[kofficer]

We will be staying at the Waterfront Inn, but their menu didn't really grab us. What's a good restaurant near there, even if we need to get in the car? Do any of them take reservations, we like the japanese steak house experience, if the one near Sumter Landing is good. This will be our first trip to the villages (we are from Tampa area), but I have a feeling it's only the beginning. We don't retire until 2012, but if Florida housing will cooperate the summer of 2011 (on selling our home), we will probably get serious around that time. This really looks like its the place for us. We are league bowlers, my husband's dream for his retirement is access to a woodworking shop. He used to shoot skeet, and still has his guns, just been doing other things. I'm a scrapbooker and machine embroidery person myself, and we also work out 3 days a week here with a personal trainer. All of that seems to be available, so here we come!!

Thanks for your help.

Lee and Richard

[BogeyBoy]

How late is late?

Here are some I like that you can walk to from the Waterfront:

We have been to the Japanese Steakhouse twice over the last couple of weeks and will go back again. Haven't had to wait for a seat.

Thai Ruby is another I enjoy.

Urban Flats for a lighter meal.

[JUREK]

My favourite at LSL is Redsauce or Urban Flats. Only 5 minute walk from Hotel. Can't go wrong.

[spk7951]

As previously noted Urban Flats is but a 5 minute walk from the Waterfront Inn and it is open until midnight. Most places close at 9pm. I know the outside bar at Redsauce is open late but I am not sure if you can get food there after 9pm.

[graciegirl]

The new barbecue place where Whiskey's used to be is nice. Very close to the Waterfront. And TooJay's across the street from it never disappoints.

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by spk7951

As previously noted Urban Flats is but a 5 minute walk from the Waterfront Inn and it is open until midnight. Most places close at 9pm. I know the outside bar at Redsauce is open late but I am not sure if you can get food there after 9pm.

After 9pm, RedSauce has a pizza menu that's available. They are delicious, the kitchen is closed but its whatever they can just pop in the oven, I guess. Don't think TooJay's is open after 9pm or many other places. You can also join in the kareoke fun at the outside bar. Look for us there. That goes until midnight. See ya then.

[kofficer]

I guess I should have said late in the afternoon. We will probably try the Japanese place, but keep the other names in our heads, if that doesn't work o0ut. Thanks much for the information.

Richard and Lee

[allairenjadea]

We like Gators

[champion6]

kofficer, here is your husband's dream come true... The Villages Woodworkers Club http://www.vwc704.com/

[l2ridehd]

Get in the car, drive around the corner to Bunea Vista and go North 1/2 mile to the Arnold Palmer golf course and eat in the dining room. Two for $49 specials that are quite good. Includes a starter, two salads, two main courses, one dessert and a bottle of wine. They will give you a $13 credit for the wine and let you select something better. Better wine, drinks, beer, what ever you want. Decent food, good service, and very close by. It's actually close enough to walk if it's a pleasant evening.

[jrjr729]

Check out the Virginia Trace website. They have a link to a group that reviews restaurants in the area.

[kofficer]

Thank you so much for this suggestion. In addition to having our first look at the Villages, we are celebrating my husband's birthday, so I think this would be nice to do. Thanks.

Lee and Richard

[Kellygirl]

The Waterfront has a really good special on Saturday night if you like lobster. They get in live Maine lobster and steam them in the restaurant. I think the cost is $22.95 and the lobster comes with a baked potato and salad. You should make a reservation if you are interested because the have sold out before.

[kofficer]

Originally Posted by champion6

kofficer, here is your husband's dream come true... The Villages Woodworkers Club http://www.vwc704.com/

Oh, we saw that, one of the big reasons we are headed for the villages, the other is that we have been told that it is the senior bowling meca!! Thanks. He is very excited about that workshop.