Food & drink in Central Florida.

Bluefin Grill & Bar

Steak, seafood & cocktails offered in a modern, nautical-themed dining room with sea-blue decor.

The Nest At Papilio

Speakeasy-themed garden bar inside Papilio's botanical hall in downtown Mount Dora, offering 12 taps, 100+ beers, wine-based cocktails, and happy hour surrounded by lush tropical plants.

Oasis Saloon

Live music venue in Sorrento. "Where yo mama told you not to go."

Deep South Family BBQ

Deep South Family BBQ is a family-owned restaurant in Hernando County, known for their smoked meats and homemade side recipes, providing an authentic Southern BBQ experience since 1998.

BJ's Bakery

Big Lee's BBQ

Featured on the Food Network and praised by Guy Fieri, Big Lee's delivers pitmaster-level barbecue that has put Ocala on the national food map. The brisket is the star.

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.

The Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant

Southern-style seafood with stunning river views and a non-pretentious tiki atmosphere. The extensive outdoor seating area overlooks the Withlacoochee River, and the menu leans into fresh prawns, fish, and local specialties at fair prices.

The Biscuit Barn

Highly rated Crystal River breakfast and lunch spot known for huge Southern-style biscuits with iron-skillet sausage gravy, steak and eggs, and classic lunch fare like reubens and burgers.

TooJay's Deli

Florida-born New York-style deli and bakery with massive sandwiches, soups, and baked goods. A go-to for comfort food and takeout platters.

Blue Deep Sea Coffee

Emma's Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor

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.

Horse & Hounds Restaurant

A dog-friendly American and British pub fare restaurant with over 15 outdoor tables. Known for generous portions of fish and chips, burgers, and steaks in a welcoming atmosphere.

Máster Taqueria Y Paleteria

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.

Steve's Package & Lounge

Long-running dive bar and package store on South 14th Street in Leesburg with karaoke, darts, drink specials, and a drive-through package window, open for over 33 years.

Milano Italian Grille

Italian restaurant in Ocala serving classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood in a comfortable setting. A reliable pick for a sit-down Italian dinner.

Coach's Pub & Eatery

The hub of downtown Inverness since 1991. Custom burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and downtown's largest selection of craft and domestic beer. Over thirty years of consistent pub food and genuine community gathering -- a rare combination.

Gator Cove

Waterfront bar and grill on the canal in Homosassa serving American fare including burgers, steaks, fish and chips, and gator tail, with outdoor seating and live entertainment.

Oakwood Express Smokehouse

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

Tiki Bar & Grill

Easygoing hangout on Lake Minneloa featuring American eats, brews & scenic outdoor seating.

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.

Mullets Sports Bar Clermont

Claire's Creperie

Small crepe shop in the Mount Dora Marketplace serving sweet, savory, and breakfast crepes made from scratch, with gluten-free and keto options available.

1890 tea room

Rosa Mezcal Cocina Mexicana

The Lazy Maid Crêperie

Highly rated French creperie in downtown Brooksville serving both sweet and savory crepes in a charming setting with indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast and lunch.

Ocala Downtown Diner

Burgers, steaks & shakes served in a relaxed eatery that has classic diner decor.

Allyson A Bake Shop

Small-batch bakery on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora turning out fresh pastries, cakes, and baked goods. A sweet stop while strolling through downtown.

Willie Jewell's Old School Bar-B-Q

Chop House at Lake Sumter

Elegant place with a terrace serving steaks, meat dishes & cocktails, plus weekend brunch.

Citrus Coffee

Dip-A-Dee-Donuts

Donut shop in Leesburg serving fresh-made donuts, pastries, and coffee for a quick morning treat.

Scooples Icecream Parlor and Restaurant

New Moon Cookie Co.

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.

WingHouse Bar & Grill

Sports bar known for chicken wings, games on TV & scantily clad servers, plus event nights.

Ally J's Ice Cream

Ice cream parlor in downtown Inverness serving hand-scooped flavors, sundaes, and frozen treats.

Portillo's Clermont

Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.

Foxtail Coffee Co. - Tavares

Foxtail Coffee Co. in Winter Park offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding or getting work done, with exceptional coffee sourced ethically from around the world.

VKI Japanese Steakhouse

Tableside hibachi, sushi & Japanese kitchen entrees served in a sophisticated, warm-colored space.

One Thirteen Coffeehouse

Locally owned coffeehouse in downtown Eustis serving handcrafted coffee drinks alongside homemade pastries, sandwiches, and desserts in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Catrina Cocina Mexicana

BVL Oyster Bar (BOB's)

Located in Brooksville, Florida, the BVL Oyster Bar is an eclectic roadside relic just off Highway 98 offering no-frills grub and good times.

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.

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.

Guru Indian Restaurant

Repeatedly voted Best Indian Restaurant in Central Florida by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Family-owned, award-winning, and the kind of place where the flavors are authentic enough to make you forget you're on Highway 27.