Lake Hot Spots: The Fish and Company

The place is for what people come to the lake to do.

“It’s about getting away from the job and letting loose. Not going crazy, just having fun,” owner Karen Degenhardt says. Karen and her husband John have owned the Fish and Company for 11 years.

The secret to success is good food, service, entertainment and atmosphere. That’s what you’ll find at the roomy restaurant and bar at the 3-mile marker.

Sit on a swinging hammock at the outdoor bar. On a hot day you’ll appreciate the misting fans positioned above the counter.

It’s not unusual to see 1,000 people show up on a Friday night. The mood is care-free, made possible by the upbeat owners who are always mingling with guests and answering questions from employees.

It is the dedicated workers that make sure customers leave happy by providing consistency and a friendly smile, Karen says.

Kids can hit the separate game room above the stage where live bands perform several days a week.

Karen is often in the kitchen cooking up special recipes to keep the menu fresh. She claims the spicy shrimp and BLT pizza’s are one-of-a-kind.

Even the gift shop is unique – more like a boutique, you can pick up anything from a toe ring to a souvenir t-shirt.

The creative bartender comes up with some interesting concoctions including a Hypnotic Breeze, made of a few ingredients including vodka, pineapple juice and soda.

With several dogs of their own and a pet pacu piranha named Joe, the owners say animals on a leash are always welcome. Karen says she’s even dined with a monkey.

Between the bar and the indoor dining area, you can see the five-year old banana-eating piranha. Kids love him, Karen says.

If you don’t want to stick around, call ahead to get carryout and continue with your lake excursion. There is plenty of waterfront parking for personal watercraft and boats.

Food: Pizzas are an all-time favorite. Try the chicken alfredo. The restaurant also sells hundreds of Grouper ruben sandwiches a week.

Drink: Rum Runner and Lake Water are popular choices.

Entree prices: Around $8 to the $20.99 crab legs.

Where: Follow signs down Lake Road 5-89 or 31-mile marker by water.

Dress code: Casual.

Hours: Seven days a week 11 a.m.-close.

Contact this reporter at charisp@lakesunleader.com