Lakefront Dining at Its Best

by Kelly Boyer Sagert

As the chill of winter transforms into the mild sweetness of spring, people gravitate outside and enjoying the natural beauty along the shores of Lake Erie while eating deliciously prepared steak and seafood perfectly fits the bill.

Erie Steak and Seafood Co., located at 301 Lakeside Avenue on the east side of Lorain, is a restaurant long appreciated by residents and visitors under the name of Jackalope Lakeside. The owner is the same—Jim Andrews is starting his 25th year in the restaurant business—but the chef-inspired menu and look have undergone a refresh.

Jackalope Lakeside closed at the end of 2019 in conjunction with Lorain Port Authority s Lakeside Marina becoming Oasis Marinas as Port Lorain.

Before reopening, it just made sense to rebrand, and a soft reopening was scheduled for March 6, 2020.

We all know what happened in March 2020 (no need for reminders), and shortly after the relaunch, the restaurant needed to close for a little while.

After it reopened again, life was quieter at Erie Steak and Seafood Co., just like it was for restaurants across the city of Lorain, state of Ohio, and the United States.

Fast forward to today, and, fortunately, Jim and his restaurant team are ready to serve increasingly larger numbers of restaurant guests.

The 2020 menu featured as the name suggests a variety of steak choices and seafood selections. They included prime rib on the weekends and campfire prime sirloin steak all week long. Fish and seafood choices included salmon, either blackened or with a citrus rub, Lake Erie walleye, snow crab legs, and more. Add potato, rice, fries, or pasta and a choice of vegetable, and that made for a mighty fine meal. Appetizers, too!

The year 2021 sees new Chef Sergio Garcia at the helm, and he s working on the tweaks and changes he ll make to the menu.

Wine lists will offer guests a choice of domestic and imported wines with beer selections and refreshing cocktails also available.

As far as the décor, diners who recall the restaurant when it was Jackalope Lakeside will remember a few things that are still in place, including ceiling tiles decorated with Lake Erie vessel names. New items include a stone façade fireplace, a new granite bar top, glass partitions, refinished floors, and more. Compass roses have been embellished in wood throughout the restaurant, from tables to flooring.

Dinner is currently being served on Monday through Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m. in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where people will be glad to see you walk inside the door. It s also ideal for a romantic rendezvous just for two, with patio dining offering a tantalizing bonus Lake Erie breezes. The restaurant is open daily from 11 30 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the summer months.

Plus, the third-floor banquet room is available for private dining. Reserve a date, and Jim's team will work with you to custom create a food and drink menu that will appeal to and delight your group, whether that's friends and family or a company or organization. Then you and your guests can enjoy indoor dining and an outdoor balcony with a view that's second to none while the staff of Erie Steak and Seafood Co do the rest. To reserve a day and time, stop by during restaurant hours or call 440-288-2051.

After the uncertain year of 2020, it's good to be on solid ground. Jim Andrews—just like the city of Lorain and its residents—is tough and resilient, with a let s get it done kind of attitude. And, for all of us at Lorain Local, we're more than ready to enjoy the flavorful food and beverages he's offering as we take in the new look for the restaurant and the timeless beauty of our Great Lake, Lake Erie. Cheers!