Gary's Oyster Bar & Seafood House

We had a great meal here a few Sundays ago. The raw oysters were some of the best we've tasted in the area... Nice and briney! They were shucked and served to us right on the bar, and our server/shucker was extremely helpful letting us sample one of each variety before locking in to our total number (we ended up getting half and half because both were excellent). We also had the gator appetizer, which was ok, as well as the fried mushrooms which were pretty good. The standout appetizer was the conch fritters. We also got the gumbo and clam chowder, both of which were great. We loved Gary's and will definitely be back!

It was amazing food and excellent service. Carla served me and she was a happy little hostess which made me feel right at home. I had a cocktail called leg spreader which all I needed was 1 but ordered 2, it was so good, then I had lobster bites for appetizer, They are now my favorite thing to eat in this world. You must try them. For my entree, I got fried clam strips, baked potatoes and broccoli.. That was also delicious and even better the next day. It was a lot of good for a good price. I give it 6 stars

All I have is wonderful things to say about Gary’s. In fact, it’s our tradition that every time we come to Florida, we always come out at least one night to spend it eating the best Oysters EVER!! And super delicious Gator! We usually spend between $300 to $500 easily but let me tell you it is 100% worth it! Not only will you enjoy such delicious food, but the people, the staff and owners are wonderful! I’ll keep coming here and keeping the tradition.

What can I say? The catfish is excellent, and the oysters we saw being eaten at various tables looked so appetizing! Not a single complaint did we hear from anyone. Our entire meal was delivered exactly as requested by a wonderful waitress. The decor is reminiscent of so many taverns you will encounter near the waterfront in southern states, although this particular place isn't on the water. If you're interested in good seafood, and not looking to dine in lush surroundings, you'll love Gary's. The prices are very reasonable!

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 and relatives.

Gary's is so delicious! And the staff were so attentive and friendly! We went at 8pm on a Friday night and sat right away. You have got to try their chargrilled oysters! We got half parmesan bacon & half jalapeño bacon Oh! My! Goodness!! Soooooo good! We ordered the blackened prime rib and blackened grouper and they were both cooked to perfection! The prime rib had a delicious rub on it and the meat was so tender & juicy. The grouper also had a delicious flavor and the fish was beautifully cooked. It was perfectly flaky & not overcooked which is easy to do to fish. The baked potatoes and hush puppies were yummy as well! And then I got Gary's signature Strawberry 🍓 Rum Runner and it was so good!!! Def will be coming back!

Tried alligator appetizer.. it was delicious.
Fried green tomatoes were off the charts. Never tried fried lobster before and glad I did at Gary's.
I am already planning on bringing my sister and her husband here next time they visit.
The first time we came was about 10 years ago for our anniversary. This was also an anniversary meal. So delicious!
We will be back again.

Best oysters I've had in years. Fresh, briny and beautifully shucked. Fried entrées are great, but I want more than two hush puppies. Cole slaw is nicely tangy to offset all that fried stuff. My one complaint is that they need more seafood sandwiches like fried clam rolls, and at a decent price. If get a dozen oysters (and I usually do), I don't want a bog entrée.

The BEST! Raw, char-grilled, or steamed oysters, the best in central Florida. Friendly staff, cold beer, great food, and you’re only a stranger once.

Amazing place , my son and I loved that place 🦪🦪🦪🦪

Great food, friendly staff. Well worth the wait, excellent as always. We always go there is we are in the area.

Best seafood I’ve had in my decade of visiting this part of Florida. The drinks were strong and delicious. The oysters were great. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal.

First time at Gary's, but it will not be the last. The food and atmosphere was great and the service was outstanding! Keep up the great work.

Wow, the food here is amazing. We started with raw oysters dipped in "dirty butter" along with gator tail. Such a unique and hard to find hometown feel. For dinner we had shrimp scampi and scallops and king crab legs. Everything was simply amazing. We dipped everything in that "dirty butter". Andrew and Dave took excellent care of us and we will return often.

Four of us enjoyed our time immensely at Gary's. We were looking forward to oysters on the half shell and Gary's did not disappoint. Sampled many of the favorites including steamed oysters, gator bites and steamed oysters with jalapeños and cheese (very decadent) on top of the raw oysters. Thoroughly enjoyed Dave's humor while he shucked and served drinks. If going with a date...don't miss the infamouse "leg spreader" cocktail!

best restaurant i have ever been to. the wait or definitely make or break your experience when dining out, and our waitress, Jennifer, definitely made it. she was just so sweet, personable, and made me and my family feel informed, comfortable, and excited about our food.

the owner, Gary, is also a very nice guy. As we were eating, he was walking around, chatting with people and making everyone feel welcome.

not only is the atmosphere good, the food is absolutely delicious for such a decent price. From my appetizer, the smoked tuna dip with homemade deep fried wanton chips to my dinner of flounder fillet to my desert of silk chocolate pie, everything hit just the right spot.

so overall, whether you’re a local or tourist, this restaurant is the right place for you

Im from out town and found this place on google. The food and very good and the staff is all very friendly.

We just left the place and Amanda was our server. She was so sweet and kind. We will surely be back because of her warm spirit.

This place is a must for oysters 😋... but be patient they are busy ,but you won't be disappointed. Have a drink while you wait .

Drove over an hour to check this place out, it was well worth the drive! A few friends and I sat at the oyster bar and enjoyed some of the biggest oysters I have had in awhile. I recommend you get there early to avoid waiting and ask for the "dirty butter" if you are having the Fried Lobster or Oysters. I now know why this place has been open for over 35 years.