Not Only Ladies Night at JJ Fins

posted by admin on 27th, 2009

Written by Blair Townley

Since my move to Lake County in September of last year, I have been trying unsuccessfully to locate the young professionals ages 21-40 in the area.

When a new friend, Eustis’ own Joanna Hickey, invited me to check out the new JJ Fin’s Dockside restaurant with her for Ladies Night, my interest was piqued.

The flashy road side sign at the up-and-coming restaurant and nightspot, located in between Leesburg and Tavares, may say Ladies Night on Thursdays but the rule doesn’t apply once you are inside JJ Fin’s.

I experienced that firsthand when we walked into the restaurant at 9:30 pm, a little after Ladies Night officially started for the evening. By then the late-night diners had gone home to make room for the young professionals loosening up before the weekend.

It may seem empty at first when you walk past the vacant eating booths at the front of the restaurant but around the corner it is another story.

Singles and couples can be found making their rounds in the restaurant, whether kicking back with a cold one and friends in the bar, climbing to the upstairs billiards room or relishing the night air in the outdoor covered patio.

With pool tables, three bars and a multi-level building layout, customers could decide whether to see or be seen at JJ Fin’s as they relaxed with a cocktail and appetizer.

After designating a spot at one of the elongated tables within the spacious downstairs bar, Joanna and I went to go get our complimentary first rounds for the night.

Ladies, and gentlemen who were with ladies, can enjoy complimentary Bud Light and Coors Light along with select wine. We had to laugh when we receive our complimentary drinks in red Solo cups.

The drinks may have been tasty and plentiful but it was obvious people were there for the low-key, friendly atmosphere.

Arriving with friends was the popular entrance everyone made and it was very likely you would run into a friend as you made your way through JJ Fin’s.

The billiards room on the top level of JJ Fin’s seemed to be the popular attraction for the younger crowd of 20-somethings while the indoor bar’s atrium held the 30 and above age group. All ages were dressed casually yet presentably.

Sports games were on the 20 High-Def televisions in the bar which seemed kind of funny considering it was Ladies Night. There was contemporary music playing on the loudspeakers but it was drowned out by the noise of the restaurant.

The overall turnout at JJ Fin’s Dockside for Ladies Night seemed promising for the restaurant, though the indoor bar seemed to empty a little bit by 11 pm. With the economy, it seemed more people wanted to be fresh for the Friday workday rather than staggering in with a slight hangover.

So just because it may say it is only Ladies Night on Thursday nights, JJ Fin’s Dockside in “Leevares” is a place worth going to get you through to the weekend.

JJ Fin’s Dockside
3351 West Burleigh Blvd.,
Tavares, FL
(352) 742-3467