Lakeview Harbor
Backstory
The people who opened this place (1994) came out of the Port of Call organization, and wanted to expand on the idea in a more accessible location. They have succeeded. Hurricane Katrina put eight or nine feet of long-standing water here, forcing a renovation. The place reopened sooner than anyone guessed it would be, and was one of the triggers for the amazing revival on Harrison Avenue's restaurant row.
Dining Room
Like most great hamburger specialists, the Lakeview Harbor feels like a bar. The actual bar and its inevitable televisions are over here; the tables are over there, by the windows. It's almost too dark to read the menu. There is neither a harbor nor a view of the lake. But the customers make the ambiance convivial and happy.
Why It's Essential
Here is one of the two or three best hamburgers in the city. Beyond that, the menu includes other popular American eats: chicken wings, fried mozzarella sticks, salads, fried seafood, and a daily special. In season, they have boiled crawfish and shrimp, too. Nothing stands out like the hamburger, though.
Why It's Good
The hamburgers are ground fresh and formed on the premises, grilled to order (it's all right if that order is rare), and served with a baked potato. It is darn near everything that a hamburger should be: crusty on the outside, juicy inside, ideal texture. A close second is the filet mignon sandwich, but I still think I'd prefer the burger.
Most Interesting Dishes
<em><strong>Starters</strong></em><br /> Crab cakes <br /> Fried chicken wings with dipping sauce<br /> Mozzarella sticks <br /> »Potato skins<br /> »Stuffed mushrooms<br /> Fried mushrooms<br /> »Seafood stuffed portabella cap<br /> Spinach and artichoke dip<br /> Dinner salad <br /> Harbor salad (with grilled or fried chicken or shrimp)<br /> »Italian salad <br /> Caesar salad <br /> <em><strong>Sandwiches</strong></em><br /> »Hamburgers<br /> Turkey burger <br /> Chicken sandwich <br /> »Mushroom and cheese chicken sandwich<br /> »Fried catfish poor boy<br /> »Fried oyster poor boy<br /> »Fried shrimp poor boy <br /> <em><strong>Daily specials</strong></em><br /> »MO Red beans and rice, smoked sausage or ham shank or two chicken breasts<br /> TU Stuffed bell pepper, macaroni and cheese, corn<br /> WE Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread<br /> TH Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, peas<br /> FR Seafood special<br /> »SU Prime rib au jus<br /> <em><strong>Entrees</strong></em><br /> »Filet mignon<br /> Ribeye<br /> »Fried shrimp plate<br /> »Fried catfish plate<br /> »Fried oyster plate<br /> Broiled catfish <br /> »Fried seafood platter<br /> Pizza<br />
Deficiencies
Because it's so busy, the place has a way of getting untidy at times. You might stand there waiting for a table for awhile before someone comes up and greets you. The lights could be turned up a touch. Why margarine and not butte ron the potatoes?
For Best Results
Get the hamburger and a beer, even if you're too old to be eating many hamburgers. It will remind you of your college days. This is not a fast-food hamburger; it takes what will seem like a long time to come out.
Bonus Ratings
1
Attitude
1
Service
1
Value