Quite a few years ago we met some folks at Cherry Pocket’s steak and seafood bar near Sebring and Lake Wales, Florida. We didn’t have the greatest of meals our first visit, decided that we wouldn’t go back, but then went back again a couple of years later anyway at the behest of some local friends we couldn’t turn down. We are sure glad we did!
While, like many we expect, you might be a bit taken aback by the initial look of the place.
And a not terribly appealing front door. However …
… inside you’ll find an “old style” cracker / fishing camp spot, in a nice location, with some tables overlooking the “pocket” providing entertainment of a natural kind while having our meal.
In the evening live bands provide entertainment. We were there for lunch, missed the band (maybe thankfully), yet were well entertained since our table overlooked the “pocket” that gives the restaurant it’s name.
Cherry Pocket? This from the Cherry Pocket website.
According to folklore Cherry Pocket was discovered in the late forties by two men, one named Mr. Cherry. Because of the way the land lays with the canals, they thought it looked like a pocket, therefore… CHERRY POCKET.
If you wish to have your selection of tables, and want fast excellent service, and a really good meal, then arrive just before they open at lunch. There was lots of time for a leisurely lunch with our friends, all the meals were on time and piping hot… all in all, just a delightful experience.
What’s Grooper?
For some of the meals at Cherry Pocket they offer Grooper in various formats. They clearly indicate that this is not grouper, but rather a fish called basa.
I was curious as to what type of fish that was and found that…
Basa is a species of catfish in the family Pangasiidae. Basa are native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins in Mainland Southeast Asia. These fish are important food fish with an international market. They are often labelled in North America and Australia as “basa fish”, “swai”, or “bocourti”. Wikipedia
OK got it. Not the fish grouper, but their name for the fish basa; Grooper! Lower cost to acquire for them. An excellent and delicious fish for us to enjoy at Cherry Pocket.
And we certainly did!
Where is Cherry Pocket restaurant?
It’s about 50 miles north from Sebring, and a little east from Lake Wales. Some nice back roads are available to get there if you are into driving back roads where possible, as we are.
Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood
3100 Canal Road
Lake Wales, FL 33898
Tel: (863) 439-2031
https://www.cherrypocket.com/
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