Astor is in Lake County, Florida, located along the St. Johns River between Lake George and Lake Dexter. Astor is about an hour north of Orlando and 90 minutes north of Kissimmee. Today, Astor is largely dependent upon tourism and welcomes many winter visitors who go for fishing, hunting and boating. Astor's location near the water means diners have several seafood-restaurant options nearby.
Customers can enter the Blackwater Inn restaurant from the road or St. Johns River. The Williams Landing bar, atop Blackwater Inn, offers drinks, casual dining and a panoramic view of the river. Downstairs, the main restaurant is open from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The varied menu offers seafood favorites including catfish, frog legs and shrimp as well as appetizers, soups and salads, beef entrees and sandwiches. Blackwater Inn's banquet room has floor-to-ceiling windows that face the river and offers package menus. It can accommodate 40 to 50 people.
Blackwater Inn
55716 Front St.
Astor, FL 32102
352-759-2802
blackwaterinn.com
JC's Lobster Pot in DeLand, Florida, is less than 30 minutes from Astor and a quarter of a mile from the St. Johns River. Appetizers include clams, conch fritters and gator tails. The specialty of the house is Florida lobster, but Maine lobsters are also offered. Other options include seafood platters, baby-back ribs, chicken, prime rib and strip steaks. All entrees come with fish chowder, slaw or salad, and a choice of dessert. Bottled and draft beer and wine are available.
JC's Lobster Pot
2888 W. Highway 44
DeLand, FL
386-734-7459
jcslobsterpot.com
O'Brien's Cafe is a half-mile east of the St. John's River. While O'Brien's does not specialize in seafood, it still offers a wide variety of seafood dishes. The seafood specialty is the fried seafood platter, "a mound of seafood with Pollock filets, scallops and shrimp," according to the menu. The best-seller is fish and chips. O'Brien's serves breakfast and lunch. The menu also includes homemade soups, made-to-order salads and classic country favorites. The cafe is open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
O'Brien's Cafe
1455 W. Highway 40
Astor, FL 32102
386-749-1999
www.obrienscafeastor.com
