Nineteen61 — Restaurant in Lakeland

Original Review: We made our reservation for 6 people weeks in advance for an early 6pm dinner. We were sat at the worst table in the restaurant where it felt like a table didn’t even belong. The back of our table was up against the kitchen service window and the 2 kitchen service doors were on both sides of our table. All night we had wait staff and food service circling our table, making us feel trapped. Sort of felt like we were in the middle of a crowded interstate and if you want to make a move you should check all your shoulders and mirrors first.

If the awkward table was the only issue, I would not provide this review. We placed our food order well before 7pm. From there, we watched several other tables sat, order, and receive their food before ours. Eventually we asked the manager for an update. She was polite but unfortunately for her, she didn’t recognize our table location which provided us the ability to watch not only their kitchen computer with tickets, but also their chefs who didn’t seem to care very much when she inquired. Eventually they brought out old rice, black beans that tasted like pure salt, and the tail of the tuna with crust and bones. The chef at least did come out to apologize and let us know he told his team not to serve the tuna tail we received. The vegan in our party was essentially served a salad. I called prior to making the reservation and they assured me they always had vegan options that included protein and weren’t just vegetables. Vegan options ended up being just vegetables with no protein. They have one option for beans but they are cooked with chorizo prior to having a cup of salt mixed in. This is the first restaurant I’ve been to with an executive chef who can’t provide at least one vegan option with protein, even though they guaranteed it in advance.

I don’t mind paying $50+ for an entree. However, when you’re charging $50+ for an entree there are expectations. This experience was a dining disgrace. At the end of our night we were given a $400 bill for food and atmosphere that was not even on par with an Applebees. In the end, we paid the bill, tipped the waiter $100 because it’s not his fault, and had a laugh afterwards how we will never eat there again. They gave us a memorable $500 experience but for all the wrong reasons.

Also, I told them this was for my mothers 78th birthday but I didn’t expect them to write her age in bold and underlined on the birthday card they left on the table

Update 1: As with every other negative review the owner of this establishment has chosen to reply with venom. I can’t speak for the other reviews but I can provide evidence to dispute the owners slanderous, baseless, and unfounded comments. I don’t have time to dispute all of his unsubstantiated claims but for now I’ll at least provide evidence that the reservation was made 2 weeks in advance (see photo of Resy email confirmation). I’ll also provide evidence that I called the restaurant 2 weeks in advance to inquire about vegan options that weren’t provided (see call log photo). We didn’t ask our hostess about food options and our waiter did not offer us tofu, instead they apologized that they had no vegan protein options (the waiter was awesome btw and was tipped handsomely). I stand by my original review and happily await the owners “video evidence”, which would also include the chef coming out to apologize about the bony tuna tail he told his team not to serve. Sort their reviews from low to high and have a laugh at the owners nasty responses. Then sort my reviews and see how rarely I ever leave a negative one (23 @ 5, 1 @ 2, 1 @ 1*). This reservation was for my mother and not my grandmother…I have those receipts also but it’s abundantly clear that honesty, class, and attention to detail are not qualities the owner is equipped with. Congratulations on receiving the only 1 star review I’ve ever left, you earned it.

Update 2: Vegan and vegetarian are 2 different things chef. I stand by all of my comments, have provided receipts, and have never changed my story....

First off, it's Lakeland. It is difficult to find a restaurant that's not a chain, much less a good restaurant. Furthermore it's downtown. Location, and prices reflect expectations. Finally, while not a gourmand, an informed palette can make an honest, yet critical difference. The ambience is outstanding even when it's not busy. There was some thought put into the layout, and décor. The service is exceptional. Bartenders are attentive even when busy, They are knowledgeable, professional, and aimable. Shannon, Kira, and Erin are worthy of mention. Drinks were made to measure, and well presented. Makayla (spelling), the manager, was warm, welcoming, and worth the time to get a sense of the owner's vision.

Appetizers were good, especially, during Happy Hour because it was a good value. The Rillette is rich, and the chips needn't be salted, but that's a personal preference. The Calamari was a bit too spicy, but surprising still palatable because of the counterbalance of sweetness in the sauce. Next time, though, I'd get the sauce on the side, but again, that's a personal preference. I like my last bite to taste like the first bite, crispy. The latter morsels becomes too soggy otherwise.

Dinner was underwhelming at best, and a poor value. I felt robbed. Fifty two dollars for a Paella! (I'll return to that later.) You will get exactly four small, and I mean "small," Littleneck clams, three shrimp, two medium scallops, and one small half lobster tail in a goop of rice. The tail was overcooked, and did I mention small? The meat was tough, and no way was I going to wrestle a lobster tail that wouldn't come out of its shell in public. There are so few shellfish, that no shell dish was provided. At home, I discovered the tail was not only very tough, but not deviened properly. Not all rice is created equal. Normally, Bomba rice is used with Paella, but Calasparra is good second choice. However, the rice was not allowed to do its job. It was goopy/starchy, and the potential of its intended texture was not achieved, a little undercooked. There is a heavy hand on the salt. I am always wary of heavily salted dishes. It is advertised, or sold as a "traditional spanish Paella." In fact, it is not "traditional." There isn't any chorizo in a "traditional" seafood Paella, and there is actually more, and varied seafood, i.e., calamari, mussels, etc.

Returning to the value of the meal, the menu online, as well as the hard menu in the restaurant list the Paella at $48, but I was charged $52. When I inquired, the response was simply, "prices went up." Common practice is to concede to the listed price, and later adjust the menu. That was not the case. On a more notable observation, the dinner did not warrant either price point! It was underwhelming: portion size, flavor, ingredients, texture, presentation. At the end of the day, a restaurant is about the food, not the ambience, staff, location, etc. I will go out of my way, and put up with less fluff, if the food is worth the wait, and trouble.

There are some restaurants that one goes to, and you can't wait to go again. Others are one and done. This one is the latter. I may return for appetizers, and only during Happy Hour, but not dinner....

A Culinary Journey to Latin America: Nineteen61 Delivers Pure Bliss! Stepping into Nineteen61 is like being transported to a sophisticated, slightly dim haven, perfectly setting the stage for a truly romantic and unforgettable dining experience. Every detail, from the inviting ambiance to the incredible aromas wafting from the kitchen, promises a magnificent culinary adventure. Before you even think about dinner, a visit to Vasco61, their rooftop bar, is an absolute must! The views of the park from up there are simply incredible, especially as twilight paints the sky and the city lights begin to twinkle. And on my visit, the Latin deejay spinning vibrant tunes added an extra layer of pure magic to the pre-dinner festivities. Now, onto the main event: Nineteen61. Let me just say, you absolutely cannot go wrong with anything you choose from their meticulously crafted menu. But, if you take only one piece of advice from this review, let it be this: you MUST begin your journey with the traditional Peruvian ceviche. Oh, the flavors! This ceviche is an explosion of zesty, fresh, and perfectly balanced notes that dance on your palate, each bite a vibrant symphony. And the plantain chips? They are the ideal, crispy companions, scooping up every last drop of that magnificent ceviche. And speaking of perfection, the bar at Nineteen61 deserves a standing ovation. Every single libation is expertly crafted to taste, ensuring a truly personalized and delightful experience. But if you're looking for a drink that will truly make your taste buds sing, the Macho Margarita is a non-negotiable. It's bold, it's balanced, and it's utterly sensational. Choosing a favorite entree at Nineteen61 is like trying to pick a favorite star in the night sky – almost impossible! For me, it's a glorious tie between the short rib seco and the arroz chaufa. The short ribs are unbelievably tender, literally melting in your mouth with each savory, slow-cooked bite, bursting with deep, rich flavors that linger delightfully. And the arroz chaufa? Prepare for a welcoming blast of flavor that awakens your taste buds, a harmonious medley of textures and spices that is simply addicting. And please, oh please, before your entree arrives, do yourself a favor and order the 1961 salad. This seemingly simple dish is a revelation! It's so exquisitely fresh and vibrant, with a dressing that will have your palate screaming, "Thank you!" before your main course even makes an appearance. To cap off this extraordinary meal, there is only one choice, one absolute imperative: the tres leches for dessert. Seriously, do not leave without ordering it! I would unequivocally rank everything else I've raved about in this review as a perfect 10 out of 10. But the tres leches? That's not a 10. That's a 1000! It is beyond delicious, a creamy, sweet, and unbelievably moist masterpiece that will leave you in a state of pure, unadulterated dessert euphoria. Nineteen61 is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. Prepare to have your senses utterly captivated and your taste buds endlessly grateful. Five stars is simply not enough...