Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Gator's Dockside Ocala

    3.5 (242 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Gator's Dockside Ocala Takeout or Delivery

    Gator's Dockside Ocala Photos

    Business Info

    GATOR'S DOCKSIDE OCALA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Gator's Dockside Ocala

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Rob M.

    I stopped in to get some wings and a salad. The food was spot on and reasonably priced. I ordered a martini, while the gator fans were drinking beer. What a great place to watch sports with high energy. Ambiance, food and service were perfect. Yep recommend!!! Good place!

    Double smash burger with bacon and side of house made xhips
    Gavin K.

    Gator's Dockside is one of our favorites, although we don't get there often enough! Service was great and there was a table for us when we walked in. Room temperature seems to always be on the chilly side, but that's the only negative for this review. Steak bites were nothing short of amazing! Smash burger was cooked perfectly, and the side of house-made chips completed this amazing meal for us!

    Gator tails
    Melodee N.

    Well it was good but it wasn't over the top. I had the gator tails tasted just like popcorn chicken. For all you people wondering if you should try them. French onion soup was good. There ribs were ok they were very basic and the same with their wings. The place it's self was huge if your into sports and drinking or if your into that and want to bring the fam bam great place. They have a full bar. My server was very sweet and knowledgeable. Could have been a little cleaner but it was 2 hours before closing so I'm definitely not holding that on them. My food and drinks kinda took a little long to come out , but besides that if I lived in town and I didn't feel like cooking or I wanted to go hang and watch some game and eat and drink def go here!

    My granddaughter enjoyed her meal so much she couldn't help licking the plate!
    Virl M.

    I took my grandchildren for lunch here, while they were visiting from out of town. We all enjoyed our food and service was wonderful. Great enthusiastic ambiance.

    Two for One!
    Roberta H.

    I enjoy Gators dockside. The staff is friendly, they have outdoor seating & the food is typically good and they have some entertainment for the kids! Today we went at lunchtime and it was busy! The waitress was friendly and quick. We do love that they have happy hour at all times. The onion pedals were good, but the buffalo chicken dip was not a favorite. (It was dry, and the chips were over cooked). But overall our visit was a good one!

    Cleaning items should not be sitting out in dining area during peak hours

    Could be a great place to watch the game. Server slow and inattentive and dining area messy.

    Hot garlic wings
    Josh S.

    Always love coming to any Gators dock side. The wings are great, the atmosphere is sports bar, the service @ this location is great!!

    Barbie S.

    Wow this was our first time to this place, we went for Father's Day. My husband loved his meal and mine was excellent. The server was great he was patient with us as we took a while, also answered all our questions, we will definitely be going back for more delicious food. ...Also the place has a bunch of tv's with sports and other interesting things. Go and enjoy!!!

    BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER

    See all

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dee S.
    122
    229
    1484

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jo L.
    204
    136
    258

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Virl M.
    59
    24
    7

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kate S.
    6
    219
    84

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Josh S.
    190
    197
    729

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    It just cold inside, remember to dress warm. Food n service always good. Consistent is hard to find.

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    They have Great wings and French Fries. I also love the salads. yum yum. 2 for 1 drinks too. Great date night place.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of David H.

    David H.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Don L.
    2
    25
    5

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bree
    0
    2
    0

    9 months ago

    Service, Allyssa was very sweet and helpful. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was very calming and delightful

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Best place for happy hour! The staff is amazingly and the food phenomenal. Shout out to the bartenders !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Gator's Dockside Ocala

    You might also consider

    District Bar and Kitchen - Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich

    District Bar and Kitchen

    4.4(174 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    Stopped by District Bar and Kitchen for a late lunch/early dinner on a beautiful spring day…read more The temperature outside was pleasant and so my dining companion and I opted for lunch on their patio. We were on their bottom floor patio (which was lovely) but I did spy that they have a rooftop patio as well (what's not to love?!?). Everything from the food to the cocktails to the service was exemplary. For my cocktail I got their Old Colonel's Smoking Gun which was their twist on an old fashioned and was delightful. For my entree, I got their salmon entree. It's glazed and comes with a size of their crispy brussels and cheesy grits. The brussels were delish and their cheesy grits rank among some of the best I've had with sharp cheddar giving them the perfect flavor kick. The atmosphere was so pleasant. It's definitely the sort of spot you'll feel tempted to linger. Get to it!

    So much looked good on the menu it was hard to choose. Also all the food that was coming out looked…read moredelicious! Got the pepperoni pizza. It was nice and fluffy, crispy on the edges. Would definitely get another flavor to try next time. Got the honey chicken sandwich. It was big and flavorful. Not spicy. The fries are yummy. The burger had nothing special on it and tasted like there was no seasoning - only downside. Want to try their grits and fried green tomatoes next time!

    Photos
    District Bar and Kitchen - Downstairs Bar

    Downstairs Bar

    District Bar and Kitchen - The Farmers Market Detroit Pizza

    The Farmers Market Detroit Pizza

    District Bar and Kitchen - Old Colonel's smoking gun

    See all

    Old Colonel's smoking gun

    Big Hammock Brewery - bao buns

    Big Hammock Brewery

    4.7(137 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    We visited in December '24 and have this on the top of the list for our 2025 visit! The brews are…read moreinteresting and delicious. The staff are super chill and the food is amazing! It was packed when we were there, but we were able to find 2 seats at the bar, which was perfect. We got to watch the short order magic happening in that tiny kitchen. Because we got to watch the food prep, we ended up ordering several dishes to split. I'd call it Asian fusion. We had a ramen bowl, some bao buns. It's a nice vibe. Murals on the wall, and doors that roll up for inside/outside service when the weather is nice. They do offer food takeout, so if you can't find a seat, have a beer while they put your food together to eat at home.

    Big Hammock Brewery is NOT a BREWERY, nor is it a big hammock. What it is, is a brew pub with what…read morelooked like some scrumptious food. Unfortunately for me I was looking for a brewery experience and Big Hammock is not that. They do have a good amount of local craft beers on tap which is a definite plus. They just didn't have any of their own beer. Maybe they are brewing, but if they are not, they should change the brewery in their name to brew pub because the name is definitely misleading. It is really awkward making this review, because I really did not get the full experience. I walked in, looked around, checked out the beer menu, asked if they had any of their own beers. When that answer was "no" I left. The end.

    Photos
    Big Hammock Brewery - Inside

    Inside

    Big Hammock Brewery - Potstickers

    Potstickers

    Big Hammock Brewery - Inside

    See all

    Inside

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

    3.8(103 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Service was great. Came in at 5:20 and only a few people in. Bar and server were friendly and…read morequick and had good suggestions. Ambiance felt like a gulf coast dive bar. Even though this was in an outside mall spot in Ocala. Good music and lots of TVs with sports and trivia. Music was good and not too loud. Food... we'll see. Yup. Good. Char grilled oysters were good. Good variety. Crab was pretty good and the shrimp were good.

    Stopped in after attending the holiday craft fair at the World Equestrian Center…read more first time visitor, but definitely not last there was only two of us so we grabbed a couple of things to share. We started with the seafood trio appetizer, which had a nice mix of fried calamari, shark bite shrimp, and a cold crab dip that was served with five pieces of warm bread. The shark bite shrimp had a little bit of spice to it, but not overly spicy. The crab dip had a great flavor of Old Bay, but not overwhelming. Then we moved onto the seafood tower which was a variety of cold seafood. The oysters were my favorite. The clams were my least favorite. The oysters were shucked perfectly and were super fresh. While the shrimp was delicious... I do wish they were deveined and shelled. Thee server was nice and pretty quick. We sat outside on their patio area that is basically in front of the parking lot area but it was still nice to be outside. Overall the food was good and I would go back and try a few new things. But I would absolutely get the oysters again.

    Photos
    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - Seafood plateau

    Seafood plateau

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - Sharkbite Shrimp. Amazingly delicious

    Sharkbite Shrimp. Amazingly delicious

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

    See all

    The Lodge - Rocket burger w bacon

    The Lodge

    3.2(79 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    I was in Florida for a vacation to visit friends and family over the summer, and I found myself in…read moreOcala on a Monday evening in July. I was with my in-laws, and we were looking for a place to eat dinner in downtown while waiting for some other family to join us. It seems like on Mondays, there is not a ton open in the downtown Ocala area in terms of restaurants. This makes sense, but we chose to eat here primarily because it was open on a Monday, along with recommendations from those I was with. They had eaten here before, but it was my first time. The restaurant is located on a corner in downtown Ocala, near the square. Since it is in the city, there is no dedicated parking beyond what you find on the street. However, I have never had an issue finding parking in the general area when visiting this part of town, so unless it is a crowded evening or special event, you should have no issues. When we arrived, it was still early in the evening and we had no issue getting a table. As the night progressed, more people started coming in for their Bachelor viewing party. It seems like this draws a big crowd. They even announced that they were doing giveaways and other fun activities for the series season finale the following week. I imagine they hold other types of events as well, so that might be something to look out for if you are planning on stopping. We sat at a table near the front, and waited a couple minutes for the server to come by. She was, honestly, somewhat aggressive and not very kind. I tried to order a beer on the menu, and she went to make sure it wasn't out of stock. Then, I asked her about the Monday special on the menu, and she acted like she never even heard of it before. She stated that she didn't normally work on Mondays, but the manner in which this was communicated made it feel like it was my fault for inquiring about this. I ended up having a Garage Beer on tap, and it was serviceable. I also wanted to order the advertised $10 Grilled Cheese and Fries special, and got the D-Nice Way Grilled Cheese with this. I actually very much enjoyed the grilled cheese, but the fries were the star of the plate. They were crispy and crunchy, but not very thin. I had never had a fry quite like that! Would highly recommend giving them a try here at least once. Our food came out in a reasonable timeframe after we ordered. It was not too quick, but did not take forever, either. Besides what I mentioned previously, I was satisfied with the other service received. I thought the prices here, in general, were fair and on par with other restaurants that are similar. They run different specials during different days of the week, as outlined on the menu. For example, Monday is supposed to be $10 Grilled Cheese and Fries. I ordered this, but I am not confident I got it for this price. Someone I was with paid the bill, but the waitress did not seem to be aware of what this special actually was. So, if you are wanting to order a special, I would explicitly say that when ordering to be sure you get it. Overall, I enjoyed the vibes and the food at this place. It seems like they have activities several nights a week to bring in different crowds, along with specials on food and drinks. The service left a lot to be desired, as our waitress was not very friendly nor knowledgeable on the specials. I would be willing to give this another try, but hopefully with a different waitress.

    Thought to give this place another shot but it was another reason why we haven't been back in a…read moreyear. Service was rude. Ordered two Guinness' and left. The demographics of this place is also unwelcoming.

    Photos
    The Lodge - Entrance and Bar

    Entrance and Bar

    The Lodge - D-nice Way Grilled Cheese and Fries

    D-nice Way Grilled Cheese and Fries

    The Lodge - Orange Creamsicle Martini

    See all

    Orange Creamsicle Martini

    The Tipsy Skipper - O'ahu Skies

    The Tipsy Skipper

    4.4(38 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    Was super excited to find that Ocala now has a legit real tiki bar. Amazing cocktails and amazing…read moreatmosphere. Definitely coming back next trip to Ocala

    Another review I swore I wrote years ago! It took us a while before we made it here when we first…read moremoved to the area. It was super busy when we went our first time and it was not during happy hour on several occasions we have visited. We live close and visited here a bunch the first 2 years we moved to Ocala and have visited less and less since then. There have been several occasions we have stood at the bar waiting not only to be greeted but also waited very long times to receive our drinks. In their defense, many times the bartenders were busy attending to patrons or making drinks. However, there were several times some bartenders were just talking to friends or messing around. The drinks here are super detailed so they take some time and TLC. I will say, most times our drinks taste delicious and the presentations are magnificent! The decor is so cozy and the ambiance is consistent. Hubs and I absolutely love Tiki themed bars and fell in love with Hawaii after our visit years ago so this place is perfect for us. We also like this place because they are open later than most places in town. We recently visited for a nightcap and it was definitely different. I recently had referred someone here because she was looking for Hawaii themed food (they used to serve food) and she informed me they did not serve food. That sucks because we always meant to try it but never did. Looked good. When we recently visited, they did not have physical menus and were referred to QR code cards on the bar. Our bartender was attentive and helpful with choosing a drink during our recent visit. He actually went out of his way to make the orange peel twist in a perfect manner. I appreciated that! I was going to suggest to hubs we have another drink and then a roach crawled across the bar. I discreetly informed the bartender of the dead roach I killed when we closed out and he took it away. Usually this place is clean and tidy so I was surprised to witness the roach. They do have seating outside as well but we usually sit inside to listen to the themed music.

    Photos
    The Tipsy Skipper - Vibes are great!

    Vibes are great!

    The Tipsy Skipper - Interior

    Interior

    The Tipsy Skipper - Hot Ocala Summer

    See all

    Hot Ocala Summer

    Gator's Dockside Ocala - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...