Cedar River Seafood of Gainesville is a long-running seafood restaurant at 5141 NW 43rd St #101, Gainesville, FL 32605, in the northwest Gainesville/Hunter’s Crossing area. Part of a Florida seafood business serving diners for more than 40 years, it draws travelers and locals for fresh fish, shrimp, and straightforward seafood meals served from lunch through dinner every day.
What to Expect at Cedar River Seafood of Gainesville
The restaurant’s identity is firmly centered on seafood rather than a broad, general American menu. Fresh fish and shrimp are the core calling cards, with the kitchen balancing familiar seafood preparations and more inventive dishes. It is a practical choice after exploring northwest Gainesville: come for a sit-down lunch, an unhurried early dinner, or a seafood-focused meal with a group whose tastes run from fish to shellfish.
Cedar River Seafood operates in a ground-level suite in a retail setting, rather than a waterfront dining room, and its appeal is consistency and local longevity. The Gainesville location is one of two Cedar River Seafood restaurants, alongside the Lake City outpost. Expect a casual full-service meal, a focused seafood order, and an atmosphere suited to families, couples, and solo diners rather than formal occasion dressing. Call ahead with allergy or dietary questions so the team can advise on the day’s preparations.
- Fresh fish: Fish is a central part of the restaurant’s seafood-led offering and a reliable starting point for diners seeking a classic Florida-style meal.
- Shrimp dishes: Shrimp is specifically highlighted by Cedar River Seafood and provides an accessible option for seafood-first groups.
- More than 40 years of service: The business brings four decades of seafood-restaurant experience to its Gainesville dining room.
- Daily lunch and dinner: Doors open at 11 AM every day, making this an easy fit for daytime sightseeing schedules and evening meals.
- Two-location Florida operation: Gainesville is the northwest Florida-market counterpart to Cedar River Seafood’s Lake City location.
Cedar River Seafood of Gainesville at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 5141 NW 43rd St #101, Gainesville, FL 32605 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Northwest Gainesville, near Hunter’s Crossing and the Millhopper area |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 11 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM; Sun 11 AM–9 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Restaurant dining; $$ price level. Check the official website for current menu details. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes for a meal |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Shared surface parking on site; driving is the simplest option. Check the RTS trip planner for current bus stops and service. |
| Official Website & Phone | cedarriverseafoodlc.com · 352-371-4848 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to the 11 AM opening for the quickest seating, or target an early dinner before the busiest evening period. Friday and Saturday service runs until 10 PM, an hour later than the rest of the week. For a larger party or a meal on a weekend evening, telephone ahead before leaving your hotel or attraction. This is a $$ restaurant, so it works well for a full seafood meal without positioning itself as a formal fine-dining destination.
The restaurant has shared surface parking immediately outside its retail-suite entrance. The ground-level layout avoids a stair climb from the parking area; diners using wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility aids should call ahead for the most comfortable table arrangement and current restroom details. Within roughly a 10- to 15-minute walk, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park offers a striking 120-foot sinkhole and forest stairway, while the Hunter’s Crossing commercial area provides practical errands and coffee-stop options along NW 43rd Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cedar River Seafood of Gainesville’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Cedar River Seafood opens at 11 AM daily. It closes at 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10 PM Friday and Saturday; arriving at opening or before the main dinner rush generally makes for the smoothest visit.
How expensive is Cedar River Seafood, and are reservations required?
The restaurant is a $$ seafood option, with dining paid per order rather than admission. A reservation policy is not published on its official site; call 352-371-4848 ahead for current seating guidance, especially for weekend evenings or larger groups.
How much time should I allow for a meal?
Plan 45 to 75 minutes for a standard lunch or dinner. Allow more time if you are visiting with a group, ordering several seafood courses, or arriving during the Friday and Saturday evening peak.
Is Cedar River Seafood suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
Yes, its casual, ground-level restaurant setting is well suited to family meals and diners seeking an easygoing seafood stop. Shared parking is directly outside; call before arrival to discuss seating, mobility needs, allergies, or dietary requests with the restaurant.
When planning your Gainesville travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Gainesville, pair this stop with standout local spots including Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events, Home2 Suites by Hilton Gainesville Medical Center, Gainesville Square, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park (0.9 km away).
