we stopped going
I agree. I don't understand why any bar would stop selling draft beer. Isn't that a huge profit item?

[BRN_RI_FL]

I also love draft beer and that is always a factor in choosing a restaurant.

[Bay Kid]

I agree. I don't understand why any bar would stop selling draft beer. Isn't that a huge profit item?

Yes it is!

[B-flat]

It's been years since I worked in the wholesale liquor, wine and beer business so I may not have all the numbers correct. With that said draft beer is very profitable.


Keg Cost $100

Price per Serving $4.00

Kegs per Month 20
Keg Size Domestic Half Barrel
Serving Size 12 ounce stem glass

servings per keg 165.33
Revenue per keg. 661..32
Profit per keg. 561.32
Profit per month. $11,226.40
Profit Per year $134,716.80

[Tennisbum]

We went there twice last month for the "oysters" and were served some of the most anemic, small and tasteless oysters I ever had. I had thought maybe the first time they were running low, so we tried one more time. Will not make that mistake again. We have heard numerous complaints from our groups about the food. Will not return......

[PennBF]

It is a true mystery as to the decline in the food at the Lighthouse? Why would any Restaurant try to ruin their business unless they wanted to go our of business? Why would a restaurant want to go out of business on a low point rather then optimizing its value for a resale? Why no statement from the owners? Do they want to sell? These are either the dumbest owner's in The Villages or the smartest and are setting something up which is not visible to the Residents? Either way it is a shame to see such a unique and fine
restaurant go down the tubes!!:ohdear:

[champion6]

It is a true mystery as to the decline in the food at the Lighthouse? Why would any Restaurant try to ruin their business unless they wanted to go out of business? Why would a restaurant want to go out of business on a low point rather then optimizing its value for a resale? Why no statement from the owners? Do they want to sell? These are either the dumbest owner's in The Villages or the smartest and are setting something up which is not visible to the Residents? Either way it is a shame to see such a unique and fine restaurant go down the tubes!Has everyone forgotten that the owners of the Lighthouse, Maureen & John McIntyre, recently opened Augustine's 1812 House in Spanish Springs where Demshar's was located? To me, it makes the changes at the Lighthouse even more difficult to understand.

[Aloha1]

The reviews of Augustine's 1812 have also been less than stellar.

[Bay Kid]

We went there twice last month for the "oysters" and were served some of the most anemic, small and tasteless oysters I ever had. I had thought maybe the first time they were running low, so we tried one more time. Will not make that mistake again. We have heard numerous complaints from our groups about the food. Will not return......

I grow my own delicious oysters at my dock on the Chesapeake Bay. Now I'm spoiled by fresh oysters year round.

[l2ridehd]

Sad but this is a pattern followed by many Villages restaurants. Somehow there are cost variables that force the quality lower and the prices higher until it drives them out of business. We can all name a dozen places this has happened.

[Ben Franklin]

I grow my own delicious oysters at my dock on the Chesapeake Bay. Now I'm spoiled by fresh oysters year round.

We used to dock our boat at The Granary, on the Sassafras River, I don't think it's there anymore, but the blue crabs were sooo good.

[Aacosner]

Can a double ditto be ditto'd ??

Checked the ditto section of the etiquette book, and it says a double ditto is all the ditto your permitted to ditto.

[Bay Kid]

We used to dock our boat at The Granary, on the Sassafras River, I don't think it's there anymore, but the blue crabs were sooo good.

Crabs are heading to my Dymer Creek dock this week. 5 pots baited and ready. Until then fresh fish and oysters!

[BostonRich]

Just checked their menu. Note that it is now called "Summer Menu". I think we can assume this is a lighter selection for our slow summer season. Looks more like a New England style clam shack type menu which is fine if the food is good.

Killing the draft beer makes no sense however.

[bobdeb]

I judge a number of places by the quality of their draft beers.

Please don't give me typical and tired, Bud, Bud Light, Michelob...

Have something of significant contrast to the usual pilsners and I'm in...

[Byte1]

We used to dock our boat at The Granary, on the Sassafras River, I don't think it's there anymore, but the blue crabs were sooo good.

I used to believe that blue crabs from MD were the best, but now find that the ones here are just as good if not better than the ones in MD. MD's have been very small lately and the ones from FL have been shipped to MD restaurants for some time. We have had some really GREAT blue crabs at Crystal River.

[JMintzer]

I used to believe that blue crabs from MD were the best, but now find that the ones here are just as good if not better than the ones in MD. MD's have been very small lately and the ones from FL have been shipped to MD restaurants for some time. We have had some really GREAT blue crabs at Crystal River.

It's all in the preparation... ;)

[Byte1]

It's all in the preparation... ;)

To a certain extent, I agree. However, crabs from different states often have different flavor. For instance, in my opinion the crabs from Louisiana and NC both seem to be "muddy." I actually thought that I would NEVER find another location that had crabs that compared with MD's Ches. Bay but had to change my opinion after getting some very large and great tasting steamed crabs from Crystal River, FL. Of course, steamed is the only way to go, in my opinion but I have had boiled crabs and were not impressed and did not enjoy them at all.

[walterray1]

To a certain extent, I agree. However, crabs from different states often have different flavor. For instance, in my opinion the crabs from Louisiana and NC both seem to be "muddy." I actually thought that I would NEVER find another location that had crabs that compared with MD's Ches. Bay but had to change my opinion after getting some very large and great tasting steamed crabs from Crystal River, FL. Of course, steamed is the only way to go, in my opinion but I have had boiled crabs and were not impressed and did not enjoy them at all.

Think it is time to close this thread since these responses have nothing to do with the original post about The Lighthouse Restaurant.

[Two Bills]

Think it is time to close this thread since these responses have nothing to do with the original post about The Lighthouse Restaurant.

When were you elected thread monitor?

[Stu from NYC]

Think it is time to close this thread since these responses have nothing to do with the original post about The Lighthouse Restaurant.

Most threads manage to go off on a tangent. When I get bored just find another thread to read.

[Road-Runner]

When were you elected thread monitor?

Ditto. (Sorry I couldn't resist)

[Arctic Fox]

Most threads manage to go off on a tangent.

At least this one hasn't drifted off into cyclists and dog poop yet

Oops. Sorry guys, There she goes...

[Stu from NYC]

At least this one hasn't drifted off into cyclists and dog poop yet

Oops. Sorry guys, There she goes...

Give it time but who knows we can get into when the new BJ will open.

[Ben Franklin]

Crabs are heading to my Dymer Creek dock this week. 5 pots baited and ready. Until then fresh fish and oysters!

That looks like an invite. It should only take us 12 hours to get there, as you're really south on the Bay.

Enjoy!

[JMintzer]

When were you elected thread monitor?

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[shut the front door]

When were you elected thread monitor?

They aren't elected. They are self-annointed. $1 to the one who shoots 1 over par.

[Bay Kid]

That looks like an invite. It should only take us 12 hours to get there, as you're really south on the Bay.

Enjoy!

Only about 11 hours if traffic is right! Come on by.

[Tadpole]

My wife and I visited there a couple of weeks ago. We sat at the bar like usual but noticed that the restaurant was not busy like normal. I asked for menus and received what looked like lunch menus. I asked the bartender and was told they were new and that the dinner entrees were eliminated. Basically now mostly sandwiches, fried food and apps. Was told that they were streamlining things to be more efficient in the kitchen. We previously really liked the butterfish and the baked fish options but no longer available. Might make sense for cost efficiency but not customer friendly imo. Maybe opening the new restaurant in Spanish Springs has spread them too thin.
That's a good point. We went to Augustines 1812 for the first time a couple weeks ago and was disappointed. No problem with the server, but the menu was sparse. We had pre-selected what we wanted from their menu on The Villages Gourmet Club site, but nothing we wanted was available. We chose the next best thing and it was nothing to talk about. We won't be going back anytime soon.

[walterray1]

When were you elected thread monitor?
Yes:mademyday:

[walterray1]

Ditto. (Sorry I couldn't resist)
Yes, again.:mademyday:

[Slowhand]

What I see now it's more like Captain D's or Long JohnSilver What a waste of a great location!!... **** poor reviews all one stars now!... ...
They will be closing soon! ...Another great location and restaurants turn to creap!!!...
Plastic Silverware, Plates, and cups ONLY Belong in FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS! .... And NEVER WITH WINE....Except for Thunderbird or Mad Dog 20/20 or Hillsberry Farms....lmfao

[pauld315]

The venue deserves much better. If they're having trouble meeting expenses ( which I suspect), sell it to someone who can make it worth the visit.

How does that work exactly ? You have food costs, wages and rents all going up but if they charge a few dollars more all The Villagers will cry that it is overpriced and will stop going there. Are you suggesting somebody should buy it and lose money ?

[pauld315]

We went there twice last month for the "oysters" and were served some of the most anemic, small and tasteless oysters I ever had. I had thought maybe the first time they were running low, so we tried one more time. Will not make that mistake again. We have heard numerous complaints from our groups about the food. Will not return......

You never eat oysters in any month that doesn't have an "r" in it. Common knowledge in oyster harvesting communities.

[Bay Kid]

You never eat oysters in any month that doesn't have an "r" in it. Common knowledge in oyster harvesting communities.

Except when I walk down the dock and get a fresh bucket for the grill.

[Aloha1]

How does that work exactly ? You have food costs, wages and rents all going up but if they charge a few dollars more all The Villagers will cry that it is overpriced and will stop going there. Are you suggesting somebody should buy it and lose money ?

It works by putting in a menu that will draw diners in, doing the math to determine cost of goods and labor cost and then setting your menu prices. Then you hire great staff and prepare your food consistently and serve hot food hot and cold food cold.

Yes, there is a contingent of residents here who only want cheap BUT there is a larger and growing contingent who will not settle for slop and are willing to pay for quality. I don't see Blue Fin, Lopez, Palmers, or Chop House suffering.

The Lighthouse sits on a great venue and there is so much that could done there. I just don't see the current owners doing it.

[Papa_lecki]

Don’t eat there often, but we were there in early January, it was good. Went back in late March and it was terrible. All things described in this thread.

Agree, the water front location is great.

[Two Bills]

You never eat oysters in any month that doesn't have an "r" in it. Common knowledge in oyster harvesting communities.

We have often eaten them in Mary!:icon_wink:

[Road-Runner]

You never eat oysters in any month that doesn't have an "r" in it. Common knowledge in oyster harvesting communities.

Heard that all my adult life, of course I've been known to add a letter to some 'r' challenged months like Jurne, Jury and Argust!

[Tmansir]

Need a new menu

[Dana1963]

Heard that all my adult life, of course I've been known to add a letter to some 'r' challenged months like Jurne, Jury and Argust!
That was a practice B4 refrigeration

[Northerner52]

Want great seafood and low prices? Essex Seafood in Pearson FL is worth the 1 hour trip. Cash only, closes early in week. Check first

[stan the man]

Off my list months ago. Had oysters last Friday at Nancy Lopez,,,not very good service poor and oysters small and tasteless...maybe its the month June...will try again

[Tennisbum]

Had the worst oysters there a few months ago. Have not been back since. I have heard more then one person say they will not go back. Something changed and there are too many better options then taking a chance with them. I will come back once they close down and reopen with another management group.

[Tomterrif]

Used to enjoy Lighthouse… butterfish, lobster, crab… ate outside each time… Now it’s not enjoyable… no dishes… no metal utensils… disposable cups… diminished quantity of food… not a dining experience any more… much like a low quality picnic…. Location deserves better… used to go at least every other week when in town… now likely will not go back… butterfish not even on menu but they serve it…. Waitress said due to customer demand. Piece of fish over rice in a cardboard tray… no sides…. Plastic utensils…. Will not be returning… great example of mediocrity seized from the jaws of success with zero customer focus

[graciegirl]

The venue deserves much better. If they're having trouble meeting expenses ( which I suspect), sell it to someone who can make it worth the visit.

Like all restaurants here, I am guessing they signed a five year lease. Restaurants die at an amazing rate. It is very hard to manage money when there is a lot for three months and not as much for nine.

Someone said they dropped draft beer as one of the first changes. I wonder if that was because it was more expensive than bottled beer. I really liked the person who took it over from The Morses. She had managed it for years, but the Morses had a solid financial cache to get them through the slow times. I don't know. It used to be one of our favorite places to take visitors.

[PugMom]

We went there for the first time a few weeks ago.

Food was good but served a large piece of fried halibut in very small cardboard basket making it hard to eat. Not to mention plastic utensils.

yeah, the plastic forks have to go. it's next to impossible to eat anything with those when they snap in 2. very disappointing

[retiredguy123]

Like all restaurants here, I am guessing they signed a five year lease. Restaurants die at an amazing rate. It is very hard to manage money when there is a lot for three months and not as much for nine.

Someone said they dropped draft beer as one of the first changes. I wonder if that was because it was more expensive than bottled beer. I really liked the person who took it over from The Morses. She had managed it for years, but the Morses had a solid financial cache to get them through the slow times. I don't know. It used to be one of our favorite places to take visitors.
Draft beer is cheaper than bottled beer, and it is a cash cow for most bars. I don't understand why they stopped selling it.

[Dana1963]

Anyone aware of any recent changes to the Lighthouse Bar and Grill. Usually has full tables and people awaiting seating. Within last week seems like crowds have disappeared. Just an observation, as we walk past every evening.
Mediocre seafood gave up going there pre pandemic, quantity and quality were lacking

[xcaligirl]

Anyone aware of any recent changes to the Lighthouse Bar and Grill. Usually has full tables and people awaiting seating. Within last week seems like crowds have disappeared. Just an observation, as we walk past every evening.
We just went there today right before noon and it was DEAD~!!! Nobody was in there, only one size of clam chowder.....prices increased....won't be going back. So sad, one of our favorite places in the past. I guess cutting back to paper and plastic works for them but the sizes have decreased A LOT!

[golf2140]

$3.75 for a bottle of Coors light. Never again