15 best fried alligator spots in Florida ranked

WKN/OKRA DATE: 01/03/04 NEG#: 163393 PHOTOGRAPHER: Len Spoden/F - Source: Getty
A sea-food spread with fried alligator (Image via Getty)

15 best-fried alligator spots in Florida ranked

A seafood spread (Image via Getty)
A seafood spread (Image via Getty)

Fried alligator is a popular seafood delicacy in the United States of America, mostly relished in the southern states. Known for its high protein content, low fats, and distinguished mild flavors, it is a popular ingredient in Cajun cuisine. Many diners prefer having exotic meats and therefore enjoy having fried alligators. Here, we have a list of best-fried alligators to guide you!

15. Lombardi's

Lombardi's Seafood market (Image via Instagram/@lombardis_seafood)
Lombardi's Seafood market (Image via Instagram/@lombardis_seafood)

Well! This is more of a sea-food market than a proper restaurant or eatery. Apart from getting various fresh and frozen sea-food meat, you can pay for a table and have delicious sea-food dishes including fried alligators, clams, and more. The alligator is hand-battered and fried. You can also try some delicious key-lime pie.

14. Landry's Seafood

Landry's Seafood (Image via Instagram/@landrysseafoodhouse)
Landry's Seafood (Image via Instagram/@landrysseafoodhouse)

Just a few miles away from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, this casual yet elegant seafood place is where you can taste some succulent fried alligator. This seafood chain has many locations and serves some of the most delicious sea-food dishes like seafood pasta, crab stuffed mahi mahi, and black fish tacos.

13. The Juicy Crab, Orlando

The Juicy Crab in Orlando (Image via thejuicycrab.com)
The Juicy Crab in Orlando (Image via thejuicycrab.com)

This restaurant serves some of the best Cajun sea-food dishes. Relish their perfectly-seasoned fried alligator which is coated in a flavorful batter and is loved by locals. Try their fried foods and sea-food options like fish nuggets, crab legs, and crawfish. Locals also appreciate the service here according to reviews.

12. Bar Harbor Seafood

A seafood platter (Image via barharborseafood.com)
A seafood platter (Image via barharborseafood.com)

This is a straight-up market where you can have a good time with friends and families while shopping. Relish their scrumptious fried alligator which is served with a delicious sauce on the side. The menu includes pasta, smoked Wagyu pastrami, shrimp dishes, chateau filet, and more.

11. The Catfish Place

Fried Alligator (Image via Getty)
Fried Alligator (Image via Getty)

Situated in Forest Avenue across from City Hall in Orlando, this is a traditional family-friendly restaurant. Featuring basic square tables and chairs with country vibes, they have been serving delicious fried alligator which is cooked to perfection and the quantity here will surprise you (in a good way) for around 50 years.

10. Everglades Restaurant

Everglades Restaurant is at Rosen Hotel (Image via Instagram/@rosenhotels)
Everglades Restaurant is at Rosen Hotel (Image via Instagram/@rosenhotels)

If you are looking for a modern restaurant to taste authentic Southern dishes, this is the right place. You will find fine sea-food dishes and steaks. Their Alligator Bay Chowder is one of the best alligator dishes that you will ever have. Apart from that, relish their crab cakes, rock shrimp, Florida grouper, buffalo, and duck.

9. High-tide Harry's Restaurant

High Tide Harry's (Image via Instagram/@hightideharrys)
High Tide Harry's (Image via Instagram/@hightideharrys)

This is an independent family-owned restaurant around 2 km away from Orlando. With many accolades and awards to their name, they have been serving delicious fried alligators for almost 30 years! The ambiance here is appreciated by locals and the service is also friendly.

8. Gator's Dockside

Gator's Dockside (Image via Instagram/@gators_dockside_restaurants)
Gator's Dockside (Image via Instagram/@gators_dockside_restaurants)

This is a family-friendly sports-themed restaurant which is popular for its great service and family-friendly atmosphere. Their alligator bites are soft and tender and are served with a sauce on the side. You can enjoy a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads here.

7. TJ's Seafood shack

TJ's Seafood Shack (Image via Instagram/@tjsseafoodshack)
TJ's Seafood Shack (Image via Instagram/@tjsseafoodshack)

Located in Oveido, TJ's has been serving delicious sea-food since 2008. It is owned by Mary and Tim. The fried alligator is served hot and will not poke a hole in your pocket. The dishes served at this tiny restaurant will win you over. According to reviews, people also enjoy their fish platters.

6. Chef Art Smith's Homecomin

Homecomin restaurant (Image via Instagram/@homecominfl)
Homecomin restaurant (Image via Instagram/@homecominfl)

This is a family-themed restaurant that offers farm-to-table experiences. The fried alligator bites are huge in size and crunchy. Combine these tasty alligator bites with a handcrafted cocktail in front of a beautiful backdrop. Chef Art Smith pays tribute to his Florida origins by way of his dishes.

5. Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Cafe Tu Tu Tango (Image via Instagram/@cafe_tu_tu_tango)
Cafe Tu Tu Tango (Image via Instagram/@cafe_tu_tu_tango)

Cafe Tu Tu Tango has been serving Florida classics for around 30 years now. Enjoy a backdrop of music live and some scrumptious dishes. Relish the succulent fried alligator here which is served with spicy mayo. Wash it down with a flavorful cocktail. The service here will also not disappoint you.

4. Voodoo Bayou

It's pop and bougie at Voodoo's (Image via Instagram/@voodoo_bayou)
It's pop and bougie at Voodoo's (Image via Instagram/@voodoo_bayou)

This gothic Southern restaurant serves some delicious Cajun delicacies. The presentation and taste of the fried alligator here, which is crispy and delicious, will win you over. You will find that their fried alligator has that 'New Orleans flavor'. Wash them down with their exotic collection of alcohol and cocktails.

3. Tibby's

The vibe is lit at Tibby's (Image via Instagram/@eatattibbys)
The vibe is lit at Tibby's (Image via Instagram/@eatattibbys)

Let me put it like this--Tibby's New Orleans has character, both in its decor and its food. The restaurant pays tribute to its culture and roots through ways of art, food, and heritage. The fried alligator is one of the most loved dishes at this eatery. Alligator is also served here in gumbo.

2. Mad Crab Seafood

The Mad Crab (Image via Instagram/@themadcrabstl)
The Mad Crab (Image via Instagram/@themadcrabstl)

One of the best sea-food spots in Orleans, Mad Crab Sea-food serves delicious Cajun-style sea-food boils. You can dine-in or takeout here. The fried alligator served here is fresh and is well spiced. The crab legs here are also enjoyed by locals according to reviews.

1.Jolly gator fish camp

The Jolly Gator restaurant (Image via Facebook/@thejollygator)
The Jolly Gator restaurant (Image via Facebook/@thejollygator)

Located right off a boat ramp, this tiny eatery is hands down the best place to relish fried alligators. The fried alligators here are the best in town and are served piping hot. They also have live music and along with a country-side feel. For dessert, you try to combine your fried alligators here with key lime pie.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh