FMK is further expanding

[Michael 61]

News article that FMK has purchased McGrady’s as well as the Show Kitchen at Sawgrass. McGrady’s will close on Monday for a week, and will reopen Jan 20th with a brand new menu and a new name “Sawgrass Tavern”.

[rsimpson]

News article that FMK has purchased McGrady’s as well as the Show Kitchen at Sawgrass. McGrady’s will close on Monday for a week, and will reopen Jan 20th with a brand new menu and a new name “Sawgrass Tavern”.
Wonder if my Boozie Bingo $10 winning certificate will be honored?? Oh, Well, easy come, easy go.

[Stu from NYC]

Next they will buy the villages

[biggamefish1]

Fix up Belle Gade first, Menu and Decore is much needed before expanding.

[Inspector Mark]

We ate at McGrady's this past Monday and was very disappointed. I told my wife I would never go back. Now maybe I understand why the food was so bad, they did not care anymore.

With new owners and a new menu I will give them a try again.

[Number 10 GI]

My wife, her sister and brother and I ate there a couple months after they opened. Totally disappointed, never went back.

[Bill14564]

Been there a few times and enjoyed them all. Sorry to see the concept go. Nothing against FMK but feel a little more competition would be good.

[FloridaGuy66]

Went to McGrady's over a year ago. Was OK but not worth going back at their pricing. Many people have told me the same thing.

[ThirdOfFive]

News article that FMK has purchased McGrady’s as well as the Show Kitchen at Sawgrass. McGrady’s will close on Monday for a week, and will reopen Jan 20th with a brand new menu and a new name “Sawgrass Tavern”.
Good. They seem to know what they're doing.

[bsloan1960]

Someone said they will no longer provide a waitress to run drinks out to those listening to bands outside.News article that FMK has purchased McGrady’s as well as the Show Kitchen at Sawgrass. McGrady’s will close on Monday for a week, and will reopen Jan 20th with a brand new menu and a new name “Sawgrass Tavern”.

[CarlR33]

Someone said they will no longer provide a waitress to run drinks out to those listening to bands outside.I heard that is correct statement.

[MyTooR83]

I agree 100 % about the food which was overpriced and not very good. Also had a very unimpressive menu. Hopefully have happy hour for alcohol drinks and hire some friendly servers.

[gbs317]

You know, I bet the people out in California devastated by the wildfires wishes all they had to worry about was the wait staff not bringing out drinks while bands were playing.
I agree with you to a point. Why can’t we be also wonder about small things that happen around here. Life is full of devastation and misery if you dwell on it. Maybe having a server come to you makes life a little more pleasant not to mention the servers may get a little bigger tip that helps them.
There are ways we can have both sometimes.

How to help Southern California wildfire victims – Daily News (https://www.dailynews.com/2025/01/08/heres-how-to-help-southern-california-wildfire-victims/amp/)

[Rocksnap]

Can anyone name me an FMK restaurant that’s any good? We’ve tried 6 of them in our 3 months here. So far we have been very disappointed with anything beyond a burger.

[charlie1]

I am hoping they totally revamp the menu and offer more variety. We probably visited McGrady's 5 times and really did not find anything that we wanted to try again. The food was OK but not good. I am worried from what I read that they will just vary the current menu slightly in which case I will be really disappointed!

[It's Hot There]

Fred Spread.

Fred is getting spread too thin.

Multiplicity starring Fred.

[Nana2Teddy]

We ate at McGrady's this past Monday and was very disappointed. I told my wife I would never go back. Now maybe I understand why the food was so bad, they did not care anymore.

With new owners and a new menu I will give them a try again.
We ate there almost a year ago, and never went back. They’ve always been bad from what I’ve heard and experienced.

[wsachs]

Can anyone name me an FMK restaurant that’s any good? We’ve tried 6 of them in our 3 months here. So far we have been very disappointed with anything beyond a burger.
Bella Vita and Chop House for sure.

[Bill14564]

Can anyone name me an FMK restaurant that’s any good? We’ve tried 6 of them in our 3 months here. So far we have been very disappointed with anything beyond a burger.

I am hoping they totally revamp the menu and offer more variety. We probably visited McGrady's 5 times and really did not find anything that we wanted to try again. The food was OK but not good. I am worried from what I read that they will just vary the current menu slightly in which case I will be really disappointed!

Can anyone name me a Brazilian Steak House that is any good? I've been to maybe four and haven't found a good manicotti or chicken curry or baba ghanoush or rockfish yet. They need to revamp their menu to serve something I like.

A prediction: Six months from now there will be another thread complaining that the Sawgrass Tavern is like all the other restaurants in the Villages and what we need is more variety.

[maistocars]

Great news! I didn't care for their menu and their chefs were spotty with their cooking. They did great with Tap House Social - I like how they run things.

[maistocars]

Can anyone name me an FMK restaurant that’s any good? We’ve tried 6 of them in our 3 months here. So far we have been very disappointed with anything beyond a burger.
Tap House Social, Chop House and Harvest,

[SunShanGirl]

I’m sorry to see McGeady’s sold. I’ve loved eating there (the Scottish eggs, chopped salad, turkey club, shepherds pie, and cranberry Brie baguette were terrific imho - the fries were exceptional)

The staff there were friendly & competent. Georgia essentially created the job of serving the patrons in the square and did an amazing job.

As a St Catherine’s resident I spend a lot of time (and money) at sawgrass. I hope I continue to enjoy it as much as I have, under the new ownership.

[CODYCAT]

Funny you mention burger. I think the only good burger in town is at a fish place, Bonefish up north.

[RoseyRed]

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

News article that FMK has purchased McGrady’s as well as the Show Kitchen at Sawgrass. McGrady’s will close on Monday for a week, and will reopen Jan 20th with a brand new menu and a new name “Sawgrass Tavern”.

The new menu means higher prices! Our one-time experience with FMK at Belle Glade was not good and will NOT be a repeat for us. I agree FMK needs to improve existing business before expanding. The lack of customers will be what forces them to do what is needed.

[McClendons]

While I agree McGrady's has room for improvement, I do not think FMK brings anything to the table. Have been disappointed by everyone of their places I've tried....they seem like a Denny's of bars/restaurants. We can only hope they bring in allot of new ideas, and better food than Boosters. Not off to a great start though, no notification given to the employees, still sold gift cards at Christmas that have to be refunded, and just enrolled people in the now canceled mug club. All of that should have been planned out, they did not decide to buy two or three days ago......

[Rich42]

I don’t know where FMK gets all the money to buy up all these restaurants…..oh wait, maybe it is their high prices due to lack of competition! Their food and service are spotty, their management talent was excellent early on but is now spread way too thin. But they do know how to raise prices! And unfortunately, they drag all the other restaurant’s prices, justified or not, right along with them. We seldom eat out anymore it such an expensive, and often disappointing experience!

[CybrSage]

Someone said they will no longer provide a waitress to run drinks out to those listening to bands outside.

The outside bar is staying, right?

[CybrSage]

I hope they keep the red and dark beers there, I am so tired of the same 5 choices everywhere I go. The same three light beers, an IPA, and a lager get dull.

[flsteve]

Funny you mention burger. I think the only good burger in town is at a fish place, Bonefish up north.

:agree:
OMG... I can't believe you said the very same thing I have been telling people since 2021! We moved here and I made it a point to go to Bonefish on 466 to test the burger there and see if it was as good as the Bonefish burger in Merritt Island, Florida.

IT WAS AND IT IS! One of the top 3 burgers I have had since 1993. :BigApplause:

[jimhoward]

I like McGrady's and hope that the Sawgrass Tavern will be as good.

McGrady's Scottish theme was not unique, but unusual. There are many Irish pubs, but so many Scottish pubs and that led to a few menu twists.

The limited menu (which isn't all that limited given the size of the place), I viewed as a plus. I am predisposed to dislike restaurants with giant menus because I envision microwaved frozen entrees. It might be the case anyway but psychologically I feel better about smaller menus.

I found the prices to be very reasonable. Burger $20, Ribeye $45, pint of Guinness $7. I'm good.

I get the idea that the Villages does not want to be in the restaurant business and are very happy to sell them to FMK. Is Boosters now the only one they still own?

[Michael 61]

I like McGrady's and hope that the Sawgrass Tavern will be as good.

McGrady's Scottish theme was not unique, but unusual. There are many Irish pubs, but so many Scottish pubs and that led to a few menu twists.

The limited menu (which isn't all that limited given the size of the place), I viewed as a plus. I am predisposed to dislike restaurants with giant menus because I envision microwaved frozen entrees. It might be the case anyway but psychologically I feel better about smaller menus.

I found the prices to be very reasonable. Burger $20, Ribeye $45, pint of Guinness $7. I'm good.

I get the idea that the Villages does not want to be in the restaurant business and are very happy to sell them to FMK. Is Boosters now the only one they still own?

Boosters, and I think still Tierra Del Sol. They are planning a Comfort food/Bourbon restaurant in Eastport - but still in development, so we’ll see.

[kingofbeer]

My wife, her sister and brother and I ate there a couple months after they opened. Totally disappointed, never went back.
Fish and Chips where good. Burger was ok. The menu is limited. The restaurant was never busy.

[FloridaGuy66]

The main venue at Sawgrass has a cool look and feel. It feels like a missed opportunity that they didn't make the restaurant there to have a similar theme instead of having the inside look like a dingy pub.

[RUCdaze]

FMK taking over McGrady's is the best news I've heard all week. That place can't get any worse.

[It's Hot There]

Google Reviews:

McGrady's 4.1

Harvest 4.5

Blue Fin 4.5

Chop House 4.5

:22yikes:

[fdpaq0580]

😴😴😴

[retiredguy123]

Google Reviews:

McGrady's 4.1

Harvest 4.5

Blue Fin 4.5

Chop House 4.5

:22yikes:
Google reviews are notorious for being fake. Just Google "Fake Google reviews". You can buy as many fake Google reviews you need to look good.

[Stu from NYC]

Can anyone name me a Brazilian Steak House that is any good? I've been to maybe four and haven't found a good manicotti or chicken curry or baba ghanoush or rockfish yet. They need to revamp their menu to serve something I like.

A prediction: Six months from now there will be another thread complaining that the Sawgrass Tavern is like all the other restaurants in the Villages and what we need is more variety.

Ipanema in Ocala

[Michael 61]

Google Reviews:

McGrady's 4.1

Harvest 4.5

Blue Fin 4.5

Chop House 4.5

:22yikes:

Personally, I have found Google reviews to be too generous and not as discerning with their ratings - as you will often see fast food joints with high ratings. Same with Trip Advisor.

Though not perfect, I have found Yelp to be more reliable, especially when traveling to unfamiliar cities and looking for a good restaurant.

Those same four restaurants on Yelp:


McGrady’s: 3.4

Harvest: 4.1

Blue Fin: 4.0

Chop House: 3.9

[It's Hot There]

Personally, I have found Google reviews to be too generous and not as discerning with their ratings - as you will often see fast food joints with high ratings. Same with Trip Advisor.

Though not perfect, I have found Yelp to be more reliable, especially when traveling to unfamiliar cities and looking for a good restaurant.

Those same four restaurants on Yelp:


McGrady’s: 3.4

Harvest: 4.1

Blue Fin: 4.0

Chop House: 3.9


Agree.....................Yelp is better.

[Pugchief]

Though not perfect, I have found Yelp to be more reliable, especially when traveling to unfamiliar cities and looking for a good restaurant.

Yelp is often fake news. They had a reputation for harassing business owners to become paid account holders. Supposedly, those that did pay got suppression of bad reviews and elevation of good ones. Vice versa for businesses that refused to pay up. If you Google this topic, you will see lots of accusations, which (disclaimer) they of course denied.

[Michael 61]

Yelp is often fake news. They had a reputation for harassing business owners to become paid account holders. Supposedly, those that did pay got suppression of bad reviews and elevation of good ones. Vice versa for businesses that refused to pay up. If you Google this topic, you will see lots of accusations, which (disclaimer) they of course denied.

That’s interesting - all I know, is that I have been pleased and have mostly agreed with their restaurant ratings for well over a decade - it has served me well and greatly helped me seek out hidden gems of good local and authentic ethnic places in cities when I travel.

[JMintzer]

Bella Vita and Chop House for sure.

Add Blue Fin & Costa del Mar to the list...

[JMintzer]

Fish and Chips where good. Burger was ok. The menu is limited. The restaurant was never busy.

The Fish & Chips in the "Food Court" were light years better... One of the few reasons (besides golf) that we ever venture down to Sawgrass...

[margaretmattson]

Ipanema in Ocala We enjoy Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse too. Ocala is our go to when we want to dine out. It has much more variety than the bubble.

[jessiem28@yahoo.com]

Went over a year ago, flies were all over our table and food, a drink was 18.00 food was overpriced. Looking forward to the change.

[RedChariot]

The continual expansion of FMK is an expansion of mediocrity.

[Laker]

I don’t know where FMK gets all the money to buy up all these restaurants…..oh wait, maybe it is their high prices due to lack of competition! Their food and service are spotty, their management talent was excellent early on but is now spread way too thin. But they do know how to raise prices! And unfortunately, they drag all the other restaurant’s prices, justified or not, right along with them. We seldom eat out anymore it such an expensive, and often disappointing experience!
A friend of mine who owned a restaurant told me, "every single person who walks in the door thinks they know how to run a restaurant." And none of them ever had the guts to do it.

[CybrSage]

Yelp is often fake news. They had a reputation for harassing business owners to become paid account holders. Supposedly, those that did pay got suppression of bad reviews and elevation of good ones. Vice versa for businesses that refused to pay up. If you Google this topic, you will see lots of accusations, which (disclaimer) they of course denied.

Sounds like they learned from the Rainbow Coalition...

[Rich42]

A friend of mine who owned a restaurant told me, "every single person who walks in the door thinks they know how to run a restaurant." And none of them ever had the guts to do it.

Not sure what your point is relative to my post, but my grandparents and then my parents ran a restaurant for over 50 so I know enuf about them to be smart enuf not to open one.

[TerryTre]

Can anyone name me an FMK restaurant that’s any good? We’ve tried 6 of them in our 3 months here. So far we have been very disappointed with anything beyond a burger.

Harvest is very good. IMHO

[fdpaq0580]

Fore warned is fore armed.
Thanks for the warning.

[defrey12]

I heard that is correct statement.

Too lazy to walk up and get their drink?

[defrey12]

Can anyone name me an FMK restaurant that’s any good? We’ve tried 6 of them in our 3 months here. So far we have been very disappointed with anything beyond a burger.

Yep, you got it. Sysco Institutional menus all.

[fdpaq0580]

Yep, you got it. Sysco Institutional menus all.

As long as they make money, they couldn't care less. It's all about the bottom line.

[Juliebythesea]

Grady’s was awful
Terrible menu and incredibly rude bartender the last time I was there about a year ago we said we would never go back
I like FMK I’ll give them a try😎

[Nana2Teddy]

:agree:
OMG... I can't believe you said the very same thing I have been telling people since 2021! We moved here and I made it a point to go to Bonefish on 466 to test the burger there and see if it was as good as the Bonefish burger in Merritt Island, Florida.

IT WAS AND IT IS! One of the top 3 burgers I have had since 1993. :BigApplause:
We love the burgers at Willie Jewels in Magnolia Plaza, but will definitely try Bonefish.

[Bill14564]

Grady’s was awful
Terrible menu and incredibly rude bartender the last time I was there about a year ago we said we would never go back
I like FMK I’ll give them a try😎

I was there less than a year ago. I really like the menu and will miss it if it changes much.

When I was there the bartender politely asked me if I could wait before ordering my meal. It was three minutes to the end of happy hour and he was trying to make sure anyone who wanted to order before it ended was able to. I really appreciate that in a bartender.

[Normal]

The continual expansion of FMK is an expansion of mediocrity.

Really, I think you are giving them too much credit. Get ready to be bedazzled by reheated heavy sodium based blah. Is it warm food, maybe? But that’s about it. Overpriced substance for your taking. Don’t get me wrong, the group is OK if you don’t have fresh food taste buds.

[JMintzer]

Looks like the "Regular Group of Food Snobs" has taken over the thread...

I guess that their history of dining at Michelin restaurants has spoiled them....

[Bogie Shooter]

Looks like the "Regular Group of Food Snobs" has taken over the thread...

I guess that their history of dining at Michelin restaurants had spoiled them....

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[elevatorman]

Wonder if my Boozie Bingo $10 winning certificate will be honored?? Oh, Well, easy come, easy go.

good luck

[BubblesandPat]

News article that FMK has purchased McGrady’s as well as the Show Kitchen at Sawgrass. McGrady’s will close on Monday for a week, and will reopen Jan 20th with a brand new menu and a new name “Sawgrass Tavern”.

Everyone is talking about McGradys but I'm curious about The Show Kitchen. Shelling out 65 dollars a person to watch someone cook seemed a bit high to us so we never went. You think they might change it so it's mire affordable and interesting?

[BubblesandPat]

Fish and Chips where good. Burger was ok. The menu is limited. The restaurant was never busy.

The few times we went service was extremely slow even with tons of empty tables. The bar was always busy though
Maybe they should make it just bar food and expand the bar...

[BubblesandPat]

A friend of mine who owned a restaurant told me, "every single person who walks in the door thinks they know how to run a restaurant." And none of them ever had the guts to do it.

Having owned a food service business i learned one very important thing. Listen to your customers and keep your ear on the community chatter. So many restaurants fail because they don't hire the right staff and have an additude regarding customer service. McGradys had a stale menu that many complained about. The tables in the squares were part of their table count and they didn't enforce this. I wasn't the least bit surprised they sold. Fmk I'm sure is going to use some sort of proven boring menu and esthetic it's a shame it could be an interesting excited spot

[jimhoward]

I am a big fan of mediocrity. I like to eat out a lot and I can't afford Michelin-rated restaurants if I even knew where to find one.

[MrChip72]

McGradys had a stale menu that many complained about. The tables in the squares were part of their table count and they didn't enforce this.

The whole Scottish pub concept seemed like something that no one asked for or wanted.

The outdoor tables seemed to be mostly empty even during sunny afternoons. Most country clubs at the same time have packed patios. I think part of the difference is that McGradys was almost double the price of most country clubs for food and drinks.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

just came back from Boosters.

Meh, a typical retiree menu, lots of burger options, decent appitizers list,
a couple of salad options, a couple of entree options, mostly beef, 2 fish, two chicken sandwiches/entrees,

that's it. .

a typical bubble retirees menu:
cheap,
nothing fancy or out of the ordinary,
beef, chicken, pasta, maybe a fish, but that's a specialty item and spotty demand
plus mac and cheese for the 65+ y/o kids
love the 1/2 off beer/wine prices.

when people ask for a good restaurant, why are the most suggestions outside the bubble?

[asianthree]

just came back from Boosters.

Meh, a typical retiree menu, lots of burger options, decent appitizers list,
a couple of salad options, a couple of entree options, mostly beef, 2 fish, two chicken sandwiches/entrees,

that's it. .

a typical bubble retirees menu:
cheap,
nothing fancy or out of the ordinary,
beef, chicken, pasta, maybe a fish, but that's a specialty item and spotty demand
plus mac and cheese for the 65+ y/o kids
love the 1/2 off beer/wine prices.

when people ask for a good restaurant, why are the most suggestions outside the bubble?

Booster is a bar/grill. Menu defiantly fits sports bar. Nobody goes to a restaurant with 30 TVs to have conversations and 3 courses.

[Papa_lecki]

just came back from Boosters.

Meh, a typical retiree menu, lots of burger options, decent appitizers list,
a couple of salad options, a couple of entree options, mostly beef, 2 fish, two chicken sandwiches/entrees,

that's it. .

a typical bubble retirees menu:
cheap,
nothing fancy or out of the ordinary,
beef, chicken, pasta, maybe a fish, but that's a specialty item and spotty demand
plus mac and cheese for the 65+ y/o kids
love the 1/2 off beer/wine prices.

when people ask for a good restaurant, why are the most suggestions outside the bubble?

When we all went out to eat at our pre villages home, retirees on a fixed income was probably 10 to 15% of the population the restaurant had to cater to.
There were families with young kids, single people, couples working with busy kids, etc.
Here, 90-95% of the the customers are retirees on a fixed income. Restuarants dont have the luxury of a broad mix of customers. So the restaurants will all be similar.

[FloridaGuy66]

Here, 90-95% of the the customers are retirees on a fixed income. Restuarants dont have the luxury of a broad mix of customers. So the restaurants will all be similar.

I highly doubt the number of those on fixed income here is anywhere close to 90%. I'm certain that at least 20% of the people in at least my village act like money is burning a hole in their pocket. Constantly looking for things to upgrade in their home or getting a new car or golf cart every 4 years.

I also highly doubt that 90% of people in TV are retirees. I'm on a street of 12 homes and 2 of them in total are owned by retirees. Fairly typical in my Village south of 44.

[dewilson58]

Booster is a bar/grill. Menu defiantly fits sports bar. Nobody goes to a restaurant with 30 TVs to have conversations and 3 courses.
Sounds like Hooters.......................30 TV's and 30 B____s.

[Kelevision]

I highly doubt the number of those on fixed income here is anywhere close to 90%. I'm certain that at least 20% of the people in at least my village act like money is burning a hole in their pocket. Constantly looking for things to upgrade in their home or getting a new car or golf cart every 4 years.

I also highly doubt that 90% of people in TV are retirees. I'm on a street of 12 homes and 2 of them in total are owned by retirees. Fairly typical in my Village south of 44.

That’s absolutely the truth. It’s 55+. Retirement age is 67. I know lots of people who live here that aren’t retired. I also know lots of people who’d like to have a higher end place to go other than Anglers. There isn’t one place here I crave to go back to. Even for a cocktail. I’d drive to Mathers in Orlando for a great HH and great drink. If there was a smaller establishment with a fantastic drink/food menu, I’d happily pay extra for that.

[Bill14564]

That’s absolutely the truth. It’s 55+. Retirement age is 67. I know lots of people who live here that aren’t retired. I also know lots of people who’d like to have a higher end place to go other than Anglers. There isn’t one place here I crave to go back to. Even for a cocktail. I’d drive to Mathers in Orlando for a great HH and great drink. If there was a smaller establishment with a fantastic drink/food menu, I’d happily pay extra for that.

67 is a number the Social Security Administration defines as full retirement age. The SSA definition applies to the SSA, not to whether one can retire from employment. I know there are lots of people who retire at 55.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Booster is a bar/grill. Menu defiantly fits sports bar. Nobody goes to a restaurant with 30 TVs to have conversations and 3 courses.

LOL!

from one extreme to the other?? having more than 1 chicken/fish sandwich offering is too much? Like a reuben, pastrami, or a rachel? 1 pasta offering for adult kidz?

Most restaurants here have their strategic customer as:
I am a big fan of mediocrity. I like to eat out a lot and I can't afford Michelin-rated restaurants if I even knew where to find one.


I have been to plenty of sports bars with a better menu! geez, you have to get out more often. The best one I ever ate at was called "The Sports Theatre" on the west side of Broward County. Closed over a decade ago as a casualty of the great financial crises. .

[Kelevision]

67 is a number the Social Security Administration defines as full retirement age. The SSA definition applies to the SSA, not to whether one can retire from employment. I know there are lots of people who retire at 55.

Nobody is arguing that. I for one, don’t plan on retiring. I love my job and plan on working well into my 70’s I can’t imagine retiring at 55 unless I’ve got at least several million in the bank.

[tophcfa]

OK, here’s my restaurant rant. Florida is a freaking peninsula, surrounded on three sides by ocean. Where is the fresh local seafood? I’m not talking about stuff one can get just about anyplace like Salmon, Cod, Haddock, Shrimp, Tuna, or Swordfish. Where is the good seafood, caught in local waters, like Red Snapper, Grouper, Red Fish, Mahi Mahi, Rock Lobster, or Sea Bass? The few seafood places in the bubble (Costal Del Mar, BlueFin, Bonefish) have the usual stuff on the daily menu, and if you’re lucky, they sometimes have one local fish as a special (and they typically run out of it before closing). And why do most places have to fry their very limited seafood selection.

Most restaurants in the bubble try to carb load their patrons with cheap and unhealthy garbage. How about a place that serves fresh local seafood that is broiled and served with a fresh salad and some multi grain rice? I don’t want my meal with carb loaded fillers like bread, Mac and Cheese, potatoes, grits or biscuits with gravy, or anything deep fried.

[Stu from NYC]

just came back from Boosters.

Meh, a typical retiree menu, lots of burger options, decent appitizers list,
a couple of salad options, a couple of entree options, mostly beef, 2 fish, two chicken sandwiches/entrees,

that's it. .

a typical bubble retirees menu:
cheap,
nothing fancy or out of the ordinary,
beef, chicken, pasta, maybe a fish, but that's a specialty item and spotty demand
plus mac and cheese for the 65+ y/o kids
love the 1/2 off beer/wine prices.

when people ask for a good restaurant, why are the most suggestions outside the bubble?

Would love to see a Greek or German restaurant here. We are going to Leesburg or Ocala more often for good restaurants but they dont have those either

[Altavia]

From FMK Facebook:

Log into Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dq1NXZC6d/?mibextid=wwXIfr)


📣 Exciting Updates About Sawgrass Tavern!

We’ve had some great questions, so here are a few clarifications:
✅ Georgia is staying on with us!
✅ We will be able to serve guests outside the restaurant, but unfortunately alcohol won’t be available from us when the bar hut is open.
✅ Entertainment is still run by The Villages Entertainment.
✅ The kitchen inside the food hall will continue—more details coming!
✅ A new expanded menu is launching shortly. Stay tuned for the reveal!
✅ All McGradys employees were given the option to stay on with us and go through our standard hiring process.
✅ McGrady’s gift cards will be honored by Sawgrass Tavern.

We’re thrilled to welcome you soon! 🎉

[Normal]

OK, here’s my restaurant rant. Florida is a freaking peninsula, surrounded on three sides by ocean. Where is the fresh local seafood? I’m not talking about stuff one can get just about anyplace like Salmon, Cod, Haddock, Shrimp, Tuna, or Swordfish. Where is the good seafood, caught in local waters, like Red Snapper, Grouper, Red Fish, Mahi Mahi, Rock Lobster, or Sea Bass? The few seafood places in the bubble (Costal Del Mar, BlueFin, Bonefish) have the usual stuff on the daily menu, and if you’re lucky, they sometimes have one local fish as a special (and they typically run out of it before closing). And why do most places have to fry their very limited seafood selection.

Most restaurants in the bubble try to carb load their patrons with cheap and unhealthy garbage. How about a place that serves fresh local seafood that is broiled and served with a fresh salad and some multi grain rice? I don’t want my meal with carb loaded fillers like bread, Mac and Cheese, potatoes, grits or biscuits with gravy, or anything deep fried.

Absolutely! We eat a variety of local cuisine from the very basic places like The Freezer in Homosassa to much fancier places in Orlando and Ocala. It’s nice to have a broad swath of choices. If I was sitting down to eat at Sawgrass after golf, the last thing that comes to mind is classy. So why try to pass off food that isn’t with exorbitant prices? The ambience matches middle of the road food, not the sticker shock with average foods. We ate there last week and I remember getting a side pretzel that cost $14. The one thing I do favor in the whole retail area is the Walleye across the way in the Little Fin.

I nice local variety would be welcome to the area. Shrimp, scallops, chowder and grouper would be a great start.

[FloridaGuy66]

OK, here’s my restaurant rant. Florida is a freaking peninsula, surrounded on three sides by ocean. Where is the fresh local seafood? I’m not talking about stuff one can get just about anyplace like Salmon, Cod, Haddock, Shrimp, Tuna, or Swordfish. Where is the good seafood, caught in local waters, like Red Snapper, Grouper, Red Fish, Mahi Mahi, Rock Lobster, or Sea Bass? The few seafood places in the bubble (Costal Del Mar, BlueFin, Bonefish) have the usual stuff on the daily menu, and if you’re lucky, they sometimes have one local fish as a special (and they typically run out of it before closing). And why do most places have to fry their very limited seafood selection.


I grew up going to areas of Florida along the gulf coast where even decent bars would bring in fresh gulf shrimp, snapper and grouper almost daily.

It seems to me like FMK and their competitors here are content to just use whatever they can get from Sysco and Cheney Bros instead of dealing with whatever logistics are required to get an abundance of fresh "local" seafood from another source. It's a very poor sign with all of the delicious fish available in Florida that some places are serving poor quality frozen fish from Asia like Basa or Tilapia to cut down on costs. I would be thrilled if I could go to a restaurant in one of the squares and order fresh bass or catfish caught from Lake Harris, but I doubt that will ever happen.

[asianthree]

LOL!

from one extreme to the other?? having more than 1 chicken/fish sandwich offering is too much? Like a reuben, pastrami, or a rachel? 1 pasta offering for adult kidz?

Most restaurants here have their strategic customer as:



I have been to plenty of sports bars with a better menu! geez, you have to get out more often. The best one I ever ate at was called "The Sports Theatre" on the west side of Broward County. Closed over a decade ago as a casualty of the great financial crises. .

When one decides to move to TV, dining to not on their priority. However there are plenty of restaurants outside that has menus that are far superior to the bubble.

During high season every restaurant in TV could serve exactly the same menu and still be packed, food driven by proximity. If we choose bar type food then it’s tap house or Boosters.
We can eat at home with better quality, perfectly prepared cuisine. If we choose to dine, then it’s not in TV. We travel off campus 1-2 times a week.
Then again the Best Sports bar on your list is closed, so they must have had the right food, but not the clientele to sustain a business.

[dewilson58]

When one decides to move to TV, dining to not on their priority.


Disagree a bit.

For some, dining out is a priority, it's just their expectations are not "fine dining" as defined by a few. Their lifestyle is not cooking at home and enjoy the food selections in TV.

We dine out couple times per month............we enjoy cooking together.

:beer3:

[Michael 61]

For those looking for “fine dining” near us - I am a fan of a fairly new restaurant in Ocala - Three Six Bistro - it’s in an unassuming building on the edge of town, with under a dozen tables, so reservations are a must, with a fresh, innovative menu. Great wine list, superior, upscale service, with many dishes finished table side. Chef will come out to talk to each diner midway through your meal to see if you are pleased with his preparation. Currently holds a 4.9 rating on Yelp, which is almost unheard of. Worth checking out if you’re a foodie. The owner/chef by the way is a Villager.

[Kelevision]

Why does nobody ever talk about Anglers club? Are there no members on this site?

[asianthree]

Disagree a bit.

For some, dining out is a priority, it's just their expectations are not "fine dining" as defined by a few. Their lifestyle is not cooking at home and enjoy the food selections in TV.

We dine out couple times per month............we enjoy cooking together.

:beer3:

Eating out is description we use for TV restaurants. Food that definitely would be prepared better at home, but for some reason many seek the convenience of eating out.

Dining out (restaurant that uses in house prepared fresh, not commercial bulk chain food) is at a restaurant usually not within TV. Since 2007 food in TV has never evolved into “better” just mediocre at best.
Sadly TV doesn’t have the individual chef run restaurants that some travel to. So our dining $$$ are 3 miles to TP and great dining beyond, taking overnight trips every 3 weeks or less. I agree with M61 three/6 is excellent and well worth the experience

[Bill14564]

Why does nobody ever talk about Anglers club? Are there no members on this site?

The first rule of Anglers is .....

Odds are there are a few on here who are members but probably not many. If I were a member I still would not put it in my signature, just as I don't put any of my associations or memberships in my signature.

[asianthree]

Why does nobody ever talk about Anglers club? Are there no members on this site?

Have had the pleasure couple of times, great staff, good food, and ambience.
Currently open for applications for memberships available at this time. However you have a better chance if a current member recommends you.

[Michael 61]

Why does nobody ever talk about Anglers club? Are there no members on this site?

I have recently applied for membership at Angler’s (fingers crossed I am accepted). Looks like a restaurant that I would probably patronize multiple times each month.

[asianthree]

I have recently applied for membership at Angler’s (fingers crossed I am accepted). Looks like a restaurant that I would probably patronize multiple times each month.

Not a bad buy in $1,000. And monthly $200. dining dollar amount is lower than our CC up north. The whiskey pairing is well worth $150.

[Michael 61]

Not a bad buy in $1,000. And monthly $200. dining dollar amount is lower than our CC up north. The whiskey pairing is well worth $150.

Agree - thank you

[Stu from NYC]

Eating out is description we use for TV restaurants. Food that definitely would be prepared better at home, but for some reason many seek the convenience of eating out.

Dining out (restaurant that uses in house prepared fresh, not commercial bulk chain food) is at a restaurant usually not within TV. Since 2007 food in TV has never evolved into “better” just mediocre at best.
Sadly TV doesn’t have the individual chef run restaurants that some travel to. So our dining $$$ are 3 miles to TP and great dining beyond, taking overnight trips every 3 weeks or less. I agree with M61 three/6 is excellent and well worth the experience

We are not foodies but do get out to dinner 2-3x per month. Mostly for socialization. Food is ok but not as good as what we found before moving here.

[Michael 61]

We are not foodies but do get out to dinner 2-3x per month. Mostly for socialization. Food is ok but not as good as what we found before moving here.

Yeah - I try not to complain too much about the quality of food inside the bubble. I did my homework, and knew I would have to compromise in that area, so that came as no surprise to me. My first year here, I ate out breakfast almost every morning, and dinner 5-6 times per week. I’ve been to every restaurant in the bubble (except Anglers) and most in Leesburg, Wildwood, Lady Lake, Tavares, Summerfield, Inverness , along with a good chunk of Ocala multiple times. I’m down now to eating out for dinner 2-3 times per week - and have vastly narrowed down the bubble restaurants to a small handful. Dining out in the bubble is more for convenience sake as well as to socialize with friends. The best meals are those I cook at home.

[Number 10 GI]

Not a bad buy in $1,000. And monthly $200. dining dollar amount is lower than our CC up north. The whiskey pairing is well worth $150.

Am I getting this right? $1,000 fee to join and $200 a month. Is there a membership renewal every year?
Edit: And you have to pay for the food you eat and the alcoholic beverages you drink.

[JMintzer]

Am I getting this right? $1,000 fee to join and $200 a month. Is there a membership renewal every year?
Edit: And you have to pay for the food you eat and the alcoholic beverages you drink.

Sounds like the $200/month is the minimum you must spend on food, or, if you don't go, you still get charged $200...

Much like the "food minimum" at most private country clubs...

The $1000 fee seems to be a one time initiation fee, not a yearly charge...

[Skip]

Sounds like the $200/month is the minimum you must spend on food, or, if you don't go, you still get charged $200...


You get by that minimum pretty quickly in one night. From a recent menu:
Elk Meatloaf: $62.
Veal Chop: $79.
Lobster Tail: $90.
Surf and Turf: $125.
Tomahawk Steak: $145.

It was good.

Skip

[tophcfa]

You get by that minimum pretty quickly in one night. From a recent menu:
Elk Meatloaf: $62.
Veal Chop: $79.
Lobster Tail: $90.
Surf and Turf: $125.
Tomahawk Steak: $145.

It was good.

Skip

Thanks Skip, but we’ll gladly Skip that.

[New Englander]

Thanks Skip, but we’ll gladly Skip that.

I plan on Skipping that too.

[asianthree]

Am I getting this right? $1,000 fee to join and $200 a month. Is there a membership renewal every year?
Edit: And you have to pay for the food you eat and the alcoholic beverages you drink.

Not counting our CC membership $$$ buy in up north our bar/restaurant fee was $400. Eat drink or not either way thats the monthly fee. Our kids, grands can use the account so it’s not a problem, when we are away.

Yes Anglers monthly fee is $200. Membership fee and food minimum, very clear before you apply for membership, which doesn’t guarantee your acceptance. Anglers has specialty events usually monthly between $80-175 for multi course experience per person.

Average entrée in TV restaurants is $24-60 plus drinks.

In all honesty we easily spend $100-150 every time we go to Disney on food and drink.

[Stu from NYC]

You get by that minimum pretty quickly in one night. From a recent menu:
Elk Meatloaf: $62.
Veal Chop: $79.
Lobster Tail: $90.
Surf and Turf: $125.
Tomahawk Steak: $145.

It was good.

Skip

For those prices one better love it

[Michael 61]

Not counting our CC membership $$$ buy in up north our bar/restaurant fee was $400. Eat drink or not either way thats the monthly fee. Our kids, grands can use the account so it’s not a problem, when we are away.

Yes Anglers monthly fee is $200. Membership fee and food minimum, very clear before you apply for membership, which doesn’t guarantee your acceptance. Anglers has specialty events usually monthly between $80-175 for multi course experience per person.

Average entrée in TV restaurants is $24-60 plus drinks.

In all honesty we easily spend $100-150 every time we go to Disney on food and drink.

Those prices are in-line with what one would pay for fine dining in large metro cities in 2025 - so as long as the experience and food is comparable, I’m OK with that price point - nice to have something a little different here in The Villages.

[fdpaq0580]

You get by that minimum pretty quickly in one night. From a recent menu:
Elk Meatloaf: $62.
Veal Chop: $79.
Lobster Tail: $90.
Surf and Turf: $125.
Tomahawk Steak: $145.

It was good.

Skip

Elk meatloaf? With catsup on it who could tell?
Veal chop? Baby cow, and only one?
Lobster tail? Better be a 20lb tail!
Surf and turf. Can of sardines and alfalfa sprouts fits that description.
Tomahawk steak? What part of the horse is the tomahawk? Or is it just that tough?

Well, apparently you enjoyed it, and that is really all that matters.
I love coming out of a restaurant and smiling because I would have loved my meal at twice the cost. I hate coming out of a restaurant feeling the meal would have been disappointing at 1/2 the cost.

[dewilson58]

For those prices one better love it

Good chef.
Paying for better service, clean glasses, etc.
Paying for nicer surroundings.
Paying for the lack of crowds.

[asianthree]

Why does nobody ever talk about Anglers club? Are there no members on this site?

Am I getting this right? $1,000 fee to join and $200 a month. Is there a membership renewal every year?
Edit: And you have to pay for the food you eat and the alcoholic beverages you drink.

Thanks Skip, but we’ll gladly Skip that.

I plan on Skipping that too.

For those prices one better love it

Elk meatloaf? With catsup on it who could tell?
Veal chop? Baby cow, and only one?
Lobster tail? Better be a 20lb tail!
Surf and turf. Can of sardines and alfalfa sprouts fits that description.
Tomahawk steak? What part of the horse is the tomahawk? Or is it just that tough?

Well, apparently you enjoyed it, and that is really all that matters.
I love coming out of a restaurant and smiling because I would have loved my meal at twice the cost. I hate coming out of a restaurant feeling the meal would have been disappointing at 1/2 the cost.

Here lies the reason, many don’t post if one chooses better service, unique menu pairing, reserved dining experience. It’s ok to enjoy a nice dinner, even if some don’t understand.

[Michael 61]

Here lies the reason, many don’t post if one chooses better service, unique menu pairing, reserved dining experience. It’s ok to enjoy a nice dinner, even if some don’t understand.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[BrianL99]

I don’t know where FMK gets all the money to buy up all these restaurants…..oh wait, maybe it is their high prices due to lack of competition! Their food and service are spotty, their management talent was excellent early on but is now spread way too thin. But they do know how to raise prices! And unfortunately, they drag all the other restaurant’s prices, justified or not, right along with them. We seldom eat out anymore it such an expensive, and often disappointing experience!

I don't think it's costing FMK much to "buy up all these restaurants". The restaurants they take over, are already failing, but equipped to operate. FMK is just taking over the leases of existing restaurants (in many cases).

Costs them just about nothing, as they already have the physical & operational infrastructure in place.

[Stu from NYC]

I don't think it's costing FMK much to "buy up all these restaurants". The restaurants they take over, are already failing, but equipped to operate. FMK is just taking over the leases of existing restaurants (in many cases).

Costs them just about nothing, as they already have the physical & operational infrastructure in place.

Obviously a very smart bunch of people running their business

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Here lies the reason, many don’t post if one chooses better service, unique menu pairing, reserved dining experience. It’s ok to enjoy a nice dinner, even if some don’t understand.

True, and have eaten at the very high end restaurants at business,
but I would rather spend high end money traveling or a new activity. . . .

its all down to personal preferences, which we on the board disagree with day in and day out. . .

cheers to those who enjoy their meals out!

off to everglades for a national park traveling reviews. .

[asianthree]

True, and have eaten at the very high end restaurants at business,
but I would rather spend high end money traveling or a new activity. . . .

its all down to personal preferences, which we on the board disagree with day in and day out. . .

cheers to those who enjoy their meals out!

off to everglades for a national park traveling reviews. .

We travel to different parts of the world not only for the history, but most importantly the local culture and cuisine.
December Quick trip to NOLA for best gumbo, shrimp/grits and beignets. So same travel idea, but food is what ties it together for us. Heading to Miami then Keys for a week or two, for warmer temps, turquoise water and fresh local food. So not far from your ENP destination.

[Normal]

Good chef.
Paying for better service, clean glasses, etc.
Paying for nicer surroundings.
Paying for the lack of crowds.

Yet I have all that if I make myself a fried Bologna sandwich and eat it in my kitchen.

[Altavia]

From FB.

🎉We're thrilled to announce that our menu is now available ONLINE! 🙌

No need to wait or wonder — check out our delicious offerings from the comfort of your home! Whether you're craving Celtic classics, a juicy burger, fresh seafood, or something on the lighter side, we've got you covered.

👉 Click the link below to discover what's at Sawgrass Tavern:
LUNCH - Lunch Menu | Sawgrass Tavern (https://www.sawgrasstavern.com/lunch-menu)
DINNER - Dinner Menu | Sawgrass Tavern (https://www.sawgrasstavern.com/dinner-menu)
DRINK - Drink Menu | Sawgrass Tavern (https://www.sawgrasstavern.com/cocktail-menu)

#SawgrassTavern #MenuNowOnline #TastyEats #thevillages #LocalFavorites

[Bay Kid]

From FB.

🎉We're thrilled to announce that our menu is now available ONLINE! 🙌

No need to wait or wonder — check out our delicious offerings from the comfort of your home! Whether you're craving Celtic classics, a juicy burger, fresh seafood, or something on the lighter side, we've got you covered.

👉 Click the link below to discover what's at Sawgrass Tavern:
LUNCH - Lunch Menu | Sawgrass Tavern (https://www.sawgrasstavern.com/lunch-menu)
DINNER - Dinner Menu | Sawgrass Tavern (https://www.sawgrasstavern.com/dinner-menu)
DRINK - Drink Menu | Sawgrass Tavern (https://www.sawgrasstavern.com/cocktail-menu)

#SawgrassTavern #MenuNowOnline #TastyEats #thevillages #LocalFavorites

Looks good! Thank you

[Cranky]

What are my options for my McGradys gift card I got for the holidays are am I SOL?

[Bill14564]

What are my options for my McGradys gift card I got for the holidays are am I SOL?

Strongly recommend you ask the management after the reopening. Unless they are online here and care to out themselves, you aren't going to get a good answer.

[Altavia]

What are my options for my McGradys gift card I got for the holidays are am I SOL?

McGrady’s gift cards will be honored by Sawgrass Tavern.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/2401093-post75.html