Restaurant: Nav-A-Gator, Lake Suzy, FL

Tucked away from the Snowbird and Tourist spotlight is a little piece of “Old Florida” known as the Nav-A-Gator Bar and Restaurant. It seems as if it might be almost just the way it was when it opened in the 50s. The walls and property are littered with eclectic memorabilia and what some may call junk, but it creates an atmosphere of a place that time forgot.

Located on its own Peninsula jutting out to a cut of the Peace River it only adds to its feel of seclusion. We arrived by boat and tied up to one of their many slips. The building intentionally looks like it was built by hand with spare wood they found lying around. Tall dense trees with long thick strands of spanish moss hanging from there sprawling branches. There is outdoor seating and indoor. The indoor seating is somewhat limited but makes for a intimate setting among the locals that frequent this joint. The outdoor is where its at for me. Little shanty-like buildings surround the outdoor dining that are used for gift shops, bars and even a “museum”.

While there, the “Swamp Donkeys” band was entertaining the crowd with its rockabilly style of music that could not be more perfectly suited for this establishment. It made for a lively and fun time for all.

The food is really good for what it is. I would describe it as a cross between southern comfort fried foods and fresh seafood. I had coconut shrimp, Sharon had a grouper reuben, and we all shared some fried mushrooms. All of which were a step above average. However since we were eating outside and the weather was great, the food tasted even better!

If you want somewhere off-the-beaten-path with a ton of character, the Nav-A-Gator is your place.
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