Food & drink in Central Florida.

Steak 'n Shake

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

Whale's Tale Fish House

A Mount Dora locals' favorite that specializes in seafood done simply and well. The Maryland crab soup is a standout, and the no-fuss atmosphere keeps people coming back week after week.

Latinos Y Mas

Outstanding Latin cuisine in Ocala. A local favorite for authentic flavors and generous portions.

Los Magueyes Inverness

Regional Mexican restaurant chain location on Highway 41 near Inverness, serving fresh-made dishes including carne asada tacos, birria tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and molcajete.

Sud's Saloon

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.

Grumpy Gators Bar & Grill

Casual bar and grill in Homosassa serving home-cooked food including pizza, burgers, fried chicken, and fresh seafood, with live entertainment and outdoor seating.

Fat Boys BBQ

BBQ restaurant and bar in Ocala, FL, serving wood-smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken with online ordering available.

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill

Local BBQ chain serving ribs, steakburgers, seafood & Southern sides in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sweeties' Cafe & Tea House

Charming cafe in historic Dunnellon serving fresh wraps, homemade soups, and high tea with tiered service and themed tea parties, housed in the annex of the historic Grumble House.

BTW's Crafted Concoctions

Creative cocktail bar, new American kitchen, and coffee shop in downtown Tavares known for seasonal pop-up transformations and inventive craft concoctions.

Hamrick Family Vineyards

Leesburg's original speakeasy and emporium serving craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails in downtown Leesburg, with a vineyard in Howey-in-the-Hills and a full production winery in the works.

Sud's Bottleshop & Saloon

Craft beer bottle shop and saloon in downtown Clermont

Santiagos Restaurant

Restaurant at Cagan Crossing

Darlin's Sweet Shoppe

Boutique dessert shop in Sawgrass Market serving handmade ice cream, cakes, pies, cookies, and Italian ice with rotating flavors.

Stirrups Restaurant

Oak & Stone

Craft beer and artisan pizza restaurant at Eastport Town Center featuring a self-serve tap wall with 50+ rotating beers using touchless RFID technology, plus oven-baked wings and create-your-own pizzas.

La Dolce Vita Gelato & Pastry

Authentic Italian gelato and pastry shop rated 4.9 stars. Homemade gelato, pastries, and espresso drinks.

La Palma Mexican Grill

Casual, informal spot serving Mexican standards from tacos to burritos plus beers & tequila drinks.

cosmo and sprout bakery

Gator's Dockside Brownwood

Family-friendly sports-bar chain offering American fare, including signature grilled chicken wings.

Serendipity Brews

Artisan coffee shop and craft beer bar in downtown Mount Dora with 14 draft beers, 150+ packaged options, retro decor, and regular live music adding to the town's nightlife.

Rj dockers

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza - Trinity

Local Italian chain serving stone-fired pizzas, plus pasta, entrees & subs, in a relaxed atmosphere.

WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi

Fusion fare such as sushi burritos & donuts, create-your-own bento boxes & poke bowls plus beer.

Paige's Root Beer

Nostalgic diner on Pennsylvania Avenue known for award-winning burgers, homemade root beer floats, and classic American comfort food, recognized as Best Burger in the County.

The Mount Dora Bistro

French-inspired neighborhood bistro in downtown Mount Dora offering classic bistro fare, curated dining experiences, afternoon tea service, and a spectacular French wine list in a warm, refined setting.

Shucker's

Awwal Curry House Restaurant

Mont Royal Bagel

Stagger Inn

Downtown bar with a cozy interior and sidewalk seating on Donnelly Street. Known for craft cocktails, local beers, and a laid-back evening atmosphere.

Clermont Fish House

Fresh seafood restaurant

GAME CRAZY LLC

Entertainment venue in Leesburg featuring arcade games, gaming stations, and interactive experiences for all ages.

Christmas Cafe

Coffee house in Inverness serving coffee, acai bowls, crepes, soups, energy drinks, and soft-serve ice cream in a cozy atmosphere.

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.

Southern Palate

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

Rutabagas Cafe

Cafe inside Rutabagas Natural Food Market in Inverness serving organic smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, soups, and salads catering to gluten-free, vegan, keto, and paleo diets.

BTW - Burgers Tacos Waffles

From the folks behind Bru Tap House comes this food-truck-concept-turned-brick-and-mortar. The name tells you exactly what to expect -- burgers, tacos, and waffles -- and they do all three well. The waffle fries are dangerously good.

Pisces Rising

Fresh seafood with a view of Lake Dora. Creative preparations and a lakefront setting that's hard to beat in this part of Florida.

Mojo's-Food. Music. Soul. (Ocala Location)

Live music venue and restaurant serving BBQ, burgers, and Southern comfort food with a side of blues and rock. The stage hosts local and touring acts, and the vibe is pure Ocala soul.

Desperados Saloon

Desperados Saloon is a lively bar and entertainment venue offering competition-level billiards, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine

Native American Tiki Palm Huts of Florida

Grace Cafe

Cozy cafe in Bushnell serving coffee, pastries, and light breakfast and lunch options. A welcoming community spot with a friendly, small-town feel.

Whispering Oaks Winery

Local winery near The Villages featuring live music events and wine tastings.

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.

Casa Agave Mexican Grill

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Clermont

Community-focused coffee shop and restaurant in Clermont serving hand-roasted specialty coffee and creative waffle-based dishes, named Best Coffee of South Lake 2025.