This place is so cool and super FL. They have an indoor seating area and an outdoor seating area on a little pier over the water. You look right out on the lake and they have a beach right next door where you can keep your bar tab open and drink on the beach. The beach has chairs and umbrellas and also tables. You can swim there as well. They're famous for their gator bites which we got with the fries. Both were delicious. We also had some of their fruity drinks of course. They no longer have the buckets but they're still strong pours. Definitely a cool spot and must see if you're in the area. read more

Gator Joe's - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

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We enjoyed our evening out at Gator Joe's sitting on the open deck. The sunset was beautiful! They had live music also playing good music. We had gator tail, Ahi tuna and chicken wings. Food was great, served fresh and hot. Our servers were all very friendly and accommodating. We love coming here when we're down visiting Family nearby. read more

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NOT handicap friendly. My wife uses a scooter to get from our car into restaurants and stores. After being seated by restaurant staff our waitress said we needed to move my wife's scooter. We were parked at end of our table which left a 2 to 3 foot path all around us. We asked the waitress where we were to park. She said she did NOT know it just needed to be moved. We told her we had been coming to this restaurant for eight years and have never been asked to move. She said she would talk to her manager. The manager came out and said we needed to move the scooter. Again we asked where to move the scooter. She did NOT know. She left and brought back security. He said we needed to move the scooter. Again we asked where. He said he did NOT know where. We decided the only place to go was to a handicap friendly restaurant. By the way they can seat hundreds of patrons, but only have two handicap parking spots. This place is NOT for the handicap. BEWARE read more

First visit here and it was amazing... staff has hustle and knowledgeable about their menus, ambience is what you would expect at a "beach" access location... fun lively and enjoyable. A lovely gem to hit up when visiting the area for sure! Food was delish as well!!!!! read more

Gator Joe's - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

Pros: the food was good! Cons: our waitress was a smidge inattentive, there was quite a bit of bird poop on deck dining areas (a little more power washing was needed), and some tables chairs hadn't been wiped down from bugs the night before. read more

Gator Joe's - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

I finally found my local! If I can't get to the Ocean Deck, then this is the lakeside place that makes me feel like I am at the beach. Outdoor seating, opens early, cool bar staff. Reasonable prices and tasty, unpretentious bar food. I had the lightly breaded garlic parm wings, which were hot and crispy. I guess the price has gone up but I didn't notice or care really... prices going up mean staff gets paid more. Fine by me. It's open seating, so don't annoy the bartenders by asking "is this ok? How about over there??" Of course I did this, feeling like a complete moron because I have worked in dozens of open-seating restaurants and there is nothing more ridiculous than having to explain "ANYWHERE IS FINE!" Really friendly crowd, and both times I was there I didn't hear one whiff of angry political rantings, which was quite refreshing. All I can add is that if I lived closer I would never leave, so it's good for the staff and my liver that I don't! read more

Gator Joe's - All signs point to Gator Joe's! - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

The shrimp was good and not heavily not many fries in the basket. The hush puppies were good also. The gator tail was heavily breaded so you really didn't taste the gator The cheeseburger was good but again not many fries Our server has very little personality and was not attentive at all. The atmosphere was nice out on the dock. Not sure on a return trip read more

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Food was great, had a gator and shrimp combo basket. Lots and lots of staff running around but service was excruciatingly slow. Two and a half hours to get seated and eat. It took a half hour to get 3 pieces of pie. Tip was automatically added to the bill which didn't show up on the credit card slip to sign but there was a space to add additional tip. There's no incentive to give good service when you know you're getting an automatic 18%. read more

Nice 'beachfront grill on the lake. Sunday afternoon they have live music. Nice and enjoyable. Food is good. Very fresh and the service is great. Eat right over the lake read more

Gator Joe's - Q qd - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

Three of us just came from the resturant. Bathrooms were filthy. Food was awful. Water, please don't drink. Beer was out dated. State needs to do another inspection. Outside tables were dirty and not updated for years. read more

Live music, really fun vibe, & located on the water! They have gator bites, so if you've never tried gator here is your chance. read more

Gator Joe's - Gator Joes sign - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

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Gator Joe's claims to be world famous. Maybe they are, and maybe they aren't, but I can tell you they are a terrific local gem of a bar & grill. Walking up, they have a colorful and inviting approach. Inside you find a clean and well-worn bar, with well-spaced tables and plenty alligator decor. The bar is named for a local-hero gator who "helped" bring down the Ma Barker gang back in the day. One foot (as in body part) of the local hero is on display for your enjoyment. There is plentiful seating inside, but we chose to sit on the ample deck that stretches out over the lake. The employees we encountered during our visit were friendly and attentive, adding to the welcoming atmosphere of this local watering hole. The menu offers plenty of selections, and prices are reasonable. I found the blackened chicken Caesar wrap to be tasty, and my wife will definitely order the fried pollack again. During our visit, we found plenty of entertainment in the birds who frequent the deck in larger numbers than the customers, content to scavenge what they can from vacated tables that had not yet been cleared. One was so bold as to steal a fry right out of my wife's hand! In short, I can see why the locals frequent Gator Joe's, and why others will make the stop as well. The food was flavorful and satisfying, for a reasonable price, in an environment that was relaxing and enjoyable. You'll catch us here again soon! read more

Gator Joe's - Taken from the deck, looking toward the beach - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

The stubborn chef won't warm the tortillas for the tacos. When we spoke with the untrained, and uneducated manager, she had absolutely NO people skills. She informed us that, "the restaurant makes enough money and doesn't need to warm the food." Since we're new to Florida and looking for a regular place to eat and drink we drove around the lake and found a quality restaurant with the same views and much better food and service! We should actually thank Gator Joe's for their BAD food and service, because we wouldn't have known about the other place otherwise. read more

Came in today to meet friends. Never been here before. Ordered ahi tuna, caeser salad, shrimp Po boy, and chicken pasta. The tuna came,... My caeser salad is m.i.a. the tuna is not edible. Severely over cooked. You could trick me into thinking this is chicken. .... Update: just asked about the caeser... She claimed she never put it in. Don't order the ahi tuna. The chicken pasta is here now... The sauce is like water. Its gross... Thank God for seasoning. Steer clear of this dish too. If you get a po boy, ask that the bread be toasted on the inside... Otherwise is apparently just a lot of doughy white bread, not buttered or anything... My drinks been empty since they dropped off the over done ahi, ... She asked me if id like another drink now ... It's been 35ish minutes. Asked for some dressing for the salad... And asked for a pickle for the bloody maria, so that this drink would match the standard of the first drink. The likelihood of me coming back is nill. read more

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Fully enjoyed our stop at Gator Joe's for lunch. Loved sitting out on deck over the lake. Service was wonderful. We had the fish and it was delicious. They give you plenty to eat. We'll return !!! read more

It says it's key west atmosphere. If that means noisy then it's not wrong. Good food, good service, but turn the music down! Lots of bikers....mostly professionals with time. Sits on the water too! read more

I've been going there for years when in town. We always recommend to ppl we meet. However..this year has been the worst service, food and all around management. We were treated horribly by staff as if they don't care and apparently have never heard of the term "Be nice to the customers they might come back." The hostesses were so rude thathat I would use the term "combative." Needless to say it's off our rounds of bar restaurants and we are spreading the word. But I'm sure they don't care. read more

The drinks are the only reason I go to gator joes. Beautiful view of the water to set the mood while enjoying the air.

The only good thing about this place is the vibe. People will tell you it's great food, but either they're drunk or they don't know good food. This is basic food that costs way too much and is def not worth a return visit unless it's to go to the bar, get drinks, and enjoy the vibe and lake. read more

First visit. Good thing I believe my gps, "Joe's"is hidden on the shore, behind several cottages and permanent houses! Next trip it will be easier to find. Glad it was daylight. Large bright bar area , with a very large deck/outdoor covered space. Beach volleyball court looked inviting. There were a few hardy souls out sunning on a bright Valentines Day. Eight of us enjoyed beer and fish baskets. I'll bet that the night business is good, with entertainment on the weekends. Not too far from The Villages, in Ocklawaha, Fl read more

Gator Joe's - What a happy Valentines Day ending. - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

As I do, the water was ordered, it was bring out in a bottle, non-refillable at that. To start the service was fast but the bottle is poorly constructed, cheap thin plastic, the water itself is an even worse story. The water has this weird film and softness to it which makes it sit in your mouth like a bad aftertaste of morning breath. If you come to gator Joe's the water shan't be ordered 'less you dislike your taste buds firm 3/10 read more

Wow! Just wow! First time there so it could be anything. Super good service and I simply asked "what should I get?" Next thing I know I have a fried gator plate... The VERY BEST fried gator I've ever had. Great place! Can't see it from the road. Gotta know where you're going.... HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!! read more

Food was honestly great, loved the atmosphere right on the water and our server was awesome. There is a swimming area and we were sprayed by kids with water guns while trying to eat which was incredibly annoying, but that was not on the restaurant and only on the parents of the children. The one complaint I would have is them allowing individuals to seat themselves, we were waiting for a table to be cleared for our party and before it was cleared another group walked right past us and took the table. Because it was seat yourselves, there wasn't much we could say. If they had some form of a seating process, and if they maintained the rules of the swimming area a bit more it would have been a 5/5 from me. Definitely recommend if you are visiting the area. Food-wise I'd recommend the combo basket, I got chicken shrimp and gator. Drink the island mule was fantastic. read more

Gator Joes is very dirty and is not clean at all. There is so much trash one the beach and all of the trash just floats out into the lake. I understand that the lake is very dirty to begin with but Gator Joes does not help with the overly polluted lake. The food is very over priced for not anything special. The key lime pie is very pricy and its not even that good. They have also been shut down many times for rodent dropping and just being overall disgusting. read more

Incredibly fast service and food was hot and fresh. Dive bar with a great view on the lake, friendly service and fun drinks menu. We had lunch on a Friday afternoon and the deck was filling up with patrons of all ages. There is a beach and picnic tables available as well. read more

Gator Joe's - Drinks menu - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

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The best love this palace!! Great food great service, can't beat the volleyball on the beach or renting the wave , great place to take Freinds and family. read more

Gator Joe's is long been a favorite of mine and her families but tonight I went there for dinner with my wife and head to all fashions with makers mark whiskey and charge me $34 for the two drinks and Siena received they charge me $19 plus $15 for the same two drinks read more

Gator Joe's - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

Love Gator Joe's! Great atmosphere and plenty of food choices. Lots of bar choices which include excellent frozen options! read more

Gator Joe's - Drinks - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

5 stars because they definitely deliver the goods they offer! Nice ladies back atmosphere over the water. Friday night, live music. Have a drink while you wait and a double shot at Gator Joes, means a double shot! read more

Gator Joe's - What's in a name? Read the story of Ma Barker, the FBI and a Famous Gator! #TGIFriday #gatorjoesbelleview - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

Love me some Gator Joe's!! On my last visit to Central Florida, this was by far one of my favorite watering holes. I love the cool, laid back vibe at Gator Joe's, and the service is relaxed and friendly. This is the perfect place to enjoy a nice cocktail by the water while you let the breeze from the lake wash over you. I also enjoyed the bar's rustic decor, something which matched the cool nature of the staff. The drinks were very reasonable here, but it was Gator Joe's gator bites that truly stole my heart. Now I have to confess that I am usually not a fan of gator--too gamy for my taste--but my friends convinced me that things were different here, and boy were they right. These gator nibbles were the gator bomb!!. Each gator bite was light and fluffy and devoid of gaminess completely. Seriously, this was simply the best gator that I have ever had, but my only regret is that I know that I won't get anything like it anywhere else; I mean, with a name like Gator Joe's, you just know the gator has to be good. Well, I may not be able to find gator like this anywhere else, but that just means that I will have visit Central Florida much sooner..Yum! read more

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Great food and great atmosphere! Will definitely go back again when I get back to Ocala area for sure. Thanks to my bartender Glenn who was able to recommend items on the menu and a great conversationalist. Felt just like I was home there. read more

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Some friends of ours wanted us to experience all that is Gator Joe's. So, for my birthday, we rounded up a big party and headed over. Not knowing what to expect, we bumbled in behind a guy with just swim trunks on and just as the standard "No shirt, No shoes, No service" quip came to mind, he and his party veered off the boardwalk to the beach. We proceeded down the boardwalk into the restaurant and were advised to have a seat anywhere we liked. Inside, I was reminded of a fishing lodge complete with a very nice lake view. Guests can choose between really nice, cooled (thanks to fans) inside seating with views, or outdoor seating on the deck. Our server, Tyler, really made the entire experience worth every second. He was attentive, friendly, and really cares. When he found out it was my actual birthday, he not only wished me a happy birthday but also secretly arranged for a slice of key lime pie to celebrate. I ordered the shrimp tacos, which was a really good dish. The pico was really flavorful and fresh tasting, all components were really tasty. We will definitely be back and we will bring our friends and family to have an equally great experience! read more

Great bar food on the lake. I enjoyed a blue burger stacked with blue cheese and cooked to my liking. Bring the kids. A large sandy beach to swim and frolic. Eat at covered tables on the water. Inside dining and a full bar is also available. Bikes are welcome and have reserved parking spaces at the entrance. read more

Gator Joe's - Seafood Near Me - Ocklawaha, Florida

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The spot in Ocklawaha! What did I get A couple of friends and I frequent this place. We always get a couple of drinks and also some appetizers if we are hungry. This time we got some fries, wings and I got some rum and coke. Everything is mediocre, naked wings with hot sauce on the side... but they put the sauce on the side not in a container. The first drink I got wasn't as strong and then we told them and they made the next batch a bit stronger. it was just okay. Environment This was a nice location on the water. There is a beach that you can go into from the restaurant. There is outdoor dock seating and also indoor seating. Thats the plus about this place Niceness of the staff The staff was attentive. didn't have any issues with the orders or anything. Dollar It was okay pricing. I didn't take note of the prices. Yes? Honestly it is the only place in town... ha. I will definitely return #WendyWanders read more

Great food, great service, great music, and phenomenal views!!!! Love you guys! Thank you! read more

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I loved this place. It was a great look at historical Florida. The food was excellent and the people friendly. This is not a fancy restaurant, nor should it be with what the restaurant is intended to be. One caution I have is that you might want to dine indoors as the bird problem outside is over the top. That is the only reason I did not give a 5 star. I would have gone 4.5 if that were a possibility. read more

We came by on a week day and had shrimp tacos and blacken red fish. The shrimp tacos were very good along with the cole slaw. The red fish was a single piece and could have been bigger. The hush puppies were good but the carrots and celery could have been fresher. The atmosphere was great with the sayings on the rafters. read more

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Burger with fries and a salad. The salad ended up being $24.50 because we were supposed to be getting a substitution. Idiotically, instead of satisfying us, management decided they'd cook us the extra meat to take home. The "Joes Secret" cocktails were literally devoid of liquor, so order your liquor on the side. I ordered the burger medium but it arrived well. It was juicy,still, so I didn't send it back. After expressly asking to make sure the fries were fresh, I got dead fries. On a positive note, the server was quick with fresh, hot replacements. The service was overall great. We may give them another chance someday, but for now my advice is to avoid substitutions and send back anything you order that isn't perfect. Maybe they'll learn. Also be sure to get that liquor as a shot on the side if you order a specialty drink. The beer is cold and comes fast, so if you're a beer drinker, this is a good place. The view is nice. read more

Looking forward to cooler months so I can enjoy sitting outside on Lake Weir. Saw otters the last time I was there. Just too hot to enjoy outside. Shrimp was cooked correctly. Seasoned well. Beer was cold. read more

Delicious eats, amazing drinks. Good live music. Native NY'er visiting Florida... will def come again!!!