Don’t blink, or you might miss the entrance to That Place, a popular new sports bar tucked on the backside of Aloy Dee Thai off Bay Street in Eustis that’s giving a whole new meaning to the expression “hidden gem.” 

That Place has rapidly become a local favorite since familiar faces Aaron Belair, owner of El Marie Pizzeria & Sub Shoppe, Randy Connor, owner of Kālua Beach Bar, and Kālua’s general manager Denise McGlauflin, joined forces to bring a fresh and exciting concept to the community. 

The three friends melded together their collective experience in the restaurant industry to craft a menu that defies typical sports bar fare in a venue where everyone is welcome.

And while each of them already had their hands full with successful ventures, they say they couldn’t resist the opportunity to create something truly unique. Their collective vision and desire to offer Eustis something exceptional propelled them forward.

Denise coined the term, “Let’s go to ‘That Place,’” knowing the saying would catch on.  

She recalled a defining moment after they opened when she looked across the restaurant and saw a diverse crowd, ranging from city commissioners to bikers, all finding common ground at “That Place.” Her vision had come to life: a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to come together and enjoy the experience.

The menu is where culinary innovation meets the classics, with a commitment to crafting everything in-house, even the sauces.

With starters like deviled eggs, warm seafood dip, shrimp cocktail, crabby sweet peppers, meatballs enveloped in ricotta cheese, charcuterie boards and baked lobster mac and cheese, you may not want to move on to a main course.

Sandwich enthusiasts delight in choices like the Italian Hokie, the Gobbler, meatball parm grinder, turkey Cuban panini, meatloaf panini and the seafood panini. The burger menu presents huge options like the mushroom Swiss, cheddar bacon, the Hangover (complete with a fried egg, bacon, BBQ sauce and cheese), Surf ‘n Turf, Black & Bleu, Mac & Cheese Melt and the Ultimate burger that boasts peppers, onions, provolone, bacon and Thousand Island dressing.

For those seeking lighter options, the salad selection includes classics like the chicken Caesar, chef salad or the stuffed tomato salad featuring a choice of chicken, tuna, or crab meat salad served inside a fresh whole tomato.

You’ll also want to explore the flatbreads, which include unique options like the cordon bleu, Fly’n Hawaiian, Broccoli 4 Me, meat lovers, cheeseburger and the roasted grapes and bleu cheese. The latter may sound like a weird combination, but Denise says that once you try it, you’re hooked. 

That Place also does daily specials. They have included the turkey Swiss wrap, loaded crunchy beef burrito, French dip, open-faced roast beef sandwich, warm caprese sandwich, chicken cordon bleu sandwich, chicken fajita flatbread and even a pickled jalapeño flatbread. 

Of course, a sports bar would not be complete without an array of large-screen TVs, and That Place offers 14 screens broadcasting games, including the NFL Ticket. To elevate the game-day experience, a full liquor bar is at your service.  

The Trifecta

Roasted Grapes Flatbread

Baked Buffalo Mac & Cheese

Stuffed Tomato Salad