Which Ocala-area place made the list? Our 16 best Old Florida-style restaurants

Yahoo

05-07-2025

Forget the chain restaurants and make sure your next road trip includes a taste of Old Florida.
From salty oyster bars and waterfront fish camps to quirky roadside diners and historic steakhouses, the Sunshine State is packed with restaurants that serve more than just food — they dish out history, charm and a whole lot of character.
Many of our favorite spots featured below have been around for decades, some for nearly a century, weathering hurricanes, changing times and plenty of hangry crowds.
Whether you arrive by car, boat or kayak, you'll find places where the walls are covered in dollar bills or taxidermy, gators show up on the menu and live music fills the air.
Here are 16 restaurants from across the Sunshine State where the food is delicious — and the atmosphere is pure Old Florida. Bonus: One of those places is right here in Marion County.
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Details: Accessible only by boat, Channel Marker 60 in Pine Island Sound, 4.5 miles west of Pineland; 239-283-2278; cabbagekey.com
This boat-access-only gem of an island restaurant and bar is awash in Old Florida history and charm. Dating back to 1944, food and drinks were served in what was then an exclusive island resort in Pine Island Sound. Fast forward to the 1970s and the original home of the island's owners was converted into an open-air restaurant, while their library became the bar. Today, the latter is known as the Dollar Bill Bar with more than 65,000 customer-signed bills blanketing the walls and ceilings. Famous visitors range from Ernest Hemingway to Julia Roberts.
Besides fresh seafood, this island paradise serves a char-grilled cheeseburger that Jimmy Buffett, who was a frequent guest, may or may not have sung about. And before you get back on the boat, finish your visit to this slice of old Florida with a homemade slice of frozen(!!!) Key lime pie. — Robyn George, The News-Press
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Details: 3796 Scenic U.S. 98, Destin; 850-837-2627; https://www.captdavesonthegulf.com/
For more than five decades, Captain Dave's on the Gulf restaurant has been serving fresh seafood. Located at the Okaloosa/Walton County line on Scenic U.S. Highway 98, the restaurant offers some of the best views around with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf.
The family owned restaurant opened in 1968 and serves American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist, according to its website. The menu includes such offerings as crab claws, seafood gumbo, stuffed flounder, grilled or fried shrimp, grouper, snapper, mahi mahi, redfish, lobster tail, salmon, filet mignon, chicken and hamburgers. Captain Dave's also has a full-service bar with a spacious lounge complete with everything from margaritas to martinis. — Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log
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Details: 12431 SE 135th Ave., Ocklawaha; 352-288-3100; gatorjoesocala.com
Gator Joe's Beach Bar & Grill goes back a whopping 98 years to 1926. The family friendly waterfront restaurant in Ocklawaha (southeast of Ocala in Marion County) offers a laid-back atmosphere, themed events, beachy-fun food and a stunning view of Lake Weir. If you head out to the far end of its platform, you can even dine right above the water. The restaurant gets its name from an infamous alligator and even more infamous outlaws who had a hideout in Ocklawaha.
So, here's the story according to the Gator Joe's website: In 1934, while trying to find the Ma Barker Gang, the FBI intercepted a letter mentioning an 'Old Joe' near the Barker hideout. Because Lake Weir was found to have a big gator known as 'Old Joe,' the feds had a lead in finding the famous outlaws on the lam.
On Jan. 16, 1935, the FBI apprehended the Barker gang an eighth mile from Gator Joe's and in a four-hour gun battle, Ma and one of her sons were killed. Gator Joe lived until 1952.
Nowadays, locals and seasonal visitors flock to Gator Joe's for beers, fried seafood and special events like their upcoming Fourth of July party. Their menu includes gator tail, crispy fried pickles, wings prepared a variety of ways, surf 'n' turf entrees and burgers. The third Wednesday of the month is Jeep night, when servers plunk iconic ducks in customers' drinks.— Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial
Gator Joe's Beach Bar & Grill is an Old Florida classic with a waterfront view
Details: 987 S. Packinghouse Road, Sarasota; 941-371-9358; packinghousecafe.com
Originally opened during Labor Day weekend in 1999 — in a building that owner J.R. Garraus estimates dates back to the 1950s — J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Café is a funky slice of Old Florida, tucked just out of sight from nearby I-75, about six miles east of downtown Sarasota. Now boasting a full-liquor bar and live music six nights a week on its intimate stage, OPC remains best known for its comfort food. Among the culinary creations of South Florida native and trained chef Garraus, perhaps none are more famous than his Miami-style Cuban sandwich, Tampa Bay–inspired blackened Ybor Burger, and jumbo chicken wings. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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Details: 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton; 941-755-2757; lingerlodge.com/restaurant-home
Established in 1945 along the Braden River in east Bradenton, Linger Lodge is best known for its wild walls of taxidermy — snakes, fish, deer — you name it. Outside, two covered and screened decks overlook the pristine river, where you might spot a live critter or two between bites — including, yes, gators!
You'll also find them on the menu, alongside other deep Southern delights like frog legs, smoked meats, fried chicken, burgers, and Gulf seafood such as grouper and shrimp. And don't miss the towering Bloody Marys — garnished with everything from fruit and veggies to meat and seafood. It's basically a buffet in a glass, with a kick — to help you brave the awesomely eccentric surroundings. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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Details: 44 N. Broadway St., Fellsmere; 772-571-8622; marshlandingrestaurant.com
Marsh Landing Restaurant in Fellsmere is where sweet tea is served in a mason jar and each table is dressed with a bottle of hot pepper vinegar. On Thursdays, they push to the side some of their tables, covered in newspaper clippings from the Fellsmere Farmer and Fellsmere Tribune, for live bluegrass music.
Its building was constructed in 1926 for the Fellsmere Estates Corporation and was at one time home to the Florida Crystal Sugar Company. Mother-daughter team Fran and Susan Adams opened the restaurant in November 2002. The walls are decorated with agrarian tools, taxidermy mounts and historical news articles from the early days of Fellsmere. Don't miss the amusing bathrooms signs.
It serves true native Old Florida cuisine, such as frog legs, gator tail, catfish and swamp cabbage. When it's available, swamp cabbage is made from the edible core of a cabbage palm tree and cooked until tender. Try the fried green tomato BLT for lunch and fried shrimp with coleslaw and collard greens for dinner. Save room for the peanut butter pie for dessert. — Laurie K. Blandford, TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers
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Details: 2854 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561-683-5151; okeesteakhouse.com
What do Billy Joel and Kelsey Grammer have in common? They're among the many notable patrons of a beloved, family-owned steakhouse in Palm Beach County. Founded in 1947 by Ralph and Norma Lewis as a drive-In, it began with a charcoal pit and car-side cocktails.
Now, 78 years and four generations later, the Lewis family still runs the restaurant. Ralph's son Curtis, who started as a dishwasher at 12, is its longest-serving employee. His son Ralph (not a junior) and wife Laura now lead the business, with younger family members joining in. The menu has evolved from $4 fried catfish to $51 pan-seared seabass with a Wine Spectator noteworthy list of 600 wines in the cellar. Yet some things never change — filet mignon is still the top cut and baked potatoes remain the best-selling side. — Diana Biederman Palm Beach Post
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Details: 5185 S. U.S. 1, Grant-Valkaria; 321-727-7007; oldfishhousebarandgrill.com
Located on the beautiful Indian River Lagoon at Channel Marker 35, The Old Fish House is a must-visit destination whether you arrive by car or boat. This historical gem offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a glimpse into Florida's fishing heritage with 100-year-old artifacts from the original fish house on display.
Guests can enjoy gorgeous waterfront views while savoring local favorites like crispy gator bites or the house-smoked fish dip. For a hearty meal, try the seafood cheese tortellini, loaded with mussels and shrimp in a rich garlic cream sauce. The Old Fish House captures Florida's charm, where food, history and scenery come together. — Amber Olesen, Florida Today
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Details: 14340 Innerarity Point Road, Perdido Key; 850-492-3577; thepointperdido.com
The 'world-famous' freshly caught mullet has been a mainstay in Perdido Key's The Point Restaurant since opening in 1955. While the fall-off-the-bone mullet backbones will always be a tried-and-true local's recommendation, The Point's menu offers patrons a true taste of the Florida Panhandle with many more signature dishes, such as their daily fresh catch, Louisiana-style Po'Boys, fried green tomatoes, deep-fried alligator bites, peel-and-eat deep water royal red shrimp and house made gumbo that encapsulate the ultimate 'Southern seafood dining experience.'
If the food isn't enough reason to make the trip, they are known to frequently host bands in their outdoor area, The Courtyard, which transforms into a warm-weather oasis buzzing with live music and surrounded by oak trees. Locals frequent the Point, and even their entertainment acts are regulars, such as bluegrass band Bubba And Them, which has called The Point home for over two decades. Whether you're filling up a table with family or becoming fast friends with a stranger you're elbow-to-elbow with at the bar, The Point checks all the boxes for good food and old-fashioned fellowship. — Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal
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Details: 940 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland; 863-686-6661; www.reececliff.com
There's a touch of nostalgia served with every dish at Reececliff Family Diner. Established in 1934, this Lakeland institution's menu features classic Southern comfort foods ranging from biscuits and gravy to country fried steak smothers with a generous serving of white peppery cream gravy. It'll bring back memories of Sunday family dinners served lovingly by grandma with an extra dash of finesse.
No trip to Reececliff would be complete without at least a slice of one of their made-from-scratch homemade pies: apple, cherry, coconut cream, pecan, sweet potato, the list goes on and you can't go wrong. It's caused former Vice President Mike Pence to carve time from his busy campaign schedule to make a stop, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has been rumored to drop in. If you didn't save room, order a whole pie — no need to leave with regrets. Sara-Megan Walsh, The Ledger
Details: 14 FAMU Way; 850-224-9919; Facebook
Oysters, a salty sea delicacy and Tallahassee tradition, are enjoyed for every occasion at longtime establishment Shell Oyster Bar, located on FAMU Way. Celebrating its 80th year, the dive style oyster shack and restaurant started in a former gas station on South Monroe Street in 1945, selling only raw oysters and small bottles of soda until 1992. At that time oysters were only $1 a dozen, and while prices may have changed over the years the spirit of this local eatery hasn't.
When it moved to FAMU Way, still in the shadow of the Capitol, employee turned owner Leroy Milligan added fried oysters, plus scallops, shrimp, grouper and other seafood to the menu. The generous grouper sandwiches are a favorite. Its farmed oysters are devoured and slurped by students, families, legislators and lobbyists alike. Cash only. — Kyla Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat
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Details: 4728 Ocean St., Mayport; 904-246-4442; singletonsseafood.com
For nearly six decades, Singleton's Seafood Shack has drawn diners from across Northeast Florida and beyond to its rustic shoreline setting near the Mayport landing for the St. Johns River Ferry and just a short walk from docks where trawlers unload their daily catch of the plump, sweet Mayport Shrimp featured across Singleton's menu.
But in addition to one of the freshest shrimp po'boys found in the Jacksonville area, look for the Minorcan chowder, blackened sheepshead, fried gator tail and shrimp burgers, classic Singleton's fare served up to Food Network star Guy Fieri during a 2010 visit.
Enjoy it all with a view of the St. Johns from the restaurant's back deck, or inside, surrounded by a hand-carved fleet of about 130 model fishing vessels by the restaurant's late founder, Capt. Ray Singleton. — Gary T. Mills, Florida Times-Union
Details: 910 Skipper Road, Tampa; 813-971-0666; skipperssmokehouse.com
Skipper's Smokehouse is a one-of-a-kind Tampa icon, serving up Southern eats, strong drinks, and great music since 1980. The beloved concert venue, restaurant, bar and hippie hangout — famous for its bumper sticker slogan, 'We Smoke Everything' — is known for its laid-back vibe, where Florida cracker meets Key West under a canopy of sprawling, century-old live oaks. Murals and quirky art dot the property, and the stage — affectionately called the 'Skipperdome' — is built from weathered barn wood and tin.
Hungry? The blackened grouper Reuben is a local legend, even earning a national television spotlight when it was showcased by Travel Channel star Adam Richman in the early 2010s. Check the schedule — blues, rock, reggae and Americana acts regularly turn this funky spot brimming with character into a lively party under the oaks and stars. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Details: 1215 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island; 239-394-3313; snookinn.com
There's waterfront restaurants in Florida, then there are those that are hurricane tested. Make that hurricanes.
The Snook Inn endured Hurricanes Wilma (2005), Irma (2017) and Ian (2022), not to mention others that have passed nearby. Yet this cool spot that's more than 30 years old still stands.
And customers continue to be lured to the island south of Naples by enchanting Gulf breezes and stunning sunsets. They can sip a special drink like the Snook Inn Loaded Bloody Mary and order up a variety of seafood choices, from oysters and grouper to fried calamari to clams, red snapper, shrimp and much more. ― Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News
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Details: 488 W. High Banks Road, DeBary; 386-668-8891, swamphousegrill.com
Rustic and lively, the Swamp House leans fully into its everglades-meets-riverfront aesthetic — a place where mounted gator heads, coiled snakes and faux lizards scaling doorframes are casually joined by a sunhat-sporting gator that greets guests at the door.
You can grab a beer down at the tiki bar as paddleboarders and pontoon boats — and live gators — pass by on the St. Johns River or find a seat inside where exposed rafters, wood-paneled walls and kitschy decor give the dining room its backwoods fish camp feel. Whether sipping on a Swamp Water cocktail or digging into a basket of fried gator tail nuggets and platter of BBQ ribs, this joint doesn't just serve you Old Florida charm — it swamps you in it. — Helena Perray, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
Details: 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach; 772-231-7091; historicwaldos.com
Waldo's Restaurant & Bar, located inside the historic Driftwood Inn, is one of Vero Beach pioneer Waldo Sexton's historic landmarks. Sexton first came to Vero Beach in the 1920s and started building the Driftwood Inn out of the timbers of a dairy barn destroyed in a storm. Finished in 1935, it was supposed to be a family beach house. However, after many requests for rooms because of limited hotel options in the area, it expanded into the Driftwood Resort with an oceanfront restaurant and bar. It has indoor and outdoor seating with a guest-only pool in the middle, live music on the weekends and a wooden deck that sits on the beach. — Laurie K. Blandford, TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at [e-mail]. Support local journalism by subscribing.
Jim Ross contributed
(This story was updated to include additional information.)
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Old Florida restaurants: 16 spots worth the trip. One is in Marion