Stop by Junior's Fish Market for Friendly Service and Fresh Seafood

It's likely most everyone around town is familiar with Junior's Fish Market as much for owners Mike and Lisa Montella as the fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood and prepared meals. The market is in a high visibility location at 1341 SR 60 East, across from Racetrac.

Lake Wales has its share of distinctive personalities, but when it comes to Junior's, Mike, is as personable and friendly as they get.

Whether you come to Junior's to select from their ample showcases of fish, seafood, oysters and clams to take home, sit down for a meal or just stop in for a visit, Mike is always polite and engaging.

Junior's Fish Market Owner Mike Montella enjoys visiting with customers

There is no topic he can't comment on since he's the front guy every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. except when he's out on a fish run.

Although he will likely be busy cleaning a fresh fish or preparing an order for the restaurant side of the store Mike always has time to chat whether you are visiting for the first time or are returning for the freshest seafood in the area.

When asked about the favorite part of his job Mike is quick to answer, "The customers," he says, without hesitation.

As the name "Junior's" implies, the business was started on the east coast by his father who captained a charter boat beginning in the 1970s.

Later on, when the boys were old enough, it expanded to include them. His brother ran the bait shop while Mike handled retail sales while their father was in charge of the wholesale division.

When Mike and Lisa moved to Lake Wales in 2003 they did what they know best and opened the fish and seafood store.

The restaurant officially opened about 5 years ago to satisfy their customers' requests. Lunches, including the popular fish & chips entree, are made to order, served from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The to-go menu states they offer "Custom Party Platters & Catering," and they hold cooking classes when enough people want to learn more about preparing seafood dishes.

"If it swims or crawls . . . We Have it All," the menu boasts, along with this description of the place: "When you enter Junior's you have arrived at a fun-loving, family atmosphere. Come as you are, no reservations are needed" is included on the takeout menu.

Lisa makes all the prepared foods which Mike calls "heat and eat" sides including stuffed clams, crab cakes, soups like delicious lobster bisque, world famous smoked fish dip and smoked salmon prepared on premise along with the fresh varieties of seafood in display cases that extend the length of the room.

If you haven't stopped in for "local ocean seafood" it's time to make Junior's part of your Lake Wales shopping and dining experience.

Junior's Fish Market

1341 FL-60 East

Lake Wales, FL 33853

Ph. 863-678-FISH (3474)

http://www.juniorsfishmarket.com