SPARKYS PLACE

SPARKYS PLACE is on the mend. The grade is a B (84/100), yet the trajectory across its recent inspections points up.

It currently ranks safer than 41% of Lake County restaurants we grade. The most recent report (May 1, 2026) still cited 1 high-priority and 8 basic violations, so there's room to climb. Diner rating: 4.6 from 2,169 reviews. Menus here flag options for vegan and vegetarian diners.

Trend: improving · B (84/100) · safer than 41% of Lake County restaurants we grade

Get directions Call (352) 759-3551

Restaurant details

Health grade
B (84/100)
Violations
9 total — 1 high-priority, 8 basic
Address
24646 SR 40, Astor, FL
Cuisine
Other
Categories
Restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.6 stars (2169 reviews)
Seats
52
Phone
(352) 759-3551
Website
Official website
Photo of SPARKYS PLACE
Photo: Marlene Viola

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.6 Community-sourced rating 2,169 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

One subject runs through these 22 reviews more than any other: front-of-house. Reviewers who mention the staff rate this place 4.9 on average — it is working in the restaurant’s favour. After that, plate size appears most often — 45% of the corpus, averaging 4.9.

Behind those, pacing is raised in 32% of reviews (5.0 average). More reviewers landed on 5 stars than any other score — 21 of 22. The split is 22 positive to 0 negative across 22 rated reviews.

On the health side, the most recent DBPR inspection returned a B (84/100) with 1 high-priority and 8 basic violations — middling, much like the reviews. That result dates from May 1, 2026. Across its inspection history the kitchen is improving, which argues for giving it the benefit of the doubt. On health score it sits safer than 41% of the Lake County restaurants we grade. What the inspector actually wrote up: handwashing.

Both measures agree, which is the least complicated version of this page. Full reviews follow below in the order they were left.

Our own analysis of 22 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 30, 2026

    This is a hometown place. Been here for 20 years. Times are tough, go check them out! You don't want to lose this place. Everything is cooked when you order, so there's a little wait time, so plan to come and relax. It's worth the wait! SO GOOD!

  • June 29, 2026

    Excellent food and large portions! Very clean and cool decor. I'm not a local and have passed this place several times while I was in the area working, it never seemed like there were that many people there but I failed to realize how small the place actually is and that shouldn't take away from how amazing it is! I recommend the Ruben sandwich and I hope to make it there for breakfast one of the days I'm here in town. Five stars, the best reuben sandwich I've had in a long time!

  • June 28, 2026

    What a gem! This tiny little diner was our oasis after 7 hours of kayaking! We tried their pizza, stromboli, and the burger. All were fantastic! Huge portions for a very reasonable price, and the service was great too!

  • June 22, 2026

    The atmosphere is adorable The staff is friendly and the food in general is amazing. It's a tiny bit pricey but not out of range, definitely worth it.

  • June 21, 2026

    Fantastic food & service. We can’t wait to visit again!

  • June 20, 2026

    Good every time nice waiters

  • June 19, 2026

    Food was excellent and service was prompt.Best reuben sandwich w/ homemade fries I've had in awhile.Would recommend.

  • June 14, 2026

    If you like little hole in the wall local places, this one is for you! It's small and the waitstaff know most of the patrons by name. The food was sooo good! I got the fried fish sandwich and it was both plentiful and fresh. If you are thinking about the onion straws that they chop themselves, batter and fry... the answer is Yes, Yes, Oh Yes! My husband got the fried chicken open faced swamp sandwich. It came smothered in cheese, fries and a delicious spicy sauce. Huge portion. Everyone was super friendly and came around often to check on us. Food came out fast. I just can't complain!

  • June 12, 2026

    Stopped in for breakfast and had an amazing experience. Food was excellent, quick and well proportioned. Service was on point. Will definitely be back next time im through this area.

  • June 11, 2026

    Great pizza!

  • June 5, 2026

    Small, family owned dining. They have an extensive menu and the food is so delicious-- no matter what you order. Make a stop here as part of your fishing or boating trip!

  • June 1, 2026

    If u want a sweet little mom and pop resteraunt this is it food is amazing and they have everythibg. staff is fabulous and friendly prompt service clean and cool. We will be back weekly for now on thank you

  • May 25, 2026

    Stopped in for lunch and it was packed. Lots of typical american fare on the menu. The swamp pizza was really quite good for a non traditional style pizza. Pizza comes in 3 sizes Small 10", Medium, or Large. Looks can be deceiving because the outside this place appears a bit dated but the food is good and worth a visit. Reasonable pricing and plenty of parking spots available off to the side.

  • May 25, 2026

    So good. We ordered a bunch of appetizers, and everything came out hot, fresh, and delicious, which is saying a lot since we got everything to go and ate in the car. The crab bites were amazing, the corn fritters were sweet and really good, and the mozzarella sticks had an unreal cheese pull. The onion straws were tasty too, just a little salty, but still good. The fried shrimp portion was huge, and the shrimp were big, crispy, and cooked perfectly. We also got a cheese pizza, and it was honestly fire. The crust was seasoned and so good that even our toddler ate it, which literally never happens. Everything was flavorful, portions were great, and we would absolutely go back. Highly recommend Sparky’s if you’re in the Astor area.

  • May 18, 2026

    Everything was fantastic. The food was awesome. The portions were large.

  • May 14, 2026

    Atmosphere and Staff were Absolutely Fantastic!!! The amount of food for the money is great. The food is homemade and amazing! Everything came perfectly hot and delicious and we will always go back and have a great meal and time. Thank you again Sparkys for making our anniversary Fantastic!!! Crystal is the Best😃

  • May 6, 2026

    I happened to be working in Archer and was early for an appointment so I decided to stop at Sparky's for a bite of breakfast. I love the atmosphere of the place. Very Florida coastal vibe. My server was very quick too attend to me and was able to take my order promptly. I ordered a breakfast burrito with sausage and was very surprised not only at the size of the burrito that also the quality. One of the best breakfast burritos I've ever eaten! Next time I am in Archer area I will definitely be stopping by Sparky's again for another bite of their delicious food. Probably will be looking at getting lunch next time. I would highly recommend that anyone stop by and give it a try! Great food, great atmosphere, and great service!

  • April 26, 2026

    So delish....huge portions....great place for a bite!

  • April 20, 2026

    stopped in this cute diner and had the best food and service definitely recommend it

  • April 18, 2026

    Wonderful place to eat there and great staff and service

  • April 15, 2026

    The food was really good. The service too. We order the Reuben and the swamp Burguer. They serve a lot so be mindful. From one plate two can eat.

  • April 10, 2026

    first timers.. will definitely come back.

Overall Score

61 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 30/40
    Grade B
  • Dietary transparency 7/20
    2 options listed
  • Community rating 18/20
    4.6★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 6/10
    Improving, 0% clean

Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.

Opening hours

Monday
6 AM to 9 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
7 AM to 9 PM
Thursday
7 AM to 9 PM
Friday
6 AM to 10 PM
Saturday
6 AM to 10 PM
Sunday
6 AM to 9 PM

Inspection history

The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.

  1. May 1, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    1 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 8 basic

    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 12 — Handwashing; employee eating/drinking/smoking practices (×2)
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×3)
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings
  2. October 24, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Call Back - Complied

    1 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 8 basic

    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×3)
    • 38 — Lighting provided; fixtures shielded or bulbs protected
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings
  3. October 24, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Warning Issued

    2 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 9 basic

    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×3)
    • 38 — Lighting provided; fixtures shielded or bulbs protected
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to SPARKYS PLACE, by Florida DBPR grade:

This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →

Data last updated: May 1, 2026