By Kyle Coppola
Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill In Weirsdale Is A Must Try Destination
You can feel the history the moment you step onto the sand at Eaton’s Beach. It’s in the breeze that rolls off Lake Weir, in the smell of Cajun spices coming from the kitchen, and in the music of laughter that’s been echoing across this shoreline for over 100 years now.
Eaton’s Beach is not just a restaurant, it’s a story. A place where people come together over food, family, and Florida sunshine. It all started way back in 1924, when a man named Jay Eaton came down from New Jersey with a dream. He wanted to build something special on this lake and that’s just what he did.
(Eaton’s Beach in Weirsdale in the 1930s. Note the dive platform and dock. Photo Credit – Eatons Beach Sandbar & Grill.)
With help from his sons, Mr. Eaton laid down a 30-foot boardwalk out into the water, built a dive tower, a boat house, and even opened a three-lane bowling alley. It was a place where families could unwind, kids could play, and folks could feel free. Even after Jay Eaton passed in 1943, and the bowling alley burned down, the spirit of the place stayed strong as did the memories shared at the location.
(Today, Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill you can pull right up on a boat, jetski or kayak and canoe and enjoy the vibes.)
Years later, in 1980, a man named Jim Enos took over. Then in 1993, his daughter Jayne Pheil and her husband Carl stepped in and purchased it.
These days, Randy Keuntjes owns the business and has turned this place into a fun destination to relax and vibe with friends and family. We’re talking Shrimp & Grits, Cajun Sweet Fried Chicken, Bayou Pasta, Ribeye Steaks, and that famous “3C’s Little BS” Mac & Cheese. And don’t even get started on the desserts: Peanut Butter Pie, Bread Pudding, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Brownies that taste like Grandma made ’em.
(The Pulled Pork Sandwich is one of the many opions you can try at Eaton’s Beach. Photo Credit – Ellie Mitchell.)
“Eaton’s Beach is all about top-notch hospitality with a Florisiana™ menu crafted by Chef Dave Del Rio, blending flavors of Florida and Louisiana. Our waterfront deck, full-service bar, and comfortable beach vibe offer a perfect setting for locals and visitors to enjoy. Located on Lake Weir, just north of The Villages, we’re proud to bring Chef Eaton’s vision to life, providing a memorable dining experience with great food, stunning views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.” they say online.
(On the inside, the restaurant offers a small apparel section with a Florida Alligator as your welcome into the restaurant. Photo Credit – Eaton’s Beach Bar & Grill.)
Eaton’s Beach Bar & Grill has a long history. While much of Florida is full of new development it’s unique to come dine at a facility with so much history behind it. It’s also great to see Mr. Eaton’s dream alive and doing well. If you ever get a chance, drop on by this location. You’re going to love it.
(Doesn’t get anymore classic than Shrimp and Grits which is a must try at Eaton’s Beach.)
(The Jumbo Wings are always a favorite including the buffao styled wings which are delicious.)
(Don’t forget the Garlic Parm Wings hit on all the right notes as well.)
(This is the classic Florisiana dinner which includes a full pound of shrimp or crawfish with red potatoes, corn, and andouille sausage served with melted butter and cocktail.)
(Eaton’s Beach is always a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the beautiful Florida views of Lake Weir.)
Location – 15790 SE 134th AVe, Weirsdale, FL 32195
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
