Went for oysters. They were nicely sized and tasted fine, can't complain! Also not a bad price for Orlando. We got a dozen for about $17. My only complaint was the service. Not sure if this is such a homey bar that only regulars get good service or they expect you to yell their name if you want something...idk. But we got our tray of oysters and that was it- no napkins or plates. We weren't ever checked on. It wasn't busy but she appeared to be the only waitress. I'd typically give that a pass but there was times that she was just watching the game and she happily checked on the other people around us. We live minutes away and would've loved a cozy bar close to home. But this won't be it. read more

Visiting from California where everything is overcharged and having the oysters here was awesome! Huge oysters with great prices. We had 2 buckets. When I visit Orlando I will make sure to stop here again. Tim and Steph were great! Thank you for the great hospitality! read more

This is an Oyster bar under the same management for many years. If you want the best Oysters in town this is the place. Also great are the shrimp, crab legs and fish sandwich. Is it dark? Yes... Dingy .. not for a bar.. Good food great service and VERY good prices.. read more

Amazing dive bar. Not to insult them lol. But it's just a great place. Best oysters ever. Friendly fellow customers every time I've been there. I'm not a regular. In fact, I drive 40 minutes to go here. Tim, the owner, is probably one of the absolute best customer service people I've ever met in the hospitality industry. read more

Whoever said this place has a great beer selection is on some serious drugs that they need to share. If you like crap beer (i.e. Bud, Coors, Miller, etc), then this is the place for you, but if you're looking for craft beer, you will be severely disappointed. The Thirsty Gator does NOT have a great beer selection. read more

Stopped in here one night with my cousin because we were looking for a new place to have a beer. We found this place on yelp. I was not impressed. It is in a shady looking parking lot with a few shady looking people (not bar patrons) hanging around outside. They only have a few beers on tap. I think they were bud light, miller lite, coors light and yuengling. Not much a selection. They do have rock shrimp which is hard to find and was pretty good. The waitress was friendly. This bar is most certainly a Florida Gators bar as could be noticed by all of the decor throughout the bar. I didn't find anything that would draw me back to this bar... read more

Ok so i have to say two things first, A: yes this is a dive B: Yes it is in a rather dicey local. BUT this place has argueably the best oysters in orlando. its the only oyster bar i go to. I have run a raw bar on the jersey shore for 4 summers i know my oysters and at the gator you get great quality seafood. They are always southern oysters at very fair prices, $8 a doz and i belive $14 for a bucket which is around 40+ i belive, They are always fresh and extremly tasty! Other highlights are the wings! God damn these are good. They are baked wings so they are different but the taste is amazing just ask for them normal and they are spicy, crispy, just wonderful morsels of chicken. Also they make their own gumbo which is just bang on every time and they do a fresh oyster stew which ive been telling myself im gonna try but just end up getting the gumbo even though everyone who has had the stew say its amazing. Beer selection is the redneck basics, bud, bud light, busch(on tap i belive lol) but they do have high life botttles and thats always a go to beer for me. Oh if your a gator fan the bar and staff speaks for themselves. Anyways one of my all time favorite finds in orlando. Everyone who ive ever told about this place loves this place and cant understand why they never checked this place out before. So if you want oysters, FRESH FRESH shucked infront of you oysters, this is the place. you will thank me later. B. read more

I'm disappointed with this place. After reading good reviews I thought I would go and check it out. They have great oyster prices. However those oyster left me sick to my stomach. Also I ordered the gator burger stupidly assuming it was made of gator meat, but behold it was just a regular burger. I don't eat red meat so I couldn't eat it. It was slow on a Sunday and I had to get up from the table several times to ask for things. The worst is definitely this terrible indigestion I'm currently experiencing. I even tried to force myself to puke! Hopefully these 2 Peptos will do the trick. Ugh won't be going back! read more

Like most of the other reviews mention, this place is a little sketchy on the outside but don't be fooled!!! The inside is still dive bar-ish but the food is amazing!! My boyfriend and I had an oyster craving and this was one of the first places that popped up when browsing the Internet for oyster bars in Orlando. We ordered a dozen oysters, 1/2 pound of rock shrimp, and some fries and we were far from disappointed. The oysters were plump and juicy (and served with an entire roll of saltine crackers!) and the rock shrimp were flavorful and delicious. The French fries were baked instead of fried and they were awesome as well! We were pretty much the only ones there since it was early (just before 6 pm) so the service was very quick! Definitely recommend this place, it is fantastic!! read more

can't say enough about how good the oysters and shrimp are, not to mention the gumbo and clam chowder. this an old school oyster bar with ice cold beer and other great bar food, sandwiches ect. Tim the owner is a great guy and a true Orlando original. just wish the thirsty gator was closer to us on the Southside. We don't mind making the drive, its worth it. read more

The oysters were good. The service was excellent! Cleaner than I expected (from the previous reviews). This place is one of east side's best kept secret. read more

Do not be fooled by the looks of this joint. The oysters here are the best in town. They're huge, they're fresh, and they are very fairly priced. The snow crab is also a must. (pulls right out of the shell.) It doesn't look like a place you'd want to eat raw oysters, and you might even question your sanity at first, but trust me when I say it's safe. There isn't any liquor and the beer selection is exactly what you'd expect, but that's ok. You could go for a glass of their crimson wine in a chilled plastic chalice if that would better suit your fancy, but once the bartender starts shuckin those big fat oysters, nothing else will matter. If you're lucky you'll get to hear the regulars tell tales with the bartender about other regulars, reminiscent of the Old Gregg episode of the Mighty Boosh. I don't know if it gets rowdy during handegg games, since it is a sports bar, and they seem to prefer the Gators (not a sports surgeon here, but just a guess), since I wasn't there during any gaming times. If you're in the mood for oysters, don't pass up this beauty. Though DO stay away from Black Lake during a full moon. read more

Wear your FSU gear and they will probably kill you, bury you, and no one will ever see you again. Really cool place, good wings and delicious Natural Lite on tap!! Floors probably haven't been cleaned since 1986. You will probably also get mugged in the parking lot so bring your Mace. Cheers read more

I'm a big fan of hole in the wall spots and this one is the epidemy of that style. At first glance we were apprehensive but decided to give it a try. Thank goodness we did. The gator burger was delicious. The oysters were fresh, the beer was cold. It's really a cool spot and I would definitely chill there again if there was a game on. read more

This place has great oysters. That is really all I've eaten there, but they are great, fresh, and they shuck them right there for you. The only place I go when I want oysters and they are very fairly priced. read more

Ah this place is sketchy and dingy and I am not being mean. My mother and I were starving, late night, and would have just ate about anything BUT this place was too much for us to even try and stomach! I wanted to love the hole in the wall place but I ended up eating nuts from the gas station next door and waited for breakfast. read more

OYSTERS AND BEERS! YAY~! This is definitely not a fancy place and more like a hole in the wall kind of bar scene. I loved the ambience as everyone in there is so friendly and nice. Its almost like, everyone knows everyone's name~~CHEERS! haha. This is my first time trying rock shrimp as I am not a local living in Florida. I must say it isn't WOW for me. I am guessing it might just not be my cup of tea :) However, the freshness of oysters were SUPERB. Not to mention the friendliness of both the staffs and the other customers just makes the experience THAT MUCH BETTER. I love the whole comfy, homey and friendly bar scene with the pool table and darts on the side. The beer selection was not bad either. I will say I wouldn't mind going back there again just for a afternoon or late night snack of oysters and beers. Kind of want to try the clams too~~~UmmmMMmMmMMm. read more

Absolutely the best spot to get oysters in orlando. Cheap beer prices for the gator games! Best place to go to watch UF

Holy Canoli! The oysters were awesome! The owner shucked our oysters and the bartender was GREAT! We enjoyed playing pool with the other patrons. BEERS WERE COLD AND WENT GREAT WITH THE AMAZING OYSTERS! read more

I was mood for wings so we were looking for yelp and find this place. We ordered wings and oyster. Both very good. Service was good also. Decor old and everything about gator but clean. Nothing smell bad or anything. We will back. By the way don't tell anyone we are big FSU fun!!! read more

Hands down the best oysters on the East side of Orlando. The down side is I hate the Gators. So I have to bite my tongue when I go in LOL I wish they had a full bar. The rest of the shopping center is iffy, so I would lock my car just in case. If you are craving a mixed drink you have to walk to the corner bar called Kiwis about 4 door down, but be are that place is cash only. read more

Went in for the first time last night, it's a Gator themed dive bar with great prices on food and drink. After shoveling down some oysters, shrimp and clams with a few beers to boot, I was floored to see how cheap our tab was. The owner was in and bought my girlfriend and I a round of drinks too. Awesome place, awesome people. Highly recommended. read more

I know why they call it Thirsty Gator... Because they leave you thirsty. Literally, my husband had to go to the convenient store next door to get something to drink when we left. The service was bad and the food was sub-par. The only reason why I didn't award this restaurant with zero stars is because the oysters were good. My husband's over priced wings were "eh" and the chips & salsa were of the high school football game concession stand caliber. The oysters are NOT enough to get me to come back. read more

Been coming here on and off for a few years whenever I am in town because a friend of mine still goes and he worked here in our college years, late 1800's. The staff is awsome and polite, the owner is a former Gator Football player, albeit I don't know how famous back in the 80's. As for kids, well, it is calm but it is a bar. Food is good. A dive with good food and good prices. Apalachicola oysters on Friday! read more

Amazing to die for oysters.best oysters I've had yet. Great atmosphere.

This place rocks. I've lived here for 50 years and never knew about this place. Apparently, they've been here since 1986. The rock shrimp were huge and perfectly seasoned. The oysters were the best I've had locally in a long time. The owner was extremely nice. Be warned that he is a former Gator and the bar reflects this. The place shows its age but is clean and welcoming. A neighborhood bar with the best oysters around!! read more

First of all, in regards to the comments from "Sarit J." Unless things have changed since I lived in Orlando... the owner of the Thirsty Gator is not the owner of the property. And the last time I talked to the owner of the bar (former FL QB.., perhps still owner of the business? ... might explain the football theme), his rent was so reasonable, it was hard for him to move. The Thirsty Gator is probably the bar I've been to most often in my life. Having lived in New Orleans previously, I learned to love raw oysters. No, the TG is no Acme Oyster house, but the oysters were always good, and the rest of the food was very good also as was the service. And a personal note... I got my last degree from UCF (just up the road). I had my graduate party at Thisty Gator. We had a bunch of people there... on my treat... and how small my tab was at the end of the evening deserves 5 stars at the very least. I think I drank more than was on my tab! The husband and wife owners (who also worked there regularly) were always gracious hosts. read more

No stars I can't judge the food or service. The degenerates hanging out side of the liquor store beside gators make me feel uncomfortable leaving my new truck unattended. But we walked in and smell the dirty greasy filthy odor. Like it hasn't had a proper cleaning in years. So we turn over after a minute looking at the menu and left before a waitress or waiter could come. Just couldn't deal with how dirty it was and the smell. read more

Checked the reviews on yelp. This place did not disappoint. Great burger and gulf shrimp. Came here straight from the airport. Flew in from Cleveland :) read more

Great little place in the heart of East Orlando. They have great seafood, good people, and a little bit of everything else. I have to warn you, if you aren't a fan of the Florida Gators, this may not be the place for you. There is spectacular seafood specials different nights of the week. They have major local sporting events on the TVs. And most recently, they have hired one of the best karaoke DJs around for Friday nights. The only drawback it the parking lot. But who goes out to find nice parking lots? read more

I had the gumbo to start and it was the best gumbo I think I have ever had. The broth was perfect and the hotness was just hot enough. I finished it off with a dozen Cedar Key raw oysters that Stephanie shucked. Oh yes, Stephanie is kick ass genuine and a great bar tender. I am going to come back here read more

Owner knows everybody by name and the staff is great. The oysters are the best in Central Florida and the rock shrimp are a must try. Beers are cold and priced just right. I can't say good enough things about this place!! read more

The service was terrible it took over and hour for two people just to eat lunch. The food was way overpriced and was not all that great. We both ended up not eating most of our food read more

Favorite spot for Oysters, wings, football, and beer!! Owner is always there and everyone is very friendly

Definitely a dive, but for the price definitely a 4 star. Can see myself going there after a hard day at work, but not for a night out with friends. Raw Oysters were good, but the Rock Shrimp was delicious - actually liked them more than lobster meat, more flavor and a lot less expensive but be prepared to peel them. read more

Best oysters I have ever eaten. Full of flavor....The Gator does it right! The Rock Shrimp will knock your socks off!

Great Oysters and shrimp! When visiting my in-laws in Orlando we make a point to stop by and enjoy the Oysters and shrimp. This time invited my kids for a QUICK bite. They too liked it! read more

AHHH this is one of my favorite spots. Their oysters are DELICIOUS! They are local Florida oysters which are my favorite. The only thing I would change is if they could have a liquor license :( read more

This place is not far from my house in Winter Park. I love their oysters, the staff is very friendly and pleasant and the food in general is excellent and reasonably priced. There is a dive bar a few units down called Kiwi's that I would advise away from as its a liquor bar and pretty rough but the Thirsty Gator would be one of the first places I would recommend to a friend coming to Orlando. read more

We LOVE this place! They always have incredibly fresh and delicious oysters. We also enjoy their rock shrimp on occasion. If we want oysters, it's the only place we go. We love the decor and vibe as well. read more