Nineteen 61, Latin American
215 E Main St
Lakeland, FL 33801
… more pix on Yelp & Google Maps
Definitely will rerun, and may spend a night or two in town.
The smiling faces are the most endearing.
We came seven minutes before their opening but the staff is very welcoming, and seat us immediately. Thank you.
1961 was the year owner and or chef’s parents came to U.S. from Cuba – hope I get this fact right -:). They also have a banquet hall next door.
The decor is rustically beautiful. Love the exposed brick walls.
Our serve is a beautiful tall girl in short hair, who is just wonderful and attentive – thank you. I like their earthy tableware.
We’ve two small starter plates and a salad:
– octopus Pulpo: one of the best octopus I’ve had – crispy outside and tender inside.
– chips avocado – two dips are wonderful and I enjoyed the spicy one more.
– 1961 salad with salmon: the dressing is on the sweet side for me but very yummy, and I finished it. The salmon is also cooked to the perfection.
Hand soap and cream in the bathroom: soap is wonderful but hand cream is a little watery.
Two or three bar tenders have been busy since we sat down. There is a small party, 10 some young women who dressed well. The clientele is from infant to oldies like me and beyond. It’s a scene.
In and out in a little over an hour. Now heading to their street fair, which is four blocks long, and which is two doors away.
This restaurant drew us in and we’re very glad to discover a lovely town, kind of like New England quaint town. Will be back soon.
