What we ordered at Grievous Angel, downtown Lakeland’s new burger joint

Burgers, beignets, and beverages — find out what’s on the menu at this new restaurant from the owners of LoveBird.

A line of people outside a green building with a pink neon "Grievous Angel" sign and outdoor picnic table seating.

Pro tip: Take a page from our book and arrive right at opening for the shortest lines.

Photo by LALtoday

Grievous Angel, the latest restaurant concept from the owners of LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, is now serving “deceptively good burgers” in downtown Lakeland.

We stopped by opening week — and so did everyone else. Lines have been out the door every night, but we can see why.

The vibe in five words: family-friendly honky-tonk bar. Country rock music blares while black-and-white western movies play behind the bar. After ordering at the counter, we were greeted by “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” playing on the patio while we found a spot in the shade.

A person holds a large double cheeseburger with pickles and lettuce over a basket of crinkle-cut fries at Grievous Angel.

Don’t be afraid to get a little messy when you dig into these crispy, yet juicy burgers.

Photo by LALtoday

We loved the Weekend Hero burger — two smashed patties filled to the brim with melty cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles — and the seasoned crinkle-cut fries. The menu will satisfy even more adventurous appetites, too; other burgers are stacked with charred onions, peppers, chili, and pecan-smoked bacon.

The most surprising thing we tried was the “Poor Man’s Beignets,” fried Hawaiian rolls dusted in cinnamon sugar. Those who miss the bygone Poor Porker’s beignets will love this doughy twist.

A colorful back bar at Grievous Angel with stained-glass accents, liquor bottles, and a cooler with a "Gloriously Easy" neon sign.

Grab a seat at the bar, at a few tables inside, or on the spacious patio with picnic-style tables.

Photo by LALtoday

The surprises don’t end there. Expect hot dogs with chipotle cream cheese and sweet corn soft serve ice cream (don’t knock it ‘til you try it). The bar may also call your name with craft beer, wine, house cocktails, and nonalcoholic mocktails. Besides spirits + half-bottles of wine, everything on the menu will run you $12 or less.

Grievous Angel is open at 801 E. Main St., just a short walk from Lake Mirror. Right now, it opens daily at 4 p.m., with service running until 12 a.m. on Fridays + Saturdays. Keep an eye on its social media for menu or opening hour updates.

More from LALtoday
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
This annual festival celebrates all things aviation. Save this guide to admission, activities, and aviation fun.
Students can now order food online, and an AI-powered food delivery robot will bring it directly to their location. Would you like to see this tech in another part of Lakeland?
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
In response to a statewide water shortage, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is enacting water restrictions for Polk County and surrounding areas.
Polk County Public Schools just broke ground on Junior Achievement’s innovative new Discovery Center where students will get hands-on business experience.
When it comes to hyperspecific food festival themes, Central Florida has the recipe down pat.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Wellness
Get your steps in and find a sense of sisterhood with this group that meets weekly for walks along Lakeland’s most picturesque trails.
Get a rare look inside some of Lakeland’s most historic homes on this walking tour of the Lake Morton neighborhood.