This restaurant is under new management and the new name is DRIFTERS RIVERFRONT . They are renovating downstairs so for now only the upstairs service is open for business . Same great location
Gail W
Sadly, the Blackwater Inn has been sold. The owners, Bill and Tina have retired after providing, good food, fun times and fond memories for over 37 years. We have been dining here for 19 years and will miss this place immensely. We will be fair and give the new owners and their new look a chance to impress us but they have big shoes to fill.
John C.
We have driven by this place several times over the years but never had the chance to stop until today. Glad we did. This is on the river with a great view of the boats going by. The restaurant itself needs an update. It is classic 60 dark paneling. The food is very good and the prime rib was very nice. Not the best I have had but very good.
Suzanne P.
We dined upstairs at outside bar area to enjoy the view. Each had fish finger baskets and cold beer. Food was good and view was very nice. Even in the heat f Florida summer great breeze under covered deck! Sweet
Pamela Mokol Sparks
Wonderful staff. Food was amazing.
Deserae Wiley
Best service, beautiful view, great food, great ambience, just over all a great place to go for date night!
Carolyn Feldman
Going to miss this place!!! So many memories- great staff, great Owner….. I guess life evolves
norme-ormond
My wife and I had never had dinner downstairs before this visit. We had been many times at lunch eating upstairs in the more casual restaurant. We arrived on a Saturday night, July 16, with a 6:30 pm reservation and glad we had it. It was busy but not many people waiting and we had live music, including a saxophonist playing. Photos have descriptions of our entrees and they were all cooked correctly and good. The salad bar was open and is a simple one, no gloves required. Service by Charity was excellent. After dining, we talked with the current owner and learned the restaurant has been sold and will close August 9 for the new owner to remodel and it will take about two months. So if you want to go, you better go NOW. He does not know if it will be the same old Florida theme with pictures, etc. And you should visit their website because they are not open every day before the closing. Hopefully the charm will still be there and nobody can change the views of sitting by the water and watching boats go by.
Wilfred K.
We had been to Blackwater before and decided to go again on Saturday. For us it is over a one hour drive. When we pulled in we noticed the parking lot was full. Thankfully we found a handicapped parking space ( I have but one leg) and we are 89 & 90 years old. It was packed inside so we had to wait for a table. We ordered food and due to the crowded conditions we had to wait a longer time. I had the lighter fare steak ( it was delicious ) and my wife had frog legs, which she enjoyed. We split the chocolate covered key lime pie ( great ) and with our drinks the bill was about $35. We will drive the 50 mile ( each way ) trip again for the great food!
richardpaulsexton
Stopped in on Saturday just after 4pm and seemed timely before the crowds. When we left after eating (almost 2 hours later)...folks were waiting for tables and the live music had started. We were ushered immediately to a convenient table near the salad bar (and view of the water/bridge) - enjoyed watching the people making their salads. Had cocktails and ordered our food with salads first. Yummo. My wife had ordered fried fish (of the day) and fries (her own fish and chips) - the fish was called a "Unicorn Filefish" (white flesh and tender) and she enjoyed the two filets. I had the Queen cut Prime Rib which was ample to eat. Nice and rare with the fries. Our server Chastity was so efficient and speedy. All the staff were on alert and working/moving constantly. It was nice to see staff we knew pre-Pandemic and that they had returned. No masks were worn by all but 'twas okay. My wife took home a chocolate covered cheese cake slice for "breakfast" instead of dessert. Really enjoy the food, service, staff personality and efficiency. Thanks folks.
The view was great, the staff was great and the food was really good. I will come back. I would call and making a reservation.
Scott W.
Blackwater Inn/Williams Landing, located in Astor, FL, is one of my new favorite stops while out-cruising the backroads on my motorcycle. The venue is a bit out of the way and somewhat hidden; so, you might only find the restaurant if you are passing through the area or specifically made it your destination. FYI -the restaurant is slowly returning to normal operating hours. At this time, Blackwater Inn and Williams Landing are only OPEN Wednesday thru Saturday. Also, I do not believe that you can actually "lodge" at the Blackwater Inn. As far as I can tell, this is only a place to eat and drink. The Blackwater Inn (bottom portion of the venue) is geared toward a real dining experience with family, friends, or a hot date. The Inn is perfect for Friday or Saturday night reservations to share bottles of wine, enjoy a lavish salad bar, delicious seafood, and USDA Choice cuts of beef with a picturesque view of the St. Johns River. Williams Landing is located upstairs and provides a much more casual dining experience where one can catch up on sports, chit-chat around the bar, or enjoy the activities happening on the St. Johns River. On my most recent visit, I decided to have lunch at Williams Landing on the open deck portion of the restaurant. There are about 5 high-boy style picnic tables in the immediate outdoor bar area with eight or so bar stools and several more picnic-style tables on the outer balcony. All the seating in the immediate bar area provides great views of the St. Johns River. Depending on time/day it may be a bit noisy and crowded up here; however, if you're looking for conversation, this is where it is at. I ordered a Sam Adams ($5), Amber Bock ($3.50), Double Decker Turkey Club Sandwich ($8), and a Basket of Fries ($2). The beers were icy cold and refreshing; they were bottled so as long as they refrigerated properly not much could go wrong here. I received my sandwich and fries in less than 10-minutes. I haven't eaten a turkey club since I was making them at the HoJo's (Howard Johnsons) in Albany, NY. I tell you what, I was pretty damn happy with this sandwich! It included an ample amount of thinly sliced turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce/tomato, and the toast was perfectly crispy and slightly buttery, nice job! The included hushpuppy added some fun-factor to the mix and the fries were light, airy, and deliciously crispy. Sofie, the bartender, provided all of the necessary condiments, mayo, mustard, and ketchup and gave exceptional service during the duration of my visit. It is always a blast visiting the Blackwater Inn, here, you will meet new and interesting people, who are traveling from all over the state and beyond. The food is great and the conversations are memorable. I recommend a visit here if you are in the area or just looking for someplace new.
Chere M
I was almost ACCOUSTED by the manager of this horrible place. I am a 100% Disabled Veteran with a Service Dog. Florida State Statues 413.08 states" Interference with a service dog team is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE. I have reported this restaurant to the Justice Department a member of Law Enforcement will be visiting this location.
Catrina W.
I would say the view is probably the best part of the experience here. The gator tail is good as is the 8ounce filet but that's where it stops. The prime rib was tasteless and over cooked, the baked potato was dry and the salad bar reminded me of hospital grade salad bars. The food was WAY overpriced. The online menu is NOT the same when you arrive as the main reason we went was in hopes of getting crab legs but sadly they no longer have them. The restaurant is very dated and loud and there is hardly any waiting area. Our meal for two was $120 for sub par food. Sadly, We will not be returning.
fla_682
Nice restaurant and good meal that you can actually enjoy while having a conversation with your server and also being able to see their faces. #1 reason we will continue to patronize this establishment and others like it.
This restaurant is under new management and the new name is DRIFTERS RIVERFRONT . They are renovating downstairs so for now only the upstairs service is open for business . Same great location
Sadly, the Blackwater Inn has been sold. The owners, Bill and Tina have retired after providing, good food, fun times and fond memories for over 37 years. We have been dining here for 19 years and will miss this place immensely. We will be fair and give the new owners and their new look a chance to impress us but they have big shoes to fill.
We have driven by this place several times over the years but never had the chance to stop until today. Glad we did. This is on the river with a great view of the boats going by. The restaurant itself needs an update. It is classic 60 dark paneling. The food is very good and the prime rib was very nice. Not the best I have had but very good.
We dined upstairs at outside bar area to enjoy the view. Each had fish finger baskets and cold beer. Food was good and view was very nice. Even in the heat f Florida summer great breeze under covered deck! Sweet
Wonderful staff. Food was amazing.
Best service, beautiful view, great food, great ambience, just over all a great place to go for date night!
Going to miss this place!!! So many memories- great staff, great Owner….. I guess life evolves
My wife and I had never had dinner downstairs before this visit. We had been many times at lunch eating upstairs in the more casual restaurant. We arrived on a Saturday night, July 16, with a 6:30 pm reservation and glad we had it. It was busy but not many people waiting and we had live music, including a saxophonist playing. Photos have descriptions of our entrees and they were all cooked correctly and good. The salad bar was open and is a simple one, no gloves required. Service by Charity was excellent. After dining, we talked with the current owner and learned the restaurant has been sold and will close August 9 for the new owner to remodel and it will take about two months. So if you want to go, you better go NOW. He does not know if it will be the same old Florida theme with pictures, etc. And you should visit their website because they are not open every day before the closing. Hopefully the charm will still be there and nobody can change the views of sitting by the water and watching boats go by.
We had been to Blackwater before and decided to go again on Saturday. For us it is over a one hour drive. When we pulled in we noticed the parking lot was full. Thankfully we found a handicapped parking space ( I have but one leg) and we are 89 & 90 years old. It was packed inside so we had to wait for a table. We ordered food and due to the crowded conditions we had to wait a longer time. I had the lighter fare steak ( it was delicious ) and my wife had frog legs, which she enjoyed. We split the chocolate covered key lime pie ( great ) and with our drinks the bill was about $35. We will drive the 50 mile ( each way ) trip again for the great food!
Stopped in on Saturday just after 4pm and seemed timely before the crowds. When we left after eating (almost 2 hours later)...folks were waiting for tables and the live music had started. We were ushered immediately to a convenient table near the salad bar (and view of the water/bridge) - enjoyed watching the people making their salads. Had cocktails and ordered our food with salads first. Yummo. My wife had ordered fried fish (of the day) and fries (her own fish and chips) - the fish was called a "Unicorn Filefish" (white flesh and tender) and she enjoyed the two filets. I had the Queen cut Prime Rib which was ample to eat. Nice and rare with the fries. Our server Chastity was so efficient and speedy. All the staff were on alert and working/moving constantly. It was nice to see staff we knew pre-Pandemic and that they had returned. No masks were worn by all but 'twas okay. My wife took home a chocolate covered cheese cake slice for "breakfast" instead of dessert. Really enjoy the food, service, staff personality and efficiency. Thanks folks.
Restaurantji Recommends
The view was great, the staff was great and the food was really good. I will come back. I would call and making a reservation.
Blackwater Inn/Williams Landing, located in Astor, FL, is one of my new favorite stops while out-cruising the backroads on my motorcycle. The venue is a bit out of the way and somewhat hidden; so, you might only find the restaurant if you are passing through the area or specifically made it your destination. FYI -the restaurant is slowly returning to normal operating hours. At this time, Blackwater Inn and Williams Landing are only OPEN Wednesday thru Saturday. Also, I do not believe that you can actually "lodge" at the Blackwater Inn. As far as I can tell, this is only a place to eat and drink. The Blackwater Inn (bottom portion of the venue) is geared toward a real dining experience with family, friends, or a hot date. The Inn is perfect for Friday or Saturday night reservations to share bottles of wine, enjoy a lavish salad bar, delicious seafood, and USDA Choice cuts of beef with a picturesque view of the St. Johns River. Williams Landing is located upstairs and provides a much more casual dining experience where one can catch up on sports, chit-chat around the bar, or enjoy the activities happening on the St. Johns River. On my most recent visit, I decided to have lunch at Williams Landing on the open deck portion of the restaurant. There are about 5 high-boy style picnic tables in the immediate outdoor bar area with eight or so bar stools and several more picnic-style tables on the outer balcony. All the seating in the immediate bar area provides great views of the St. Johns River. Depending on time/day it may be a bit noisy and crowded up here; however, if you're looking for conversation, this is where it is at. I ordered a Sam Adams ($5), Amber Bock ($3.50), Double Decker Turkey Club Sandwich ($8), and a Basket of Fries ($2). The beers were icy cold and refreshing; they were bottled so as long as they refrigerated properly not much could go wrong here. I received my sandwich and fries in less than 10-minutes. I haven't eaten a turkey club since I was making them at the HoJo's (Howard Johnsons) in Albany, NY. I tell you what, I was pretty damn happy with this sandwich! It included an ample amount of thinly sliced turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce/tomato, and the toast was perfectly crispy and slightly buttery, nice job! The included hushpuppy added some fun-factor to the mix and the fries were light, airy, and deliciously crispy. Sofie, the bartender, provided all of the necessary condiments, mayo, mustard, and ketchup and gave exceptional service during the duration of my visit. It is always a blast visiting the Blackwater Inn, here, you will meet new and interesting people, who are traveling from all over the state and beyond. The food is great and the conversations are memorable. I recommend a visit here if you are in the area or just looking for someplace new.
I was almost ACCOUSTED by the manager of this horrible place. I am a 100% Disabled Veteran with a Service Dog. Florida State Statues 413.08 states" Interference with a service dog team is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE. I have reported this restaurant to the Justice Department a member of Law Enforcement will be visiting this location.
I would say the view is probably the best part of the experience here. The gator tail is good as is the 8ounce filet but that's where it stops. The prime rib was tasteless and over cooked, the baked potato was dry and the salad bar reminded me of hospital grade salad bars. The food was WAY overpriced. The online menu is NOT the same when you arrive as the main reason we went was in hopes of getting crab legs but sadly they no longer have them. The restaurant is very dated and loud and there is hardly any waiting area. Our meal for two was $120 for sub par food. Sadly, We will not be returning.
Nice restaurant and good meal that you can actually enjoy while having a conversation with your server and also being able to see their faces. #1 reason we will continue to patronize this establishment and others like it.