SIZZLING GRILL — Restaurant in Lake Wales

Yesterday, April 19th 2025, my family, 26 of us, gathered at Sizzling Grill for a late lunch. 3 days prior to our gathering I had called and reserved a space for the date, time and number of people. Upon arrival we were pleasantly greeted by the host. However, we could not be seated until everyone was there and accounted for. Since we were only missing 4 or 5 people I asked if we could be seated while we waited for the remainder of our party. I was then told that the company policy was that everyone had to be there before we could be seated. So, about 20 of us stood by the front door waiting for the few that had not arrived yet. It was a short wait but I thought it was a ridiculous policy. Come on, 20 people, mostly little children standing by the host desk waiting for 4-5 people? Make it make sense! That was the bad, now here is the good! This place is awesome! The host was doing his job by following company policy even if it was absurd to have 20 people held up at the front door while waiting for 4-5! That said, the young man at the host desk was very polite, well groomed and had a pleasant personality. I can't and won't hold him responsible for a company policy, good or bad. The area of the restaurant that we were seated in was absolutely perfect for our large group. The restaurant is very clean and every employee we came in contact with were all well groomed, polite and, very considerate of our entire group. Our server was a young man named Jacob! I just can't say enough about Jacob and his professionalism. He was the absolute best we could have hoped for! Jacob was very courteous and had an awesome sense of humor which fitted our group perfectly. We ordered appetizers and beverages which all came out in a very timely manner and all were delicious. While we devoured the apps, Jacob got our entrée orders, 26 in all. Every single meal came to our tables at nearly the same exact time and every single meal was correct and cooked to perfection! Not one single thing was sent back for correction! I do not think that was by mistake! The head chef must run a tight ship to get 26 meals prepared, cooked and delivered to the table, all still piping hot and delicious at the same time! Great job Chef! Great Job Jacob! Great job Sizzling Grill, Lake Wales Florida! P.S. if 75% of a large party is waiting by the host desk for the last 25% of the party, maybe consider escorting them to their table! Terry...

We went to Sizzling Grill steak and seafood for a family revisit with high spirits and anticipation. I'm not sure what happened, but sub-par is the nicest thing I can say.

The service was not professional by any means. We waited for about 15 minutes before our server, Erin, took our order. We were seated right by the kitchen door in the front of the restaurant, so not really sure how we got missed by all of the people coming in and out. When we were addressed by the server she stated that she used to work at another restaurant but left because no one wore mask. I thought that was strange because no one in the kitchen other than wait staff was wearing mask, let alone hair or facial convertings - see attached photos.

My wife asked if the meatballs were all beef she responded, "I don't really know, they all come frozen from a bag." Our server and the staff seemed to relish in chattering amongst themselves target than taking care of customers; we ended up chatting to other customers as a result of the boredom and non attentive staff.

In regard to the food that arrived 45 minutes after we ordered, it was okay and a bit overpriced for what it was. The appetizers were slow to get out, so we were really hungry by the time the entre showed up. I got the 16 ounce ribeye for 25 dollars and it was not seasoned well and a bit on the cold side when it arrived. It was more over medium than the rare/medium rare I requested. I didn't want to send it back as I was afraid it would be another long period before arriving; which is sad because they literally have the word "Steak" in their name. The portions for the children's dishes were small, even for kids standards. All said, for liver and onions, two kids hamburgers, one kids ravioli, a small calamari appetizer big enough for two, and my "16oz" steak it was over 82 bucks.

I prefer local businesses and frequent many over the national chains, however in this instance I think we would have been better served at the local aussie steak joint than here. The service, the cleanliness, and the food does not live up to expectations. It's such a shame because we used to frequent all of the time, but it seems to be getting worse and I am very doubtful we will return.

If you are considering giving this place a try, I would strongly urge you to support other local business in the area who deserve...

Well. Another great winter get away for us in sunny Lake Wales Florida and Sizzling Grill added a large degree of enjoyment to our 2024-2025 season as usual with their wonderful food and friendly caring service. They know that tourism is important to their business and they do everything possible to please their customers. Give them a try and I am sure you will enjoy your eating experience. Thank you Sizzling Grill. Your the best. Bruce and Linda Wood Ontario, Canada.

Nov.and Dec. 2024 Another wonderful winter season in beautiful Florida. Sizzling Grill is our favourite regular go to eating establishment. Hands down the best food and service in the area. Amazing seafood, steak, chopped steak with fried onions, mashed potatoes and rich gravy. Nice specials and 2 for 1 drinks. Our friends love it here as well. Manny’s in Haines is good, as is Longhorns in Winter Haven but we still prefer Sizzling Grill in Lake Wales. It’s truly the best. Give it a try. I am sure it will quickly become your go to restaurant for quality home cooked style meals. We appreciate it when the owner stops by for a chat to make sure that everything is perfect. Wish there was more stars to give.

PS: I am fed up with the negative reviews about price and quality. I guess these people live in a box. Prices are up everywhere. Its even higher prices in Canada and much smaller portions. We pay a huge exchange rate to be in the US and don’t mind it. Add 30% more to your restaurant bill. That’s what we pay. Restaurants are paying huge higher costs for their food and supplies and probably more to stay staffed. You should stay home if you can’t afford to pay the higher costs of eating out and you are likely just habitual complainers with nothing better to do. We eat all over the area here and at some of Canada’s finest restaurants and Sizzling Grill is right at the top of the list. 99% of the reviews are great and that is proof enough that you complainers don’t know what you are talking about. The salad is great, the gravy is rich and tasty as is everything else. Maybe quit smoking and you might be able to taste your food.

Bruce and Linda Wood Winter residents of Lake Wales, Florida from...