Ollie's Restaurant in Milton, Florida
Neighborhood Grille Serves Families, Military, Tourists, & Community
May 3, 2009
Andy and Stephanie Leach weren't quite sure what to call their new sports-themed establishment when they created it in 2002, at least until their cat happened to walk by. These days, Ollie's paw prints painted on the floor by the entrance doors serve as a reminder of the original "boss". The prints might also be mistaken for Milton High School's panther mascot, but the owners don't mind. In any case, Ollie's Neighborhood Grille in Milton, Florida, feels like home to a lot of people whether they come from the south or not.
Ollie's Clientele and Family Atmosphere
Families and sports enthusiasts alike will appreciate the welcoming ambiance. Guests enjoy wall-mounted televisions, an impressively large framed golf course painting, tennis rackets, and photos of famed baseball legends. The spacious dining room with its huge bay windows and decorative mirrors offers relaxed dining and a view of Highway 90 – the main road that runs through the city of Milton.
"The military makes a fantastic customer base," states owner Andy Leach, referring to nearby Whiting Field Naval Air Station. But it's not just the navy pilots that keep Ollie's flying above the rest. Leach adds, "We wanted a place for families – a place kids could hang out. We want the kids in here." That's probably why Ollie's has been around for so long and why it's one of the most popular family dining restaurants in northwest Florida.
Appetizers Include Unique Creations and Comfort Food Favorites
Restaurant appetizers include crowd-pleasing favorites, plus a few originals. A sample of what's available:
- Chicken Tenders
- Potato Skins
- Southwestern Egg Roll
- Kickin' Chicken Dip
- Redneck Sushi (No raw bait here. This sushi starts with pepperoni, mozzarella, and spices.)
- Poppers (Lightly fried jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese.)
- Wing Sampler (5 to 50 wings and up to 10 choices on the sauces.)
Menu Choices from the U.S. and Abroad
Whopping salads come with just the greens or loaded with all the trimmings. Add chicken or shrimp and choose from a wide variety of dressings.
Seafood entrees are served fried, grilled, or blackened. Pasta dishes, "Grinders", wraps, and Cajun cuisine choices tempt even the most finicky appetites.
For those who prefer more traditional fare, Ollie's presents a "Sizzlin' Ribeye" steak. Angus beef grilled to the customer's specification is served on a cast iron skillet. Ollie's diverse selections offer something for everyone, including a kid's menu. Other selections that keep the crowds coming back:
- BBQ Jerk Chicken. "Smokey BBQ flavor with a Jamaican Jerk kick." (Ollie's Menu)
- New Orleans Shrimp Skewers. "You'll think you were on Bourbon St." (Ollie's Menu)
- Catch of the Day. Fish caught locally, served grilled, fried, or blackened.
- Fajitas and Quesadillas. For those thinking south of the border.
- Grinders. "A large sandwich made of a long, crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese." (Ollie's Menu) Choose from Philadelphia Philly, The Boston Red, Chicago Club, Buffalo Sandwich, and the Crawfish Po-Boy.
- Wraps, Reuben Sandwiches, and More. Satisfies taste buds from abroad.
- Ollie's Famous Burgers. Enough for two meals and that's not counting the Spare Tire Burger.
As for side items, fried grit cakes are an Ollie's original. Grits are traditionally served in the south as a compliment to seafood. Homemade kettle chips, steamed vegetables, fries, and fried onion rings are a few more sides offered with the main course choices.
Ollie's Restaurant Gets Involved in the Community
There's something going on at Ollie's nearly every day of the week.
- Tuesday is .39 wing day. It's Ollie's busiest day of the week.
- Wednesday is Rock Band Video-game night. Kids 12 years and under eat free.
- Thursday and Saturday nights there's karaoke.
- Friday night features an acoustic guitarist who plays a little of everything.
Pancake breakfasts, charity events, school fund raisers, Relay for Life, local club events, car washes, all keep Ollie's in the local spotlight as a role model for community involvement.
Ollie's Hours of Operation and Location
Ollie's Neighborhood Grille is open Monday through Saturday, 11 A.M. to midnight.
Ollie's is located on the corner of Highway 90 and Parkmore Plaza Drive (Parkmore Plaza Shopping Center). The address is 6181 Highway 90, Milton, Florida. Off the beaten path of Interstate 10, "Ollie's is one of those little unknown gems," Andy Leach explains.
Ollie's Neighborhood Grille offers casual dining at moderate prices. Service is professional, and the atmosphere, unhurried. Ollie's offers a variety of nightly entertainment, plus the late closing hour provides a setting for adult singles and couples. There are plenty of tables to serve crowds, and a game room for the kids. An upscale bar offers an impressive list of beer choices from around the globe. The dining area is handicapped accessible, however restrooms may present a problem for larger wheelchairs. Ollie's provides a great night of fun and enjoyment for the entire family. Located in northwest Florida, Ollie's Neighborhood Grille is worth a trip off the main road.
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