Do you dine in Leesburg or surrounding areas

[keithwand]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.

[fdpaq0580]

Dine in and out of the bubble depending on what we are in the mood for. Just what you are in the mood for and how far you are willing to travel. Have fun trying new and different places. As to recommendations, everyone has different tastes and opinions. Explore and be your own food critic.
"Bon Appetit"

[collie1228]

We like The Hurricane on 441 between Leesburg and Tavares as well as The Ramshackle Cafe where 441 splits with 27 in Leesburg.

[retiredguy123]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.
I assume you mean The Back Room in Apopka. The most popular item at steak restaurants is the filet mignon. Unfortunately, I think the only steak restaurant in the area where you can get a USDA Prime filet mignon is Ruth Chris near Orlando. All of their steaks are USDA Prime. I buy them at Publix for about $15 and cook them myself. But, when I go to a steak restaurant, I order something other than steak.

[Two Bills]

I once had a good steak meal at Marks Prime Steakhouse in Ocala as a guest of a friend who drove us there.
However, I like a bottle or two of red when dining out, and usually get totally wasted.
Driving home outside the Bubble there are law officers looking to fill a daily quota.
Here in TV I tend to blend in with all the other drunks driving home, and the police presence is minimal.
Safer to eat in TV in my opinion! :icon_wink:

[Spalumbos62]

I once had a good steak meal at Marks Prime Steakhouse in Ocala as a guest of a friend who drove us there.
However, I like a bottle or two of red when dining out, and usually get totally wasted.
Driving home outside the Bubble there are law officers looking to fill a daily quota.
Here in TV I tend to blend in with all the other drunks driving home, and the police presence is minimal.
Safer to eat in TV in my opinion! :icon_wink:

Please...tell me you are kidding.....

[keithwand]

I like Hurricane as well.
Enjoyed The Waterfront Grill in Eustis.
Prime 3 in Leesburg. Food was good.
Service was horrible.
Ordered a Manhattan and got Four Roses and tons orange bitters. No vermouth.
Sent it back and they died vermouth. That didn’t take care of the bitters issue.
Sent it back.
Check came. Bill was fine and asked to circle the tip amount which I did.
Receipt came back for wrong table and double my bill I had looked at!
So glad I saw the tip had changed and then saw the wrong amount!
Said she was sorry and credited that bill and reran mine. Ouch.
Had I not noticed there is no way I could have disputed it later.
For a place that wants to pretend to be upscale, nope
McCrackens has a good burger. Will try again.

[kkingston57]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.

Mentioned fish camps, good fish, no ambiance place in Tavares, FIsh Camp on 441. Rose Plantation in Fruitland Park. Great food and ambiance and you will need a reservation. Has pianist. She played Stairway to Heaven on a piano.

[Dotneko]

We like Harry's in Ocala
and Ski Beach in Leesburg.

[MidWestIA]

try fresh market

[bowlingal]

looking for a "dive"? Try Oh Schucks on 301 in Wildwood. Great seafood!

[Freeda]

Many good restaurants in the area. We just went to Prime 3 in Leesburg, which just opened a few months ago, and found the food, service, wine/ cocktail offerings, and live piano music excellent. It's a very upscale and welcome addition to the area; it was opened by three physicians. We also like a lot of others; some favs are Turners, Ichiban Asian Buffet, Fish Camp, Harry's, Brick and Barrel, and Yummy House.

[GaryKoca]

I think the restaurants are generally better and less crowded outside the bubble. I like Fisherman's Restaurant on SR44 in Inverness and Stumpknockers in downtown Inverness. For breakfast or lunch, we like Old Time Diner in Leesburg. When 441 and 27 split in Leesburg, stay on 441 and Old Time Diner is about two blocks up and on the left. O'Shucks is good but have not been there since the pandemic.

[nativetex]

I like The Freezer in Homosassa. Has really good steamed shrimp.

[epratt]

If you want a list of area restaurants go to thevillagesgourmetclub.com. There are 957 restaurants there with reviews. You can search alphabetically or by distance or by city. New restaurants are added all the time.

[dewilson58]

Please...tell me you are kidding.....

look for clues

[Bill14564]

We have enjoyed Fisherman's Cove on 44 west of the Villages and Big Bass Grill on Lake Panasofkee, the Anchor on Sunset Harbor, and Flying Boat Taphouse.

With a longer drive there is The Freezer Tiki Bar in Homosassa and a lot of places to try in Crystal River.

[dewilson58]

Stavro's & Sons

Ramshackle

Freezer

Hurricane

[Altavia]

La Palma Mexican

Mom & Dad's Italian

On the southern end, less than 15 min from Sawgrass:

Boondocks on Lake Harris in Howey in the hills.

Mission Hills

Rodello's Italian

Yahalla Bakery for desert.

Bountiful Farms for lunch.

[Chandra10100]

3 of our favorites at this time are
Ski beach in leesburg, still a long wait but great food and spectacular view and service.
Kelly’s half shell in Crystal River, great oysters and shepherd pie.
Riptides in Daytona, all you can eat crab legs.
We love to explore outside of the bubble.
The drives are beautiful !

[keithwand]

looking for a "dive"? Try Oh Schucks on 301 in Wildwood. Great seafood!

Ha. In the 8 years of the villages I never tried it.

[Two Bills]

///

[bark4me]

I like The Freezer in Homosassa. Has really good steamed shrimp.
Yes it does. Makes for a nice ride too

[virtualcynthia]

Bern’s Steak House in Tampa. You need reservations and sometimes it’s a while. You can tour their wine cellar and they have a dessert room. They open at 5. We go to the casino, play some slots then go to Bern’s it’s a fun day.

[bark4me]

I once had a good steak meal at Marks Prime Steakhouse in Ocala as a guest of a friend who drove us there.
However, I like a bottle or two of red when dining out, and usually get totally wasted.
Driving home outside the Bubble there are law officers looking to fill a daily quota.
Here in TV I tend to blend in with all the other drunks driving home, and the police presence is minimal.
Safer to eat in TV in my opinion! :icon_wink:
Not true! There is no quota. They can write and arrest as many people as they want 😉

[Retiredsteve]

I once had a good steak meal at Marks Prime Steakhouse in Ocala as a guest of a friend who drove us there.
However, I like a bottle or two of red when dining out, and usually get totally wasted.
Driving home outside the Bubble there are law officers looking to fill a daily quota.
Here in TV I tend to blend in with all the other drunks driving home, and the police presence is minimal.
Safer to eat in TV in my opinion! :icon_wink:
Thank God that if you kill someone here by driving drunk it doesn't count. And that is why there are groups like MADD

[tralemaster]

We have found several excellent restaurants in Winter Park. Recently we visited Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine. Service and food were excellent. The price extremely fair.

[virtualcynthia]

Columbia in Ybor city Tampa. It’s the oldest Spanish restaurant in the world. It serves Spanish and Cuban cuisine.

[JSR22]

Columbia in Ybor city Tampa. It’s the oldest Spanish restaurant in the world. It serves Spanish and Cuban cuisine.

They have additional locations in Tampa, Sarasota, St Augustine, Clearwater and Celebration. think their food is excellent.

[Buckeye Bill]

If you want to drive a bit try Manny’s Chop House in Winter Haven. They have the best Steaks around they open at 4 PM

[Indydealmaker]

One of the best restaurants in the area is Turner's Grill in Leesburg. Seating no more than 4 guests at a table, it is quiet and service is great. The menu is creative, fresh and scrumptious!

[Regorp]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.

Prefer to eat in TV, only venture to Leesburg to see movies at AMC, since TV has only one theater. Many fine restaurants right here. Peace!!

[msilagy]

Sorry, but 2 things that are said are like fingernails on a chalkboard.......the "BUBBLE" & "JUST SAYIN'. Other than those words enjoy wherever you dine!!!!!

[Chi-Town]

Columbia in Ybor city Tampa. It’s the oldest Spanish restaurant in the world. It serves Spanish and Cuban cuisine.

Really like Columbia but not the oldest Spanish Restaurant in the world. I've eaten at Casa Botin in Madrid which opened in 1725.

[Chi-Town]

Ocala: Mark's Prime and La Cuisine
Mt. Dora: Goblin Market
Leesburg: Great Chicago Fire Brewery
The Villages: Lopez Legacy

[gatorbill1]

Belleview Pizza
Stumpknockers in Inverness
Napolino's
Mallory Hill CC

[lindaelane]

Two favorites in Ocala: La Cuisine (French) and Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse.

Two of my unusual finds:

(1) Swampy's in Dunellon. Sit on the patio by the river and watch the Kayakers go by. They have both cajun and calmer foods.

(2) Best meal I have eaten in Florida: El Criollo in Pedro (very small town- very near the north Villages). I had the "Macho Seafood". (yes, I'm female). It was amazing! (note: it was not hot/spicy. It was utterly delicious.) Helps to order in Spanish but I am pretty sure you can order in English. Do not be afraid to try places where a lot of people speak Spanish - the food can be soooo good.

I also like the buffet at the Mission Inn Resort in Howie in the Hills for Sunday brunch.

I rarely eat out since prices went up and I am paying tuition for a young fellow, plus I want to spend money on travel, but I have happy memories of these places.

[JSR22]

Leesburg Prime 3, Turners
Ocala Stirrups, Yellow Pony, Mesa de Notte
The Villages Blue Fin, Chop House, Coastal del Mar, Harvest, Lopez, Palmer and Prima

[pauld315]

We love Mark's Prime, Katya and Stirrup's in Ocala.

[phojo]

Couple favorites: Wolfy’s family restaurant in Leesbirg. Not fancy, but always good food. Stavroh’s Italian on 441 in Fruitland Park, excellent!

[bimmertl]

I think the restaurants are generally better and less crowded outside the bubble. I like Fisherman's Restaurant on SR44 in Inverness and Stumpknockers in downtown Inverness. For breakfast or lunch, we like Old Time Diner in Leesburg. When 441 and 27 split in Leesburg, stay on 441 and Old Time Diner is about two blocks up and on the left. O'Shucks is good but have not been there since the pandemic.

Sadly, Fisherman's has closed and property is for sale.

[Skip]

If you want a list of area restaurants go to thevillagesgourmetclub.com. There are 957 restaurants there with reviews. You can search alphabetically or by distance or by city. New restaurants are added all the time.

We use the club's website too. You can search for a specific type of food and destination at the same time. Like "Seafood" in "Mount Dora" if you're going there for the day. And the reviews are not anonymous, they are written by members. Wonderful resource.
The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Search Engine (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/search.html)

Skip

[Floridajimmie]

[QUOTE=Two Bills;2191884]I once had a good steak meal at Marks Prime Steakhouse in Ocala as a guest of a friend who drove us there.
However, I like a bottle or two of red when dining out, and usually get totally wasted.
Driving home outside the Bubble there are law officers looking to fill a daily quota.
Here in TV I tend to blend in with all the other drunks driving home, and the police presence is minimal.
Safer to eat in TV in my opinion! :icon_wink:[/QUOTE

[coloniegal]

Many times, we drive up to Cheddars in Ocala for the cornmeal coated fish..delish! Many wonderful places outside of the Villages.

[Al2014]

We have enjoyed Fisherman's Cove on 44 west of the Villages and Big Bass Grill on Lake Panasofkee, the Anchor on Sunset Harbor, and Flying Boat Taphouse.

With a longer drive there is The Freezer Tiki Bar in Homosassa and a lot of places to try in Crystal River. Big Bass Grill is definitely a place to try. We like the Shrimp Boil. Worth our drive every 2-3 months. Also The Cove near Inverness is good in my opinion. Neither would be on a Fine Dining list.

[xkeowner]

Sadly, Fisherman's has closed and property is for sale.

Only partially true. It is still open and last Friday it was so busy we passed on by and proceeded to Stumpknockers on the River.

[Indy-Guy]

Crumps Landing in Homosassa. Closed on Monday. We go during the week because is crowded on weekends. Link below.

Just a moment... (https://www.crumpslanding.com/)

J D Boondocks Howey In The Hills

JB Boondocks Bar n Grill Restaurant Howey in the Hills Waterfront Dining (https://jbboondocks.com/)

Lake Harris Hideaway

Lake Harris Hideaway (https://lakeharrishideaway.net/)

The Tiki Hut Lake Minneola

| Lake Minneola Inn (https://www.lakeminneolainn.com/the-tiki-bar-grill.html)

[Barkriver]

Very, very overpriced at Rose Plantation!

[mikemalloy]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.
We like a lot of the places mentioned. Last month we tried the Oaks at Continental Country Club off of 44 just west of Morse. Meal and service were very good. We liked the atmosphere. Somewhat pricy but we'll go back in the future.

[clouwho]

And beautiful flamenco show at The Columbia in Ybor City.

[swooner]

La Palma Mexican

Mom & Dad's Italian

On the southern end, less than 15 min from Sawgrass:

Boondocks on Lake Harris in Howey in the hills.

Mission Hills

Rodello's Italian

Yahalla Bakery for desert.

Bountiful Farms for lunch.
Mom and Dads s the most disgusting excuse for a restaurant I’ve ever been to

[LonnyP]

If you like German for the drive to Sanford and eating at Hollerbach's is well worth it. Food is amazing and some of their beers are really good as well.

[keithwand]

Stavro's & Sons

Ramshackle

Freezer

Hurricane

Stavros . Best pizza and do carryout. Never eaten there

[keithwand]

If you like German for the drive to Sanford and eating at Hollerbach's is well worth it. Food is amazing and some of their beers are really good as well.

Absolutely and Sanford has changed so much since the early 2000. Pretty dead around 2004+

[Sensei]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.

Turners Kitchen + Bar
114 S 5th St

"This was once illegal"
This was once illegal. Sorcery, making magic, once a serious crime. At Turner's it seems instead of a turner as a kitchen tool, a magic wand is used. From the velvety seafood chowder, the surprisingly satisfying fried green tomatoes, the black bean vegan burger, to the cloud like delicate grouper in-crusted with crackling cornflakes, each item touched with a measure of surprising magic. The wizards who conjure at Turner's in Leesburg, Florida cast spells of enchanting memorable culinary experiences for those who dine there.

[keithwand]

Sorry, but 2 things that are said are like fingernails on a chalkboard.......the "BUBBLE" & "JUST SAYIN'. Other than those words enjoy wherever you dine!!!!!

Just sayin what bubble.

[lorilorilori]

Apopka
The Back Room Steakhouse - excellent, casual, owner owns next door Beef O Brady.

Restaurant Row
Eddie Vs, Mortons, Roccos, Christini, Normans, London House

Lk Buena Vista
Flamingoes

Winter Garden
Chefs Table Back Room

Clermont
Root & Branch
Southern on Eighth

[TCLaD]

Ha. In the 8 years of the villages I never tried it.

Best Nachos anywhere also

[BobnBev]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.

Waiting for your review and an address in Apopka, TIA

[patfla06]

We never go to Leesburg to eat out.

[keithwand]

Waiting for your review and an address in Apopka, TIA

Have never been there and going Saturday with my old TV neighbors from across the street that now live in HH.
Been to Prime 3 in Leesburg. Food was good

[BobnBev]

Any likes or dislikes for Wolfy's in Leesberg? TIA

[Eg_cruz]

Do you leave the bubble and dine outside TV?
What are some of your favorites or dislikes?
I like a range from fish camps and dives to upscale.
Trying a steakhouse in Apopka in a few weeks. Heard it was good.
We went to Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille last week. Very nice atmosphere, good food, good drinks and beautiful drive to get there. Definitely worth going.
Downtown Tavares is cute, there is a Wine and floral restaurant that’s worth the drive as well

[BobnBev]

We love Ramshackle.

[Skip]

Downtown Tavares is cute, there is a Wine and floral restaurant that’s worth the drive as well

Wine and floral?
Which one is that?

Skip

[Skip]

We never go to Leesburg to eat out.

You should try McCraken's Irish Pub.
Easy to get to.

Skip

[laboutj]

Went to Prime 3 last week. Prices were comparable to Mark's Prime in Ocala but price was the only thing comparable. Mark's Prime is superior in every other way.

[bgnn54]

I assume you mean The Back Room in Apopka. The most popular item at steak restaurants is the filet mignon. Unfortunately, I think the only steak restaurant in the area where you can get a USDA Prime filet mignon is Ruth Chris near Orlando. All of their steaks are USDA Prime. I buy them at Publix for about $15 and cook them myself. But, when I go to a steak restaurant, I order something other than steak.

So you go to a steak restaurant to order spaghetti?

[keithwand]

Prime 3, McCrackens, Ski Beach, Waterfront Grill in Eustis are all good.
Rodellos ok.
Back Room Steakhouse was good and service was on the money!
Just a bit of a drive.
Still have to try Equestrian Center

[Ecuadog]

You should try McCraken's Irish Pub.
Easy to get to.

Skip

We went to McCraken's Irish Pub for lunch today. We all enjoyed the food. I had the Corned Beef & Cabbage Slaw sandwich because the description sounded similar to a Reuben, one of my favorites. It really hit the spot. Better than a lot of over-stuffed Reubens that I have had. The Parmesan fries were great.

Thanks, Skip. I wish that you would publish a list of your favorite places.

[Direwolf]

We have found several excellent restaurants in Winter Park. Recently we visited Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine. Service and food were excellent. The price extremely fair.

I don't believe I have ever had Turkish cuisine. Is the food spicy, or just flavorful?

[Michael G.]

Any likes or dislikes for Wolfy's in Leesberg? TIA

Great place and prices are reasonable.
I also heard Wolfy's is for sale.

[keithwand]

One of the best restaurants in the area is Turner's Grill in Leesburg. Seating no more than 4 guests at a table, it is quiet and service is great. The menu is creative, fresh and scrumptious!

There I disagree.
4 of us ordered fried oysters. Horrible.
4 of us orders filet and lobster. Horrible.
The other couple tries to eat there weekly to support Turners and Leesburg.
Been there a few times and no more.
In fact only 4 tables were full. That tells you something.
Seems airline quality food is acceptable in the area.

[Whitley]

Mentioned fish camps, good fish, no ambiance place in Tavares, FIsh Camp on 441. Rose Plantation in Fruitland Park. Great food and ambiance and you will need a reservation. Has pianist. She played Stairway to Heaven on a piano.

Play that in a music shop on guitar and chances are they will ask you to leave. Not sure where or why that started.

[Whitley]

So you go to a steak restaurant to order spaghetti?

I would not order a steak from anyplace other than a seafood restaurant.

[asianthree]

If you want a list of area restaurants go to thevillagesgourmetclub.com. There are 957 restaurants there with reviews. You can search alphabetically or by distance or by city. New restaurants are added all the time.

Yet most reviews are really old

[Indydealmaker]

There I disagree.
4 of us ordered fried oysters. Horrible.
4 of us orders filet and lobster. Horrible.
The other couple tries to eat there weekly to support Turners and Leesburg.
Been there a few times and no more.
In fact only 4 tables were full. That tells you something.
Seems airline quality food is acceptable in the area.

You may have experienced a bad night. I and many friends have had only positive experiences at Turner's. Calling it airline quality food is purely a boorish contrarian attempt humor at the expense of a family-owned small business. Read their reviews and consider some deep introspection.

[Stu from NYC]

I would not order a steak from anyplace other than a seafood restaurant.

Hmm that is like going to a Chinese buffet and getting the pizza.

[keithwand]

Airline food comment had to do with a lot of the restaurants, including inside the villages. I’ve been to turners often since the beginning when they first opened but no more. Not the only one that feels that way but glad you like it.