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Leafpoker
07-19-2011, 11:34 AM
We are looking for a place to eat seafood. We are willing to drive to either coast if have you have found a spot that is special. It doesn't have be a real houty-touty place. If fact the the less the better. That makes the price better with better quality. Would rather try outside The Villages for a small road trip.

CaliforniaGirl
07-19-2011, 12:20 PM
We are looking for a place to eat seafood. We are willing to drive to either coast if have you have found a spot that is special. It doesn't have be a real houty-touty place. If fact the the less the better. That makes the price better with better quality. Would rather try outside The Villages for a small road trip.

Try Stumpknockers in Dunnellon. On Hwy 200, right on the Withlacoochee River, near the Citrus/Marion County line. Not too far but far enough to be a nice little road trip. And most definitely NOT hoity-toity.

Mudder
07-19-2011, 12:26 PM
If you want a road trip to Tampa, go to The Colonnade, it's on Bayshore Blvd and one of the oldest restaurants in Tampa. Beautiful view of Tampa Bay and you can walk along there after you have stuffed yourselves ! They serve little tiny blueberry muffins in stead of bread. Their grouper is fabulous !

starflyte1
07-19-2011, 12:27 PM
I agree with CaliforniaGirl. Stumpknockers is about a 45 min drive. Be sure to make reservations. There are two Stumpknockers, so go to the one on the river, not the one downtown Inverness.

nitakk
07-19-2011, 12:33 PM
Another vote for Stumpknockers - try the fried catfish and hush puppies. Umm-umm good!!

gongoozler
07-19-2011, 12:34 PM
For New Orleans style seafood go to Harry's in Ocala.

gary42651
07-19-2011, 12:39 PM
Joe`s Crab Shack, in Celebration Fl. the best seafood I`ve had since moving to Florida

jebartle
07-19-2011, 12:50 PM
You cannot go wrong with Seafood Inlet at Sumter Landing

jackz
07-19-2011, 01:10 PM
If you are going to the Orlando Area do stop at High Tide Harrys, located on Semoran Road, about 10 minutes from the Orlando Airport.

High Tides has fresh blue crabs steamed with Old Bay as well as Garlic Blue Crabs. In addition they have Oysters on the Half Shell, 1 Doz for $5.99, as well as all you can eat Specials every night in addition to their regular menu items. Great 2 for 1 Happy hours each day as well.

Check out their website to see their operation and Menu:

http://hightideharrys.com/

JohnM
07-19-2011, 01:42 PM
You cannot go wrong with Seafood Inlet at Sumter Landing

Is this new? Where in Lake Sumter Landing?

Leafpoker
07-19-2011, 02:37 PM
Thanks everyone is, great to find the hole in the wall spots, that are not the franchises. Nothing wrong with those, but is great to help the local guy who has really put it on the line.I have not heard of the one at Lake Sumtner. If you could tell me where that one is? Headed down early morn to Orlando, am sure we will be looking for a spot on the way on the way back. Thanks again.

Leafpoker
07-19-2011, 02:44 PM
Somehow I posted twice

under55
07-19-2011, 02:52 PM
If you want a real hole in the wall place and run by family go to Oceans Grill in Leesburg. Mondays 3 to 7 30 oysters for $10.00 And I just had the Grouper there last Monday night and it was fantastic. Not fancy and all the locals with their first names on their shirts are there but good food and a good price.

swrinfla
07-19-2011, 03:27 PM
Seafood Inlet ?????????????????????

Never heard of it!

But, Stumpknockers on 200 is wonderful. It is a longish drive, so be sure to have a "designated driver!"

A story: Not long after I moved here, my brother announced that we were going to a special place for dinner, and since I happened to have the biggest vehicle, I was elected chauffeur! Well, after driving for what seemed like hours through the wilds of western Marion County, we arrived.

It was an absolutely wonderful experience, but I'm very cautious now when Brother calls and suggests that I might drive "everybody" to dinner!

SWR
:beer3:

Shimpy
07-19-2011, 03:34 PM
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/124/892822/restaurant/Daytona-Beach/Down-the-Hatch-Seafood-Restaurant-Ponce-Inlet

Rustic, on the water, outside bar and patio, the kind of place with mounted fish on the walls, etc. Good food.

FMF Doc
07-19-2011, 03:37 PM
Stumpknockers works for me too although it's not on your way back from Orlando.

kofficer
07-19-2011, 03:41 PM
If you want a road trip to Tampa, go to The Colonnade, it's on Bayshore Blvd and one of the oldest restaurants in Tampa. Beautiful view of Tampa Bay and you can walk along there after you have stuffed yourselves ! They serve little tiny blueberry muffins in stead of bread. Their grouper is fabulous !
and I live in Tampa and this is a very good place to go.

Richard and Lee

Avista
07-19-2011, 05:12 PM
If you want a road trip to Tampa, go to The Colonnade, it's on Bayshore Blvd and one of the oldest restaurants in Tampa. Beautiful view of Tampa Bay and you can walk along there after you have stuffed yourselves ! They serve little tiny blueberry muffins in stead of bread. Their grouper is fabulous !
Love the Colonade!

GaDawg
07-19-2011, 05:24 PM
We are looking for a place to eat seafood. We are willing to drive to either coast if have you have found a spot that is special. It doesn't have be a real houty-touty place. If fact the the less the better. That makes the price better with better quality. Would rather try outside The Villages for a small road trip.

Just a mile or so off I-95 on Hwy 1 near Ormond Beach. Been going there for the past 7-8 years when we are in Fla. Best fried Shrimp I have ever eaten bar none. Has a huge river deck overlooking the river where boats dock. Just a really great place to relax and enjoy some very fresh seafood. The Rivergrille is my vote! Check them out here. http://www.rivergrille.net/

jebartle
07-19-2011, 06:04 PM
Is this new? Where in Lake Sumter Landing?

Please forgive.....Lighthouse Point is the name

Snowbirdtobe
07-19-2011, 06:49 PM
If you want to drive to the coast we have been to some great places.
Tony's 2nd Street Cedar Key Fl, 32625. Great Chowder and busy
There are waterfront restaurants in Cedar Key but we didn't try them.
Tarpon Springs
Great Greek food and good seafood. We love Mykonos.
You can watch the fishing boats unload at Rusty Bellies.
Both places are a bit of a drive from TV but it gave us a chance to see the ocean again.

JohnM
07-19-2011, 09:19 PM
Please forgive.....Lighthouse Point is the name

Lighthouse Point does have great seafood and ample portions ... are they still doing the conch line dance at sunset ... have not been there at sunset recently?

jblum315
07-20-2011, 02:04 AM
Can't beat Lighthouse Point, but it's not exactly the road trip these folks are lookiing for! Anybody tried Gator Joe's off Rt. 25 in Ocklawaha? It looks intriguing, like an old Florida fishing camp, and on a lake, but I haven't tried the food. :mmmm:

graciegirl
07-20-2011, 06:55 AM
Another plug for Lighthouse. Last night we had dinner there with grandson who flew in to join us for a week. The food was beautifully prepared and delivered quickly by an excellent server and the behind the scenes guy provided the most beautiful sunset that was mirrored by Lake Sumter. It was a moment to savor and the beginning of our year 'round life in lower Paradise.

Priceless.

Coconuts
07-20-2011, 07:13 AM
Just ate at Essex Seafood Two. One hour, fifteen minute ride through the Ocala Forest. State Road 40, Pierson, Florida. Food was cheap, plentiful and tasty. NOT "fine dining" but clean and excellent service.

KathieI
07-20-2011, 07:19 AM
Can't beat Lighthouse Point, but it's not exactly the road trip these folks are lookiing for! Anybody tried Gator Joe's off Rt. 25 in Ocklawaha? It looks intriguing, like an old Florida fishing camp, and on a lake, but I haven't tried the food. :mmmm:

Gator Joe's is a fun place, kinda interesting with its historical photos of the shootout with Ma Barker (I think that's who it was), and if you want to see some pretty young girls in little bikini's sunning themselves, its a fun place to hang out but I wouldn't call it a great place for seafood or gourmet dining. Try it sometime, it is fun.

bigalibaba
07-20-2011, 08:35 AM
We are looking for a place to eat seafood. We are willing to drive to either coast if have you have found a spot that is special. It doesn't have be a real houty-touty place. If fact the the less the better. That makes the price better with better quality. Would rather try outside The Villages for a small road trip.

Can't believe no one has mentioned Fishermans Restaurant on Hwy 44 on the way to Inverness. Small place that looks somewhat unsightly from the road. Once you try it you'll keep going back. See website at:

http://www.fishermansrestaurant.biz/

chuckinca
07-20-2011, 10:39 AM
Blackwater Inn on St John's River in Astor on Hwy 40. About an hour from TV.


http://www.blackwaterinn.com/index.cfm?screenwidth=1152



.

Halle
07-20-2011, 01:43 PM
Can't believe no one has mentioned Fishermans Restaurant on Hwy 44 on the way to Inverness. Small place that looks somewhat unsightly from the road. Once you try it you'll keep going back. See website at:

http://www.fishermansrestaurant.biz/

:agree:

I agree we were looking for great local seafood and we found it here. :mmmm:

Shirleevee
07-20-2011, 02:39 PM
:agree:

I agree we were looking for great local seafood and we found it here. :mmmm:

Thank you, can't wait to try this one!

juneau
07-20-2011, 02:45 PM
The Boston Fish Market is the BEST! It's located on Semoran Blvd, it's either in Winter Park or on the outskirts of Orlando. Best lobster rolls, not a dressy place, food is medium priced, and worth every penny. Put it in your GPS to find it. Speaking as a New Englander, its delicious!!

juneau
07-20-2011, 02:58 PM
I think they mean the Lighthouse?? It is delicious, but if you want to take a ride, the Boston Fish Market is the best. I'm going to try the Colonnade (is it fancy?) and High Tide Harry's when I get the chance, we usually go try restaurant in Orlando when going to the airport to bring or pick up travellers. They treat, and they don't have to pay a limo and we get a free meal. So it works out great for all of us.

MrMark
07-21-2011, 06:18 AM
I think they mean the Lighthouse?? It is delicious, but if you want to take a ride, the Boston Fish Market is the best. I'm going to try the Colonnade (is it fancy?) and High Tide Harry's when I get the chance, we usually go try restaurant in Orlando when going to the airport to bring or pick up travellers. They treat, and they don't have to pay a limo and we get a free meal. So it works out great for all of us.

They treat, and they don't have to pay a limo and we get a free meal. So it works out great for all of us.

Seems to me it would be cheaper to take the airport shuttle. What's the motivation, pick up friends or a free meal?

drdodge
07-21-2011, 09:22 AM
Lena's on route 40 east of ocala. very good

drd

chuckinca
07-21-2011, 10:33 AM
How far East of Ocala?


.

jebartle
07-21-2011, 10:51 AM
Can't beat Lighthouse Point, but it's not exactly the road trip these folks are lookiing for! Anybody tried Gator Joe's off Rt. 25 in Ocklawaha? It looks intriguing, like an old Florida fishing camp, and on a lake, but I haven't tried the food. :mmmm:

We must be getting old, sure want to eat in this area!

Bill-n-Brillo
07-21-2011, 10:57 AM
How far East of Ocala?


.

Chuck -

This looks like the place - - - - -

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=lena%27s+ocala&fb=1&gl=us&hq=lena%27s&hnear=0x88e62b541cba3ce5:0xf5f53be4b1380536,Ocala, +FL&cid=12014684946878784055

Bill :)

chuckinca
07-21-2011, 11:57 AM
Thanks Bill!

Looks to be 14 miles East of intersection of Baseline Road and Hwy 40 (Silver Springs Park).

Also, as indicated in the link, might be closed during May thru Oct.


.

swrinfla
07-21-2011, 03:22 PM
I love Gator Joe's. However, you must know that its best feature is eating out under the so-called "tiki huts" over the waters of Lake Weir, not so much the food. And, we usually have "lunch" there, rather than dinner!

Another great fish place is Stumpknocker's. Two locations. One on the banks of the Withlacoochee River off CR200, southwest of Ocala. The other in "downtown" Inverness. I've only been to the first one. It's always great fun and the food is great!

And, I'll endorse the Blackwater Inn. Great food and ambiance; just a litle far to drive!

SWR
:beer3:

Tall Terri
07-22-2011, 12:18 PM
If I could, I would like to recommend Whale's Tale on Old 441 in Mount Dora. Maryland style - really are - crab cakes - ask for heavy or light Old Bay depending on your tastes. New England Clam chowder full of chunks of clams.....other seafood afficionados loved it as well....Hole in the wall with good food - AND a coupon in the Everybody's Favorite Coupon Book too!

chuckinca
07-22-2011, 12:40 PM
How do you get "Everybody's Favorite Coupon Book"


.

oceangirl
07-22-2011, 04:41 PM
Can't beat Lighthouse Point, but it's not exactly the road trip these folks are lookiing for! Anybody tried Gator Joe's off Rt. 25 in Ocklawaha? It looks intriguing, like an old Florida fishing camp, and on a lake, but I haven't tried the food. :mmmm:

Went last night with neighbors. All you can eat fish. The bar is right on the lake. The food was delicious . Not fancy but loved looking out at the lake.

senior citizen
07-28-2011, 06:48 AM
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senior citizen
07-28-2011, 06:54 AM
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senior citizen
07-28-2011, 07:02 AM
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RVRoadie
07-28-2011, 10:29 AM
If you like fish and chips, JJ Fins (http://www.jjfins.com/) on the Dead River, just down 441 South of Leesburg, is great.

Bill-n-Brillo
07-28-2011, 11:16 AM
How do you get "Everybody's Favorite Coupon Book"


.

http://www.myefcb.com/

We always used to pick one up in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express when we'd stay there. You'll probably spot them in any one of a number of stores, restaurants, etc. - wherever you'd find the small racks with the free booklets, real estate mags, etc.

Bill :)

gongoozler
07-31-2011, 11:07 AM
If you like fish and chips, JJ Fins (http://www.jjfins.com/) on the Dead River, just down 441 South of Leesburg, is great.

Is the fish Haddock, Cod or Perch or do they just call it "White Fish?"

chuckinca
07-31-2011, 01:30 PM
http://www.myefcb.com/

We always used to pick one up in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express when we'd stay there. You'll probably spot them in any one of a number of stores, restaurants, etc. - wherever you'd find the small racks with the free booklets, real estate mags, etc.

Bill :)


Thanks for the info Bill!

I've seen those coupon books but never really looked at them closely.

Chuck

chuckinca
07-31-2011, 01:32 PM
If you like fish and chips, JJ Fins (http://www.jjfins.com/) on the Dead River, just down 441 South of Leesburg, is great.


We went there a few months ago and didn't have a great meal.


.

jblum315
07-31-2011, 02:31 PM
If you had great fish and chips at JJ Fins you were lucky. What I had was soggy and tasteless.

LindaManson
07-31-2011, 04:33 PM
We are willing to drive to either coast if have you have found a spot that is special. It doesn't have be a real houty-touty place. If fact the the less the better.

Taking you at your word that you will go to either coast:

We recently spent a week in Clearwater Beach On the Gulf Coast (South of Tampa for the newbees). We asked several people where the best seafood was on Clearwater Beach. Got three answers but one was overwhelming the most given.

It is Guppies on the Beach....

http://www.3bestchefs.com/guppys/

Food was Superior, service was great, view was OK but the public park was right across the street if you wanted to walk the beach. First time I had the Dunginess Crab and it was awesome had three more dishes and they were all superior. They have a 3 to 5 special menu that is pretty great. My Crab was under $15 with soup or salad and 2 sides. Nice covered porch on the front with fans. We ate outside every time so didn't see the inside! And even valet service (small parking lot close large one across the street) for a tip. Will DEFINITLY drive to Clearwater frequently to eat here!! Price was reasonable. They also have a varied menu if you are not into seafood, Italian dishes were great too!

We also ate at Crabby Bills on the circle at Pier 60, was ok not really impressed. The other one was in the Mariott and dinner started at about $30 EACH!! :22yikes: Forget that one.