Crystal River FloridaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Crystal River, Florida.
1. Seafood Seller & Cafe
FRESH CAJUN SEAFOOD DELIGHTS
Seafood Seller & Cafe offers a delicious blend of American and Cajun/Creole cuisine in Crystal River. The restaurant is known for its excellent catfish, red beans and rice, and corn fritters that showcase authentic Southern flavors. Visitors can enjoy a casual dining experience with fresh seafood preparations in a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Crackers Bar & Grill
WATERFRONT DINING EXPERIENCE
Crackers Bar & Grill is one of Crystal River's popular dining destinations offering waterfront views. The menu features fresh local seafood and American comfort food favorites that capture the essence of Florida coastal cuisine. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic location, it provides an authentic Crystal River dining experience.
3. Waterfront Social
SCENIC RIVERSIDE DINING
Waterfront Social lives up to its name with beautiful views of Crystal River's waterways while dining. The menu highlights seafood specialties and bar favorites, including their tasty Caesar salad that's perfect for sharing. The restaurant combines scenic outdoor seating with a social atmosphere that captures the relaxed Florida lifestyle.
4. BubbaQue's BBQ
SOUTHERN BBQ FAVORITES
BubbaQue's BBQ in Crystal River serves up authentic Southern-style barbecue with all the fixings. Their menu features highlights like pulled pork sandwiches and sweet potato fries, plus an impressive salad, fruit, and pasta salad bar. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for barbecue lovers seeking hearty portions in a relaxed setting.
5. The Crab Plant
FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD
The Crab Plant specializes in locally-sourced seafood prepared with simple, flavorful techniques that let the quality shine through. Diners rave about their fried shrimp, baby scallops, and fresh grouper that capture the essence of Florida's Gulf Coast cuisine. The restaurant offers a casual seafood dining experience that connects visitors with Crystal River's maritime heritage.
6. Norton's Riverside Sports Bar & Grill
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PUB FARE
Norton's Riverside Sports Bar & Grill offers elevated pub cuisine in Crystal River's historic downtown district. Despite not being directly on the water as the name suggests, the restaurant provides both indoor dining and charming outdoor seating under oak trees, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Their menu features fresh, flavorful pub classics including their famous wings, hearty burgers, and their crowd-pleasing tater tots.
7. Peck's Old Port Cove
WATERSIDE SEAFOOD TRADITION
Peck's Old Port Cove is a Crystal River institution serving up American favorites with an emphasis on fresh seafood. The restaurant is known for its complimentary onion rings and crisp, fresh coleslaw that complement their seafood-focused menu. With its bar and casual dining setup, it offers a relaxed waterside dining experience that captures old Florida charm.
8. Vintage on 5th
UPSCALE CHURCH-TURNED-RESTAURANT
Vintage on 5th offers an extraordinary dining experience in a converted 1940s church with art-deco styling in downtown Crystal River. The sophisticated menu features specialties like She Crab Soup alongside creative fish and beef dishes, complemented by an impressive wine selection that inspired the restaurant's name. Diners can enjoy their meal on the veranda, sometimes accompanied by music from nearby venues, and finish with decadent desserts like their renowned crème brûlée.
9. Wallace's at the Greenhouse
CHEF-OWNED SCRATCH KITCHEN
Wallace's at the Greenhouse is a chef-owned restaurant in nearby Homosassa featuring a scratch kitchen dedicated to fresh, local ingredients. Menu highlights include their smoky fish dip with house-made potato chips, alongside fresh-cooked seafood and creative meat dishes served in a cheerful greenhouse setting. The restaurant provides a fun, fabulous atmosphere for both lunch and dinner, showcasing the chef's passion for quality cuisine.
10. Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters
ARTISAN COFFEE & EATS
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters combines freshly roasted coffee with a menu of breakfast and lunch favorites in Crystal River. The cafe offers a cozy atmosphere where visitors can enjoy specialty coffee drinks alongside hearty, homemade food options. With its focus on quality ingredients and craft beverages, it's become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.