GATORS DOCKSIDE

The letter looks fine; the direction doesn't. GATORS DOCKSIDE holds a B (85/100), but its inspections have been getting worse, not better.

Its most recent inspection on January 28, 2026 cited 1 high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 4 basic violations. It currently ranks safer than 30% of Orange County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 4.2 from 2,748 reviews.

Trend: declining · B (85/100)

Get directions Call (407) 985-1790

Restaurant details

Health grade
B (85/100)
Violations
6 total — 1 high-priority, 1 intermediate, 4 basic
Address
13701 S JOHN YOUNG PWKY, Orlando, FL
Cuisine
American
Categories
American restaurant, Bar & grill, Caterer, Chicken wings restaurant, Family restaurant, Hamburger restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.2 stars (2748 reviews)
Seats
198
Phone
(407) 985-1790
Website
Official website
Photo of GATORS DOCKSIDE
Photo: Disht Advani

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.2 Community-sourced rating 2,748 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

Recent visits are landing softer than earlier ones did. Reviews mentioning the staff average 3.3 stars, so it divides opinion rather than settling it. After that, what it costs appears most often — 21% of the corpus, averaging 3.8.

More reviewers landed on 5 stars than any other score — 11 of 19. Behind those, pacing is raised in 21% of reviews (4.0 average). 14 of 19 rated reviews are four stars or higher; 5 are two or lower.

On the health side, the most recent DBPR inspection returned a B (85/100) with 1 high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 4 basic violations — middling, much like the reviews. That result dates from January 28, 2026. Across its inspection history the kitchen is declining, which argues for reading the older reviews with caution. Ranked against Orange County, it is safer than 30% of the restaurants we score. What the inspector actually wrote up: food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized and storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils.

The honest summary is that the evidence is mixed on both sides. The reviews themselves follow, unedited and newest first.

Our own analysis of 19 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 22, 2026

    Ordered to go. Food was fast and hot. Loved the birria quesadillas and the salad was loaded with toppings.

  • June 22, 2026

    I’m not sure where the reviews come from because this was horrible the waitress was very rude and the way she was sniffing and moving her jaw had to be on something !!! The food was so salty we didn’t even finish eating it and when we told the waitress she said oh that’s not me I don’t cook anything instead of getting a manager the drinks taste like dirty water !!! I DONT SUGGEST THIS PLACE AT ALL then they say us right on top of people when there was clearly many other tables

  • June 22, 2026

    Food was great! Absolutely loved the ribs, actually only item i ever order there! Used to love to come to this location! But new employees lead to slow service that gave me a mindset of a thumbs down spot! It’s rare to find this spot at it finest, but when it is, it’s by far the best vibe to be at!!

  • June 21, 2026

    Food is good always a nice place to have a beer and relax a little

  • June 16, 2026

    The food was great but our service was awful. It was clear that our server Maddy was treating us differently from her other tables. I wanted to believe it was all in my head. The only difference between us and the other tables was race. But micro aggression exist everywhere so my family and I ignored it. Until some time had past and my brother in law wanted to order more food. I scanned the restaurant and find Maddy chatting up another table. I respectfully let her know that my brother in law would like to place another order, with an awful attitude she coldly stated "My manager is going to take care of your table." She proceeded to turn around and rolled her eyes. I made a complaint to the manager who gracefully acknowledge our concerns. Either way I plan to take this as high as I can. That behavior is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

  • June 14, 2026

    I placed my order online and picked it up. When I got home, I realized they had given me someone else’s order, so I had to drive back to get the correct one. I got home again ready to eat, only to find out my order was still wrong. I ordered 15 garlic parmesan wings, but they came with ranch instead. I also ordered a burger with bacon, cheese, tomate lettuce and onions , and it was completely plain. On top of that, the food is overpriced for the quality and service you receive. Having my order wrong twice in one visit was very frustrating and a waste of time. Unfortunately, I won’t be giving this place another chance.

  • June 11, 2026

    Food was really good. We liked it here. Definitely coming back! Our server, Erin , was the best ! It was her first day… she has the best personality! Great service! Definitely coming back.

  • June 10, 2026

    Food was amazing service was great, but it's really hot in there.

  • June 10, 2026

    The fried pickles and gator bites are to die for so good and everything at a good price, plus the waiter what a sweet heart

  • June 9, 2026

    Basic American fare at reasonable prices for Orlando. Food is pretty good. The atmosphere is basic sports bar with little flare.

  • June 4, 2026

    Wings are good

  • May 25, 2026

    Friendly staff, reasonable prices. Smoking allowed on outdoor patio that has servers as well.

  • May 20, 2026

    Food was good, had to wait quite a while to get seated. Very short staffed

  • May 14, 2026

    The outdoor seating is nice, food is good, and the bartender Tonya is the absolute best!

  • April 28, 2026

    Was told by stuck up manager that we cant bring outside food even if I was allergic to almost everything they sell. Was there with friends just watching them eat. Never heard of any other place that cares this much.

  • April 28, 2026

    #magicwin. Madison Is Awesome My First Time Here Was Great

  • April 27, 2026

    Thank You Christina. Great Bartender!

  • April 20, 2026

    I loved the unlimited boneless chicken every Wednesday. They have a variety of flavors try, unlimited. You just can't take any to go, but you won't need to because you'll definitely leave full! I heard on Mondays it's unlimited traditional wings so I'll be trying that soon. The IPA beer was so tasty and cold. We took pictures outside with the giant gator statue and pretty palm trees. Definitely my new spot. Plus the waitress was so friendly and down to earth.

  • April 18, 2026

    Great experience. Waitress was great too

Overall Score

62 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 30/40
    Grade B
  • Dietary transparency 13/20
    4 options listed
  • Community rating 17/20
    4.2★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 2/10
    Declining, 0% clean

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

Opening hours

Monday
11 AM to 1 AM
Tuesday
11 AM to 1 AM
Wednesday
11 AM to 1 AM
Thursday
11 AM to 1 AM
Friday
11 AM to 1 AM
Saturday
11 AM to 1 AM
Sunday
11 AM to 12 AM

Inspection history

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

  1. January 28, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Call Back - Complied

    1 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 4 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×3)
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention
  2. January 27, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Warning Issued

    3 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 7 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 06 — Potentially hazardous foods properly thawed
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×4)
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying (×2)
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention
    • 41 — Chemicals / toxic substances properly stored & used
  3. September 23, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 7 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges (×2)
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying (×2)
    • 51 — Other conditions of sanitary & safe operation

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to GATORS DOCKSIDE, 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: January 28, 2026