Gary's Oyster Bar & Seafood House — Restaurant in Lake Alfred

We recently moved to Lakeland, Fl and were looking for a sit-down restaurant that serves raw oysters. Thanks to a local restaurant and food review site (Polk County Restaurants & Reviews) Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House in Lake Alfred, Fl was highly recommended. We went on a Friday night at 5:00 to avoid the dinner rush and were seated immediately by a warm and welcoming hostess. (Sorry, we forgot her name). WOW! This place is fantastic! We requested to be served by Hanna per a recommendation. Hanna came and greeted us like we were the most important people there. Ordered cocktails (Tito’s Vodka & Tonic Tall) and she brought them out promptly. Although a little unusual, served in a tall Styrofoam cup. Not a problem, just prefer glass. We asked about the raw oysters, and she gave us a few suggestions. She was spot on! We ordered a dozen which were perfect size, brine and sweetness. For the main course, we ordered the broiled seafood sampler to share. Snow Crab Legs, Steamed Shrimp, Gulf Flounder, Sauteed Scallops with salad and a substitute of their onion rings for the baked potato. All were done to perfection. Especially the scallops, which most places can’t seem to get right. Prior to our main course coming out, we were visited by Drew, who is one of the owners. He welcomed us and made sure if we needed anything, to just ask. After the great meal, Hanna suggested the Key Lime Pie. At this point we were stuffed and could not eat another thing even though Key Lime Pie is my favorite. Before leaving, Drew gave us a nice send off. We now know why they’ve been in business for 44 years. Great food and excellent service which is hard to find these days. Thank you, Hanna, Drew and our hostess for a wonderful evening. We will be returning frequently and bringing our friends...

A very popular family owned/operated business for many successful years. Staff is very friendly. Every customer feels welcome and right at home. Full serve bar, with a large selection of beer, wine, liquor, and Gary's signature drinks. The menu includes a variety of choices of steak, seafood, and freshwater meals. All the food is fresh and made to order with perfection. Oysters are quite popular. It's amazing to watch them come out of the kitchen prepared full shell, then shucked behind the oyster bar, plated half shell, and placed before you, ready to eat with dipping sauce/butter. The great food and friendly atmosphere keeps the restaurant busy at all times. Every table and bar stool full, and a line of customers inside and outside the building waiting for a place to become available. Returning customers know how great it is and new customers have heard about it. They're all willing to wait as long as it takes to get a seat. And it is worth the wait. The only complaint Ive ever heard is that the restaurant is so crowded, the isles to the tables/bar can be narrow and congested at times. It can be difficult to get to where you're going. With staff and customers walking around, you have to watch your step and occasionally wait for them to pass so you are able to get to your seat. Food, drinks, staff, and prices definitely 5 stars. Wait time to be seated and space, 4 stars. But it's...

Great oysters, as always!! Best margaritas in the area!! Happy, friendly, caring staff!! Some new items on the menu like blackened catfish with cheese grits. I'm trying that next time!! Very laid back, casual atmosphere, somewhere you can just relax and enjoy!!

I've been debating on whether or not to add this new review from my latest visit on Monday, 10/28! I was very disappointed & hoping it was just an off night but you cannot fix something if you don't know it's broken! Normally this time of year they are very busy no matter what night of the week it is...there were very few people. We parked right in front! Has Gary's changed ownership or management? This was NOT the usual dining experience at all!!!?? Been going there for decades! Did not recognize anyone, greeter was perky & funny but waitress not so much. Oysters not as fresh or as tasty nor sitting in much ice if at all. Definitely not fresh shucked as she was back with the tray really really fast. If I had realized you only get fresh at the bar-would not have sat at extremely rocky table. Margaritas not the same at all either! We were hit with a "Customer Service Charge" on top of bill, when asked about it, was told anyone paying with plastic gets charged now, whether debit or credit!! Fried green tomatoes were great!!! Not much else was I'm very sad to say!! May...