Boathouse, Winter Park - Closed

I had dinner at this American Restaurant on Fairbanks last Friday. I stuck with appetizers because they seemed more interesting and the entrees seemed a bit overpriced. I had shrimp and grits for $10. It was tasty. The grits were cheesy. The shrimp (4) were a decent size but slightly overcooked. It was covered with a spicy barbeque sauce. A very hearty, helping of comfort food with a kick. I also had wings for $9. They were either smoked and grilled or just grilled (I can't remember). What you need to take away is this - the meat was infused with smoke. The skins were crisp in some area and not oily. They had a dry rub finish (slightly spicy). A nice spin on wings. There were nine to an order. The blue cheese dipping sauce was a little runny. The steal of the night might have been the waffle fries at $2. For the same price as Chick-Fil-A, you get about twice as much. The service was great. They seated me right away. They didn't make a stink about taking up a big table. They checked in regularly (but not too much). They were friendly. All the items had interesting plating designs. It was clean. It seats about 80. It was about half full. It's made up like a fishing lodge. They have a canoe and outboard motors on the wall. The walls are wood. They have one giant screen TV and some other flat screens. The restaurant bar is beneath the giant screen. They cut the old O'Boys space in half. One side is the restaurant and the other side is a bar/music venue called Drake's that has a stage for live music. A 80's cover band was there that night. The parking is as scant as ever. Valet is kind of obligatory. I had heard bad things about the spot before I went. I have to disagree. I thought it was a trouble free meal with distinctive character. I would have no problem describing what they are all about to a friend. That means they have an identity. Something that sets them apart from every other burger and wings joint or Houston's wannabe. They are a fire-wood grill-centric restaurant, bar and live music venue that serves meat and fish with contemporary southern conviction. If you like the taste of a fire-wood grill or southern recipes, then you will like Boathouse. It has an ambitious goal of satisfying three types of clientele (diners, drinkers and rockers). But, I think the way they have laid out the space and the choices they have made on the menu can hook all three. If you don't like the music you can go to the restaurant bar. If you want a snack at the bar you can get that type of food. If you want more than pub food you can get that. Etcetera etcetera. Good thread of the needle.