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.
Driving down Military Trail, it’s easy to miss the entrance to the garden. The 14-acre botanical oasis is nearly hidden among strip malls, parking lots and the local driver’s license office. Once inside the gate that busy world is left behind as the sweet smell of oleander catches our attention.
Palms sway overhead as we wander through rose, herb, palm and tropical foliage gardens. We search for small labels identifying angel trumpet, ponytail palm, and rainbow eucalyptus. Some plants are unusual variations of the familiar; a huge prickly pear variety demonstrates what happens when a cactus grows in a humid climate with lots of rain. Orchids trail from the crook of a tree and complex delicate blossoms adorn the tips of ugly twisted, thorny stems. We assign descriptive names to unique unidentified foliage – wilted cabbage, Jurassic Park platter, and torpedo palm.
When You Go: 
Our first day in Jupiter usually finds us at Schooner’s Restaurant for a late lunch. The casual, relaxed atmosphere proves to be a necessary respite after several hours at Mother’s assisted living facility. The patio beckons us to sit back and enjoy an icy drink while lunch is prepared.
Service is almost always friendly and attentive. During our last visit on Martin Luther King Day they were obviously slammed but the staff worked together to get everyone served and keep drinks refreshed. Our only complaint over the years has been that they don’t automatically serve a roll, crackers or bread with our favorite salad. We’ve learned to ask for a roll when we order and the request is always met.
Where To Go - Travel USA 