Cafe On the Lake

Don’t be thrown by the appearance. There were only a few cars parked when my boyfriend and I decided to get dinner while driving through but by the time we left it was packed. We were lucky we got a table! The service was great and the food was too! My boyfriend got the country fried steak, mashed potatoes, and peas, and I got the roast beef, stuffing, and sweet potato fries. Everything came out hot and delicious and the view was very nice. We could tell the locals love this place.

This place doesn’t look like much from the outside but don’t miss out. The food is awesome, facilities are clean and service is good.

Crab cakes and ravioli were delicious and you couldn’t ask for friendlier service. Would definitely recommend.

The food was great. The crab cakes were absolutely delicious. Would recommend this place to anyone.

EVERYTHING IS AMAZING! From the crabcakes, to the other seafood, to the pasta dishes, to the BBQ pork… each dish is fresh, full of flavor, handmade, and delicious! And DESSERT! Generous portions, friendly service, outstanding chef, and cozy atmosphere. Kids and I sat outside on the porch. Perfect setting. You won’t leave hungry or unsatisfied. Top notch! Worth the drive. Highly recommend!

Huge portions and great food. There’s not a lot of choice around Juniper Springs but this place has a huge selection of good food and friendly service.

It’s a cute café in silver springs. The chef came out at the beginning and end of our meal and helped us figure out what is liked. We had tilapia grilled, 9 layer lasagna and Cuban sandwich. It was all flavored nicely. It was alright. Everything came out moist.

Really excellent! Not fancy, just a neighborhood café, but excellent food and good, friendly service. I had a good stroganoff, while my wife did the chicken parm, which she loved. My SIL was with us and she had the meatloaf and exclaimed over that as well. All generous portions too. We will definitely be coming back!
No alcohol, though.

We just left Café on the lake and the food was absolutely amazing! The chicken parm was the best I have ever eaten. The Italian trio was massive. The prices were so reasonable. Chef Jeff came to visit us at the table and is the nicest guy. He is a phenomenal chef and couldn’t find a better meal anywhere! Please go there! You will not be disappointed.

I had the stuffed cabbage cooked in an Eastern European sweet and sour sauce tonight and it was wonderful. I asked the chef about it he said the sauce was made with crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, raisins and sauteed onions simmered together. What a delicate, tasty blend of flavors it was. Just terrific. The service was attentive and friendly. Altogether a very nice dining experience. Also, the clam chowder seemed to be a big hit with a couple of patrons who had ordered it. This was my first visit to this café and I don’t know how long it has been there, but I was somewhat surprised that when I asked for decaf coffee they did not have it, but said they were planning on having it in the future.

Great service with a smile. Lemon tilapia served with baked beans and mashed potatoes hit the spot. Chef Jeff made sure to stop by several times and make sure everything was well. Mama’s style meatloaf tasted just like home made. If you’re in the area don’t miss out on this road side lake front find.

After two more visits in our week at Mill Dam Lake Resort, I felt I had to add a star. The breakfast, which came to $ 7.40 for two people, was too much for us to finish. Two eggs, two sausage patties, corn muffin, coffee, and a full cup of grits was $ 3.99. Everything had flavor, nothing bland.
For dinner tonight we ordered the homemade lasagna and the fried catfish. I’d recommend both. The catfish had a crispy corn coating and came with a tasty remoulade sauce. The lasagna was redolent with seasoned meat, garlicky tomato, vegetables, and cheese. The black eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, and pasta marinara were my side order choices for the catfish — hushpuppies come automatically — and they were on point. From what I could see, this is one of those cafes where the owner is preparing or assisting in preparing the food himself.
We got to speak with Chef Jeff on each visit.
Note — There’s no alcohol served but you can bring your own bottle.
Closed Monday and Tuesday. Open 7am-​8pm Wed-​Sun.
The most expensive dinner is $ 9.99 as of June 21, 2014. Appetizers are about $ 3.99 and are substantial portions. Not South Florida prices! Do check it out if you’re in the area.