3 minute read
The Dish
by lauren baugh
There are many restaurants here in Lee County, many of which are unique in their own right. One of these unique restaurants is one where you can go to Happy Hour and see many of your legal community colleagues regularly. That restaurant is…Hooters!
When someone says Hooters, I always immediately think of the one on US 41 near the Edison Mall. It never fails when I walk in the restaurant, I see at least one table with people I know – people I work with, people I grew up with, friends, etc. I consider Fort Myers Hooters a true neighborhood staple. The staff changes, but it remains the same as it has been. I remember as a kid going with my family for various charity events, concerts or just a Saturday wing stop. On the day I am in Hooters to write this edition of “The Dish”, I am sitting near the kitchen expo area, so I can get the full perspective of what goes on. I am sure this is one of the busiest lunch spots in town. I am honestly surprised how incredibly efficient the kitchen staff is. They all have their specific spot to manage, and they work well together. It’s a well-oiled machine.
The guy finalizing touches on the dishes that servers take to the tables is clearly in charge. He receives a plate, makes sure it matches the ticket and calls out that it’s ready. The servers hear him from across the restaurant. He is not yelling loud; the whole place is just running smoothly. Most people think of Hooters for their… wings. I think of their chicken sandwiches. Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but their chicken sandwich beats their wings any day of the week. They have perfected grilling chicken. Another staple I order each time I go there is the fried pickles. I will argue with anyone that they have the absolute best fried pickles and dipping sauce. They are fried to perfection and remain crisp. That is hard to do, and they have hit the nail on the head.
Another fan favorite is the curly fries, which you can opt to get with cheese sauce. While it sounds bizarre, it is actually really a great combo. For those looking to eat on the healthier side, Hooters also offers a variety of salads.
I guess I cannot write this story without mentioning what I am sure each reader is thinking about when reading the word “Hooters”. That is their beer! After all, an ice-cold Budweiser with a piping hot chicken wing is a great combo.
Photos top row: salad; chicken sandwich with cheese, curly fries and beans; curly fries with cheese sauce Photos bottom row: chicken sandwich, regular chicken wings with sauce on the side, fried pickles In Florida, we certainly embrace a casual lifestyle, and this place offers that. When you sit outside and people watch, you see doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, parents, kids and families. One of the reasons Hooters is such a successful and longstanding business is its appeal to all ages. There are plenty of TVs to watch sports, a variety filled menu and cold beer.
Hooters offers great service, great food, a great time, and it’s reasonably priced. It’s a fun place for the whole family; young and vintage alike.
4411 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 766-7950
Monday - Thursday 11AM–11PM Friday - Saturday 11AM–12AM Sunday 11AM–10PM
hooters.com/locations/31703-ft-myers
Lauren Baugh is the Executive Director at Lee County Bar Association and can be reached at lauren@leebar.org.
