3 Lake County Restaurant & Bar Openings
Three new concepts are opening between Leesburg, Eustis, and Clermont. Read about them below.
New spots are landing in Lake County. From a carryout comfort-food hub in Leesburg to a pho shop in Eustis and an off-leash dog bar in Clermont, here’s what’s opening and when.
1) Smackerz — Leesburg
Address: 802 Beecher St, Leesburg, FL 34748
Format: Primarily carryout with limited seating and TVs (small sports-bar vibe).
Menu highlights: Burgers, fries, fish, pork chops, wings; rotating “household” plates that may change daily.
Hours (planned): Weekdays 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; Weekends 6 a.m.–2 a.m. (final hours TBA).
Opening timeline: Soft opening this weekend; regular service Monday; grand opening next weekend.
Notes: Owner Derrick Williams is keeping the lineup flexible and straightforward.
2) What The Pho — Eustis
Address: 459 Plaza Dr, Eustis, FL 32726
Format: ~1,000 sq. ft. dine-in; ~30 seats; streamlined, owner-operated.
Menu highlights: Vietnamese white noodle soups from family recipes; house combo pho (rare steak, meatball, assorted beef cuts, tendon) plus variations; bánh mì; Vietnamese iced coffee; white spicy noodle (weekends); simple rice plates (e.g., pork, barbecue beef rib).
Opening timeline: Buildout ~70% complete and in plan review; targeting late
November (specific date TBA at the time of reporting).
Hours: Daily hours TBA.
3) Pups Pub — Clermont
Address: 898 W Montrose St, Clermont, FL 34711
Concept: Off-leash dog & sports bar in a converted 2,500-sq.-ft. open-air space with bay doors; ~0.3 acres of outdoor dog play area.
Drinks & food: Beer and wine to start; potential liquor later. Guests order food via kiosks from nearby downtown partners.
Opening timeline: Late January–early February 2026, pending construction and permits.
Hours (planned): Mon–Thu 5–10 p.m.; Fri 5–11 p.m.; Sat 12–11 p.m.; Sun 12–10 p.m.
Notes: Positioned as a “third space” for dog lovers; franchising plans underway, with a Tampa-area site eyed for mid-2026.
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