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Welcome to Shady Oak Restaurant

At Shady Oak Restaurant, nestled along the picturesque river in DeLand, Florida, tradition meets flavor. Established in 1954, this gem serves Southern comfort and seafood dishes that capture the essence of Old Florida. The cozy, rustic ambiance welcomes diners with warm hospitality. Signature offerings like the Gator Burger, crispy Fried Green Tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned Gator Bites showcase local flavors, while the stunning riverside view enhances every meal. With affordable prices, a commitment to quality, and a menu brimming with deliciousness, Shady Oak ensures an authentic dining experience that locals and travelers cherish alike. Visit for a taste of Florida’s culinary heart.

Shady Oak Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

James F.
James F.

If you're looking for a taste of Old Florida, Shady Oak Restaurant is the place to be! Nestled right along the river, this no-frills spot has been serving up Southern comfort since 1954, and let me tell you--it's worth the visit. Now, don't let the rustic, timeworn ambiance fool you. It's all part of the charm! The warm hospitality, wallet-friendly prices, and downright delicious food make this a must-stop for locals and travelers alike. We indulged in a feast of true Florida flavors, starting with crispy Fried Green Tomatoes, perfectly seasoned Gator Bites, tender Frog Legs, and flavorful Conch Fritters. Each bite had us nodding in approval, but the real star of the meal? The Gator Burger--a juicy half-pound blend of gator and pork, topped with lettuce, tomato, and their signature spicy cream sauce. Served with golden Hush Puppies, it was absolute perfection. For seafood lovers, the Fried Ponga (whitefish) was light, flaky, and cooked just right. And just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite, we made room for dessert--the Apple Blossom, a warm, sweet treat that wrapped up the meal beautifully. Shady Oak Restaurant truly captures the heart of Florida dining--simple, delicious, and served with a smile. Their slogan says, "What happens at the river, stays at the river," but I'll be telling everyone about this place! Open seven days a week, so no excuses--go treat yourself! Shady Oak Restaurant 2984 Old New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32720 (386) 734-9715 #ShadyOakRestaurant #DeLandFL #FloridaEats #SouthernFood #OldFlorida #SeafoodLovers #GatorBites #FriedGreenTomatoes #GatorBurger #FoodieAdventures #HiddenGem #SouthernCharm #FoodieTravel #SupportLocal #FloridaDining #RusticEats #MustTryFood #FloridaFoodies

Susan H.
Susan H.

Always love their burgers. And the hush puppies are the best!! Great with a Miller Light on tap!

Lyn C.
Lyn C.

Catfish fingerlings and fries with sweet tea! The dock is great to sit on and watch the boars go by.

F D.
F D.

Food is priced right and is good. The view is nice. Chicken wings are very good. It is a nice place for a casual lunch or breakfast.

Angela B.
Angela B.

My boyfriend and my boys went and got food ordered from Shady Oak Restaurant. They had really good service and awesome workers there. There food is really good also and you get a good portion of the food. I would recommend it.

Sherry W.
Sherry W.

These folks do a good job, they offer quality food made in a tiny kitchen with limited staff. If you come here do so with a big thirst and a lot of patience. Your food will arrive eventually, in the meanwhile relax and watch the boats going by. Oh and try the catfish!

Brian M.
Brian M.

Great food and service waterside on the St John's River. $6 beers and $8 sandwiches that taste great? If that sounds good and you love relaxing while the water flows by, this is your place!

Delilah B.
Delilah B.

Adorable homestyle restaurant on the river. We went at the night before Thanksgiving so the were not busy at all. The jute box makes for personalized ambiance. The food was so so good, I had fried white fish and fries, my hunny had scallops and shrimp, bacon wrapped in a skewer. The only words that make sense are OMG delicious. Highly recommend and we will be going back next time we make it to the area.

Location

Welcome to Shady Oak Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the river in DeLand, Florida. Established in 1954, this charming eatery offers a delightful taste of Old Florida, capturing the essence of Southern comfort food in a rustic and welcoming atmosphere.

As you enter, don’t let the timeworn ambiance fool you. It's all part of Shady Oak's vintage charm that makes it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant's dedication to warm hospitality, along with its wallet-friendly prices, invites you to enjoy a hearty meal any day of the week.

  • Location: 2984 New York Ave W, DeLand, FL 32720
  • Phone: (386) 734-9715
  • Utilities: Takeout, Reservations, Delivery, Credit Cards, Outdoor Seating, Good for Groups, Kids Friendly, Wi-Fi, and Bike Parking

Shady Oak’s menu is a celebration of seafood and Southern fare, showcasing mouthwatering choices that are sure to satisfy any craving. Start your culinary journey with the delicious Fried Green Tomatoes or the crispy Gator Bites. For those seeking something adventurous, don’t miss the Gator Burger, a half-pound blend of gator and pork, topped with their signature spicy cream sauce and paired with golden hush puppies—simply irresistible!

Seafood lovers will rejoice at the delectable Fried Ponga, which is light and flaky, cooked to perfection. The crispy Catfish Basket and flavorful Crab Cakes also shine as standout options on the menu. And let’s not forget dessert! The warm Apple Blossom is the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

Experience the soul of Florida dining at Shady Oak Restaurant, where simple, delicious dishes are served with genuine smiles. Whether you’re coming for a casual lunch or a leisurely dinner, this restaurant delivers a vibe that lingers long after the meal is over. It's no wonder that patrons like James F. and others recommend it highly.

Open seven days a week, Shady Oak invites you to come and savor true Florida flavors in a vibrant setting by the river. As their slogan suggests, “What happens at the river, stays at the river,” but don't worry—this is a culinary paradise worth sharing!

Join the food adventure at Shady Oak Restaurant today!