Local Directory

Angelos Wood Fired Pizza

Bella Nonna Pizzeria & More

New York-style pizza and Italian favorites in Tavares with late-night hours that make it the go-to after everything else closes. The pies are legit, the garlic knots are addictive, and the casual vibe keeps the neighborhood coming back.

Bru Tap House

Thirty craft taps with a local focus, live music, board games, and the kind of laid-back energy that makes downtown Tavares feel like it's having a moment. If you're looking for the heartbeat of the local craft beer scene, this is it.

BTW - Burgers Tacos Waffles

From the folks behind Bru Tap House comes this food-truck-concept-turned-brick-and-mortar. The name tells you exactly what to expect -- burgers, tacos, and waffles -- and they do all three well. The waffle fries are dangerously good.

Dead River Coffee

Local coffee shop in downtown Tavares offering specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and a cozy atmosphere. A popular morning stop.

Deer Island Country Club

Dora Canal

A mile-long natural canal connecting Lake Dora and Lake Eustis, often called the most beautiful waterway in Florida. Lined with ancient cypress trees, ideal for kayaking.

Dora Queen Paddlewheel Cruises

An 80-foot New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat cruising Lake Dora. The two-hour tours are scenic and relaxed, and the boat is available for private events. It's one of those experiences that feels like it belongs in another era -- in the best way.

Downtown Tavares

Downtown Tavares along Main Street near the waterfront. Hosts festivals, seaplane events, and community gatherings on Lake Dora.

Fisherman's Cove Resort

Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails

Downtown Tavares finally got the upscale steakhouse it deserved. Ironworks brings aged steaks and craft cocktails to Ruby Street with a vibe that's polished but not stuffy. Limited hours mean you plan your visit -- and that's part of the appeal.

Jeannies II

Local diner in Tavares serving hearty breakfast and lunch fare in a classic small-town setting. The kind of place where regulars have their usual and the coffee never stops.

Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures

The reason Tavares calls itself America's Seaplane City. Jones Brothers offers flightseeing tours, fly-in dinner dates, paddle excursions by seaplane, and even day trips to Key West. Watching a seaplane take off from Lake Dora never gets old.

Kalua Beach Bar

A lakefront bar with Hawaiian-inspired food, Lake Dora views, and live music on weekends. The vibe is Jimmy Buffett meets lake town Florida -- laid back, sandy-footed, and exactly where you want to be on a Friday night.

Keel & Curley Winery at Lake Dora

Tasting room outpost of the popular Florida blueberry winery, offering wine flights, glasses, and bottles in a relaxed setting.

Lake County Museum of Art

A free-admission art museum in downtown Tavares with rotating exhibitions that punch above what you'd expect for a small-town gallery. Donations welcome but not required. Worth a stop, especially if you're already walking Ruby Street.

Mary's Kountry Kitchen

The kind of breakfast spot where the portions are enormous, the coffee stays full, and the regulars know the staff by name. Mary's has been feeding Tavares for years with no-frills comfort food that hits exactly right at 7am.

Nautilus Coffee Company

An adventure-themed artisanal coffee shop in downtown Tavares decorated with nautical trinkets and gizmos. The drinks are crafted with care, the atmosphere invites lingering, and it's the kind of local coffee shop that gives a town its personality.

Pontoon Yacht Club

Premier Boat Tours

Guided pontoon boat tours through the Dora Canal and Harris Chain of Lakes, showcasing Florida wildlife including alligators and ancient cypress trees.

Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill & Bar

Lakeside dining with front-row views of Lake Dora and the seaplane base -- which means you might watch a plane land while you eat your burger. The seafood is fresh, the drinks are strong, and the outdoor patio is where you want to be at sunset.

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.

Tavares Seaplane Base & Marina

Public marina and seaplane base on Lake Dora with boat slips, fuel dock, and launch ramps. The hub for waterfront access in America's Seaplane City.

Tavares Theater Inc.

Community theater in Tavares staging musicals, comedies, and dramas throughout the year. A local cultural gem with talented performers and an intimate setting.