Tucked away in Clermont, Florida, The Crooked Spoon is the kind of neighborhood gem that makes you want to tell everyone you know about it. Born from a food truck and grown into a beloved chef-driven pub, this spot at 200 Citrus Tower Blvd has earned a 4.4-star rating from nearly 3,000 happy diners.
From scratch-made comfort food to craft cocktails and local brews, every visit feels like a warm welcome. But the dish that keeps people talking?
The meatloaf — and after one bite, you’ll understand why.
The Legendary Meatloaf That Started the Conversation
One bite and you get it. The meatloaf at The Crooked Spoon is not your school cafeteria version — it is the real deal, made from scratch with care and seasoned to perfection.
Reviewers consistently rave about it, with one diner calling their meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and subbed green beans “delicious” after visiting with a party of 12.
The portion size is generous without being wasteful, and the price feels fair for the quality you receive. It is the kind of comfort food that reminds you why home-cooked meals hit differently.
The kitchen does not cut corners, and every element on the plate feels intentional.
Whether you are a first-timer or a regular, ordering the meatloaf is always a smart move. It is hearty, flavorful, and exactly what a cozy Florida pub should be serving.
A Chef-Driven Pub Born From Humble Beginnings
Not every great restaurant starts with four walls and a kitchen. The Crooked Spoon actually grew out of a food truck, which tells you everything about the passion behind it.
That scrappy, street-food spirit is baked right into the DNA of this place — you can taste it in every handcrafted dish.
Located on the corner of Highway 27 and Citrus Tower Blvd, the restaurant is easy to find and hard to forget. The vibe is casual and bar-like, with plenty of TVs and a lively crowd that keeps the energy buzzing.
It is the kind of spot where locals gather and newcomers quickly feel at home.
The menu changes regularly, with weekly specialty options that keep even the most frequent visitors excited. That commitment to freshness and creativity is what separates The Crooked Spoon from your average Florida eatery.
Craft Beer Selection That Pairs Perfectly With Everything
Craft beer lovers, this one is for you. The Crooked Spoon takes its beer program seriously, with a rotating selection of local and craft brews that complement the food menu beautifully.
Bartender Katie has been praised by multiple guests for being “super knowledgeable about the beers” — a rare and appreciated quality in any bar setting.
Pairing the right beer with your meal can completely transform the dining experience. Whether you are going for something hoppy to cut through the richness of the meatloaf or a lighter option alongside the fish tacos, the staff can guide you to the perfect pour.
The beer is always described as ice cold, which in Florida is never a small thing.
Good craft beer and great food in a relaxed setting — The Crooked Spoon nails this combination every single time, making it a standout among Clermont’s dining options.
SoCo Wings With Garlic Cheese Whiskey Sauce
“The garlic cheese whiskey sauce is a must try!” That is not our opinion — that is a direct quote from a five-star reviewer who clearly knew what they were talking about. The SoCo wings at The Crooked Spoon have developed a loyal fanbase, and one taste explains the obsession instantly.
The combination of Southern Comfort-style flavoring with a rich, cheesy whiskey sauce sounds indulgent because it absolutely is. These wings walk the line between sweet, savory, and smoky in a way that makes it nearly impossible to stop at just a few.
They are the kind of appetizer that causes table-wide silence — everyone too busy eating to talk.
Pair them with a cold craft beer and you have arguably the best bar snack combo in Clermont. Seriously, do not skip these.
Order them first, order them confidently, and thank yourself later.
Lobster Grilled Cheese That Redefines Comfort Food
Grilled cheese is already one of life’s great pleasures. Add lobster and you have something that borders on extraordinary.
The lobster grilled cheese at The Crooked Spoon earned a glowing review from a diner who described it as “absolutely delicious — rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.” High praise, and well deserved.
This dish is a perfect example of what makes the restaurant special: taking something familiar and elevating it with quality ingredients and real culinary skill. It is not just a gimmick — the flavors genuinely work together, and the execution is consistent.
The bread is golden, the cheese is melty, and the lobster brings a sweetness that ties everything together.
For anyone who thinks pub food has to be boring, this sandwich is a direct rebuttal. It is creative, satisfying, and the kind of dish you think about long after the meal is over.
Blue Cheese Balsamic Glazed Kettle Chips
Here is a fun fact: this dish was featured on the Food Network, and once you try it, you will completely understand why. The blue cheese balsamic glazed kettle chips are one of those appetizers that sound simple but deliver something genuinely memorable.
A reviewer called them a “MUST try” — all caps, no hesitation.
Kettle chips already have a satisfying crunch that regular fries just cannot match. Add the tangy bite of blue cheese and the sweet-tart depth of balsamic glaze, and you get a flavor combination that is bold, balanced, and surprisingly addictive.
It is the kind of snack that disappears from the table faster than anyone planned.
Whether you order them as a starter or a side, these chips earn their reputation. They are proof that The Crooked Spoon approaches even the simplest items with creativity and a serious commitment to flavor.
Pretzel Bread With Beer Cheese Fondue
Warm, soft, and salty pretzel bread dipped into creamy beer cheese fondue — it is the kind of appetizer that gets voted “best at the table” by a unanimous crowd. And that is exactly what happened during one business dinner at The Crooked Spoon, where a group of professionals agreed it was the top pick of the night.
Beer cheese fondue is a natural fit for a craft-focused pub, and The Crooked Spoon executes it with real finesse. The fondue is smooth and rich without being overwhelming, and the pretzel bread has just enough chew to hold up to every dip.
Sharing this dish is practically mandatory — it is a crowd-pleaser in every sense.
Start your meal here and you already know the rest of the night is going to be good. It sets the tone for everything that follows, and the bar is set high from bite one.
Grouper Reuben — A Florida Twist on a Classic Sandwich
Taking a New York deli staple and giving it a Florida makeover takes confidence. The Grouper Reuben at The Crooked Spoon pulls it off with style, swapping corned beef for fresh grouper while keeping all the classic Reuben elements intact.
Multiple reviewers ordered it and walked away genuinely satisfied.
One diner described their grouper Reuben as “very satisfying,” while another noted it was “plenty big enough to share” — though they admitted it could use a bit more seasoning for those who like bolder flavors. That kind of honest, nuanced feedback shows this dish has real fans who pay attention to the details.
Fresh local fish elevated with classic sandwich craft is a winning formula. If you appreciate Florida seafood and want it in a format that feels familiar yet exciting, this sandwich belongs on your order.
It is a smart, tasty choice that reflects the restaurant’s creative spirit.
Smoked Shredded Pork on Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are good on their own. But when you pile smoky, slow-cooked shredded pork on top of them, something magical happens.
This dish at The Crooked Spoon earned a five-star shoutout from a reviewer who called it “delicious” — and added a pro tip worth stealing: order a side of maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory experience that takes it to another level.
The smokiness of the pork plays beautifully against the natural sweetness of the fries, and the maple syrup suggestion is the kind of insider knowledge that makes a good dish unforgettable. It is the sort of creative combination you would expect from a kitchen with real culinary ambition.
This dish works as an appetizer or a light meal, and it is a great example of how The Crooked Spoon uses simple, quality ingredients to create something worth talking about long after the last bite.
Scratch Kitchen Philosophy That Makes Every Dish Special
Everything at The Crooked Spoon is made from scratch. That is not a marketing slogan — it is a kitchen philosophy that shows up in every single dish that comes out.
Servers are trained to explain the “made from scratch” menu with genuine enthusiasm, and that knowledge translates directly into better dining experiences for guests.
Scratch cooking means fresher flavors, better textures, and dishes that actually taste like someone put real effort into making them. In a world of frozen shortcuts and pre-packaged ingredients, a restaurant that commits to cooking everything fresh stands out immediately.
One reviewer summed it up well: “delicious, good quality, home-made food.”
That dedication to quality is what keeps diners coming back month after month. You can taste the difference between something assembled and something crafted.
At The Crooked Spoon, every plate reflects the kind of culinary pride that is increasingly rare — and deeply appreciated.
Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff That Elevates Every Visit
Great food only goes so far if the service falls flat. Fortunately, The Crooked Spoon has built a team that genuinely cares about the people sitting in front of them.
Bartender Katie has been mentioned by name in multiple five-star reviews, praised for her attentiveness, recommendations, and warm personality even during a packed bar rush.
Bartender Shirley also has her own loyal following, with regulars specifically requesting her for date nights and hangout sessions. Server Joy received a shoutout for making a lunch visit genuinely enjoyable.
These are not accidents — they are the result of a restaurant culture that values hospitality as much as food quality.
When staff members become part of the reason people return, you know something special is happening. The Crooked Spoon has created that environment, and it shows in review after review.
Good people serving great food — that combination is hard to beat anywhere in Florida.
A Weekly Specialty Menu That Keeps Things Exciting
Regulars at The Crooked Spoon never have to worry about menu fatigue. The restaurant rotates a specialty menu weekly, introducing fresh, seasonal, and creative dishes alongside the beloved staples.
One longtime fan noted they try to visit once a month specifically because of this rotating menu — and they have never been disappointed.
Past specialty items have included Asian Shrimp Tacos, Blueberry and Chipotle Wings, and a Turkey and Cranberry sandwich with sweet potato fries. Each week brings a new reason to stop in, and the kitchen clearly enjoys the challenge of creating something unexpected.
It keeps the culinary creativity alive and gives regulars something new to look forward to.
For adventurous eaters, this is a dream setup. You never quite know what will be on the board, but you can always trust the quality.
The weekly menu is one of the best reasons to make The Crooked Spoon a recurring stop.
Location, Atmosphere, and Value That Complete the Package
Sitting right at the corner of Highway 27 and Citrus Tower Blvd, The Crooked Spoon benefits from a great location with easy access and even a neighboring observation tower for post-meal sightseeing. The atmosphere inside is energetic and casual — lots of TVs, a buzzing bar, and the kind of crowd that makes a place feel alive.
Pricing lands in the moderate range, with most meals running around $15 to $20 per person — solid value for the quality and creativity on offer. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 11 AM, with Monday hours as well, making it accessible for lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Outdoor seating is also available for those who prefer fresh air with their meal.
With a 4.4-star rating across nearly 3,000 reviews, the numbers back up what diners already know: The Crooked Spoon is one of Clermont’s most consistently rewarding places to eat.