Lees Roadside Grill - First Trip

So finally got here too. Never made to old place.

We arrived just in time for the “last” parking spot by the picnic tables which someone in charge it looked help turn sideways for us.

The place has a very clean atmosphere and we got a good table in the corner. We got the quarter chicken appetizer and the ribs and some sides and some wine.

All promptly served and very tasty.

As we went to leave at least 4 more cars were parked next and behind us.

But no problem.

I felt like a 747 being backed out at JFK with wing walkers guiding my every step until I was pointed out the exit.

That is very good idea to deal with that space limitation and make it a no big deal.

So best ribs between Lees, Palms, Talk of the Town? Each a little different and I ate them all. Cant go wrong with any of them tastewise.

Personally, I prefer Mark's Place for Ribs or Rosie's on Mullet Bay. Lee's are ok most of the time, not a fan of any of the lolos and while Palms gets good reviews, I am not a fan of spareribs as I prefer baby back ribs. I have had other dishes at Palms that I did enjoy, lasagna and meatloaf to name a couple.

Sounds like you are making the rounds. If you have never tried Mark's Place, give it a shot, great variety, good prices and portions and they take credit cards.

We went to Lee's at the old location in 2017, mainly because the ribs were heavily touted. They were extremely dry and that's all i remember about them, as was my wife's chicken. We could see them piled up on the grill on the way in, and it was early, so i think we got the ones cooked ahead and way too long. I hate to bad mouth them, as they've had their struggles. We loved atmosphere and probably caught them on a bad night so i may have to try them again.

There is also a parking lot up the hill a tad. It's marked by two signs on the road right BEFORE Lee's (coming from Welfare Rd.). Didn't walk up the hill to check it out.

We had the grilled fish with garlic butter sauce...very good and comes with a beer

One thing that concerns me with what you posted is when I see raw chicken placed over already cooked foods. I always take a look at places that have the grill where one can see it to look for this. I am not saying lee's does this but when food is held in a grill to be kept warm, it is a concern.

I don't particularly remember if i saw the chicken on the grill or not, but the ribs where kind of piled up to one side. I'm assuming if we went later there would be more turn over and i would have gotten fresher ribs.

Quite unfair for a review as it's almost 3 years old. And he is at a new place.

I agree.

i don't know if location has so much to do with it, as other restaurants have moved and still get the same reviews, such as one that just moved to the lagoon. I didn't give them a scathing review, just my experience, just like everyone else. i actually liked it there, and said it was probably an off night and will try again. Sorry i drew a flag.

Other than location and probably some help, not much has changed with regard to Lee's. Some love it and it is not for others. No foul.

Yes and we still have try them.

That is ridiculous. The poster clearly stated it was from 2017. If they weren't happy with it, they should tell everyone.

I realize it was from 2017 that is why I commented on the review. A lot of changes can happen in 3 years in a restaurant, especially after rebuilding after that monster Irma. I can post reviews from restaurants before Irma but why??

The parking situation is a turn off for me when you have a lot of other choices. I don’t want to be going to a place worrying about finding parking and then sitting there eating wondering if I can get my car out at the end of the meal.

I can see where parking will be a concern but for me it's in walking distance.

where is Lees now

Directly opposite Atrium.

People will have a tough time parking for sure,,,I suspect they will be using the little lot directly behind Buccanner Beach Bar as well,,,,

They will be towed if they try that .

Thats good to hear if it is actually monitored...last year when we stayed at Sol Y Mar, which is right above the greenhouse, we were informed we could use that lot,,as well as one up a hill directly above as part of our parking provided for Sol Y Mar.....it was a busy small lot on street level, so we usually had to drive up the hill to park. However, having said that, I didn't really see anyone monitoring it....time will tell.

I will check out the parking lot up the hill tonight

Edit...oops..forgot. The two for one Caribs at Buccaneer BB clouded my brain....will try to check it out tomorrow

They got me out of the lot without even asking as soon as I walked to the car. Step by step they backed me out. They handled it AAA AOK. easy Peasy nice and easy.

Good to hear. You in upper lot behind Lee's?

PelicanPirate siad: "We arrived just in time for the “last” parking spot by the picnic tables which someone in charge it looked help turn sideways for us."

Pretty sure any picnic tables would be beside the restaurant and not up the hill where servers could not attend to them.

Exactly ...the tables are right beside the restaurant and the lot is small...that's why I want to see the upper lot to see how big it is...damn Carib's

I stopped in Lee's back in Nov. Looks like maybe 4-6 cars max beside the restaurant. Here is a picture from March 2019.

The lower lot near the picnic tables is at the top of that pic (white car) I would say maybe 6-8 cars if they managed them well. The upper lot is decent size with spaces for maybe 15 or so cars, again depending on how they are placed. Bigger than I expected.

Good to know.