Phish tales

Guys, where do I begin? How does one start a restaurant review of one of the best places to eat in town? There’s so much to say about this recently-updated Lake City staple.

What used to go by the name of Phish Heads, is the new and improved Phish Tales, which is family owned and operated by the Crenshaws. It is not uncommon to be met with the smiling face of Mrs. Crenshaw, who will welcome you in and seat you herself. The atmosphere provides a sense of relaxation and familiarity, with lots of warm lighting and cool blue-toned colors.

When it comes to the grub, I could probably write a novel about all the options I enjoy. One of the things I love about this place is that it doesn’t deliver your mediocre sports bar dishes. They do EVERYTHING well, from house made kettle chips to a top sirloin.

Let’s start with the apps and zerts, shall we? This place is the only restaurant I’ve found so far that fries entire pickle spears. Like, who does that? I love pickles, but the usual fried pickle chips always leave me wanting more, and Phish Tales solves this problem. Because they fry the whole spear, you get more pickle for your buck as far as the ratio of pickle-to-fried batter goes. Their crab dip is also a winning appetizer, as it is house made (like most of their stuff is). Their blondie is truly one of the best desserts I’ve ever had, and it comes out piping hot with a giant scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top and all the sugary drizzle options your sweet-tooth heart desires.

Another thing that is highly appreciable about this establishment is the options they provide for everyone’s differing tastes. Can you get a basket of wings? Absolutely, and the sauce options are stellar, my favorite being sweet heat with a side of garlic Parmesan butter and ranch. Are you in the mood for a good steak? If so, you’re going to end up getting the best one in town, and that’s not an exaggeration. Their top sirloin is 9 oz. of the thickest, juiciest, most perfectly cut and cooked beef you’re gonna get, with 2 sides for only $12.99; the quality and the price is unbeatable.

Their Greuben, which is their phishy take on the Reuben, is a blackened or grilled grouper filet with sauerkraut and thousand island dressing on toasted rye. They also have the best shrimp po boy I’ve ever had, that comes with a side of remoulade that you’re gonna wanna dip everything into. A newer dish they’ve added recently that I can’t get enough of is their buffalo chicken tacos. Chili’s used to have these life changing chicken tacos that they unfortunately don’t have on their menu anymore. What was once a craving I thought I’d never satisfy again has been put to rest by these buffalo chicken tacos at Phish Tales. They are so similar, and so perfect with a side order of their huge and crispy onion rings (and remoulade, of course).

Can this food review go on forever? Yes it can, so let’s talk about their specials. Friday and Saturday nights they usually have a special dish created by James Crenshaw, the son and manager of the restaurant. James is a very tall and very lovable food and beer enthusiast, who enjoys creating unique dishes for those who want a change of pace on the weekends. You’re gonna pay a little more for these fine dining-esque creations, but they are usually so big that it’s shareable.

An important note: James ALWAYS has craft and micro-brews on tap. In fact, I may owe my refined taste for fun and different beers to him and the different options he offers. Gone are the days of Bud light…. But if that’s what you fancy, he can deliver the classic options as well. One of my favorite things to do on date night is to go in and ask James to surprise me and create a cocktail of his choosing. Give him the opportunity to creatively make you something delicious, and he won’t disappoint you!

Address: 1445 SW Main Blvd, Stuite 170, Lake City, Fl 32025

Phone: (386) 755-0490

Hours: Tues and Wed. 11am till 10pm, Thur-Sat.  11am till 11pm, Closed – Sunday & Monday

You can find them on Facebook here.