Was recommended to try this place by our shuttle driver, telling us the gator was sliced thin and fried in a tempura like batter for the "Philly cheesesteak" and we'd probably prefer it over the bites because they're a bit chewy. All 3 of us were sold, so we ventured on over. We've never had gator before and being on vacation we felt we had to try something new.
Low and behold the "cheese steak" was not sliced, but were the fried bites. (nicely fried i might add. Not greasy at all.) Was a little disappointing but I still enjoyed it! Gator itself had a clean taste. I can't say it taste like chicken because to me, it didn't. It just had a light clean taste to me. Some pieces however were more fatty and you could tell you were eating something new. However, the sandwich itself wasn't all that great. (i forgot what it's called that's why I keep referring to it as "cheese steak") Â I probably would have been better off just getting the Gator Bites Basket with fires (fries with the sandwiches were $.75 more. ) I did however enjoy the sauce it came with and it defiantly pulled the sandwich more together and brought the taste out in the gator bites.
For the Frog Legs, they were really nicely battered and fried. HUGE pieces and the basket came with about 5. They were very meaty, so if you're a frogs legs fan, I would defiantly recommend them. However I found them to taste fishy, so I wasn't a huge fan because even though frogs live pretty much in the water I just couldn't wrap my head around it. (Never had frogs legs before.) You can also substitute fries and coleslaw for 2 different sides.
I enjoyed the view very much. We sat outside on the deck that extended over the water. There were steps that went down to the beach and the water was very inviting. There was also a volley ball net, and a bar outside on the deck.
Prices were vey reasonable, for 3 of us, with iced teas, it was about $49.
great location, over the lake, good fried seafood choices, clams, shrimp, gator (yeah eating the mascot of a place sounds wrong, but is oh so good) the French fries are standard
the drinks are fun, had the gator juice - sweet which hides the potency and the voodoo juice made with a bunch of rums and served in a bucket, - good thing I wasn't the designated driver on this trip
the wait staff are friendly and very attentive
The food was ok, I got the gator basket and my brother had the gator Philly cheese steak. Nothing too great about the dishes because they were fried.... The service was good but the scenery was perfect. Great weather, wind from the ocean blowing, and a small beach right at your toes. I could sleep there if I were allowed to. If I ever was in Ocala FL again I'd have to hit up that spot.
Review Source:I love the atmosphere of this place! Â I visit Gator Joe's everytime I visit family in Central Florida. Â After a long hard Michigan winter, sitting out on the Gator Joe's deck over looking the lake is a much appreciated treat. Â They have Yeungling on tap, which is an added bonus for this Northerner! Â You might have to wait a bit to get a seat on the deck, but the wait is worth it! Â Grab a drink at the bar and stand outside on the 'outer deck' while you wait. Â It is a fun place to people watch with all of the pleasure water crafts that roll up on the beach. Â Don't go planning on gourmet food, it's just pub grub, but it certainly meets the standards of a casual lunch.
Review Source:Another great meal at Gator Joe's. Our choices (there were 4 of us) included Gator Chili, Chicken Salad, Poppers, Gator Chili Cheese Fries, Cole Slaw, and Fried Fish. We sat outside on the deck, looking out over the water (Lake Weir)... you can't beat the deck when there's a breeze blowing, and a rain storm in the distance. Waitress was great; food was served quickly.
Review Source:I love this bar! We only ever sit on the deck. The deck is pretty big and is shaped like the capital letter I. They serve standard bar food, deep fried anything, brought to your table usually in a basket. Yes, gator tail is on the menu.
The bar is always pretty lively, borderline biker bar. There are always plenty of bikes parked out front. You can also park your boat on the beach.
Pitchers of beer are served with a bag of ice in it. Pretty efficient actually. It serves to keep the beer cold without watering it down. I've never seen this technique before. Â The pitcher(s) usually go down pretty fast so the bag-of-ice is a non issue.
Okay, driving up and feeling the wet wind on my face, I was momentarily transported to the beach. Â Lovely setting and lots of Harleys out front (I'm sure there were Honda's, too, but I wouldn't know!). Â I'm getting more and more optimistic by the minute; have I lived here for over two years and missed a gem? Â You need to drink to enjoy this place, believe me, so, of course, I did. Â Wait. Â I have to mention that the music duo was really good. Â Soft voices, good songs, lulled me again into thinking I was somewhere else. Â Then, I opened my eyes and I'm back in Gator Joe's.
Review Source:had the gator po' boy. Â primarily because i had passed through new orleans late at night and couldn't find a po' boy. Â well, that, and i didn't really look anywhere outside of lafitte's or harrah's. Â
anyways, the gator, well, it was deep fried, and tastes like a jucier chicken. Â but it's actually quite good.
the location is nice however, with balconly seating that overlooks the calm waters of lake weir.
i was tempted to go with 3 and half stars (if that was possible), but serving me a martini in two plastic cups (one with gin, the other with melting ice), and forcing me to mix it myself just doesn't seem right.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,608 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,970 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,309 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,906 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,985 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
