Swamp House Riverfront Grill

Have always been a fan of the Swamp House and Happy Snapper. Started going regularly over two decades ago when breakfast was still served upstairs. Recently took a group of eight for lunch 2/21/25. Most were first timers to SH. Food and service were very good. My question is why are pets allowed inside the restaurant. My view two feet away through the entire meal was a bull dogs rear end, when it wasn't snorting and drooling my direction. And NO, the people did not pretend it was a service or support dog, they were proud of their dog, at least the end they were dealing with. I can tell you I and others found it to be rather disgusting.

Pay their high prices for the views, but be aware the food is bad.

Mahi Dinner was inedible. The mahi had good flavor but was so over cooked it was chewy and close to being fish jerky. Served with a bowl of plain white rice and a small bowl of frozen vegetables. The grouper dinner - grouper was in ribbons like it had been shredded. Very bizarre. Also the wait time to even get water or have our order taken was quite long. When I told the server I wanted to let the kitchen know about the overcooked fish she said they just aren’t used to being so busy. I did not ask for money back, and they certainly did not offer it, but we are a one and done at this restaurant. Honestly I could get a better meal in a nursing home. Also $25 or so for a bowl of plain rice and frozen vegetables plus inedible fish? I’m just glad I did not order the $33 mahi with shrimp which also comes with the same rice and vegetables. Sorry. I wanted to like it but nope.

Food is good. Wait staff friendly and on top of things. Great views of the St. John's River.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Swamp House Fish and Chips, Black and Bleu Chips, Rum Bucket, Grouper Reuben, Cuban Sandwich, Shrimp Tacos

Kid-friendliness: We frequently boat here and love it! Park the boat for a quick restroom break, amazing food, and good prices. The staff are always SUPER SWEET. It's mainly what keeps us coming back. Oh, and the best gator tail I've had! and thats saying a lot since I try them pretty much everywhere that offers it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rum Bucket, Gator Tail

My mahi plate was over cooked. 7:50 for a children’s Mac and cheese and it was a nock of brand of Kraft. It was gross and kids would not eat it, no one ate it. Cuban sandwich was more like pulled pork and very greasy. Staff was great, we’ve been here several times. Tonight was not the best.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: St Johns Catfish Nuggets

The atmosphere is fine. The food is okay. But if you're coming here to watch sports in the DeBary area, then forget it. They have 10 televisions, with only three having sports. When I asked the waitress about a local team that is currently playing on a normal sports channel, she said she would look into it. Then, after a while, actually never informing us whether they will actually show the game or change the channel to the game, she just came with the bill and told us to enjoy the game. Totally clueless! You're better off to go to some of the other places in the area than here. Right now I'm planning to go to a place near the local Winn-Dixie. Look it up!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 2

Super casual, rustic atmosphere dining on the water. No frills. Just good food and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our hostess Sidney was great. Great drinks fast service. Our glasses were never empty. Food was fonominal. We will be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very relaxing atmosphere a great place to sit and relax while enjoying the serenity of the river and wildlife

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: St Johns Catfish Nuggets

Waitress was very personable and ready to help.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich

Good food. The jambalaya was great.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

If you ever stop in here too get yourself a bite, whatever you do, do not sit on Ava’s section.

If they sit you on her area do yourself a favor and ask to be moved.

The absolute worse service I have had anywhere in a long while.

15 minutes after being seating she finally showed to ask what we wanted to drink. (Not nicely, like we were bothering her) 20 minutes after that she brings us drinks with attitude. Tried to turn and leave. We asked if we could order.
30-40 minutes the food came. It was okay. Frozen burger patty from Sysco or whoever their supplier is. I was expecting better I guess. Huge let down.

Never did we get refills or see her again.

Such a beautiful place, the guy playing Music outside was really good. Really good.

Sad part is we drove over 2 hours to go there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 1

Great atmosphere

Atmosphere: 5

Not bad

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Gator Tail