Life in Lake Local Guide
Tavares Restaurants
Tavares is Florida's "Seaplane City," and its downtown dining scene grew up right along the water. Most of it sits within a few blocks of Wooton Park on Lake Dora, where you can watch seaplanes land while you eat.
I'm just down the road in Mount Dora, so I've organized this guide the way I'd walk a friend through downtown Tavares: what's on the water, what's tucked a block or two back, and where to get coffee or ice cream in between.
Restaurant hours, menus and reservation policies can change. Check directly with the restaurant before making a special trip.
A Good Place to Start
A Few Tavares Standouts
These aren't rankings. They're simply a few restaurants that show off what makes Tavares dining different, right on Lake Dora, with seaplanes taking off in the background.
Ruby Street Grille
Steak · Seafood · PastaAn extensive menu of steaks, seafood and pasta with a large covered patio, one of Tavares' go-to spots for a special night out.
Explore Ruby Street Grille →Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill
Raw Bar · SeafoodFresh oysters, blackened mahi mahi and truffle lobster mac & cheese in a lively coastal atmosphere.
Explore Tiki West →Puddle Jumpers
Lakeside · Live MusicArrive by plane, boat or car. A Downtown Tavares favorite for waterfront views over Lake Dora and live music.
Explore Puddle Jumpers →Brü Tap House
Craft Beer · TaproomA destination for craft beer lovers, with live music and board games in a laid-back downtown taproom.
Explore Brü Tap House →
Special Occasion Dining
Steaks, Seafood & a Covered Patio
Ruby Street Grille is the spot locals point to for a proper sit-down dinner downtown, an extensive menu and a large covered patio for cocktails before or after.
Explore Ruby Street Grille →Walkable Dining
Downtown Tavares Restaurants
Downtown Tavares packs tacos, tiki drinks, Irish pub fare and craft cocktails into just a few walkable blocks around Ruby Street and Lake Dora.
Eduardo's Lokos Tacos
MexicanWhat started as a food truck in 2014 has grown into Tavares' premier spot for authentic Mexican food.
View Details →Kalua Beach Bar
Tiki · BarA laid-back beach bar bringing island vibes to the Lake County landscape.
View Details →BTW – Burgers Tacos Waffles
Burgers · Tacos · WafflesA reliable family favorite covering burgers, tacos and waffles under one roof.
View Details →Hemingway's Wine Beer & Cigar Bar
Wine · Cigar BarA slice of sophistication on West Ruby Street, for a refined wine, beer or cigar evening.
View Details →O'Keefe's Irish Pub
Irish PubA beloved Tavares locale with authentic Irish dishes and a warm, welcoming pub atmosphere.
View Details →Brü Tap House
Craft BeerCraft beer, live music and board games in a community-minded downtown taproom.
View Details →The Deli Llama – Llama Cafe
Deli · SandwichesA fresh, unique deli-style lunch spot with a menu almost as eclectic as its decor.
View Details →Crafted Concoctions
Coffee · CocktailsLocally sourced, freshly roasted coffee by day and mouth-watering craft cocktails by night.
View Details →Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill
Raw Bar · SeafoodFresh oysters and coastal flavors, a favorite for seafood lovers in downtown Tavares.
View Details →Ruby Street Grille
Steak · SeafoodSteaks, seafood and pasta with cocktails on a large covered patio.
View Details →Coffee, Ice Cream & Sweets
Something Lighter
Not every Tavares stop has to be a full meal. There's good coffee downtown and a couple of classic ice cream stops nearby.
Crafted Concoctions
CoffeeFreshly roasted, locally sourced coffee in downtown Tavares.
View Details →Twistee Treat – Tavares
Ice CreamClassic dipped cones and banana splits inside the iconic giant ice cream cone building on Burleigh Boulevard.
View Details →Tavares Ice Cream
Ice CreamA local ice cream stop on East Main Street.
View Details →Seaplane City
On the Water: Lake Dora Dining
Tavares built its downtown right up against Lake Dora and the Tavares Seaplane Base, so several restaurants let you watch seaplanes land while you eat.
Wooton Park & Lake Dora
Dine Where the Seaplanes Land
Downtown Tavares centers on Wooton Park, a public waterfront space with a marina and splash pad, so a lot of the best dining sits within steps of the lake and its seaplane traffic.
Puddle Jumpers
Lakeside · Live MusicWaterfront views of Lake Dora with live music, arrive by plane, boat or car.
View Details →Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill
Raw Bar · SeafoodOysters and coastal flavors with a service team that remembers your name.
View Details →Fish Camp on Lake Eustis
Waterfront · CasualCraft beers, fresh margaritas and lakefront fare on Lakeshore Boulevard, arrive by car or dock the boat.
View Details →The Argonaut Bar & Lounge
Speakeasy · LoungeA Prohibition-era submarine-themed lounge for craft cocktails and tapas-style dishes.
View Details →Worth the Short Drive
More Places to Eat Around Tavares
A couple of comfort-food favorites sit just outside the downtown core along Burleigh Boulevard and Main Street.
Jeannie's II
Southern · Comfort FoodThe Tavares sister restaurant to the beloved original in Eustis, serving fresh-made Southern comfort food since 1992.
View Details →HWY 441 Diner
Diner · AmericanA nostalgic 50's-style diner on East Burleigh Boulevard, serving up burgers, ribs and down-home cooking.
View Details →Thinking About Living Here?
Explore Life in Tavares
Restaurants and festivals are only part of what makes Tavares worth exploring. If you're considering a move, you can also explore Tavares neighborhoods, waterfront homes and listings currently available around town.
Explore Homes in Tavares