Third Times a Charm

On my third visit to Lazy Loggerhead Cafe I finally discovered why locals and tourists return to this beachside eatery in Jupiter’s Carlin Park. The rather non-descript cafe came highly recommended. My first visit, Sunday breakfast in January, left little impression or inspiration. There was nothing wrong with the food but also nothing memorable. The small space was inundated with those waiting for tables and the noise and clatter overpowered our attempted conversation.

Although the cafe is only a short distance from a popular public beach don’t expect water views. Foliage atop the dunes blocks the view but provides year-round greenery.

My sister Judy and I returned to Lazy Loggerhead for lunch in July. My reuben sandwich was tasty and generous – indeed, I took home enough for two late evening snacks. Again, nothing outstanding in my opinion. Judy ordered the caesar salad plus a side order of black beans and rice and loved both choices. The crisp romaine and croutons came topped with shaved parmesan; the beans and rice artfully topped with a lime cream and raspberry coulis, was accompanied by a mango fruit salsa. My fork found its way for samples of both dishes. A chat with our waitress brought the recommendation of the grilled shrimp caesar for a future lunch.

Yesterday we made our third visit to Lazy Loggerhead. Knowing the size of the portions we decided to split an Island grilled shrimp caesar tossed with the fruit salsa. Judy once again ordered black beans and rice while I opted for the black bean soup. The eight large shrimp (tails removed) proved to be plenty for us to share with almost more salad then the two of us could finish. I can only call the soup divine.

The gentleman at the next table raved about his blackened dolphin caesar while others praised the grilled dolphin sandwich. We noted that this time of year almost all the diners seem to be locals known to the staff. Two businessmen receive praise from their waitress for finishing their 1/2-pound hamburgers. I now know why they return. I’m glad we stuck with the Lazy Loggerhead until we found our piece de resistance. Third time was definitely a charm.

When You Go: Lazy Loggerhead Cafe is located just south of Indiantown Road on A1A in Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida, 561-747-1134. The cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch. A take-out window offers a limited menu to enjoy on the beach or at one of the park’s picnic shelters.

Carlin Park offers a range of activities and facilities including 3,000 feet of guarded beach frontage, restrooms, outside showers, free parking, baseball fields, sand court volleyball, tennis courts, exercise course, children’s playground, bocce courts, picnic shelters and group pavilions. Seabreeze amphitheatre in the park hosts musical and theatrical events including the annual summertime Shakespeare by the Sea production.