Lake County's Top 5 waterfront restaurants of 2024

This isn't just a land of lakes by name. Water surrounds us here and, as a result, so does boating, watersports, fishing and all sorts of outdoor recreation. Because folks are outside having fun, feeling comfortable in shorts and sandals and not fussing over pretentious, overpriced entrees are a must while dining in Lake County.

Unlike eateries at Florida's more bustling beach communities, ours are almost exclusively frequented by locals and regulars. So, choosing just a handful of waterfront eateries in Lake County was a formidable task that can leave a writer drowning in indecision.

Offering both subjective observation and a thorough analysis of dining reviews and feedback from locals, both in person and across social media platforms, the Daily Commercial has arrived at a Top 5 of favorite waterfront restaurants for 2024.

To choose our 5 best, we considered spacious, dog-friendliness, comfortable accommodations, both quiet times and festive, live entertainment, food variety and eye-catching presentation. A presence in the community, participation in local fundraisers were noted as well. Friendly, accommodating service; freshness of seafood and salads and a pleasant strollable location with natural beauty and a stunning view of the water, of course, were also considered.

First, some honorable mentions ...

Salt Shack on the Lake was considered, but the newbie in Clermont needs to become a little more established with the locals after the novelty and all the overcrowded, noisy and long waits have subsided. Lake Harris Hideaway has a sweeping view under a canopy of moss-draped majestic oaks and came close to making our list, as did the refined JB Boondocks in Howey-in-the-Hills and sauce bosses at Hurricanes Grill and Wings in Tavares, which also offers a lovely Old Florida lakeside view.

A lot of places that didn't make our list are worth visiting. Factors that may have steered them off the list include needing just a little more on the menu, whether it be local seafood, meatless, original or healthy options, to add personalized flair. Or, they were too loud or their prices don't match up with their offerings.

Special thanks to Nextdoor.com, Joa Jane Harpster and Sandi Moore of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce and Sean Murphy, founder e-commerce company Best Connections, for contributing to this report.

Locals' all-around favorite: Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille

350 Lakeshore Drive, Eustis; 352-602-7446; lakeeustiswaterfront.com.

Located just outside historic downtown Eustis and Ferran Park, Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille offers a quintessentially Floridian dining experience with nautical, rustic and stylish decor.

Loved by boaters and landlubbers alike, the restaurant spreads out across 6,000 square feet with two floors, each helmed by a full bar and outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Eustis. The Grille also accommodates boaters with a multi-docked marina and a workshop.

Owners Jim and Conni Berry say their ingredients are sourced locally, including their crafted burgers made from Wagyu beef. Along with a variety of burgers, they serve distinctively oh-so-Florida appetizers such as the Gator Bang Bang, prepared with citrus-marinated Florida alligator, and deep fried and tossed in bang bang sauce.

Popular appetizers include seared ahi tuna, gator bang bang, bacon wrapped scallops, Rueben spring rolls, sweet potato wedges, steak bites and grilled wings. Other favorites include the Monte Cristo sandwich — not for the cholesterol-conscious, of course. Their ahi tuna starter is exquisite, and other seafood options include bacon-wrapped scallops and sustainably sourced mahi mahi.

Critic pick: Ski Beach Bar & Grill

1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg; 352-973-0793; skibeachleesburg.com.

Talk about beauty and brains! Ski Beach offers a beautiful view of Lake Harris and a clever array Floribbean foods mixed with Cajun elements and a blend of contemporary Caribbean-southern fare, what they call "Florisiana" cuisine. The decor recalls a backyard shanty with waterfront gear, most strikingly those signature water skis that the lake is known for. Skis are everywhere here.

Encompassing 9,600 square feet on the docks of the breathtakingly panoramic Lake Harris, Ski Beach enchants with a festive, outdoor Tiki bar and a waterfront patio (both dog-friendly). Warning: Weekends can be hectic, but, still, not too loud. Ordering at the bar is a great option, and the bartenders are happy to serve you and are helpful even when they're beyond busy pouring beers and zingy, colorful cocktails. Speaking of drinks, Ski Beach's mojitos are on point.

If you're feeling decadent, try the Cajun sweet fried chicken, which features tender boneless chicken breasts are deep-fried in a "secret batter" and fried crispy with sugar and spicy seasoning and come served with "smashed" potatoes and coleslaw or an option that is just as flavorful but not as caloric, the redfish filet finished with crawfish in ham cream sauce, served over Balaya rice. If you have room for dessert, consider their bread pudding with vanilla ice cream, praline sauce and pecans.

Walk off the calories with a memorable stroll on the docks of Ski Beach and the neighboring, picturesque Venetian Gardens.

Most fun: Puddle Jumpers

111 W Ruby St., Tavares;  352-508-5862; puddlejumperstavares.com.

Puddle Jumpers dazzles with expansive views of Lake and even the occasional seaplane gliding down right in front of its front terrace. Located at the scenic, shady and strollable Wooten Park, the casual eatery seats around 300 people and features indoor and outdoor seating and bars on both floors of the building.

Every day offers something new at Puddle Jumpers, whether it's live music on the weekend, a midweek night trivia night or jukebox bingo, eight for $8 chicken wings or festive holiday parties on St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve, surprises galore happen here. Puddle Jumpers goes above and beyond to entertain its customers and keep them fed and (appropriately) tipsy.

The high-flying onion ring tower is a fun way to satisfy the munchies. A nice mix of complementary textures, Puddle Jumpers' mahi mahi with crab stuffing and golden lobster sauce offers crispy, creamy and savory mouth feels all at once. The vegetarian grilled black bean burger with portobello mushrooms satisfies the non-meat-eaters. Wash it all down with the Florida margarita, made with premium tequila, fresh citrus juices "and a splash of Florida flair."

Community champions: Fish Camp on Lake Eustis

901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares; 352-742-4400; fishcamponlakeeustis.com

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis is as good at cooking up community support as it is its delectable seafood entrees. Veterans, schools, first responders and many others have gotten a helping hand from Fish Camp Lake Eustis during one of their many fundraising dining events. They host local musical talent and have even put on a murder mystery theater night. If that weren't enough, their food is locally sourced, too. Choose from area-brewed craft beers and other beverages such as the moonshines from Yalaha Bootleggin' Co.

Signature dishes include their blackened grouper Reuben, hand-dipped coconut shrimp, burgers made with Florida-sourced grass-fed beef and a keto-friendly mahi. Casual but with an air of culinary savvy and contemporary style, Fish Camp serves some of the best clam chowder, meticulously prepared surf and turf entrees, including some unconventional items such as the tornado, a swirl of grilled shrimp on skewers, chili sauce and cheese.

The garlic parmesan fries are a must either as a side or appetizer. For something healthier, opt for the aquaponic Lynx Farm salad, made with greens from their Yalaha-based farmer friends.

Boater fave: Gator Bay Marina Bar & Grill

10320 County Road 44; Leesburg; 352-365-2177; gatorbaybar.com

Gator Bay is the quintessential no-frills Florida spot, tucked away in a Haynes Creek-side spot between Lake Eustis and Lake Griffin, this unfussy little eatery satisfies big appetites. It's got a variety-filled menu that you wouldn't expect from a casual rural waterfront eatery, offering inventive bites such as portobello fries.

Along with a boat ramp, Gator Bay has non-ethanol gas if your vessel is running dry. They provide covered boat slips and RV sites for family visiting from out of town. A fun, cheeky vibe fills this backporch-like haunt. "Welcome to our firepit, where our friends and marshmallows get roasted at the same time," one sign says.

Straight outta Green Bay, the fried cheese curds are a hit here. If you're really hungry, order the Florida Sampler, a combination of river cuisine: boneless catfish, frog legs and gator lightly breaded and deep fried, served with their homemade swamp sauce and homemade tartar sauce.

Some parting thoughts for waterfront restaurants

Sometimes eating on the water can feel a bit predictable in Florida. Lots of fried food, burgers and wings. Why not try some small plates, Spanish-style tapas to help customers save money while offering some international flavors?Don't skimp on sauces and dips. Extra virgin olive oil is worth the splurge. Given what you all charge for food and your alcohol sales, you can afford it.

Take note from the locally minded eateries here, and frequent local farms and gourmet shops. Serve more vegetables, for crying out loud. (Have you heard that America has an obesity epidemic?) Grilled veggies such as zucchini, portobellos and eggplants are worth a try.

Or, how about coming up with some fun side-dish and dessert samplers so everyone at the table can try something new?

A refreshing, not-too-sweet non-alcoholic beverage of the day would be nice. Sometimes, we don't want to booze it up and are tired of soda and tea.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Great views and more: Lake County's Top 5 Waterfront Restaurants of 2024