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 What
could be better than enjoying a pleasant lakeside meal, while watching
the sun set beyond one of Florida’s most picturesque lakes? One of
Eustis’s favorite restaurants provides such a setting.
Steve and Beth Robin have owned the Crazy Gator Restaurant since June,
2001. Coming from the northeast, with extensive experience in the
restaurant industry, their goal was to offer diners friendly service and
high quality food at a fair price. Many of their employees, including
their kitchen Manager, Chef Dan Shanker, have been with them since they
opened.
The simple brick and wood building dates back to 1925 and originated as
the Eustis Seed and Feed Store. The Robin’s have preserved the original
wood flooring, which was installed in the mid 20s, and the doors on the
front of the building. The sand bricks seen on the walls were made right
on the property using sand pumped out of Lake Eustis.
 By
the way, the town of Eustis and Lake Eustis are named after Abraham
Eustis, the first Commander of the U.S. Army Forces in Florida.
The Crazy Gator features a patio area, a separate bar, a large main
dining room and a private banquet room that seats 50 people. Since the
restaurant backs up to the lake, most of the dining areas offer a water
view. It’s a great place to enjoy some of Florida’s natural environment
and to watch boats cruise by while having dinner. There is a lovely
boardwalk along the lakeshore for the folks who might enjoy a pleasant
stroll after their meal. They are also accessible by boat.
On our visit, I chose a side salad and a Hawaiian chicken salad
sandwich. My spouse opted for one of the day’s features; an
all-you-can-eat fish fry. This was lightly fried Alaskan Pollock, served
with fries and cole slaw. Both choices were very tasty.
This casual restaurant offers such a wide variety of food, that it’s
hard to make a selection. “Munchies” include Quesadillas, peel and eat
shrimp, Blackened Bourbon Steak Bites, Conch Fritters, and pan fried
Cajun Gator, among other
 choices.
Wings, specialty salads, seafood, steaks, chicken items and several
sandwiches, are also offered. Most entrees have a choice of two side
items, and range in price from about $9 to $15. Pasta selections are
served with one side, their cole slaw
is made fresh, and the chef is happy to prepare custom meals whenever
possible.
The Robins offer take-out service and provide catering for several local
groups, including the boating and yacht clubs, antique auto shows, and a
biker “Poker-run” for charity. There are 17 TV sets in the bar for
sports enthusiasts (especially for all of their Ohio State fans who are
regulars).
The Crazy Gator is located at 402 N. Bay St. in Eustis, and is open
daily from 11am to midnight.
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