Pictured: Lakeside BBQ Bowl with Shredded Pork. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Bites.

Lakeside Bites, the newest addition to The Yard in Downtown Wellen, is dishing up fresh-caught Florida seafood, paninis, rice bowls and super casual fare. Located in one of The Yard’s three retrofitted shipping containers, the eatery recently opened and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. “We’re pleased to welcome Lakeside Bites as another must-try restaurant in Downtown Wellen’s dining scene,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing at Wellen Park. “It nicely complements the waterfront vibe patrons love about The Yard.” Lakeside Bites is the latest Downtown Wellen venture for Jamie Albano and Ryan Lane, the proprietors of the adjacent Kind Vibes Outfitters. “The menu highlights local fresh ingredients and affordable prices,” said Albano. “We plan to have local seafood nights and stay open late for cornhole nights, concerts and events. We have a great chef from Baltimore, Chef Hans Baumgartel, who has helped us build a really cool concept in Downtown Wellen.” As an ultra-casual eatery with food served counter-style, Lakeside Bites will offer a variety of dishes to enjoy in The Yard’s outdoor dining area or while wandering the pedestrian-friendly downtown. The menu includes gator and chicken bites, veggie fried rice bowls, loaded tots, fries and an array of paninis – from Cuban and chicken parmesan to peanut butter, Nutella and marshmallow. Just-caught blue crab, fish and seafood are courtesy of the local commercial captains Albano has met since opening a bait shop in Kind Vibes Outfitters. “It’s super fresh. I’m a native Floridian and there’s only one way to do seafood – fresh,” he said. The restaurant expands on Kind Vibes’ popularity as a spot to grab a cold Florida craft brew, a rod and reel and enjoy sunsets and fishing on Downtown Wellen’s 80-acre Grand Lake. It’s also a natural fit for Albano, who previously owned Central Avenue Oyster Bar in St. Petersburg. Kind Vibes Outfitters also offers on-site kayak, paddleboard, bicycle and e-bike rentals. Lakeside Bites joins Claw & Co. and Atlanta Braves-affiliated Pop Dawgs in The Yard, a playful family-friendly environment for casual outdoor dining, games and activities. 

Pictured: Lakeside BBQ Bowl with Shredded Pork. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Bites.