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.
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.
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.