Parrott Island — Restaurant in Okeechobee

A 5 🌟 rating? It looks like something on an island, but is it?

The open air bar seating keeps the noisy people closer to the noise of the constant traffic. Maybe they even offset each other?

But if you're looking for an island, just take a few steps inside. The dining-bar area is great for a twosome or foursome. And after a few more steps into the inside dining room was my island. Quiet but refreshing. And never so isolated that service suffered. Service by several sweet people. Not smothering, but just when you need it.

What to eat? If you live close, or are a regular visitor, no prob. But, if you're a once-a-year drop-in, eeek. What to choose? The menu made me salivate.

Keeping with the island 🏝️ theme, I started with their Clam Chowder, and added a hint of Tobasco, of course. (No Oyster crackers?). My entrée of Mahi-Mahi Taco's were presented just as I finished my soup. Rare timing. And a rare, but delightful recipe. And since I had previewed the desert options, I was kindly offered my Key Lime Pie selection. (The waitress duly observed that I was a Clean Plate Club Member and may not have room for a piece of pie.) But since I'm sampling Key Lime Pie from every source, how could I resist?

By the time I finished reading the "what to do in" Okeechobee magazine, a large plate and a clean fork were magically in front of me. My eyes were frozen on absolutely the largest and thickest piece of restraunt pie I've ever been served. From New England to San Diego. From Alaska to Florida. (Understandably, restaurants skimp on Key Lime Pie.) And while everything about the pie was more than enough, the kitchen has smartly swirled the hugh plate with a decorative lime treat.

When I ordered from the menu, I defaulted to the offering of black beans on a bed of steamed rice. Sounded scrumptious. But when the waitress shared that they were known for their Hush Puppies, I said, "Hush up" and quickly accepted substitute.

When my entrée was served she no doubt caught my eyes staring at my plate. A pleasant array of black beans on steamed white rice? She quickly offered that the kitchen make a mistake and that my Hush Puppies were on the way. Relief.

I certainly did not have room for more to eat, but eat it all I did. The beans and rice were prepared to perfection with a hint of seasoned oil. The three Hush Puppies were the biggest I've ever seen. And for those like me who instinctively dip hush puppies in something. Restrain yourself. The robust flavor revealed inside is not to be diminished by any dip.

IF I weren't so pleased with my experience at Parrot Island, I'd be tempted to include a picky demerit for something. BUT why? They deserve 5 🌟 s ! I only wish I had captured the above visual on camera, but mine was on my motorcycle's...

A year ago I had this venue as a 5 but the service has gone downhill since our first visit and the food & menu changed without informing ALL of the staff.

We were pretty regular there and my daughter always ordered the kids quesadilla. It changed, server didn't know, it came out with all the fixins of an adult quesadilla, so she wasn't going to eat it, as it should have just been chicken & cheese. They did not take it off the bill and I still had to buy something else for her to eat.

The subsequent visit we had this entire conversation with our server. He very specifically put the order in as chicken & cheese only. This time, again, she got it with all the fixins inside. The server agreed he entered it correctly and the cook made it incorrectly. No offer was made to remake, and again, it was not taken off the bill.

Also the last 2 times we went the chicken servings are now about half the size they were :( We haven't been back. It isn't the same any more. Really disappointed.

If you are going to go, be sure to try their scallops and their...

We wanted to meet some of our friends who were staying on the West Coast of Florida. We llive in the east coast and looked on line to find a place somewhere in the middle. We made reservations for a party of five. We arrived and were seated at a booth which we decided would not accommodate us. Asked the hostess if we could move to the table. From there it went downhill. Our friends got their drinks. We waited quite some time to get our drink order. Waitress was not attentive at all. Was anywhere but our table. Then my husband and I and my son ordered the ribeye. We were shocked that not only that steaks were $53 a plate but that we were not told by our server. It is listed as market price. Then we waited along time to get refills on water or asking for butter for my baked potato. On top of all of this it was extremely loud and difficult to have conversations with our friends. I picked this place because of the outstanding reviews. They were Definitely Wtong . Don’t go there. It is overpriced, lousy service and very loud!!!!!...