Restaurants listed serve dinner only unless otherwise stated (such as B/L/D). Fast food establishments are not included. Not every restaurant listed is considered gourmet, however most establishments are famous for at least one specialty. Underlined names are linked to a website containing more information. Q stands for Food Quality, S for Wait Service and V for Meal Value, all scored 1 to 5 each. Only Club Members may submit a review; just click on the red link.

Where restaurants have been reviewed at least twice, their average rating is now indicated by our STAR SYSTEM, ranging from:

to

Review: (from Dolores M. 4/08) One in our party had Chicken Fajita Salad and three had the Quesadilla Platter with Beans. The Fajita Salad was missing something and very bland. The Quesadilla Platters were also very bland. It was tasteless Tex-Mex food and we will not give it a second chance.
Q=2 S=3 V=3 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Write a review for Amigos Original Tex-Mex Restaurant & Cantina (The Villages).

Review: (from Dennis C. 2/07) Stopped in for a quick bite on a Saturday night. The line was out the door, down the block and around the parking lot (almost). A spot at the bar got me seated promptly with a menu and a drink. I tried their Three Cheese Chicken Penne Combo for $11.99 including appetizer and dessert. It was like Penne Alfredo with some chicken chunks thrown in. Nothing to rave about. Friendly young bar maid served me. This is run of the mill food with a few interesting dishes here and there. The crowds love it here. Came to $18.50 for one with two house wines during happy hour. Pretty good deal.
Q=3 S=3 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar.

Write a review for Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Mulberry Grove Plaza).

Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Southern Trace Plaza), 3539 Wedgewood Ln., The Villages, FL. 751-7169. L/D. Open until 10 PM. Half-pound burgers, baskets, soups, wraps and salads are just some of the wide selections from the menu. Buffalo style Chicken Wings with Honey BBQ, Garlic or Teriyaki sauce for dipping. Made from mild to "nuclear". Fish 'N Chips and Shrimp Baskets also popular. Full bar. One of a large nationwide franchise chain concentrated in the southeast based in Tampa. Dennis Coughlin, Randy Holaway & Richard Parrish, owners.

Write a review for Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Southern Trace Plaza).

Review: (from Marlene C. 4/08) The food never disappoints me. Big Catch Sandwiches, Cubans, Chef Salads, Club Wraps, always good and always consistent. Quick and friendly service. The Chili has too many beans for me. Good prices. The place is often very cold. Be sure to bring a sweater (although sometimes a blanket would feel even better).
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Colony Plaza), 321 Colony Blvd. in the Colony Plaza Shopping Center (CR 466A), The Villages, FL. 750-0575. L/D. Open until 10 PM. Newest location in The Villages located off CR 466A. Opened April 7th. Wings, burgers, fried shrimp and wraps in a sports bar atmosphere. Dennis Coughlin, Randy Holaway, Richard Parrish & Ben Pickens, owners.

Write a review for Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub (Colony Plaza).

Write a review for Beijing Garden (La Plaza Grande).

Review: (from Dan K. 1/08) We always like to give an establishment a second chance. But we found the same results as our first visit. Service was good; food was not. Ordered a Roast Chicken Salad with Cranberry and Pecans. Chicken was boiled and not roasted. Very disappointing again.
Q=2 S=4 V=3 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.

Write a review for Bob Evans Restaurant.

Review: (from David G. 4/08) Never got to a table. I was told it would be a 45 minute wait. OK. After 40 minutes I went to check and the hostess said only 20-25 more minutes. Finally after waiting for a total of 85 minutes, she said that we were close, only another 20 minutes. We will not return here.
S=1 Return=No.

Review: (from Howard H. 4/08) It is unfortunate that anyone would go to a new restaurant in The Villages, especially one like the Bonefish, without a reservation. We went on a Sunday night at 8 PM (with call ahead seating) and waited approximately 5 minutes before we were seated. Our waitress was one that we knew from the Legacy Restaurant. Like the location in Ocala, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. We shared the Bang Bang Shrimp and it was great! I had the Sea Bass, my usual favorite and she had the Pistachio Parmesan Crusted Trout. We both had Garlic-Smashed Potatoes and al dente Green Beans. The temperature and the presentation were certainly up to the standards of the Bonefish. For dessert, if you dare, order the Macadamia Nut Brownie. It is huge, so be prepared to share. Decadent to be sure. As we had cocktails before-hand, we opted for iced tea with dinner. Total bill for two without bar drinks was $57.50.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Gloria K. 6/08) Wonderful service, like being pampered on a cruise ship. There were 25 servers working on Friday night. Excellent food. My meal of Tilapia with Pan Asian sauce was very tasty. Husband ordered steak, which was thick and juicy. Prices not cheap but our meal for two with no drink, appetizer or dessert was $36 (tip included). Great homemade bread with pesto dip.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Wendell S. 6/08) We have been to several BoneFish Grill Restaurants and have always been very pleased, so we were looking forward to seeing how the one in The Villages would stand up. We both had seafood which is Bonefish's specialty, however the quality was not as good as we had experienced before. The service was not great. The waiter asked us several times what we had ordered. We asked him to write it down so he could remember it. My wife received her salad OK but after waiting 15 minutes, I had to go after the waiter to bring me my soup. We enjoyed ourselves and felt that part of the reason we had problems was the restaurant was very new so we hope things get straightened out. We will try it again in a few months and hope things improve.
Q=3 S=2 V=4 Total=9 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 7/08) There were 8 Gourmet Club friends tonight. Great service by Amy on our side; the other half of the long table had Lori. I had the "Dynamic Duo Special" of Islandic Arctic Charr and Wolf Fish stuffed with Lump Crabmeat and Shrimp Almondine with Potatoes Au Gratin and a Side Salad with Blue Cheese. He had the Petite Sea Bass with Pan Asian Sauce and a Caesar Salad. I loved mine but his Sea Bass was a little blackened. A Red Sangria, an Italian Pinot Grigio and my Blueberry Martini were great drinks between us. Others in our party enjoyed there's except one steak went back for a re-cook. It came back perfect. Not busy on a Monday night and it was a very pleasant evening. Total with 3 drinks before t&t was $62 for two.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 7/08) We can eat here often without a wait in the off season. Call ahead works great even when they are not full. She ordered the Swordfish Special at $19 and I splurged for the Beef Filet with Crab Cake at $23. My Caesar Salad ($3 extra) was crisp and not over-drenched with dressing. She enjoyed her Swordfish and my Beef was great but my Crab Cake was a bit spicy. Nothing on the menu indicates that the filler is spiced up. I'm sure many diners would tolerate it fine. I did manage to eat most of it. Two wines ($7 ea) and her Lemon Drop Martini ($7) ran our total up to $66 before t&t. Our young server, Lori, was very pleasant and friendly. They are all so well trained here, makes it a pleasure to come often.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Richard B. 8/08) Our Gourmet Club group selected this and we all were very pleased and would return. I had the Swordfish Special (done perfectly and tasty); others had the regular menu Parmesan/Pistachio Trout, Crabcakes, Salmon and Grouper Special. One also had a Chocolate Martini and said they make the best one around. Service and value were excellent.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Bonefish Grill (The Villages).

Review: (from Rich C. 8/07) Now that this restaurant has been open for about a month, we figured it has settled down enough to try for dinner. Besides we're fans of "Cajun Dave", the entertainer from Citra, FL. and he was playing that night. As usual, Dave, Lee, Brian and the drummer were a lot of fun and played great music. Ever since Katie Belles stopped booking "The Porch Dogs", we've been missing this type of infectious music. One in our group had (6) Coconut Shrimp, excellent large battered flat "crawlies" with delicious cocktail sauce. One had Louisiana Mussels, good but a little too spicy for her. And I opted for the Poulet Provençal, great flavor but the chicken was a little over cooked (better than under cooked, right?). I had the Smashed Cajun Potatoes and the girls enjoyed the Red Beans 'N Rice as their side. They raved about it all night. On to dessert, the Chocolate Cake and the Bananas Foster were big hits. Well wines were 2 for 1 ($5) and a Red Zin by the glass ($7) made my better-half happy. Service by Tammy was friendly and quick. As the night wore on, we danced Cajun & Zydeco style often and the crowd joined in a real New Orleans' "2nd line" parade complete with umbrella as the Saints Go Marchin' In. What a fun night with some good, authentic Louisiana food. We'll be back again for my favorite, Beignets! Total for 3 people ran just $65.
Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Mike G. 9/07) Bruschetta was the best I've had and all of us that tried it, liked it too. Two of us had the traditional Jambalaya which was excellent, one had non-traditional Jambalya (no shrimp, crayfish or scallops), two had Rib Steak done just right and one had the Sausage Platter. We all liked our dinners, the fresh salads and the excellent fresh bread. The Bananas Foster was a good finishing touch. $60 with drinks and tip for two. We will be back.
Q=5 S=4 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Mike S. 6/08) Absolutely fabulous! We have been here before with mixed reviews but just last week we visited twice and had fantastic meals. We used our coupons and got appetizer and dessert at reduced prices. Started off with Meat Pies and Deep Fried Green Beans. Both were excellent. I had the Bourbon St. Stuffed Chicken and my wife had the Chicken Provençal. We raved about each meal. The other couple had the Stuffed Chicken and the Jambalia and loved them too. Our waitress was Denise and she did a very good job. Draft beers at Happy Hour were only $1 each. Total bill for two was $43 and we thought it was a bargain. At 9 PM the band was warming up and the crowd started to come in. We highly recommend this restaurant.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Bourbon Street Restaurant & Brewery.

Review: (from Steve L. 4/07) We have been here many times since they opened. The Pizza can be made regular or thin crust, with many topping choices and it's quite like the taste of a true New York Pizza. The Garlic Knots with sauce, served before the pie, are delicious. Strombolis are wonderful and their Eggplant (not as good as my wife's) is excellent also. Salads are a little on the small side for the price. They offer a good choice of regular cakes and cheese cakes for dessert. Pizza dinner, salad and soda average $25.
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 3/08) We had heard good things about Bravo and decided to try it. Well, I guess things change because this was not a good experience for us. The service was pretty messed up with food not arriving at the same time, missing items, no waiter to waiter coordination, etc. Soup du Jour was cold. My Meat Stuffed Pizza was overdone resulting in a very hard crust. The iced tea was more like water and when seconds were requested, the waiter took the glass and never brought it back. Total bill for two slices of pizza, two teas and one soup was $20 without tip. Overall, not a pleasant experience.
Q=2 S=2 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.

Write a review for Bravo Pizza.

Review: (from Frank M. 1/07) This place is not gourmet - but they serve very good food at good prices with excellent service. Tonight we went there for a late night dinner/snack. We had their thin Pizzas - a Traditional ($6.50) with sun dried tomatoes and a Meat Lovers ($6.95). We happen to like thin crust Pizzas and we really love these. The people are really friendly with great service - almost to a personal level. We can also recommend their famous Meatloaf dinner as well as their Herbed Whitefish (outstanding). For sandwiches, you can not beat their Fried Whitefish or their Chipotle Chicken Wrap. For a great appetizer try their Broiled Chicken Wings.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 2/07) Always crowded. 30 minute wait isn't too bad. I had the Lobster & Scallop Bravado Salad. It was very nice and crisp. The seafood in it was warm. He had the Delmonico Steak medium. It was much closer to well done - black on the outside, fully cooked on the inside. It was tender but with a fair amount of gristle. Greens were al dente. We both had delicious Lobster Bisque. Curly haired Cindy was efficient, friendly and prompt. We remember when she worked at Glenview. Total for two without drinks or dessert was $37.
Q=3 S=5 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Pat M. 2/07) Once again we found excellent food with great personal service - truly the friendliest good food restaurant in The Villages. One of the best features of Cane Garden is the people - they just continue to give and give to make you feel welcome and to make you feel good - you just want to come back over and over. Although not gourmet, the restaurant deserves to be rated outstanding due to service and food quality plus great value.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from James D. 3/07) I had the best Pot Roast Sandwich I have ever had. The bread was soft and tasty with just the right texture. The beef was moist, seasoned perfectly, sliced just right with an onion & spice sauce that wasn't overwhelming. Add the always superb bar service and it was a culinary delight.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Joanne S. 4/07) I met three of my friends for lunch and ordered their Tuna Salad Plate and a glass of Merlot. The tuna was fresh tuna, not canned and just about the best salad I have had. The price including wine was $13.43 for one. The wait staff is just great.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 5/07) We don't come here often enough. (Usually it's too crowded.) Tonight we had Lobster and Scallop Bravado Salad ($9) and Strip Steak Gorgonzola ($17). Steak was perfectly done and flavorful, the salad greens were crisp and green with warm seafood pieces on it. The Split Pea Soup was good too. Service was very prompt. We enjoy Cindy very much, she really hustles. A very enjoyable meal as always.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Joanne S. 5/07) I had a wonderful Ahi Grilled Tuna Salad before and we went and tried to order it again and found that the "Soon To Be Famous Tuna Salad" at $8.49 was not what I got before. It was good and was made of fresh tuna but didn't compare to the Special Of The Day that I got before. Talked to Chief Louie and he told me it had been a special even though I ordered it off the menu. He will fix the Grilled Ahi Tuna on a bed of lettuce if you order it that way. Tonight's order was the "Soon To Be Famous Tuna and Grilled Black and Blue Salad" at $8.49. We had 2 for 1 wine; total bill was $25.19.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 1/08) Once again a great restaurant made even better. The chef, Louis, has added some new outstanding items to their menu. After searching to get a good supplier for fresh salmon, he has added a Bourbon Salmon that is absolutely the best one can get. Also new to the menu is a Jambalaya with Sausage, Shrimp and Chicken - a great spicy dish. Many other new items have been added with each being equally great. Stop by and try them.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Dan K. 2/08) A wonderful experience, as usual. We sat outside and enjoyed the weather and surroundings for lunch. Food is always flavorful, an excellent value and service by Amanda was terrific. If you have to wait, it is worth it. I had the Italian Loafer Sandwich with Mashed Potatoes instead of French Fries and she enjoyed the "Famous" Tuna Salad (actual tuna fillet that is sliced and chunked). Many new items are on the menu. We always bring our guests here. Total bill was $17 before t&t.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Cane Garden Country Club.

Review: (from Ellen H. 8/06) One of our favorite restaurants and yes we know it's a chain! The Mussels in Gaaaarliiic are to die for! Best I've ever had. Wish all restaurants had staff this well trained. Sure beats Olive Garden, hands down. Try the wonderful Red Sangria. Tip: Call ahead seating gets you in ahead of the others in line.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Gordon M. 1/07) Always good. Best of the best of chain reastaurants. Could make a meal on the wonderful hot bread and Italian olive oil dip. Food is consistently good, as is the service. Wait staff is very friendly.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 3/07) Coming here is like entering a "well-oiled clock". Where do they find their great employees? Even Jared (behind the bar) wasn't this friendly when he worked at Katie Belles! Best happy hour in The Villages. Every course comes out on time and it's always hot. Your server checks back with you in just a few minutes. Never got the wrong meal. If you say "hold the onions", they hold the onions! Every dish on the menu is tasty and plentiful. (Notice all the doggie bags leaving this place.) Specials every day add to their variety. How wonderful is that? That's why we find ourselves here 3-4 times per month or more. We just run to the sit-up tables in the bar and make friends with new people - the heck with waiting in that long line outside!
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Dennis C. 4/07) Six of us had a very nice meal tonight. Being Good Friday they had two fish dishes for specials. One was Trout and the other was called Mahi Wolfe (at $18). Well this is one of THE BEST fish dishes I've ever had. The fish was cooked just right with a breaded batter of sorts and seasoned with great citrus flavors and pieces of sun dried tomato. It was sauteed not fried. The usual Caesar salad and a side of mashed potatoes completed the dinner. All I remember about her meal was the huge dessert of chocolate cake painted with Kahlua! Took all 3 ladies to finish it. Something that decadent I think is a mortal sin on Good Friday! $56 for two with 4 delicious Sangrias. Smiling Anthony got a nice tip.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Martin G. 6/07) We had a less than satisfying dining experience at Carrabba's. The evening started out poorly when our table was given to another party and we had to wait an additional 20 minutes to be seated. After a longer than desirable wait our drinks and bread basket (excellent fresh bread) finally arrived. We ordered the Calamari and Bruchetta for appetizers. Both were tasty. Salads and soup were then served and were ample portions and enjoyable. Then we waited for the longest time for our main course to arrive. I had ordered the Chicken Bryan with a Pasta side. My chicken was overcooked and heavily laced with salt. The pasta and sauce were okay. My wife ordered the Chicken Gratella from the Grill and couldn't eat it. By that time it was so late she decided not to make a fuss to return it. I tasted her dish and it was greasy, too salty and had an odd smoky taste that I also found unpleasant. Too say the least, we will be thinking twice before we visit again.
Q=2 S=3 V=1 Total=6 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Frank M. 8/07) We had not been fans of Carrabba's until this one opened up. Each visit has resulted in excellent service and good food. Our wait was no more than 5 minutes. My Chicken Bryan was recommended by the waitress and it turned out to be excellent. However, $16 for a chicken dinner is a little on the high side. Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Carrabba's Italian Grill (The Villages).

Review: (from Rosemary G. 1/07) Our food and service were top notch. We all had the Prime Rib and asked for it rare and it came out rare, which is a rare occurance. We were 4 people and all were very happy with the service and food. Saturday is the Cattle Baron's Prime Rib special 2 for $19.99 and well worth it.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Gordon M. 2/07) Our first time at the Baron's. She had Veal Marsala, I had Prime Rib. Both were excellent. Prime Rib was done just right. Although they were full to capacity, we were served by an excellent and very friendly young man. Dinner minus wine came to $32.75 for two. Although one of the nicest restaurants in the area, be prepared for loud music (from Katie Belle's downstairs). We asked for and got seating at the back of the restaurant. It was quiet enough so you could at least talk.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Cattle Baron Club.

Write a review for Cheng's Chinese and Sushi Restaurant.

Review: (from Howard H. 1/08) This was our first experience at this particular Chili's. We were immediately seated. Our waiter, Joey, was very pleasant and professional. We had one of the specialty drinks, an Orange Rum Punch. Happy hour is all day here. She had the Brown Sugar Ribs and I had the Grilled and Rubbed Ribs. They both were cooked perfectly and spiced just right. The French Fries were fresh and the Baked Apples were piping hot. The total price with drinks was $40.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Chili's Grill & Bar (Spanish Springs).

Chili's Grill & Bar (Buffalo Ridge), Wedgewood Ln. in the Buffalo Ridge Shopping Center, The Villages, FL. This new location in The Villages has been put on indefinite HOLD.

Write a review for CiCi's Pizza Buffet.

Write a review for Crazy Gringos.

Write a review for Crispers.

Write a review for Denny's Restaurant.

Review: (from Gordon M. 1/07) Our first time at this restaurant. We were seated almost immediately and the waiter got to us in reasonable time. Margaritas were not bad but some of the chips were soggy. For any of you who are true California or Southwest Mexican food fans, you will be disappointed. Food was so-so, not very well seasoned. We each had one of the Combination Plates which came with the usual items. We will probably return but not as often as we would like to, as we both love good Tex-Mex. Dinner for two, minus the margaritas and tip, came to about $26.
Q=3 S=2 V=2 Total=7 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Marlene C. 4/08) We have eaten at El Ranchito many times. The Salsa served with the chips is spicy enough to feel it on your tongue but not overwhelming. I am disappointed by many restaurants who seem to be afraid to make their dishes a little spicy, but not this one. The Enchiladas Verdes are very good, with a tangy sauce and the plate and food are always served hot. Their Chili Relenos are the best. Fast service; great prices.
Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant.

Review: (from Rich C. 8/06) Always a casual dining favorite with us. Coconut Chicken, Bee Sting Mahi, Grouper Fingers and "The Wedge Salad" are our favorites. We eat here too often to describe each meal which are seldom disappointing. Watch for Brian's specials each day. Avoid first Wednesdays when the place is packed to the gills. Sundays are much better.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 8/07) This was our first visit to El Santiago Club and, unfortunately, it will be a long time before we go back. I had the White Fish with a seafood stuffing which, overall, was just so-so and I had a hard time finding the stuffing. My wife had a Chicken and Brie Salad that was overloaded with fruit (to some this may be good). The fruit was fresh but it was more like having a fruit salad than a meal salad with chicken and brie. The waitress will remain unnamed - the service was unbelievably slow and poor. The place was not crowded but the noise was unbearable. Based on so-so food, poor and slow service and very noisy environment, it just did not hit us too good. Maybe in another year?
Q=2 S=2 V=3 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Ellen H. 5/08) We had a pleasant meal again tonight. Barb is always friendly seating us. Happy hour drink specials allowed a cocktail or two before we ordered. Andrea waited on us and was very friendly. We took advantage of the new "Two for $24" menu at Brian's suggestion. Two salads, two entrées, two sides and two desserts for just $24. He had the Coconut Chicken and I enjoyed the Stuffed White Fish. They arrived promptly and were nice and hot. The sauces are a flavorful part of these meals. Andrea checked back on us frequently. Total was just about $30 with two strong drinks. This is a favorite place for us where the menu changes often.
Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for El Santiago Club.

Review: (from Ellen H. 8/06) A great family run operation. Tasty food and good friendly service. Lots of regulars come here. We love the Barbarone wine too.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Dennis C. 2/07) We like the food here. Always friendly service and nice Italian meals. The homemade bread is wonderful. I had the Veal Marsala and she had the Fetuccini with White Clam Sauce. My veal was very tender and came with both veggies AND pasta. Her dish was loaded with chopped clams. Always a popular spot; by 5:30 PM you have to wait a little - it's worth it. Dinner for two with one red wine was $33 plus tip.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 9/07) Hard to beat this place for tasty homemade Italian meals. Always a big decision as to what to order. She had Veal Romano with Pasta ($14.50) and I had Veal Cutlet Parmesan with Spaghetti ($12). The so-so (white lettuce) salads are offset by the great hot garlic rolls. With 1 Barbarone and 1 iced tea, the total was $32. Service today was just OK.
Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Giovani's Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Review: (from Rosemary G. 3/07) The ambiance and dining experience were quite nice. My husband had the Veal Marsala - tasty and the serving was ample but the cut of meat could have been a bit more tender. I opted for the Shrimp Alfredo which was very good with enough to take home and have for dinner the next day. We both had side Ceaser Salads which were fine. With a wine and champagne the bill was $56.70 with tax and tip.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 8/07) Glenview has never impressed us during the half dozen times we have tried it. On a Friday evening, there was no wait for a table. Our server, Erica did an excellent job. The ambience is very good with the exception of the noise level - extremely loud to the point of annoying (same experience as before). We were in a booth and it was difficult for us to hear each other! I had the Twin Lobster Tail Special at $24. My wife had a House Salad and Onion Soup. All the food was warm but not hot (including the soup). The twin lobsters were small cold water lobsters and therefore not much meat. The salad looked like it had been sitting for a while - lettuce was dry and unappetizing. We will return again some time in the distant future to see if there is any improvement.
Q=3 S=3 V=3 Total=9 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 11/07) It's been about 2 years since we've been here because of a poor previous experience. We made the Happy Hour 2-4-1 and enjoyed a large house Merlot and Chardonnay at $4.75 ea. We both had the Caesar Salads ($1.99) that were cold and crisp. No brown lettuce and light on the dressing - perfect! I had the Chicken Rosalita ($14.95), "double vegetables, please" and he held his breath and ordered the Smothered Sirloin Steak ($14.95), "medium-rare, please". Both were cooked correctly and were very flavorful. He was surprised that steak was so good. However, with both chicken and steak at the same price, I'm not sure if the chicken was expensive or the steak was cheap! We enjoyed our meal but not the noisy environment. Our service from Tracey was good, except that I got the customary pasta instead of the "double vegetables" I requested. Total without coffee or dessert was $46. We'll be back again sooner than 2 years.
Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Richard B. 7/08) I had a regular menu item, Braised Lamb Shanks ($14) and she had a special, Salmon with a Basil and Strawberry Cream Sauce ($17). Both were excellent as was the service. Veggies were also good, very colorful, not over cooked. My Red Potatoes and her Rice also fine. This is our third visit and we have been pleased every time and always kick ourselves for not dining there more often.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Glenview Champions Country Club.

Review: (from Dan G. 6/07) Arrived at 12:15 for lunch; there were many open spaces for parking and it's golf cart accessible. Due to the recent grand opening, there seemed to be many service people available. There are buffet style areas depending on your taste of food: Italian, Asian, American and a prominent dessert bar. The food was hot and replaced frequently. Go there now, after about three weeks the corporate staff leaves and that will be the test to see how the local staff handles the crowds. Lunch was $7.49 and $1.79 for cold drinks.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 6/07) We were pleasantly surprised by this large buffet restaurant. We typically shy away from "all-you-can-devour" establishments but friends suggested we give it a visit. Crowded, even though it was raining, we were seated promptly however. The vast array of food is mind boggling. And yes, they have huge Sirloin Steaks grilling that they slice off a hunk for you. I asked for medium-rare and that's exactly what I got. It was as good as we cook at home. Each day features a different nationality but there's always something for everyone. Large salad bar (with crisp greens) and other counters offering "soup to nuts". Many helpful personnel around. Senior price was $10.49 pp for dinner plus drink and tax. I'm sure they can't make money on those that come in for just 4 steaks and 4 desserts but everyone seemed happy with their meals, including us. Welcomed in this retired community where quantity and price always seem paramount. Good for large families but not for your waiste-line. It's on our list of "we'll be back" restaurants if they can keep it spotless and bright.
Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 8/07) Reluctantly, we went to this buffet to give it a try since we had heard some good things about it. I do not expect to return! The variety of food was excellent but the quality was so-so. Some warm, some hot and some not so good. We both tried the ribs and my wife tried the steak. The ribs were dry and tough while the steak was just OK. We are not buffet people and that may be why we are not high on this place. A good selection of desserts that were OK. There was a big problem with shrimp in the salad area - it was placed such that it could easily contaminate surrounding items - a very serious problem for people with allergies! I guess for $11 each it was a decent buffet but not a place I can go and enjoy a nice meal with nice service. We do not plan to go back.
Q=2 S=3 V=3 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Write a review for Golden Corral Buffet & Grill (The Villages).

Review: (from Martin G. 3/07) Don't go to Hacienda Hills if you're looking for a fine dining experience. In fact if you're just looking for a decent dinner you might be disappointed. We went last week and I doubt we'll be returning except perhaps for a lunch. I ordered Grilled Salmon cooked rare. My wife and another member of our party ordered the Meatloaf and the fourth ordered the Quesadilla appetizer. I had to return my Salmon. It was overcooked. Forget presentation. When my dinner finally arrived everyone else was done with theirs. They got the rare part right the second time however the chef seems to have left off the seasoning. It was virtually tasteless. The Meatloaf was okay but nothing to write home about. Three of us had Roasted Red Potatoes as one of our side dishes. Again no seasoning. Just a few small red potatoes sitting on our plate. The mixed vegetables of the day was "canned" corn, peas and carrots - tasteless. Less drinks and tip our part of the bill came to $25 for 2. Not worth the cost.
Q=1 S=3 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Frank M. 7/07) We tried the $7.99 Sunday Morning Breakfast Buffet. For the price we did not expect much and that was what we got. Most of the buffet food was cold and it was apparent that nobody took the time to "stir the pot". The worst was Eggs Benedict. They were never hot and some were overcooked and the English Muffins were not toasted. Second worst was the canned fruit. There was no fresh fruit. The best was Cooked-To-Order Omelets. Coffee and juice were extra charge. One of the cooks used his hands to place food on the buffet. That turned us off. There was a table set aside for the wait staff.  While sitting there, they were discussing contagious viruses and other sicknesses ­ overheard by the customers!  Dinner menu suggested it was more of a lunch menu. Don't think we will be going back for some time.
Q=2 S=1 V=2 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Jerry D. 7/07) Wow have things changed at this place. Based upon the previous two reviews I thought we had made a mistake but we did receive a good recommendation from a trusted critic that Italian Nite was good. We were not disappointed. The four of us ordered a different item from a somewhat limited menu: Egg Plant Parmesan with a side of Italian Sausage, Lasagna, Baked Stuffed Shells and Ravioli. The meals were served with a small garden salad and bread. All of the meals were well prepared and presented very nicely. The taste of each meal was incredible. All of us agreed that we would return. Italian night was Tuesday but is being changed to Wednesday. While we were dining there were just 5 other people in the restaurant and bar. If our meals reflect the changes they have made this is a jewel. Our waiter, Brian, was very attentive filling water glasses when needed and paying attention to all of the details (close but not overbearing).The décor was light and airy with palm ceiling fans circulating with a large sunlit atrium area. When the meal was over, we met Sandy the manager who came to the table and told us the future plans of having an Irish entertainment night. Dinner for two without drinks and tip was $24.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 1/08) Where can you go at 6 PM when the "snowflakes" are in town and you want to eat without waiting an hour? Well, Hacienda came to mind and we were right, only half the tables were in use. Cassie, our server was quick to greet us and got our order right. I had the Baked Cod with a salad. He had Chicken Marsala on Linguini with salad. Unfortunately it was "bag salad and Kraft dressing". My cod was originally frozen then rolled in Ritz Crackers. His chicken was a little more promising; many pieces of thin chicken with mushrooms. The good part was no wait; the bad part was pretty noisy even at half capacity. The wait staff had no dress code; we saw shorts, jeans, jackets, even sweats on the servers. Total with 1 wine and 1 soft drink was $36 before tax and tip. Nothing notable here. We'll try lunch; but not dinner again.
Q=2 S=2 V=2 Total=6 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Hacienda Hills Bar & Grill.

Havana Country Club,

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IHOP Restaurant (The Villages),

Write a review for IHOP Restaurant (The Villages).

Write a review for Johnny Rockets.

Review: (from Rich C. 6/07) Stopped in for a quick bite since the line at Too Jays was so long. We were seated immediately. I ordered the French Dip with a side of Cole Slaw and she ordered the Cobb Salad. Both were served promptly. The salad was fresh and the roast beef was not fatty. With soft drinks, our bill came to $21. Their menu has improved over the last year offering more selections. One major complaint: I never got my Cole Slaw and our waitress never checked back to see how we were doing until we were done with our meal. (Minus one point!)
Q=3 S=2 V=3 Total=8 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Katie Belle's Dining & Music Hall.

8455 SE 172 Legacy Ln., The Villages, FL. 753-1475. L/D. At the Nancy Lopez Country Club. Savor steaks from their oakwood grill. Specialty salads, seafood and pasta dishes are served. Rainbow Trout and Warm Lobster Salad are favorites. Entrées range from $7 to $28 each. Main dishes include Herb Crusted Chicken Breast ($15), Grilled Veal & Wild Mushroom Meatloaf ($16), Pork Chop ($17), Roast Duck ($19), Wild Tasmanian Salmon ($20), Rack of Lamb ($23), Filet Blanco y Negro ($24), Hawaiian Escolar Sea Bass ($25), and Bison Striploin ($25). Now specializing in "Harris Ranch" beef from California. A variety of Pasta dishes range from $15 to $19. Escargot and Lobster Bisque are popular here. End the meal with Profiterole au Chocolat ($6), Bananas Foster ($8) or Nancy's Pecan Pie ($6). Voted best restaurant in The Villages for a number of years. Frequent Diner Program available. The south dining area is less noisy. Very popular in winter. Occasional weekly specials in the off season. Small private room for parties. Private bus tours featuring dinner and a show recently being promoted. Full bar. Entertainment. Toby Williams, chef; Miguel Reyna, manager; John McDonough, owner here as well as the Oasis Bar & Grill (see below).

Review: (from Martin G. 4/07) Celebrated my wife's birthday with some close friends at The Legacy Country Club. Without question it's probably the best restaurant within the confines of The Villages. It can get a little noisy with the band playing and a lot of folks out for a night of partying but the dining experience is worth it. I had one of the specials, "Mexican Grouper", a nice sized piece of fish with a tasty pecan crust and mild white cream sauce accompanied with snow peas and garlic mashed potatoes. My wife had the Shrimp Jardinera over pasta with a tasty garlic cream sauce. We shared an appetizer, Lavosh (a flat bread), with melted Havarti cheese served with a garnish of guacamole and a tomato salsa. The servings were ample and the presentation was more than acceptable. Our server, George (from Jamaica), took care of us quite professionally. We arrived in time for happy hour ('till 7 PM) and our tab with drinks less tax & tip came to $67.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Steve L. 4/07) A great dining experience in the Villages. We started with a Berry Fusion Martini for the wife and an "Arnold Palmer" for me. Appetizers were a pair of Crab Cakes that were delicious and pan seared just perfectly. We had a dinner salad and a half Ceasar salad followed by Roast Duck cooked crispy to my wife's request. I had the Blackened Swordfish with sauteed spinach and baked potato. The fish was blackened the way I like it and the $19 price for the fish was well worth it. The duck was also $19. With the Crab Cakes at $8, the total cost of the meal with coffee was $68 for two. Dining at the Legacy is a good value. For those interested, for $20 per person, you may join their dining plan which gives you $20 back on your birthday. It also totals what you spend on an ongoing basis and rewards you with items as you attain higher levels. This is a great idea and our dining partners actually ate for free tonight. Our waitress was Niki and she was very professional as was the manager who changed our table when asked, without any hesitation.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rosemary G. 5/07) Probably our favorite dining venue in the Villages. We took my sister-in-law for dinner during her visit and were not disappointed. He had the Grouper as his entree. We ladies ordered the Pasta Jardinera and the Legacy Chop. As we have come to expect, the service, the presentation, the taste and size of the portions were all excellent. When we arrived we mentioned to our server that we had tickets for a show at the Savannah Center. At times, service can be a little slow on a Saturday evening, however our dinner arrived promptly and we were done in ample time to take in our show.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 7/07) Well, her birthday deserves the best, so we headed over to the Legacy. A "45 minute wait, sir" turned out to be only 15 minutes! Thomas was our server and we remember his laid back, homey and friendly approach. Turns out it was Lobster Tail Monday and although not printed on the menu, Thomas reminded us why it was crowded tonight. She started with Escargot ($7) that were good, I started with the Crab Cake ($8) which was very enjoyable. We both were in the mood for Lobster Tail, so she had the Twins and I had the Filet Combo ($21 either). Both dinners were excellent. With one glass of house wine, two coffees and a complimentary birthday cake (banana something), it really was a nice evening. I watched as the host or wait staff politely chatted with customers who had questions. This establishment knows how to run a restaurant. No wonder it's so popular. Dinner for two was $70. What a treat!
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Dan K. 1/08) I took clients here to lunch today. As always a wonderful experience, from William, our server, to the chef. Quality presentation, taste and service. The Mushroom Brie Soup was wonderful, as was the Lobster Bisque. We have never been disappointed here and have purchased their Frequent Diner Card. This gives exceptional rewards. Total bill for 4 was $39 before t&t. We think this restaurant provides exceptional value here in The Villages.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Lagacy Restaurant.

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Lighthouse Point Bar & Grill, 925 Lakeshore Dr., The Villages, FL. 753-7800. L/D. Mussels, Clams, King Crab, Snow Crab and Sandwiches are now featured. The Clam Chowder is popular here. Plenty of seafood is offered. Generally items are in the $7-$15 range. Occasional entertainment. Lake views. Deck seating available. Full bar. Attractive drink specials. Closed Sundays in summer. Freeda manages. Developer owned.

Review: (from Rosemary G. 2/07) Stopped in for an early dinner before a show. I had the Mackinac Island Salad Plate and it was quite nice. My husband had the Barge Tuna and it came out the way he wanted it, very rare. We have been very pleased with the food, service and ambiance every time we've eaten here.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Marlene C. 3/07) Have lunched here several times within the last few months. The soup is always served hot. Best Greek Salad anywhere because they use quality greens, not just iceberg, with right amount of feta, ham, and a flavorful dressing with a sprinkling of herbs for presentation. Homemade chips are a treat. Good burgers too.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 6/07) Haven't been here in ages. A lot more comfortable now that it's air conditioned. Staff seems friendlier too with the visible manager checking on things. I had a nice Cobb Salad (no chicken) at $7.49 and he had their medium-rare Burger on a pretzel shaped bun at $6.99 which came out a little over-cooked. 2-4-1 drink specials are a good deal. $21.50 total for the two of us.
Q=4 S=3 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 1/08) This was only our 2nd visit and each time for lunch. The food was fairly good with a decent choice of lunch meals. Each person in our party was pleasantly happy with their meal. The most outstanding feature was the service; Britt was our server on both visits and she was fantastic - great service, great personality and a definite plus for the restaurant. Ask for her when you go. Wish she worked at our most favorite restaurant in The Villages.
Q=3 S=5 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Pat M. 1/08) After previous pleasant experiences at The Lighthouse, we tried it again to see how things were going. We were very pleased with the reception upon entering. Our server, Britt, continued the pleasant experience by providing us with outstanding service. Her bubbly personality made for a really good evening. The meal was simple but very tasty and enjoyable. The drinks were very reasonably priced. The special soup, Roasted Red Pepper with Smoked Gouda, recommended by her, was extremely good. The meal, with drinks, was $30 and we consider that acceptable. We had a very nice chat with the Manager and informed her of our positive experiences with the restaurant.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 5/08) At 5:30 PM we had no problem getting a table for 4. Christian was polite, prompt and helpful. Our drinks and pre-entrée salads came out right away and I was surprised to see our entrées come out fast too. My Toasted Cuban Sandwich was great, my friend's Philly Cheese Steak was hot and delicious, he said and the ladies reported that their Cobb Salads were fine. All in all an very nice, quick meal. With two cocktails, an Iced Tea and two meals, the total was under $30 for two. We come back often because they have a wide selection of meals and the service has improved.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 7/08) We're really getting to like this place. The food is good and the servers are well trained and polite. I ordered an Iced Tea and a Cape Codder Cobb Salad. It was a large and enjoyable salad. He had a Gybe Gyro and said it was just as good as the ones we get in Tarpon Springs (Greek community). Lisa was pleasant and our food came out promptly. It was cool enough to sit on the deck for a change. $18 for the 2 meals with my tea is not bad.
Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Lighthouse Point Bar & Grill.

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Li'l Bits Café, Suite 403, 11962 CR 101, The Villages, FL. 391-9149. B/L. A breakfast & lunch café located in the Palm Ridge Plaza across from Crispers. Breakfast served all day. Such items as Eggs Benedict ($6.99), Breakfast Wrap ($4.99) and various Omelets ranging from $5.59 to $6.59 each are available any hour. Fried Chicken, Taco, Greek and Chef's Salads range from $6.49 to $7.49 each. Various Burgers and Wraps are $6.29 to $7.99. Sandwiches include Philly Cheese Steak ($6.99), Reuben ($5.99), Turkey Melt ($6.79), BLT ($5.49) and good-old Fried Bologna ($4.99) to name a few. No bar. Hours 6 AM to 2 PM daily. Winona Beattie owner.

Review: (from Colene M. 6/07) We went there after our neighborhood golf this morning for breakfast. The food was good, the price was OK but the service is VERY SLOW. We were there for 45 minutes before getting our food. Others were served before us that came in after us. Maybe it was because we had such a large party but I don't think so as my husband and I had been there before and it was slow then.
Q=4 S=1 V=3 Total=8 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 9/07) First time visit for us. We were seated promptly and the waitress, throughout the meal, was prompt and very courteous. My wife had some very good soup and a decent salad. I had the Mexican Omelet which was quite good. Meal came to $16 incl tax. Reviewed the menu and found it to be pretty good for breakfast and lunch. Overall, we were very pleased with food, price and service.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Li'l Bits Café.

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LongHorn Steakhouse, Village Crossroads Plaza, at 590 North H'way 27/441, Lady Lake, FL. L/D. Opened March 10th. Since this plaza is not golf cart accessible, this restaurant listing is located on page 2.

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Main Street Bistro, 1152 Main St., The Villages, FL. Restaurant has gone out of business unexpectedly. No new tenants have been announced yet.

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Mallory Hill Country Club, 1675 O'Dell Cir., The Villages, FL. 430-2359. L/D. Recently reopened after being rebuilt. Hearth Baked Pizza a specialty. Angus steaks and fresh seafood also on the menu. Fajitas are popular too. Same layout as Cane Garden but it's the sister establishment to Glenview Champions Country Club (see above). Breezeway dining available. Frequent entertainment or karaoke. Full bar. Happy hour 3-5 PM. Raymond Fredrick, Richard & Karen Perkins, owners.

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Margarita Republic (formerly Café Olé), 1102 Main St., The Villages, FL. 753-4660. L/D. Caribbean Grill. Cuban influenced meals specializing in fried shrimp, clams, scollops and burgers. Key West Conch Fritters, Barbados Fish Dip, Blackened Grouper, Taco Salad, Margarita Chicken Sandi, Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp & Scallops, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Kitchen Sink Salad and Islamorada Mahi Mahi are just some of the items offered. Most items $7 to $17 each. Weekly entertainment and karaoke too. Interesting backbar. Patio seating available. Full bar featuring a large selection of custom Margaritas. Ron and Sandy Averbeck, owners.

Review: (from Dennis C. 12/06) Horrible experience! Our friends, new in town, met us at this restaurant (their choice). They ordered and waited and waited for their food. It was late and the restaurant was NOT crowded. After 45 minutes we had to ask for the manager. Sandy Averbeck came by and we complained about the long wait for the meals. Turns out, the orders never got into the kitchen and the waitress never bothered to check even after we complained. Eventually the food showed up and Sandy appologized for the "new help". Dinner (not very good) was free (as it should be!) but our friends AND us will never come back.
Q=1 S=1 V=1 Total=3 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Wendell S. 10/07) Under the former ownership, my wife and I went there many times for lunch and I particularly liked a salad called "The Kitcken Sink". However, our most recent experience was terrible and it will be a long time before we go back. The service was poor, the quality was marginal at best and it was very noisy. When the food was brought to the table, it came a little at a time. The waitress never checked to see if everything was satisfactory and we had to ask for our check several times.
Q=2 S=1 V=1 Total=4 out of 15. Return=No.

Write a review for Margarita Republic.

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McCall's Tavern, 999 Alverez Ave., The Villages, FL. 750-9441. L/D. Recently reopened after kitchen refurbishment. Ribs and Texas style food are the mainstay. Meatloaf Platter a specialty. Noted for Wings and Beer. Full bar. New owners, Darrell & Larry Ducat.

Review: (from Dolores M. 8/08) Our dinner was the worst dinner we have had in The Villages. I ordered Liver & Onions and it was burnt and like a piece of shoe leather. The bacon was hard and you couldn't even cut it. The gravy on the mashed potatoes tasted like it was from a can and very salty. The okra was a frozen variety that was not even warm. Pot roast was very mushy. Friends with similar meals said everything was very salty. Would never even go back again.
Q=1 S=3 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.

Write a review for McCall's Tavern.

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Moe's Southwest Grill, 670 US 27/441, The Villages, FL. 430-3610. L/D. In The Rolling Acres Plaza. Mexican fare made to order. Noted for their Burritos. One of a growing nationwide chain of 800 locations based in Atlanta, GA. Kerensa Dio, manager.

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New China Buffet, (formerly the Empress Pavillion), 1104 Bichara Blvd., The Villages, FL. Recently changed its name to Beijing Garden Restaurant (see above).

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Oasis Bar & Grill, 8419 SE 172 Legacy Ln., The Villages, FL. B/L/D. At the Nancy Lopez Country Club Pool. "Two For One Chesseburgers" poolside on Friday nights while enjoying The Caribbean Chillers - Jimmy Buffett style music. Very popular for this type of food. Full bar. John McDonough of Legacy Restaurant (see above), owner.

Write a review for Oasis Bar & Grill.

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Olive Garden Italian Restaurant (The Villages), Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL. L/D. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily. A recent announcement shows the new location in the Buffalo Ridge Plaza facing CR 466 at Buffalo Trail. This popular chain serves up "Cucina Classica" recipes such as Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Linguine alla Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo and Capellini Pomodora. Also offered are Pork Filettino, Chianti Braised Short Ribs and a Mixed Grill as well as Venitian Apricot Chicken and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. Entrées range from $10 to $20 each. Bread Sticks are popular. Italian and traditional desserts are on the menu also. Nice selection of wine, beer and cocktails are available. This location may not open until 2009 or 2010. Another Olive Garden location is in Leesburg (see page 2). Originally developed by General Mills in 1982, over 600 locations operate as a division of Darden Restaurants of Orlando.

Write a review for Olive Garden Italian Restaurant (The Villages).

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Orange Blossom Hills Country Club, 1542 Watertower Cir., The Villages, FL. 753-5100. L/D. Sunday Breakfast Buffet 9 AM to 1:30 PM; otherwise open from 11 AM to 8:30 PM, daily. One of the oldest restaurants in The Villages. German, Italian and British dishes occasionally. Fish 'N Chips, All-You-Can-Eat Spare Ribs and a large Sunday Breakfast Buffet are popular offerings. Faithful following. Soon to be renovated. Full bar. Open Christmas Day. Charles ("Chip") Rice, owner.

Review: (from Martin G. 12/06) Our experience was terrible. We ordered the special which was all you can eat Ribs. The meat had no flavor, was chewy and loaded with fat. We did not eat it and we left. They asked if we would want anything else and we declined. The waitress was new and didn't know about their offer of wine in a carafe. It was altogether a not so nice experience.
Q=1 S=2 V=1 Total=4 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Dolores M. 4/08) Two in our party had the Ribs and two had the Shrimp. The Ribs were dry and tasteless and our friend's Shrimp were mostly bread coating and also had no flavor. The soup of the day was some type of Seafood Chowder which also was very bland and flavorless.
Q=1 S=3 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.

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Outback Steakhouse (The Villages), 710 US 27/441, The Villages, FL. 430-2590. D. In The Rolling Acres Plaza. Aussie style steakhouse provided by a large international franchise chain owned by privately held OSI Partners and based in Tampa, FL. Victoria's Crowned Filet topped with Bleu Cheese and Australian Lamb are favorites. Strips Steaks, Prime Minister's Prime Rib and a 20 oz. Porterhouse are also available. Shrimp Pasta and Alice Springs Chicken are offered for non-beef eaters. Finish the meal with Sydney's Sinful Sundae. The Bloomin' Onion made them famous. "No Rules - Just Right". Most entrées range from $12 to $24 each. Full bar. Attractive Happy Hour until 7 PM. Call ahead seating and call ahead take-out available. Opens at 4 PM. Pam Murphy, proprietor; Philip Leboeuf, manager.

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Palmer Legends Country Club, 1635 Palmer Way., The Villages, FL. 750-4499. L/D. Specializes in hand cut steaks, prime rib and fresh seafood. Fine dining atmosphere. Breezway dining available. Full bar. Developer owned.

Review: (from Rosemary G. 1/07) My husband and I ordered the Chateaubriand for 2 at $70 and we have never been so disappointed in a meal. We both have had it elsewhere and had something to compare it to and it didn't come close. The meat was as requested, medium-rare, but all the accompaniments were cold and around the table everyone (8 of us) said the same thing. The vegetables and potatoes were cool or cold. We told the waitress and they were very nice and brought out new veggies and potatoes but by then it was too little, too late. They should have been right the first time. This is not an inexpensive restaurant and we did not get the value we paid for.
Q=2 S=5 V=1 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Arline B. 1/07) I had Petite Filet and Shrimp. The filet was indeed petite. The food was good but cold. Everyone in our party of eight had cold side dishes. The waitstaff was very responsive but that should never have been served that way in a restaurant of that stature.
Q=2 S=4 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Frank M. 7/07) Not our favorite but we decided to give it another try. My Duck was fairly good and tasty, but should have been better. My wife's Rack of Lamb was very good. Our appetizers were Artichokes Francese (outstanding) and Caesar Salad (good). Dessert was the mile high chocolate cake and it was great! The bill was $65 without drinks and tip. Since it was an improvement, we will try it again but not often.
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

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Panera Bread Bakery & Cafe, 1181 Main St., The Villages, FL. 750-3909 B/L/D. Serving sandwiches, salads and soups as well as bakery items. Salads include Grilled Chicken Caesar, Fuji Apple Chicken, Asian Sesame Chicken and others. Hot Paninis like Turkey-Artichoke and Frontaga Chicken are also offered. Crispanis are a new pizza-like item. Soups include Broccoli Cheddar, French Onion and Baked Potato. No table service; no bar. Recent 1500 sf expansion now open. Free Wi-Fi. One of a growing number of about 1000 outlets in 37 states based in Richmond Heights, MO. Rebecca Pynn, general manager; Mark Mulbarger, director; Covelli Family, franchisees.

Review: (from Gordon M. 1/07) Like all Paneras, this one has outstanding baked goods, sandwiches, soups and salads. Great place for a quick breakfast, but get there early. They usually are open by 6:30 am. Unusual sandwiches and combos. Priced right.
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rosemary G. 3/07) We have yet to be disappointed for breadfast, brunch or lunch. We've been here several times and have always enjoyed the food. We wish they would build one in Sumter Landing.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Wendell S. 11/07) My wife and I have been here several times. We have always enjoyed their food at all of our visits, whether here or up north. However, we have asked for their flat bread (as in the picture) and we have yet to find it available at the Villages' Panera. We like their soups, particularly their Tomato Bisque but that is only available at certain times of the year. Their breads are excellent.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 1/08) Hard to beat this place for lunch. But it's always crowded. Sandwiches and soups are always enjoyable. Today I had their Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken. Nice fresh greens and a tasty dressing. Oh what crusty baguettes! $10 doesn't go far here however. Their Pick-Two is popular. To their credit, Mark is always sweeping up the floor here in this "crummy business".
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Write a review for Panera Bread (The Villages).

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Perkins Restaurant & Bakery (La Plaza Grande), 905 Bichara Blvd., The Villages, FL. 751-0197. B/L/D. Breakfast served all day. Noted for pancakes and egg dishes. Bakery items also available. Large American menu. Beer and wine available. One of a well known nationwide chain of 500 locations based in Memphis, TN. This one, corporate owned.

Review: (from Ellen H. 11/07) Some nights you just want to have breakfast! We were seated immediately as the restaurant was only half full. I ordered the Gingerbread Pancakes and he ordered the Teriyaki Salmon with Mashed. Mine were excellent. He enjoyed his fish too but neither of us wanted to taste the others. Can't imagine why. At the end they brought 3 complimentary samples of their pies (coconut custard, pumpkin and pecan). They were good but we were full. Jennifer was pleasant and efficient. $22 total with beverages before tip. Very reasonable. Now I want steak for breakfast tomorrow!
Q=3 S=4 V=5 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

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Perkins Restaurant & Bakery (Buffalo Ridge), 4110 Wedgewood Ln., in the Buffalo Ridge Shopping Center, The Villages, FL. 751-0492. B/L/D. Extended hours are 5 AM to 11 PM daily. This second location in front of WalMart on CR 466 opened to the public on October 15, 2007. Breakfast and bakery items available all day. Beer and wine available. One of a well known chain based in Memphis, TN. Corporate owned location. Bruce Petlock, manager.

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R. J. Gator's Florida Sea Grill & Bar, 1015 Lakeshore Dr., The Villages, FL. 751-6935. L/D. Log cabin atmosphere but Florida style cuisine with tropical drinks. Noted for Coconut Shrimp, Gator Tail and Gator Tail Ice Cream Pie. Family friendly. Lakeside dining available. One of a Florida chain of 20 locations, based in Jupiter, FL. Full bar. The local Graham family, owners.

Review: (from Jim C. 9/07) We recently went to R. J. Gators with six couples to watch the Rutgers game on TV. My wife and I hesitated about going to R. J.'s, since we had two bad experiences there in 2006 and have not been back. However, the place has changed, new management, staff and menu. The manager, Kevin set us up with three high top tables on the side with full view of two TVs. Rachel our server was excellent. All the food, appetizers, entrées, sandwiches were all delivered hot and delicious. R. J. Gator's is now back on our list to visit.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Mike M. 4/08) We were seated quickly and the waiter took our order fairly fast. We then waited for an hour to get our food. My wife and I each had a Chicken Salad and the chicken was so tough you could hardly chew it. Our guess was the chicken had set in the fryer basket for hours. Even the dressing seemed to be watered down and had hardly any taste at all. The almonds for the salad were not toasted, they were raw. We have had this salad before and enjoyed it. I think the bill was about $24 and no we did not talk to the manager. We will just not go back.
Q=1 S=3 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.

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Reagan's Sports Bar & Grill, 1004 Bichara Blvd., The Villages, FL. Recently closed its doors. It's now reopened as The Seafood Galley (see below).

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Red Lobster (The Villages),

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Review: (from Rich C. 1/07) We find ourselves eating here a lot. Probably because we like Spanish Springs' town square best. Ruby's now specializes in burgers and their Prime Burgers, although good, can get a little pricey. Today I had the 12 oz. Rib Eye and the better half had their great Salad Bar. Our friends had Mini Burgers and the Petite Sirloin. Everyone liked their meal. Jason, our waiter, was super. He kept checking on us frequently. I love that! Total for 4 dinners with two $5-off coupons was $39 plus a big tip. Two for one cocktails is a big draw here. [Hint: When the line is long, walk down to the bar and be comfortable in a nice booth which isn't controlled by the hostess.]
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 6/07) Tonight he had the Jumbo Crab Cake Sandwich with Fries ($10.99), which he really enjoyed and I had my usual (Salad Bar $7.99). With an Iced Tea and a generous 2-for-1 Chardonnay, the bill was $29 plus tip. Easy walk from the town square, so we go here often. Candice was a new server and we enjoyed her friendliness and promptness in taking care of us.
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David G. 4/08) The Triple Prime Burgers are about as good as can be gotten. Cooked properly, juicy and very tasty. Our fries were ordered no seasoning and were served that way. Our waiter, Dale, was wonderful.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

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Review: (from Rich C. 6/08) With a coupon for 2 FREE wines, how can you pass that up? On a Wednesday evening at 7 PM there were very few in the restaurant. A nice comfortable booth let us have good private conversation about next years vacation plans. The decor was large slate squares over white bathroom tile (who picked that?). She had the Citrus-Balsamic Mahi Filet with 4 Coconut Shrimp ($14) while I had the (7) Coconut Shrimp Dinner ($16). They come with two sides but not a house salad. She had the Stir-Fry Veggies and Sliced Tomatoes with Italian Dressing. I ordered Twice Baked Potato and the same Tomatoes. Nothing special about the sides. We also opted for one Tangerine Key Lime Pie Slice ($4) to be shared. The service by "Beau" was very friendly and the food came out in a FLASH. Her Mahi was (surprisingly) a little spicy but acceptable. My shrimp were a bit bland but the sauce made up for it. The orange colored pie was interesting. The coupon saved us $8. We enjoyed Beau's enthusiasm and he checked on us often. They had a Surf and Turf Special at $36 for the big spenders. Our total was $34 for two before t&t. We'll try it again mainly because it was quiet and the service was above average for The Villages, if you know what I mean!
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

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Write a review for Shanghai China Buffet (Southern Trace).

Review: (from Colene M. 7/07) My husband and I stopped in for dinner. I had the Ladna Noodles with Pork and my husband had the Yellow Curry Chicken. Both meals came with rice (as much as you wanted). We both were served a small salad even before ordering which was very good. The restaurant used to be a Dairy Queen and the tables were in the same place as before, the kitchen was in the same place and they just put table cloths on the tables so the atmosphere wasn't all that great but the food was very good, our service was good although we noticed some other people having problems getting all their meals at the same time. The price was very good too. All in all, we were pleased. We only had water to drink and our bill was only $20 for both of us! Plenty of food, good flavor and good service, not so good atmosphere.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Robert A. 10/07) A Thai restaurant with a drive thru? How good could it be? Turns out to be very pleasant and reasonable also. Seems they were voted the best Thai restaurant in Orlando before moving here. Open only 4 months now, with nice decor, soft music, good service and a wide variety of dishes in mild, medium, spicy and don't even ask temperature ranges. Lots of entrées from $7-10. We had a beef salad and pork with cashews, snow peas and other veggies. Lots of rice too. Your water glass is never empty. With no beer, wine or dessert, you can expect a bill of about $20, before tip.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Howard H.. 2/08) We chose this restaurant as one of our monthly Gourmet Club trips. We were very satisfied with the choice. They offered a wide selection of seafood and