15 Oct 2015 'Sitting by the dock of the bay' at Janssen's

Posted at 7:51 PMh in Food & Home Entertaining by

by Don Bingham
Mike Kemp photos

We decided to enjoy a Saturday afternoon drive to the Greers Ferry area of our great state to an unfamiliar restaurant by the name of Janssen’s Lakefront Restaurant.

Located at 9999 Edgemont Road, Edgemont, it took about 45 minutes to get there from Conway — with lovely Arkansas scenery to enjoy along the route. Because we had heard the restaurant fills up early and waiting time could be lengthy, we decided to do an early dinner, arriving at 4. We were one of the first to arrive, and by 5, the restaurant was full and the waiting line beginning to form!

Janssen’s, which originated in 1979, is one of the best kept secrets in lakeside dining in the 501.

There were three cooks/chefs in the kitchen, an impressive array of wait staff in black Janssen’s T-shirts and the atmosphere was casual, with a lakeside view. There was an outside dining area available, but heat prevented this from being an option.

We were met with friendly service, a nice wine list and an obvious appreciation of their clientele for above average culinary offerings. We had encrusted walleye and glazed flounder for entrees, completed with salad bar, corn on the cob and baked sweet potato. All around our table, guests were dining on crab legs, shrimp, even hamburgers — all cooked to perfection. The restaurant offers a full menu with nightly specials that begin at 5. We were earlier than 5 p.m., and they were prepared already for the prime rib and fish entrees on the menu.

We opted to order two of their desserts and took them home for enjoyment later. They seem to be well-known for their desserts, and as I did some research, I found firsthand they are, indeed, well known for their desserts! We did not open our carryout of desserts until arriving home. The carrot cake boasted four layers of tall, rich, delicious goodness, and the lemon cheesecake was chef-made quality — truly flavorful and well executed! I remember reading on their webpage of the kitchen staff producing nine tall, elegant carrot cakes for the evening’s offering!

I encourage you to try Janssen’s Lakefront Restaurant. Watch carefully, you might pass it as it looks like a boat dock area. And consider going early, or opt for a full evening of great food and fun.

Janssen’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner, with a delightful buffet for Sunday brunch, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

501 LIFE recommends Janssen’s Lakefront Restaurant — another one of the great dining experiences in Arkansas. For additional information, contact 501.723.4480.

 

Recognized throughout the state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has authored cookbooks, presented television programs and planned elaborate events. Today, he is the administrator for the Governor’s Mansion.

 

Don Bingham
Latest posts by Don Bingham (see all)
Tags: