GATORS DOCKSIDE

Does GATORS DOCKSIDE keep a clean kitchen? Yes — an A grade, 90/100, at its most recent inspection on April 9, 2026. That visit logged 1 intermediate and 7 basic violations.

On health score it's safer than 47% of Seminole County restaurants we grade. Diners rate it 4.3 from 1,530 reviews. Cuisine: American. Menus here flag options for dairy-free, keto, paleo, and pescatarian diners.

Get directions Call (407) 695-6622

Restaurant details

Health grade
A (90/100)
Violations
8 total — 1 intermediate, 7 basic
Address
5275 REDBUG LK RD, Winter Spgs, FL
Cuisine
American
Categories
American restaurant, Bar & grill, Caterer, Chicken wings restaurant, Family restaurant, Hamburger restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.3 stars (1530 reviews)
Seats
217
Phone
(407) 695-6622
Website
Official website
Photo of GATORS DOCKSIDE
Photo: Brian Smith

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.3 Community-sourced rating 1,530 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

Diners writing about this place keep returning to how guests are treated. Reviewers who mention how guests are treated rate this place 4.3 on average — it is working in the restaurant’s favour.

5 stars is the modal score, given by 12 of the 23 reviewers who rated. A third strand, portion size, appears in 17% of them at 2.5 stars. 17 of 23 rated reviews are four stars or higher; 5 are two or lower.

The health record runs ahead of the reviews. The last DBPR inspection returned an A (90/100) with 1 intermediate and 7 basic violations. That inspection was on April 9, 2026. Its inspection trajectory is downward over the records we hold. Ranked against Seminole County, it is safer than 47% of the restaurants we score. Among the items recorded were cross-contamination and dishwashing facilities.

The honest summary is that the evidence is mixed on both sides. Read the originals below and judge the pattern yourself.

Our own analysis of 23 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 20, 2026

    As a veteran on disability I like to uber and deliver food once in a while. I very often get orders from gators dockside. Decided to stop in after driving grab something to eat because I haven't tried that gators yet. Was not disappointed. To start every hostess or server has been incredibly friendly all the way up to the bartender. I ordered the nachos with chicken , jalepenos, queso the works and after a long day it was exactly what I needed. Great food, fun atmosphere, good music and trivia/game nights, very reasonably priced foods and drinks. Will absolutely make it my spot for a bite to eat after a long day. 💙🫡

  • June 18, 2026

    Here’s an honest review. I’ve never once had an issue with the food or service here. The atmosphere is great. So many different types of people come in. Costumers are relaxed and converse with others. On Mondays with all you can eat wings is amazing especially for the price. Outside of the specials the price of food is a fair market value but flavor is all there. To my taste buds that’s always a 5star rating. I’m so tired of people thinking they know better when it comes to quality and taste of food when they have no idea what they are talking about. I’m telling you, if you want a good time in a family atmosphere to where you can see everyone at peace, with great tasting food without breaking the bank, come HERE.

  • June 18, 2026

    Food was terrible. Boneless wings were dry inside and lacked flavor. Fries and our waitress, Cajun, were super salty. Actually, it looked like all the staff were miserable to be there. The only thing good was the sweet tea, thankfully. I use to love coming to Dockside. Quality and service has gone downhill.

  • June 17, 2026

    I tried the fried gator 🙂‍↔️ it was hot instead of mild so I didn't finish it but it was hot n fresh. I'll give them another spin around the block n update as needed.

  • June 9, 2026

    The hot dogs and wings here are very good!

  • June 6, 2026

    Went with friends and it was fantastic 😊

  • May 30, 2026

    Great food and services

  • May 28, 2026

    Food was great. Cooked well and great portions. Server was attentive and friendly. Had plenty of games to keep the kid entertained while we ate, drank, and watched some baseball.

  • May 26, 2026

    Been going to Thursday night trivia for over 15 years. Quality of food is always consistent. Prices are reasonable for both food and drinks.

  • May 25, 2026

    Food is good, the service is good, just a little slow. And the atmosphere is good too, just gets loud some days.

  • May 22, 2026

    Call the police cause I just got ROBBED!!! $30 for 15 wings is criminal!!!!!!

  • May 18, 2026

    Great little slice of Central Florida to share with your friends and family. The prices were great, food was fantastic and it didn't have a 'dive bar' feel. Really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back!

  • May 9, 2026

    I've been coming to this Gators for over 25 years now and have always had a good experience. The wings are the best and they have remained consistent and how they prepare them. They have a good variety on the menu and the service is always good.

  • May 2, 2026

    It's gotten pricey over the years to get some wings here. Order of fries seem barely a handful for the cost. Staff is always friendly but can be slow depending on who you get.

  • April 27, 2026

    I understand a small wing in the batch, but counting this as 1/10 wings is ridiculous. Have been to gators and many other places that sell wings habitually and have never felt this disrespected. If you get a tiny wing like that, you’re always thrown an extra. I’m shocked and dumbfounded right now, ruined my night.

  • April 25, 2026

    Very bad service. Food came out cold. Our waitress took forever to get to our table. Hardly checked in with us. And my daughter and I experienced Gastroenteritis/Food Poisoning from here which came with a low-grade fever combined with cramping, diarrhea, or vomiting. Either the food or the our lemonade very well could have been contaminated. WILL NEVER COME BACK AGAIN. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE. I spent $164 dollars here which was a huge mistake.

  • April 25, 2026

    Always great service and great food!! Cleanliness is always on point!! Perfect all together!! I’ll be back!!

  • April 14, 2026

    First time having their burgers. Ordered a garlic butter burger expecting a decent garlic flavor and it didn't taste like garlic at all just a pretty plain cheese burger 🤷🏼‍♀️ and about the size of a McDonald's cheeseburger at that...and a small amount of fries. The kids liked their food but us adults weren't really impressed. Also, they're game machines all say "$1.00 to play" but when you go to put the money in it says "$2.00 minimum" which I think is pretty stingy of them. A little boy went up to the machines, while my toddlers we're walking around, he was so excited to play but then got to the machines and realized he didn't have enough to play (because they say "$1.00 to play" in a big sign but in small print say the thing about the $2.00 minimum) he just walked away and didnt get to play, I felt really bad.

  • April 9, 2026

    Awesome service and staff. Loved the set up.

  • April 6, 2026

    Always great food and great service

  • April 4, 2026

    Great food and service!

  • March 28, 2026

    Different Lunch and dinner menu so not all items are always available

  • February 27, 2026

    The professor should only call out the answers for the top three teams only. Those of us not doing so well doesn't want their name called out every week, with their scores. We used to enjoy our Thursday Trivia Nights for sure, but now the game is not fun and enjoyable anymore.

Overall Score

72 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 40/40
    Grade A
  • Dietary transparency 13/20
    4 options listed
  • Community rating 17/20
    4.3★ 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 11 PM
Tuesday
11 AM to 11 PM
Wednesday
11 AM to 11 PM
Thursday
11 AM to 11 PM
Friday
11 AM to 12 AM
Saturday
11 AM to 12 AM
Sunday
11 AM to 11 PM

Inspection history

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

  1. April 9, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 7 basic

    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×3)
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
  2. November 18, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 5 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges (×2)
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests

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: April 9, 2026