Food & drink in Central Florida.

Storm Distillery

Veteran-owned craft distillery in downtown Inverness producing whiskey, rum, gin, absinthe, and moonshine from organic local ingredients, with a speakeasy-vibe cocktail lounge and live music Friday-Saturday.

18 South Restaurant and Saloon

Ruby Street Grille

Tavares' go-to for lakeside live entertainment and cold drinks. Ruby Street Grille keeps the patio packed with regular live music, a solid pub menu, and views of Lake Dora. It's more bar-with-great-food than restaurant-with-a-bar.

Wolf Branch Brewing - Leesburg

Family-owned, veteran-operated brewpub on Main Street in Leesburg offering house-brewed craft beers and a menu of sandwiches including their signature Cuban.

1921 Mount Dora

Housed in what was once the town doctor's home, 1921 is owned by the Modernism Museum and features rotating art alongside locally sourced, contemporary American cuisine. The setting is as memorable as the food.

The Standard CLCL -- Brownwood Coffee Shop

Multi-roaster coffee lounge and Christian library at Brownwood serving premium coffees sourced from small farms worldwide, with outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere.

City Fire American Oven & Bar

Upscale-casual eatery offering American fare from sandwiches to steaks, plus a full bar.

Amor & Agave Mexican Cuisine

Mexican restaurant in Bushnell serving tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and margaritas in a colorful, festive setting. A reliable spot for Tex-Mex cravings.

Metro Diner

Comfort-food chain known for massive portions of fried chicken and waffles, pot roast, and meatloaf. Breakfast is served all day, and the vibe is pure Southern diner warmth.

Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly's Ice Cream - Magnolia Plaza

Holy Sh'mokes Cigar & Wine Lounge

Premium cigar, wine, beer, and coffee lounge in The Villages. The cigar lounge is enclosed and separate from the smoke-free indoor bar — so everyone's comfortable. Karaoke nights, wine tastings, and military discounts add to the draw.

Sweet Joy Creations

Redsauce

Classic Italian favorites in the heart of Lake Sumter Landing with award-winning wines and a lively atmosphere. The housemade pastas and red sauce recipes are the kind of comfort food that keeps this place packed year-round.

Green Mountain Pizza

Garvino's

Wine bar, cigar lounge, and gift shop at Lake Sumter Landing featuring 24 wines by the glass, a walk-in humidor with 350+ cigar varieties, and live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday.

Peck's Old Port Cove

Old Florida at its finest — waterfront deck, outdoor bar, and a menu loaded with fresh local seafood. The crab cakes are outstanding and the setting feels like a place that time forgot.

Elevation 89

Unique dining experience at the Ocala Airport with gorgeous runway views and spectacular sunsets. Named for the airport's 89-foot elevation. American cuisine in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe

Leesburg's original wine bar since 2007 on Main Street, offering an eclectic selection of wines you won't find elsewhere, with a bring-your-own-food policy welcoming takeout from nearby downtown restaurants.

Harry and The Natives

An over-water tiki hut serving American fare with a seafood slant. No reservations, first come first served -- which somehow makes snagging a table feel like a small victory. The waterfront setting alone is worth the trip.

Beans and Greens Coffee House

Cozy coffee house in Crystal River serving craft coffee drinks, smoothies, and light bites. A local favorite for a chill morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Warehouse Coffee Co.

Cozy, rustic coffee shop in Spring Hill offering freshly roasted specialty coffees, seasonal drinks, and gluten-free baked goods in a warm, inviting hangout atmosphere.

Thai Ruby

Authentic Thai cuisine at Lake Sumter Landing that goes well beyond the usual pad thai. The curries are properly spiced, the Tom Kha is aromatic and rich, and the location makes it easy to combine dinner with a stroll around the square.

Cedar River Seafood Crystal River

Local seafood chain serving fried fish platters, shrimp baskets, and hushpuppies in a casual, no-frills setting. Solid portions at fair prices — a dependable seafood spot.

Dan's Clam Stand

Heaping baskets of fried seafood are found at this easygoing clam shack with picnic tables.

Kelly's Half Shell Pub

Irish pub and seafood spot known for oysters, fresh catches, and a lively atmosphere. A Crystal River favorite for casual waterfront dining.

Kalua Beach Bar

A lakefront bar with Hawaiian-inspired food, Lake Dora views, and live music on weekends. The vibe is Jimmy Buffett meets lake town Florida -- laid back, sandy-footed, and exactly where you want to be on a Friday night.

Countryside Diner

Dark & Light Cafe

Specialty coffee shop on Donnelly Street in Mount Dora with carefully crafted espresso drinks, pour-overs, and a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Cozy and inviting for a caffeine-fueled afternoon.

Salty Dogs Steamer and Bar

Family-owned seafood restaurant on Courthouse Square in Inverness serving hand-cut steaks, shrimp, crab, and lobster alongside Cuban-pressed sandwiches.

Johnny Rockets

Burgers, shakes & fries arrive in a retro setting at this outpost of the international chain.

Brooklyn Deli Too

New York-style deli serving authentic deli sandwiches, subs, and classic fare.

The Coffee Corral

Coffee shop in Floral City serving specialty coffees and light bites in a relaxed setting.

Southern Palate

Soul food and Southern cuisine restaurant serving hearty plates of comfort food and catering services.

Bayside Seafood Grille

Seafood restaurant in downtown Crystal River featuring fresh local catches and a cozy dining atmosphere.

The Crazy Gator

Relaxed lakeside tavern with patio seating dishing up signature wings, steaks & housemade desserts.

Ay Jalisco

Homey Mexican eatery offering a menu of familiar favorites, plus a full liquor bar.

Zuru Ramen & Boba

The Pub

Mamma Rita's Pizzeria

Go For Donuts

Local donut shop in Dunnellon baking fresh donuts, fritters, and pastries every morning. Get there early for the best selection — they sell out for a reason.

Maw's Mountain Moonshine

Family-owned craft distillery in Mount Dora featuring hand-crafted moonshine made from Appalachian Mountain family recipes passed down through generations, with tastings and a retail shop.

Magnolia Breeze Restaurant

Bori Burger Café and More

Cuban-inspired cafe in Leesburg known for its Cuban sandwiches, steak sandwiches, beef empanadas, and generous portions at affordable prices.

Darrell's Diner

Amore Italian Ristorante

Ocean Buffet

Asian buffet restaurant in Ocala with a wide spread of Chinese, Japanese, and seafood options including sushi, crab legs, and hibachi. All-you-can-eat at a fair price.

Magnolia Wine Garden

Scooples Icecream Parlor and Restaurant