Food & drink in Central Florida.

El Azteca Mexican Cocina

If you haven't found El Azteca Mexican Cocina yet, you're missing out on one of Bushnell's best-kept secrets — though with a 4.7-star Google rating and a loyal following, the secret is getting out fast. Tucked into Bushnell Plaza off SR 48, this family-run spot serves authentic Mexican cuisine that goes well beyond the typical Tex-Mex playbook. The enchiladas are rich and saucy, the fajitas come out sizzling, and the tamales taste like someone's abuela made them that morning. Don't skip the sangria — regulars call it spectacular, and they're not exaggerating. What sets El Azteca apart isn't just the food, though. It's the warmth. Reviewers consistently rave about the staff — attentive, genuine, the kind of service that makes you feel like family from the first visit. The dining room is clean and inviting, the kind of place you'd bring your parents or take the kids on a Tuesday night just as easily as a Friday date night. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the fresh, thin tortillas alone are worth the trip. Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch combo, ordering takeout through Toast or DoorDash, or settling in for a full dinner with margaritas, El Azteca delivers every time. It's the kind of neighborhood restaurant that makes you glad you live here — and if you're visiting the area, it's reason enough to get off the interstate.

La Jibarita de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican cuisine restaurant

Cracker's Bar, Grill and Tiki

Familiar seafood choices served in a casual setting with a spacious waterfront bar & deck.

Doragiry's Sweet Cakes

No 1 Chinese Food

Jeremiah's

Casual American fare served in a warm, relaxed setting with a bar & bustling patio.

KC Wine Bistro

Family-owned wine and coffee bistro in downtown Crystal River serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, shawarmas, and gourmet burgers alongside select wines, craft beers, and live music.

Root & Branch Bistro + Bar

A labor of love from proprietors Jason and Casey Baruch, Root & Branch has won multiple Taste of South Lake awards for good reason. The fried green tomatoes are legendary, and the upscale-but-casual vibe hits that sweet spot for a special night out.

Countryside Diner

Clermont Oyster Bar

Raw bar and seafood restaurant in Clermont serving oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fried seafood baskets in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

Mimi's Cafe

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.

Historic Downtown Clermont

This charming downtown area features historic houses & buildings, retail shops & restaurants.

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.

Buddys Tavern

Neighborhood tavern on US-301 in Bushnell offering drinks and a casual local bar atmosphere.

La Cuisine Academy Restaurant

Restaurant in Ocala.

BJ's Bakery

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.

Marmaduke's Lodge

Multi-concept venue in downtown Leesburg featuring Americana food, craft beer, Burns Drugstore Speakeasy, and SLICE pizza by the slice, with live entertainment and outdoor seating.

The Fire Japanese Steak House

Japanese steakhouse in Leesburg featuring hibachi grills with teppanyaki chefs cooking tableside, plus sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, family-owned and operated.

Cali Coffee

Drew's American Grill

Drew's American Grill offers a variety of delicious American cuisine and daily specials for guests.

GAME CRAZY LLC

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

Waterfront Social

Indoor/outdoor gathering spot on Kings Bay in Crystal River serving southern coastal dishes from scratch, with a tiki bar offering 180-degree bay views and sunset cocktails.

O'Keefe's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Classic pub with traditional food & pints, polished wood decor, beer signage & live music.

Orochi Ramen

Authentic Japanese ramen restaurant

Clermont Fish House

Fresh seafood restaurant

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.

Stavro's and Sons Pizza

Simple standby for classic Italian, Greek & Mediterranean cooking served in warm, homey environs.

Bagel Bros Cafe

Local bagel shop in Clermont serving fresh-baked bagels, deli sandwiches, and breakfast bites. A solid morning stop for a bagel with schmear and a cup of coffee.

The Black Sheep on Broadway

Locally owned, woman-led restaurant and bar in downtown Ocala, open since 2019. Features live music on weekends, weekday happy hours, and a full menu of American pub fare in the heart of the historic district.

The Cove Bar

Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room

Chicago and firefighter-themed craft brewery in historic downtown Leesburg brewing 10 beers on premise, serving authentic Chicago-style eats including Italian beef, hot dogs, and thin crust pizza, with a live music beer garden.

The Warehouse Social Club operated by the Military Fire Police Support Association

Community social club in downtown Leesburg operated by the Military Fire Police Support Association, hosting events, gatherings, and entertainment for members and guests.

Sweet Alps Ice Cream Inverness

Swiss-owned ice cream shop in downtown Inverness crafting homemade flavors inspired by the Swiss Alps, including vegan and dairy-free options, plus ice-cream-stuffed donuts, smoothies, and acai bowls.

Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant

Traditional Cuban fare whipped up in easygoing, compact quarters with a full bar & outdoor seats.

The Argonaut Bar and Lounge

The Argonaut is a submarine inspired bar and lounge serving wine, craft beer, tiki drinks, specialty cocktails, and tapas style food offerings.

It's Just Wings

Savages Bar and Grill

Casual bar and grill in Brooksville serving American classics including burgers and wings, with outdoor seating.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8087

VFW Post 8087 in Mt Dora, FL, offers a community space for veterans and their families.

Suncreek Brewery

Clermont's first craft brewery, established in 2018 on the Legacy Loop Trail near Lake Minneola, sharing a complex with coal-fired pizza and mac-and-cheese restaurant partners.

Froggers Grill and Bar

Casual American grill on Lake Park Court in Mount Dora serving burgers, wings, and pub fare with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. A solid neighborhood spot for a low-key dinner.

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters

Roasting their own beans in-house and baking fresh pastries and bread daily, Cattle Dog is the coffee anchor of downtown Crystal River. The interesting flavor profiles set them apart from the usual, and the baked goods are a legit draw on their own.

Drafts Sports Bar & Grill

Classic sports bar at Lake Sumter Landing with dozens of TVs, pub grub, and cold draft beer. A top spot for watching games.

Gator's Dockside Clermont

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

Copp Brewery & Winery

Crystal River brewery, winery, and full-service restaurant producing handcrafted beer and wine on-site since 2006, featuring a wood-fire oven and The Prohibition Grill.

Pinesmoke Bee Co.

Grannie's Country Cookin’ Restaurant

Long-standing American eatery supplying family-style breakfast & lunch standards in old-school digs.

Calypso

Caribbean-inspired restaurant at The Waterfront Inn on Lake Sumter Landing, serving island-flavored dishes and rum-infused cocktails with indoor-outdoor dining, live music, and lakeside breezes.