Went in here the first time expecting standard pub/lake food and was pleasantly surprised. The blue cheese chips and tacos were fantastic and Jayme was a great server. If you like house made chips, this is a great spot. read more

It pains me to write this, but the food has taken a drastic nose dive. Portions have shrunk and the overall level of food quality has dropped significantly. Still love the atmosphere and the wait staff and will continue to visit since it's a great overall bar, but they have to do something about the kitchen. Son ordered a shrimp po-boy. 5 total shrimp on there. When you used to order fries, they covered the plate, now it's a small basket. Chicken sandwich was dry and bland. Do better... To be clear, this has been the case for the last several visits. Was hoping each time it was a fluke. read more

Wrong night for a medium sized party. They were told at the start of the night & on the phone that there would be at least 12 of us. We ended up with a table that comfortably could seat 8, we squeezed in 12. We had another table for the kids. They were a table of 6 a few feet away. Again it was only a table for 4. But kids don't care much about that. The food was barely ok. However, I personally liked someone else's deep fried Cod & onion straws. They weren't very hungry & im glad they shared. On my bill was myself & 1 other person. We split the Steak Salad & a plate of Beef Nachos for the table. The dressing was fine, the rest was not good. Ordered the steak rare. Steak was med well, tuff, chewy & grisly. If it was tasty I would have only bothered to complain about it only having 2 1/2oz - 3oz of steak. Yeesh!!!!! I was told by 5 people the alcoholic beverages were tasty. I had ice water & I don't remember but I think I also had sweet tea. Other folks ordered appetizers for both tables. They probably should have warned me when I called for a reservation they would be having Song Bingo. All the gal did say was that "we don't take reservations, but they took call-ins". Umm, that's pretty close to a reservation to all of us. Anyway, good luck dinning there. The server was trying hard, I give her kudos. Thank you Miss Shae. Well that's my story. read more

Been coming here for years. Came on a Friday afternoon and was told we had to "eat dinner" and getting drinks and appetizers was not sufficient. Then asked if we could sit on the outdoor tables and was told they were "full" although nobody was sitting at them. To pig tails we go! read more

We decided on a whim to stop in here to have a drink and eat dinner. The wait was very long so we sat at the bar. Bar atmosphere was vibing and cocktails were pretty good but pricey. Food was good. Would stop by again if in the area. The live music was a definite bonus. read more

Great view. Better food than previously. I think new management? Good job guys. Will be back

Great place to enjoy lunch or dinner after spending time on the water. We had dinner here Sunday evening, I went with the lobster salad on a croissant and my wife had the salmon BLT. Both sandwiches were excellent! We both had the fries, I originally wanted the potato salad, but they were out of it. I have a decent number of draft beers, however, most are very safe, a.k.a. boring brews. Additionally, they were out of the first two beers that I ordered. Place was packed with patrons Yes service was fairly efficient. One star deduction for being out of potato salad and the first of two menu beers that I ordered. read more

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Pro's: 1. Lake view 2. Boat docking 3. Live music 4. Their hours of operation 5. Parking plentiful 6. They accomodate large parties 7. Waitlist available on line 8. Pizza Con's: 1. Service (inconsistent) 2. Food (inconsistent) 3. It can be really loud- if that bothers you read more

The Twisted Oar - Pesto Shrimp Pizza - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

When they get busy might as well not come. You wont get drinks or food and the waitress just dont seem to want to be here. The food isn't even good bar food, its either microwaved, sitting out to get soggy or overcooked sitting on a grill. They will charge you a premium price as if they are on a beach. Ok for drinks stay away for far far far away from the food. Finally cops are all over this place and kinda harass you or even wierd just drinking as they eye you. Its just not a great place. The managers/workers all seem to be high school or freshman in college so it def gives off dairy queen vibes for the quality of service. read more

will begin with the good. The hostess was excellent. We were seated quickly with a smile. We ordered wings for the table which were excellent. I ordered fish and chips which by far was thr worst fish and chips I have had. They say it is cod, IT IS NOT COD. I knew right away it was not cod. It was very mealy, thin, and gross. I was supposed to get curly fries and did not. It is as if the menu does not match whatever they feel like serving. Make sure you ask specifics. There are too many other places you get what you order to go somewhere you don't. read more

Good service and tasty food continue. On a Thursday night around 6:45, not too busy and got seated and ordered in under 5 minutes. I ordered the fish tacos and she had the salad with salmon on top. Food was tasty and hot. Eating on the lake is always nice. We will be back. read more

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Wait time was reasonable for a Friday night, service was great, atmosphere was loud and fun, beautiful views of the water, and food was great. Live music was great as well! Service was so great that when my partner lost his ring down the sink drain, the General manager (who happened to be at the bar) shot right up and did it with a smile on his face. We took my sister from out of state here and we will DEFINITELY be going back! read more

The Twisted Oar - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

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Nice view of the lake Lots of outside or covered places to eat. We got kids meal corn dog, adult grilled cheese, blt for desert you must have the milton lava cake or the funnel fries! read more

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It took me a while to come and eat here but I am so glad we did. The atmosphere is great, like being in the keys... very casual. Service from our waitress couldn't have been better and the food was pretty good too! We sat at a hightop next to the water, had a couple of drinks & watched people coming in and out with their boats. We ordered nachos, fish dip, potato skins & fish and chips (which we had fries and onion straws-YUM!) All were perfect. We will continue to be back and bring our guests from SoFla :-) read more

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aubrey was a great! she was so personable and attentive. we stopped for a bite on our boating break... she was so sweet to our dog and was spot on about the menus and what to enjoy:) depending on our likings. great way to spend the afternoon wings were awesome! read more

We had the fish and chips and it was delicious! It was nice and hot and the sides are also great. The onions strings and the french fries were also hot and delicious. Love the atmosphere right by the water. read more

There are many places to eat by the lake but I particularly enjoy this place! Yes there is usually a wait but it's worth it and you can always grab a drink at the to go bar while your waiting. The food is really good and so is service ! Our server Bacon was awesome he recommended us to great drinks and the food came out fairly quickly. The live music was great as well! I have zero complaints about this place ! read more

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I don't think I'd be racing back here for the food, but the drinks were poured on the side of very generous, and the view can't be beat. We were unfortunately seated in the parking lot table in front of the stage, so I think our dinner was severely lacking in lakeside ambiance. Also the music was stupidly loud; couldn't hear any of the servers of which we had several. I don't think they were on top of their scheduling who-gets-what-table because there was some confusion over when and what we'd ordered, and we paid before ever seeing another beer that had been asked for several times. Typical bar food - greasy, yummy and not fine-dining. An entertaining atmosphere, especially if you're able to hop on and off your boat because the parking lot was so full, we had to vulture a few times for an open spot. read more

The Twisted Oar - Go for the drinks & view, not so much for quality of food. - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

Awesome lakeside restaurant and bar with live entertainment on the weekends! Service is good and I love the BBQ sandwich!

ambience is amazing, food is good, but there is always that thing that deducts points and that this is service! I asked for a VIRGIN piña colada and the lady said in a SAVAGE SASSY way " We don't do VIRGIN drinks." Like nobody needs your sass! (3.5 stars won't let me put half) read more

We had a party of 4 on 7/12/2025, we all ordered different items and 3 of the four of us had stomach issues the next day. The fourth did not like their meal(salmon) and did not eat it all. Not a very good experience for sure read more

Visited the Twisted Oar recently for lunch during a staycation we had. Our server, Celia, was incredible. Our son had never been here, so we wanted to sit at one of the tables on the water, but unfortunately, none were available. Shortly after our drink orders went in, one opened up, and we asked if we could move. Celia politely told us that another server was working those tables and she could move us, but she'd have to hand us off to that server. She had been very helpful so far as far as suggesting food and drink options, so we said we could just stay with her. She thanked us and left to grab our drink orders. When she came back a few minutes later, she informed us that she not only moved us to the table we wanted but had switched tables with the other server so she could continue taking care of us. Needless to say, we were incredibly happy, and our son loved checking out all the wildlife while we ate. Huge thank you to Celia (and the other server; sorry we didn't get your name as well)! read more

Atmosphere, drinks, music, food, and service is top notch. This is my favorite restaurant on the lake! Lilly is the best waitress ever and I recommend asking to have her if she is working! read more

My husband and I went to Lake Lanier for the first time, since moving to Atlanta 17 years ago. It was my birthday. We are in our 60s. After exploring a portion of the Lake, we wanted to go to an establishment on the water, have a cocktail and relax before heading back to the City. We chose The Twisted Oar. It was raining when we arrived, on a week day, the restaurant was lively, by there were still many tables. At first, the waitress was very nice, took our order. Brought our cocktails. Then, she came to our table literally every 10 minutes, asking if "everything was okay." Since I worked in that industry many years ago, I said to my husband, maybe she is ending her shift and wants us to settle up. So we paid, but we still had our drinks. Then a guy came up to our table, I believe the manager, and asked us if "everything is okay." It dawned on us that the staff was trying to give us the "bum's rush." We were not even there for an hour. It was very uncomfortable, unnecessary (our table was in the middle of the restaurant, so not the "best seat in the house."), and rude. Again, it was a week day, had been raining, with still empty seating in the restaurant. We decided to leave. Those two staff members made us feel extremely uncomfortable. It was a bizarre experience, and one that I will not repeat, e.g., we will never patronize The Twisted Oar on Lake Lanier again. read more

Food was great! Service was as well. It was definitely not a quiet ambiance though. We went during a Georgia football game. Not the restaurant's fault, but it was noisy! We were hoping for a view of the lake but with it being cold outside, the plastic curtains prevented a view. Probably would be nice in the warmer months. read more

Prices went up quite a bit after COVID. Quality seems to have diminished since then as well. Not a terrible value or food, but not as good as before. read more

We came for the first time around 1pm on a Thursday and was surprised to see how busy they were. Drinks were good but slow at coming out. There was a separate drink menu that I happened to notice online and asked the server about besides the few items listed on the menu. There is also a beer menu. Server was friendly and didn't rush us to order and allowed us to enjoy our cocktails. The grouper fingers are a bit small to be considered a "shareable" and pricey for the amount. They were delicious though. The fish and chips were also great but we think someone double seasoned the onion straws cause they very salty. The peanut pie is good but seems store bought. The funnel cake fries were amazing. Lots of seating~covered & uncovered with lots of big screen TVs. Bathrooms nice & clean. Lots of ducks in the area & the patio is dog friendly read more

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It's the much maligned bar food spot on the lake but it is exactly as you'd expect. Great bar under cover & tv's all around make for a great day of watching football after fishing. Food is so so but good staff, decent wings. Nachos were meh. It's the cast of characters that make this place. Never know what you're gonna see. Wide and varied crowd with an occasional disrespectful person with their dog encroaching on others. Screaming for attention seems to be the norm here. read more

The Twisted Oar - Nice that they will split a large order of wings into two different flavors. They like them & charge for them too! - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

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we were 2nd on the waitlist and people that did not "show" on the list were seated. We waited 1 1/2 hours "on the waitlist" to be told that others that were not on the waitlist, were there hours before, but couldn't be seen on the list. read more

This place gets busy on a weeknight! We were seated right away, which is great. Margaritas are perfect and strong. We tried the peel and eat shrimp, onion straws, and the fish and chips. All of it was yummy. Service was great. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, kept us updated on our orders, and was there at the right times. Never had to look around for him and he wasn't around too much either. I do wish the views were better. If you're on the lake, then more seating should have views of it. read more

I got drugged here last night. Went to the police early am to report it and got drug tested and GHB was found in my system. Apparently a lot of people have reported this but they can not do anything to prove it. They said they recommend not going back because it's not the safest environment. Thank God I was w family and friends who noticed my immediate change in behavior. It got worse when I got home. read more

Food and cocktails were great! Our server was very acclimating as we had to move tables. Fun atmosphere!

I have been to many of the Lakeside restaurants at Lake Lanier and I have to say this is by far my favorite. The ambience is casual yet extremely clean and organized. The staff is incredible! Very attentive and courteous. My friends and I have tried almost everything on their menu and have never been disappointed. They have weekday specials that are amazing and not just to get rid of overstocked food. I highly recommend this establishment. On many occasions, they have some sort of live music or a DJ, but not every day so reach out to them or look up the The Twisted Oar on Facebook to see what their schedule is. read more

Live on the lake, came by boat as normal 7 in our group age 48-14 in ages. Sat down to order, placed order for drinks, server carded 4 In the group. After 15 minutes and no drinks they came back and asked for the four id's. Waited ten minutes more to Hall country Sheriff officers appear. Bar manager gives id's to deputies and they call them in. Have been waiting over 30 minutes no drinks, no order and now this. Upset as being a responsible adult I have to be back across the lake to pick up my 16 year old from work we no don't have time to eat. Deputies tell the bar manager the id's are real. Never will be back! I'm ok with calling the cops but I'm 48 my wife is 45 and you are a bar manager and think they maybe fake and " I won't serve them" tell the table that, Bottom line 7 people waited over 30 minutes didn't get out drinks, police called, no food and not a way to keep customers. Glad the law abiding citizens get treated like this from a bar manager who doesn't know State ID's!!! read more

Went Saturday for lunch for the first time in 5 years. Definitely not the same as it used to be. The food was so mid and the margaritas came out in a shot cup. Was told they have been sued twice from over serving someone that left and killed somebody on the road, so that could be it. Also heard they are trying to franchise. What a joke. Was so much better when the cool older guy owned it. read more

Super sweet staff , food and drinks were good! Right by the lake we happen to go during the weekday which was pretty slow.

Well the service here is never anything less than exceptional! The STEAK TACOS ARE A MUST! Sorry I was so hungry and they tasted so good all I can give you is what's left on my plate. Lilli and Brian are a great duo at the bar too! Every seat is taken at the bar and no patron has trouble or waits to get whatever they want. read more

The Twisted Oar - Taco plate - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

This is one of several lake bars that I've been going to for years either by boat or land to meet up with friends and grab a great cold beer and some grouper fingers! Large place near the islands and usually packed the whole summer with the lake lovers and boaters. I've had live bands playing some nights but I'm generally here during the day after skiing or heading out and can't get enough twisted oar. It's like a second home to most of us on the lake for the great selection of burgers seafood great shrimp and crab dip and a beer selection not found at the other places on the lake. Food is always fresh and fantastic as is the service. This is a casual place to enjoy your friends and watch the crazy people trying to park their boats. Nothing I like more than sitting by the lake side with a cold beer watching the boats and the people. From just getting a beer we're getting a shrimp platter I really enjoyed growing up with this place. Highly recommend if you haven't been. It's a lot of fun!!! read more

Great lakeside spot. Some of the shareable plates were on the smaller side aside. The wings. Omg the wings. Best crispy wings I've had. Garlic Parmesan was delicious so was the lemon pepper! read more

You come here for the live music and being right on the water. Came a handful of times and tried various entrees, and I'd describe them as bar food at best. Service is hit or miss with others, but Patrick stole the show. Request him if he's working. read more