Six years ago, I arrived a few minutes late at S&L Restaurant (2915 S Combee Road, Eaton Park) when I stayed in Lakeland, Florida. At the time, I didn’t realize that S&L Restaurant is a breakfast and lunch-only spot.

S&L Restaurant Building — The six years before I finally ate at S&L Restaurant picture

I strolled right in and took the table nearest to the door. It was about time I ate an S&L burger.

S & L Restaurant Menu from Eaton Park, Florida — S & L Restaurant Menu

Before I even ordered, I asked about the history of the name. The letters S&L come from its original owners, Skip and Lorraine. So now I can order my meal in peace since that mystery is no more.

Since 1983 Counter Sign inside of S&L Restaurant in Eaton Park, Florida — Since 1983 Counter Sign

I ordered a Cheeseburger Special, which means my burger comes with fries. While I’m making some small talk with the two tables close to me, my beautiful baby arrives; no, I’m not talking about my wife. I was solo on this adventure.

A good-sized portion of crispy crinkle-cut fries comes on the same platter. The slab of beef made my mouth water when it arrived. However, the cheese needed melting.

Old School Burger Beast

Cheeseburger from S&L Restaurant in Lakeland, Florida — Cheeseburger from S&L Restaurant

Non-melted cheese doesn’t bother me since I enjoy a sandwich with cold cheese slices on untoasted white bread. That’s been my go-to snack sandwich since I would sneak them when my grandmother was taking a shower.

The bread was a simple white squishy burger bun that did not have any structural integrity issues due to the size of the patty.

S & L Restaurant Cheeseburger Special with Fries in Eaton Park, Florida — Cheeseburger Special with Fries

S&L Ice Cold Cola from the S&L Restaurant — Ice Cold Cola

I ate my food using Burger Beast’s on-the-road burger eating routine. You start with a bite of the burger, then a couple of chews followed by a fry covered in ketchup—finally a slurp of your ice-cold soft drink to safely wash everything down safely.

Before I knew it, the food was all gone.

I sized up the menu for my next visit, where the victim will be the Patty Melt. I can’t wait!

At Last, A Patty Melt Visit

S&L Restaurant Patty Melt in Eaton Park, Florida — Patty Melt

The events of 2020 and 2021 delayed my return visit to S&L Restaurant. At last, 20 months later, I was back!

The patty melt hit the spot. While it wasn’t a definitive version of the sandwich cause of the cheese and bread, it was griddled like a proper patty melt.

In addition, the excessive amount of grilled onions was excellent. It was probably the thickest patty melt I’ve ever eaten too.

The onion rings paired perfectly with it (onion overkill?), and I loved that boom boom sauce that came with the o-rings.

This S&L Patty Melt was definitely worth the wait.