Melanie's Seafood Company — Restaurant in Lake Wales

3 of us went in when we visited Lake Wales for a street festival. Immediately we were greeted by Cricket. A young, enthusiastic hostess who asked if we had a reservation. We did not. Most of the few tables had reservation cards on them. There were only a few other diners there as we went early 4:30. We said we may come back in an hour but she told us they would fill up and recommended we stay now. She was telling the truth. We were seated and she took our drink orders as well and explained the menu to us regarding our questions. All the time hostessing as people started coming in. She was like a hummingbird, greeting people, smiling, getting orders. One other waitress was there as well. Wife had ordered the grouper but Cricket came back and apologized that they had run out. Wife then ordered the pompano based on recommendation. In an hour the entire restaurant was full and Cricket had to turn people away but gave them recommendations on other places to eat, primarily a fairly new bbq place. Food: one word WOW. I asked how the steak was and she said it’s excellent ( I don’t eat seafood). I ordered it blackened and it was cooked perfectly. One of the best steaks in a restaurant and reasonably priced at $24 with two sides. Crispy French fries and the green beans were plentiful and delicious. My wife got an entire whole pompano which she devoured. She had creamy spinach with garlic as her side. The fish was a hit. Our friend ordered the cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and a Cabernet. He enjoyed every bite. The kitchen is open and there is a bar area where non reserved people were able to get a seat. We weren’t prepared for how great this little downtown place was so no pictures but for all three of us and for the delicious meal the price was very reasonable for a total before tip of $74. I had iced tea and my wife enjoyed her root beer. We will absolutely be back next visit and be sure to make...

My son and I were visiting Lake Wales and attending a show downtown when we were surprised to find not many restaurants. We saw Melanie's just a few storefronts down and so we went in. Boy are we glad we did! Adorable inside with a very welcoming staff. I didn't even realize it was seafood at first until we got the menus. We ordered Manhatten clam chowder which I never get (I'm a New England Chowder head) and this beautiful creation came out in a giant bowl filled with clams and large tomato chunks and other veggies. It was the best! Then came shrimp cocktail, sans the glass, with perfectly horseradished cocktail sauce and last but by no means least, steamed clams in a garlic white wine sauce. Great portions on both of these dishes and pricing was excellent. All served with delicious hard bread for dipping and a smile from our multi-colored hair waitress! (oops, forgot her name). I highly recommend a trip to Lake Wales downtown. Both for Melanie's and the tribute shows! Next one is in November. My company Chasing Talent & Production is the booking agency so I'll see you...

Melanie's was the choice of my guys, the C-shift for LWFD on a Saturday evening. Although, they were packed and we disappointedly turned to leave but the owner rushed out and stopped us. He says "I have family sitting at a table chatting after their dinner but he would let us have their table since they were done. After being seated we had prompt service. My shift (5) of us ordered 2 shrimp po' boys, loaded with big gulf shrimp, a flounder plate cooked to perfection, and shrimp cocktail tail, which was a half pound of gulf shrimp that fried for us versus regular shrimp cocktail. After our meal the waitress gave us our tickets and as we were attempting to pay. The owner came and collected our tickets and proceeded to tear them up and said "Happy belated Firefighters day". He would not accept our Monsey, so we left a generous tip for the waitress as payment. This place is magnificent with superb customer service, a must visit if you're...