DOCKSIDE DINING

Whether you arrive by land or water, Lake County’s lakeside restaurants have whatever floats your boat.

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL, VICTORIA SCHLABIG AND JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL AND ANTHONY RAO

Lake County’s thriving waterfront dining scene pairs amazing food with gorgeous views. Sit under an umbrella-shaded table on an outside deck where the sound of water lapping against the shore comes with an ice-cold beer and margarita. Savor the taste of buttery crab legs while enjoying a beautiful sunset worthy of an Instagram or Snapchat story.

Indeed, lakeside dining is something that Lake County serves up right. Here are some waterfront restaurants that should be on everyone’s radar.

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BUSTER TUBBS

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Buster Tubbs on Lake Dora in Tavares’ bustling downtown district is open from breakfast to dinner.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: Biscuits and gravy for breakfast ($5.25), French Quarter Shrimp Po Boy for lunch ($9.95) and the Bourbon Street BLT for dinner ($7.95).

IF YOU SPLURGE: The Gator Griller ($11.95) is the most expensive item on the menu. It comes with two quarter-pound patties on sourdough bread.

110 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares // 352.742.7676 // facebook.com/tavarescountrymusic • HOURS: Sunday 7am-6pm, Monday 7am-9pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 7am-2pm, Thursday 7am-9pm, Friday 7am- 11:30pm, Saturday 7am-11pm

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EATON’S BEACH SANDBAR & GRILL

WHAT SETS THEM APART: A beach area for swimmers, sunbathers and diners. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 11am-6pm. The restaurant melds Cajun, Creole, Low Country, Barbeque and Spanish cooking styles.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The Cajun Sweet Fried Chicken ($18.99) includes boneless chicken breasts with mashed potatoes and coleslaw garnish.

IF YOU SPLURGE: The Bronzed Redfish for $25.29 is finished with ham cream sauce and served with Balaya rice.

15790 SE 134th Ave., Weirsdale // 352.259.2444 // facebook.com/EatonsBeach • HOURS: Sunday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm

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HURRICANE DOCKSIDE GRILL

WHAT SETS THEM APART: A tiki hut provides outdoor seating and a spectacular view of the Dead River. Live music Friday through Sunday. Happy hour Monday through Friday, noon to 6pm.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: A Maryland-style crab cake with Old Bay Aioli sauce for $12.99.

IF YOU SPLURGE: 20 wings made from all-natural chicken for $23.99.

3351 W. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares // 352.508.5137 Hurricanewings.com • HOURS: Sunday 11am-8pm, Monday through Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm

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GATOR BAY MARINA/BAR & GRILL

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Located on beautiful Haynes Creek, hungry boaters can tie up at a covered boat slip and enjoy lunch or dinner on a relaxing outdoor patio.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The Swamp Season Gator basket – bite-sized pieces of Florida’s most popular reptile for $12.99.

IF YOU SPLURGE: 50 wings in up to five different flavors for $46.

10320 County Road 44, Leesburg // 352.365.2177 Gatorbaybar.com • HOURS: Friday 11am to 10pm, Tuesday to Sunday 11am-8pm. Closed Mondays.

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JB BOONDOCK’S BAR AND GRILL

WHAT SETS THEM APART: More than 20 boat slips on Little Lake Harris to accommodate boaters, and there’s enough room to accommodate seaplanes.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The fried shrimp platter for $17.99

IF YOU SPLURGE: The Cajun redfish with rice pilaf and season vegetables for $22.99.

704 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Howey-in-the-Hills // 352.324.3600 Jbboondocks.com • HOURS: Sunday 11:30 am-8pm, Monday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm.

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KALUA BEACH BAR

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Sit beachside on Lake Dora while listening to live music throughout the week and “reggae Sundays” with local bands.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The Sand Bar Burger with Black Angus beef will give you that cheeseburger-in-paradise taste.

IF YOU SPLURGE: Although you’re not breaking the bank, a brownie sundae for $9.95 is a great way to top your meal.

181 S. Joanna Ave., Tavares // 352.609.5910 // Kaluabeachbar.com // facebook.com/kaluabeachbar • HOURS: Sunday through Wednesday 11am-10pm, Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-2am

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LAKE HARRIS HIDEAWAY

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Stunning sunsets over Lake Eustis and live bands on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The Easy Rider Messy Chicken served on a Kaiser roll and topped with Swiss cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms and bacon for $11.99.

IF YOU SPLURGE: The Old Man of the Sea Combo, which includes fried grouper, shrimp, clam strips and crab cakes for $16.99.

11912 Lane Park Rd., Tavares // 352.343.3585 // Lakeharrishideaway.net • HOURS: Sunday through Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm

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LIGHTHOUSE POINT BAR & GRILLE

WHAT SETS THEM APART: One of the few waterfront restaurants in The Villages, Lighthouse offers happy hour every day from 3-6pm.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The Classic Haddock, a deep-fried, grilled or blackened haddock on a hoagie for $14.99.

IF YOU SPLURGE: Two pounds of steamed snow crab for $38.99.

925 Lake Shore Dr., The Villages // 352.753.7800 // lighthousepointbarandgrille.com • HOURS: Sunday through Saturday 8am to 8pm

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LILLY’S ON THE LAKE

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Great Caribbean food, live music on weekends, a patio overlooking Lake Minneola and a white-sand beach where diners can swim.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The 6-ounce Island Mahi served with rice and spinach.

IF YOU SPLURGE: The Island Seafood Platter, which comes with 6 grilled and 6 coconut shrimp served on a bed of island rice with sautéed veggies for $21.99.

846 W. Osceola St., Clermont // 352.708.6565 // Lillysonthelake.com • HOURS: Sunday 10:30am-10pm, Monday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm

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PALM GARDENS RESTAURANT AND MARINA

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Nestled on the Dead River, which connects Lake Eustis and Lake Harris. Receive $1 off all beer and wine during happy hour on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The Shrimp Po’-Boy, served on a sub roll, comes with deepfried shrimp, lettuce, tomato and onion.

IF YOU SPLURGE: On weekends, take advantage of the raw bar with oysters, steamed clams and mussels, shrimp and snow crab legs.

1661 Palm Gardens St., Tavares // 352.343.2024 // Palmgardensmarina.com • HOURS: Seven days a week 11am-8pm

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PISCES RISING

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Relax on a sunny patio with a view of Lake Dora as you enjoy delights fresh from the farm, craft cocktails with infused liquors, or a Sunday brunch menu.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: A turkey sandwich served on pretzel panini bread for $12.

IF YOU SPLURGE: A 16-ounce ribeye served with two sides for $40.

239 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora // 352.385.2669 // piscesrisingdining.com • HOURS: Sunday 11am-9pm, Monday through Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am-10pm

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PUDDLE JUMPERS LAKESIDE GRILL AND BAR

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Great views of sunsets and seaplanes landing on Lake Dora. The twostory restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating and bars on both floors.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The B’s Knees steak burger, featuring crisp bacon, Chipotle black raspberry sauce and Brie cheese for $12.59.

IF YOU SPLURGE: The Crash Landing platter with two crab cakes, peel-and-eat shrimp and Mahi bites for $28.50.

111 W. Ruby St., Tavares // 352.508.5862 // Puddlejumperslakeside.com • HOURS: Monday through Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-8pm

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R.J. GATOR’S FLORIDA SEA GRILL AND BAR

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Located at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages, this restaurant serves fresh seafood and tropical drinks. The fun, cheerful vibe makes this a cool place to enjoy tasty American pub grub and happy hour all day long sitting at the inside or outside bars.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: Go for the Florida Gulf shrimp for $15.99. These delicious shrimps are rolled in coconut flakes.

IF YOU SPLURGE: The grilled Cajun Redfish for $17.99 comes with a blend of Cajun spices and is served with Floribbean rice and seasoned black beans.

1015 Lakeshore Dr., The Villages // 352.751.6935 // Rjgatorsfloridaseagrillandbar.com • HOURS: 11am-9pm 7 days a week

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RUBY STREET GRILLE

WHAT SETS THEM APART: For those who like the night life, Ruby Street Grille stays open until 2am seven nights a week. Enjoy live music and a full-liquor bar.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: The shrimp and scallop fra diablo for $18.95 is served in a spicy tomato sauce over linguini.

IF YOU SPLURGE: Definitely the 8-ounce seared ahi tuna served with soy mignonette and wasabi for $19.95.

221 E. Ruby St., Tavares // 352.742.7829 // Rubystreetgrille.com • HOURS: Sunday through Saturday 11:30am-2am

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THE CRAZY GATOR

WHAT SETS THEM APART: This popular spot for food and drinks offers indoor and outside patio seating overlooking Lake Eustis. A prime rib special on Wednesdays for $15.99 and an all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays for $10.99 certainly gives diners extra incentive to visit.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: 10 Crazy Wings fried or grilled for $10.99.

IF YOU SPLURGE: Consider the 12-ounce Black Angus ribeye for $18.99

402 N. Bay St., Eustis // 352.589.5885 // Thecrazygator.com • HOURS: Seven days a week 11am-7pm

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THE TIKI BAR AND GRILL

WHAT SETS THEM APART: A beachside vibe featuring outdoor dining at umbrella-covered tables and tiki torches at night. Great views of Lake Minneola.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: Bacon and Swiss cheeseburger for $12.65.

IF YOU SPLURGE: Sushi aficionados will appreciate the sushi-grade tuna sandwich for $15.99.

508 S. Main Ave., Minneola // 352.394.2232 // Lakeminneolainn.com • HOURS: Seven days a week 11:30am-midnight

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TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Breezy indoor and outdoor patio seating keep things cool while your table enjoys a family-style seafood pot consisting of shrimp, andouille sausage, crawfish or snow crab legs.

IF YOU ORDER ONE ITEM: Top Neck Cedar Key Clams ($8) from the raw bar.

IF YOU SPLURGE: You can’t miss with the one pound of peel-and-eat shrimp and half-pound of Andouille sausage, corn and potatoes for $26.

Tavares // 352.508.5783 // facebook.com/tikiwestrawbarandgrill • HOURS: Sunday 11am-8pm, Monday and Tuesday 4pm-9pm, Wednesday and Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm