A Visit to Golden Lion Cafe in Flagler Beach
Since Tony and Carolyn Marlow first opened the doors over 25 years ago, Golden Lion Cafe has earned a reputation as a beachside destination in Flagler Beach, offering food, music and great ocean views. Among the many accolades the restaurant has received, the Small Business Administration named the Marlows and Golden Lion Cafe the #1 Family Owned Business in the Southeast. While fresh fish and seafood, including an assortment of raw bar options, are the stars of the menu, the cafe also has plenty of options for landlubbers. While the name may not sound like a seafood restaurant, there is some family history behind it. Tony 's father had a pub in London called - you guessed it - Golden Lion. To learn more about this Flagler Beach mainstay, we caught up with Chris Marlow, Tony and Carolyn's son, who came back to help run the business after completing his hospitality studies.
How did you get your start in the restaurant industry?
I’m actually not a chef although I love food and have been fortunate enough to travel the world and eat delicious food in a lot of really cool places. My parents Tony and Carolyn Marlow opened The Golden Lion in 1992 and I was literally born into the restaurant business. I grew up working there and the restaurant became my “day care.” In high school I began working at the restaurant and I really enjoyed it. After I finished my degree in Hospitality Management in Switzerland I decided to come back and continue the family legacy.
How would you describe the food community in Flagler Beach?
The food community in Flagler is small and intimate, and we all know each other because we are a tight knit community. Flagler Beach was once Florida’s best kept secret, but I have a feeling the secret is out now.
What kind of collaboration happens between chefs of the various restaurants in the town?
Let's collaborate over a cold beer on our day off and hang out the place next door!
How do you incorporate local and seasonal foods onto the menu?
At The Golden Lion Cafe we have Flagler’s only Raw Bar where we feature fresh local seafood. Fresh oysters and clams are some of our biggest sellers and we shuck them right in front of you. We source oysters from all over the Southeast which is ever changing.
What changes have you seen in diners' preferences since you opened over 25 years ago?
I’d imagine a shift towards healthier options, including dishes that feature vegetarian and gluten free items. There are always new preferences from Mexican and Asian influence, and now Modern American influence. I guess the trick is just finding out what the next big preference/trend will be.
What are the best-selling items at Golden Lion?
We are known for our Fish N’ Chips, it’s our #1 selling items and voted best around for decades. Three giant pieces of beer battered and deep fried wild caught Alaskan Pollock served with our famous french fries, coleslaw and of course malt vinegar. My favorite is our Fresh Catch tacos… Two massive tacos with the fresh fish of the day, hand breaded coconut shrimp, and our famous key lime tartar sauce, which we now sell at Publix Supermarkets and donate 50% of the profits to feed the hungry. Oysters all day every day!
What are your favorite ingredients to cook with and why?
I personally love Asian ingredients like lemongrass, fresh ginger, coconut milk, etc. There’s just so much you can do with them.
For fresh seafood, entertainment and a great view, head over to Golden Lion Cafe, 501 N. Oceanshore Blvd. (A1A) in Flagler Beach.
