- December 4, 2025
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Tucked along the moss-draped banks of the Braden River, Linger Lodge has been dishing out Old Florida flavor and folklore since the mid-’60s. Known for its Southern fare and hospitality, its décor brimming with taxidermied critters, vintage beer cans and other antique marvels, the Lodge is part restaurant, part roadside attraction and all local legend.
Rita Lewis started in the kitchen, rose to general manager and bought the place in 2022. For her, keeping this riverside icon alive is a labor of love. She’s embraced its eccentric charm and continues to welcome new generations of curious diners. Lewis recently spoke with us about the stories, surprises and soul behind this one-of-a-kind destination.
Balancing our adventurous menu items with mouth-watering Southern comfort food. We’re known for alligator bites and frog legs and Cracker classics like fried green tomatoes and hush puppies. We also serve all kinds of seafood and smoke our own meat with a 100% wood smoker. My husband and I brought that into the picture a few years ago.
Our alligator bites; they deliciously capture our wild spirit. We also have a River Platter that includes alligator, frog legs and catfish and a River Sampler with fried green tomatoes, alligator and frog legs.
Everything! Most newcomers look around in awe like they’ve just stepped into a museum. You can’t see everything in one visit. There are taxidermied animals everywhere — squirrels playing basketball, jackalopes and a 13-foot gator. We also have a massive honor wall of police, fire and military patches that folks have donated over the years. It’s especially touching when a guest shows their grandkids a patch they gave us decades ago.
Really Frank Gamsky’s vision. The Lodge began as a two-story log cabin fish camp in 1945. After he bought the place in 1968, he turned it into the quirky, taxidermy-filled restaurant everyone knows today.
Our River Bottom Pie. It’s been around again since Frank owned the Lodge. It’s got Oreo cookie crumbs on the bottom and coffee ice cream, fudge, whipped cream, chocolate syrup and a cherry on top. It’s a decadent delight!
Everything’s so picturesque and calm — and it’s just incredibly relaxing. Somebody made us a wooden plaque with the words “Linger Longer.” I think that says it all. With the Braden River flowing by people tend to stay for a long time and soak in that peacefulness.
A team from the Travel Channel. They filmed all day long for a show called “Tastes Like Chicken” — because of the alligator, of course. You can still find the episode online.
The feeling of being truly welcomed, like you’ve visited your family or an old friend. We know our regulars by name and give them a hug when they come in. It’s a real personal connection. When you dine at Linger Lodge, you’re home.
