If you are looking for a restaurant that has an old Florida feel you should check out the Bayport Inn. They offer a large menu, beer, wine, and a full bar as well. They also rent rooms in a separate building behind the restaurant which is why they call themselves the Bayport Inn.
There is an outside tiki deck which allows smoking. The restaurant features live music on the deck Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if weather permits. The tiki deck has beautiful views of the salt marsh and canal leading to Pine Island. They also have an alligator named Kitty that frequently hangs out near by.
They have two separate dining rooms. The one that is closer to the Tiki Deck has a large bar and many tables. The other dining room also has a large number of tables. They can handle big groups although they request reservations for parties of 8 or more.
We ordered the New England clam chowder, gator tail entree, broiled shrimp dinner, and a margarita. The gator tail was cut into bite sized pieces, deep fried, breaded and tasted very much like chicken. It came with your choice of side. The broiled shrimp entree was well seasoned. It also came with a side. The New England Clam Chowder had a lemon kick to it and there were plenty of clams. Although it was not as thick as I prefer. The margarita was two for one on the evening we visited the establishment.
The Bayport Inn Located on 50 at the turn off to Pine Island. The address is 4835 Cortez Boulevard Weeki Wachee, FL if want to add it in your GPS.
You can find out more on their web site http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/ or look them up on facebook. You can also call them at 352-596-1088.
