I think 3/5 is a fair assessment for the food you can expect, which was pretty standard and sufficient to grab lunch between Everglades excursions. Service was so kind & friendly! read more

Gator tail and frog legs, anyone? After an educational and informative tour in an airboat in the Everglades we headed to the restaurant in the same location next to the waiting area. We were down to experience a taste of some down home cooking, Everglades-style! LoL! We ordered a Combo of the Gator and Frog Legs sampler. I've never had either one before, this is my first time, so I can't compare to other experiences but here's my take: The gator tail is said to be the most delicate part of the gator. Our sampler was served in cutlets, mini bites, seasoned and had a mild flavor. It is white in color and coated in light and crispy batter... it was quite tender. Mmm! Taste like chicken! LoL The frog legs, on the other hand, had a chewy taste. When the frog legs was served to our table we thought, whoa, that's some huge frog! It was piping hot, freshly cooked. I was hesitant to try it. I went for it! It had a fishy flavor and odor. They automatically include a 15% gratuity charge to your all dine-in orders no matter how many guests in your party. Review #2794 read more

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Listen, I'm not here for a Michelin star but experience. This is a let's get something in my belly while we wait for an airboat tour. And that's what we got. Gator bites are an experience. It's worth it. It's a diner in the middle of nowhere experience. Have fun, enjoy. read more

Let me tell you, when you walk in you feel like you wanna walk out. I think it's one of the oldest restaurant in Everglades :)))) jk but really. It's not attractive at all. The service and the food thou.... was excellent. They open 8:30, we left early for a road trip and got there around 8:10, walked in, got informed that they not open yet, went out, sat in a bench for like 5 min when the sweet server came out and told us to come in to eat! Yeahhh! I was hungry! I had the sausage and egg sandwich and ff. Omg!!! I can eat that every day for breakfast. Thanks so much for accommodating us and totally making our day with your kindness and great food. Two thumbs up! read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Sausage egg and cheese sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

Amazing food! If you want some Florida fried come here. Must get gator bites, you won't be disappointed.

What a strange place. So many issues here - expensive, incompetent staff, bad food. My expectation was bodega eggs, I didn't expect anything fancy. First they double charged us for the sandwich. After fixing the mistake the order was $30 for egg sandwich, two eggs on packaged white bread, a tiny bit of oatmeal, and hash browns that tasted like they were just reheated from frozen and added a bunch of oil. Literally the egg sandwich was only eggs on bread - nothing else. The oatmeal was oats cooked in cream and they looked at me funny when I asked for brown sugar. It was an amusing experience overall if you're going for a kitschy ambiance. I was hungry right after leaving so plan accordingly. read more

Our waitress was so lovely, we are out of towners and I am sure she gets a lot of out of towers. She is so nice, the food was whatever, I'd give it a 3 star, but I'd gave the extra 1 star just because we really enjoyed her company. read more

Very friendly and kind waitress in bunny ears for the holiday. Looking forward to our next visit! Highly recommend.

This place is a scam! My fiancé and I were on vacation and wanted to see the alligators while getting a bite to eat. This place is in the middle of no where, we drove 1hr and 30mins to get there. They posted that the restaurant was open when we got there the restaurant was under construction, we only saw one alligator that was at the facility, while out in the water on the airboat we saw nothing. Also at the facility they had a baby alligator that we weren't allowed to touch! A total rip off and waste of time!! read more

Interesting place with homey charm. A nice way to be part of the local ecosystem for a minute, because by eating local frogs and some alligator you are again establishing your dominance of the food chain as apex predator. It seems strangely appropriate to eat here in conjunction with an airboat tour. Is the food that good? Is it overpriced? Let us not burden ourselves with details, shall we? Perhaps just best to say that although the service is a bit pokey, the staff is very friendly. The bathroom is a bit below par. read more

I've been wanting to ride an airboat since The Watsrboy. This was such a dope experience. We had so much fun at Coopertown. I recommend anyone with a group of people to visit. It's a great way to kill a few hours with friends/family, & see a different part of Miami. read more

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Oh my goodness. The food was totally fine, there were no real issues with this. My main issue was the primary waitress running the restaurant. Short, heavy set. Truly the rudest waitress I have ever observed. She kept making passive aggressive comments openly about customers. A example of one was, "Communication: it's not that hard" in response to a family trying to decide if they were going to dine in or take out. She must have not thought anybody could hear. The rudest I observed her be was to an African American family. They said they wanted to come in to see what they served and without even trying to hide it, ROLLED her eyes at them. I have never been blatantly disgusted with a waitress in my life, but she had one of the ugliest personalities. She should not be in the service industry. Again, food was fine, but I will never come back and be served by people who can openly treat good, decent people like trash. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - fried shrimp and coleslaw - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

Excellent! Greeted by a nice lady and the smell of good eats! Very clean. We enjoyed having lunch here after our boat ride. The combo sampler, salad and a side of fries were perfect for our little family and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Also the pulpoloco sangria was quite good too. Highly recommend read more

This place turned our whole day around! We were tired and weary after a cruise but had a day before our flight home, so we decided to go see the Everglades. It was near lunch time when we came upon this restaurant and we were sweaty, hangry and over it--regretting our decision to visit. But the staff at Coopertown restaurant magically made our day better. Our server, Angel, was perfect. She made great recommendations from the menu (get the catfish sandwich!) and we had such fun and engaging conversations with her. We left with full bellies and smiles on our faces. We even stopped by on our way back out for a cold drink. read more

Honestly, I am so thankful we were able to find a Groupon for this airboat tour because I was pretty disappointed throughout the entirety of the tour. First, there was a long wait to board the airboat and having a snake phobia, I was not going to watch the animal show. Upon asking if I could get on an earlier boat, one employee said no, while another said yes. I was able to get on the earlier one but had to sit in the front row. The seats were scorching hot and I truly thought my thighs were burning from the metal. I tried to sit on a life vest but the guide said it was illegal and that if it was too hot, I could wait for the next boat. When the actual tour started, it was great for about five minutes. After that, it was a short ride praying for the animals to come out. The guide informed us a few crocodiles and/or alligators were spotted earlier in the day but we didn't see a single one. Only 25 minutes in total, we pulled back up to the dock - having not seen a single animal in the Everglades. This was truly a disappointment and quite frankly, I'm not so sure I would recommend them. Sure Coopertown Airboats might be the oldest airboat company, but I wish there was some kind of "see an alligator or your money back" kind of thing. read more

As it says in my profile, I have a passion for eating frog legs. Don't ask why; it might be some sort of latent sexual manifestation that neither of us cares to hear about much less elaborate on. The point here is that being a frog legs aficionado, I couldn't wait to once again try the frog legs at Coopertown Restaurant. One of the reasons being that they do in fact come from the Everglades, wild, hunted by locals and sold to the restaurant. I far prefer the local frog legs as compared to those imported from the likes of Bangladesh. Maybe the local mosquitoes are better feed for the frogs than whatever flies in Bangladesh, but those hunted locally in the United States always seem more succulent than do the imports. As is, however, typical in the South, they only come prepared one way; breaded and deep fried which is certainly not the "cuisses de grenouille" preparation I am accustomed to in French or Cajun cuisine. But, in these parts it will have to do. My half pound of frog legs of course came breaded and deep fried but, though greasy, perfectly done, preserving their texture and subtlety of taste. I also tried their alligator which was also rather good, but as far as their burgers or other such food, my recommendation would be to avoid it. After all, their specialties are the frog legs and the alligator. The restaurant is, to say the best for it, dive-y right down to the point of being somewhat seedy, disorderly, disorganized and unkempt. As for the tour boat ride part of it, I didn't go and hence have no idea. I was only there for the food. read more

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Yeah, it's old, it's cruddy looking... but don't be fooled! This hole in the Glades has the BEST TASTING fried gator and fried fogs legs! The gator is not a ball of breading with a chewy center, like most places. This is tender, and coated in an amazing light and crispy batter, thats not overbearing. If you like frogs legs... they always get them right. Always juicy, with an amazing batter too. The steak fries rock too... always hot, made to order! This is always a two person team running the show, so be patient when it gets busy. One cook... one waitress, but awesome food... absolutely no frills. We've been going for years, and the staff has always been the BEST! Those girls ROCK! If you are hitting the Glades, and on Tamiami Trail, don't go anywhere else for fried gator or frog. Nice sunset on their bridge on the Tamiami Canal too! Oh yeah... I also cook their frogs legs and gator at home too. They sell the meat by the pound. Excellent quality! read more

Best airboats in the Glades coming from Miami! I bring everyone here, rides are about $26 bucks each and don't forget to bring your brews!! They're allowed on board as well : o) Stay for the show before or after your ride, it usually doesn't matter in which order. You will see lots of gators and you will see the beauty of the Everglades. It's a good time and I highly recommend it! read more

DH and I were looking for a place that served gator tail and frog legs after our visit to the Everglades National Park and we found Coopertown Restaurant along the way. After going on a 15mile bike ride at the park, we were both starving so we each ordered a Catfish sandwich and shared the gator tail and frog legs combo. Our food took forever and I was feeling so lightheaded from hunger and wishing they made my food faster! We were the only customer there so we didn't know why it took them a long time to cook our food... Half an hour later (thank god!) the lady finally brought out our order. The catfish sandwich was big with a side of thick cut fries and a cup of coleslaw. I didn't care for the coleslaw and fries but the catfish was very moist and tasty. The gator tail was ok, same consistency as pork chops but DH liked it much more than I did. The frog legs were awesome, soft and tender and I liked it more than the gator tail. They had some kind of southern style seasoning to it which we both liked. The old lady serving us was really nice and chatted with us while we ate so I forgave her for the slow service after my tummy was full. Lol read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Catfish Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

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We have been to coopertown four times and sawgrass airboat once. There is a reason for this difference. Coopertown is great. The airboats are all open air, the scenery is gorgeous and the airboat operators are entertaining. There is a cute little animal show that they do, that is funny and informative. You can hold an alligator, and touch snakes and turtles. There is a little gift shop and restaurant. The bathrooms are less then ideal but when I commented on their grossness they immediately sent someone to clean it. Get a groupon! read more

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I didn't catch her name, but the lovely woman who helped us today ran a tight ship. Cooked, took orders, and served everyone with grace and personality to boot. Thank you for the intro to your delicious alligator bites and frog legs! That grilled cheese was also !!! read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Gator/frog leg combo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

Had a nice lunch on the way back to Miami from Snake River at the Everglades. The kid loved the gator bites. Mom and dad enjoyed catfish and frog legs. Decor was super kitchy and maybe a bit run down. But we'd go back. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Inside the Coopertown Restaurant. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

DON'T EAT HERE!!! i ate waaay better gator meat that is 1/2 the price of this joint. the server there is awful. poor customer service. it's not in her vocabulary. even she doesn't seem to want to be there. read more

Great ride! Very friendly staff. Sad gator gate. I wish the ride was longer but it seems to be a pretty standard length for all the rides in the area. (About30mins) The guide was super friendly and kept the ride interesting. You are taken a picture when you first arrive which cost $10 if you want to take it home. We didn't. There's a lecture about snakes, gators and wild animals prior to the ride. It was interesting but when I got there they were closer to the end of it so it only lasted for another 10mins. There was not another one by the time we got back from the ride. Thought this was oddly arranged. Everyone should have the opportunity to see the whole lecture, if desired. What I found awful and inhuman was the single alligator display. He is in a pool that is as big as he is so he just laid there with his legs open. What else could he do?! Nothing; he had no space. Awful! So sad! ='( the water fill in the pool only covered half of his body.=/ At the end of the ride you can hold a baby gator and take a picture with it; super cute!! Other than a gift shop, there is nothing else to do unless you want to eat at the restaurant, so don't expect more once your ride is over. read more

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In town for the weekend for a wedding and with some time to kill we found this place on groupon. Iam glad we decide to go and so should you if you ever have a chance. What a awesome experience. We got to ride around on a airboat in the glades and saw about 5 gators and a whole bunch of different types of cranes. The ride was about a hour and unfortunately we had visited during the drought season and according to our guide/driver (who was very good and funny) the water level was down in some areas to half a foot which is crazy. After your tour you get a chance to hold a baby alligator. Surprisingly sift skin I had a awesome time and can't wait to come back again and go out when the water levels are hire and that the airboats can go faster. Highly recommend you give this a chance, definitely worth it. read more

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We had the combo sampler along with our lunch. Everything was delicious! The restaurant staff was really nice. A great experience all around. read more

Despite the fact that it rained off and on while we were there the entire experience was awesome! The show with Carlos was great. He took a baby alligator and one of the snakes from their tanks. He spoke about each and even brought them around so that everyone could touch them. After the show I was asking him about the albino python and he gladly took him out of the cage to show him to me and even let me take a picture with him. The airport ride was also awesome. I can't remember the tour guides name but he was great. Pointed out different plants and found about 10 different alligators including one that came right up to the boat where I was sitting. After the tour everyone was allowed to hold a baby alligator ( 2 years old) and take pictures with him! All the employees seemed to be very knowledgeable and were eager to answer any questions. Just wish it didn't rain, but overall a great time!!! read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

I just finished reading a book that took place around the Everglades so I was pretty excited to do this tour as part of my Miami trip. My entire group of 8 bought Groupons ahead of time so it was certainly a good deal. They don't take reservations because tours run fairly often (every 20-25 min) so don't bother calling because they're pretty rude on the phone. Upon arrival, the girl at the counter is abrasive (I assume she's the same one who answers the phone), she just takes your money and gives no direction whatsoever. The brightside is that everyone from then on is nice and friendly. They do a short intro to provide some background and they even bring out some big snakes to look at and touch and then you can walk around and see some of the gators they have on site. They also have a green screen so you can take goofy pics and then buy them later (it's only $10 which isn't bad at all). Finally, at the end, you get to hold an adorable baby gator - it's a golden opportunity for a new profile pic. The airboat itself is pretty cool. We loved our tour guide, he was the perfect balance of funny and informative. We drove around a little, learned a little, sweated a lot. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - hilarious. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

Have you scoped out your animal and then eat it? I don't mean the exact animal, well there are some cases where this happens. I was on a more modest adventure. Eyeing alligators and frogs in the Everglades and then eating them. During my college years at Florida International University in North Miami, I took an Eco Tourism class which required we trek to the Everglades National Park and played tourist for a day. It was an amazing adventure. The tour guide walked us through the elevated wooden walkway and explained the many species of plants and animals that are so unique to this microsystem. It was always my intention to take a more personal tour of this mysterious place. Most traffic traversing across South Florida from east to west goes through Interstate 75. It is a huge highway with gets you across in no time. I opted for the scenic US41. This is a local route that goes through Big Cypress National Preserve and touches the northern part of Everglades National Park. As we leave civilization and enter the swamp, there are tons of signs for airboat rides. We stopped at the first one, Coopertown Airboats. Guess what? They allowed my gator bait little dog on the airboat! I was in. For $22 a person the tour leaves almost every 15-20 minutes, half an hour duration. $200 puts you in a private airboat that seats 4, tour last 1 hour. The compound houses alligators, frogs, other swamp critters and pythons. It serves as a place to keep http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python that the State of Florida deem a danger to the delicate Everglades Ecosystem. There were two hunters in my tour group who said that they were bored hunting pythons, since they were so scarce, that they were just going to ride around with us. I think they wanted to scope out Coopertown territory. Coopertown Restaurant also serves up swamp fare. As we embarked the Tour Guide gave us cotton wool balls to place in our ears to muffle the airboat sounds. We drove out a canal and then into the open Everglades. It is a sight to see and experience. Let this video speak for me. At one point the tour guide allowed anyone to step into the swamp. I jumped at the opportunity. When else would I be able to say that I walked in the Everglades Swamp? Check! At the end of the tour we were allowed to pet a small gator. Then we savored the food. Fried Frog Legs and Alligator Tail Combination - battered and fried to tender juicy perfection. The meat texture was soft, delicate, with a very clean taste. Food does taste better when it is fresh. The service at this place is very friendly. All the staff acknowledges and tries to say something to you. It is a wonderful thing. This is not a very big operation. There are just a handful of people working this camp. Maybe that plays a role in how personable they are. As we make our way further across US41 there are larger airboat tour operators with larger restaurants and native outpost. There are long stretches of nothing but open road, swamp, plants and animals. The views were terrific. I am very satisfied that we took the path less driven. We may have gotten across the peninsula slower, but time well spent. I imagine this is how the Everglades should be seen. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Airboat - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

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I had frog and alligator a long time ago and don't remember anything about it other than it tasted like chicken. Since I was in the area, I decided to to stop by to try frog legs and gator again. I may have been deceived a little by the yelp review since without reading any reviews I assumed it was 4* for the food. After reading reviews it actually looks like most people reviewed the airboat ride. I ordered a frog and alligator sampler for $12.95. Both were a bit chewy and still taste like chicken. I don't have a point of reference to say this dish HERE is good or bad. It just "is". Nothing was overly impressive or offensive about the experience. I came midweek at the end of the day and it was completely empty. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Frog and alligator sampler $12.95 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

I really liked this tour!! The first 15 minutes, you sit down and listen to a guy talk about snapping turtles, alligators and snakes (with some demonstrations of how quickly the turtle can snap at you, and you can touch all three). He was very informative but also fun to listen to! Next was the ride--they give you cotton balls to stuff your ears with since it gets loud. I liked the way our guide was driving, too-lots of nice navigation but also some sharp turns and swinging just for fun-sweeeet. I love the everglades, I went on the same tour in New Orleans as well. You get to see some exotic birds and alligators during your trek on the water. And afterwards, you can take a picture holding a baby alligator. Awww... read more

The wait staff does not wear masks. We felt very unsafe, so we ordered our gator bites to go. Great food but they are not following the COVID -19 protocols. read more

"Ayeeeee yooop yoooop yip!" Apparently that's an alligator call. Thanks to our guide we got to see two alligators, Al and Peggy, on our latest excursion to the Everglades. As my niecey poo is 5, I decided it was time for her to experience the majestic tropical wetlands that's practically in our backyard. We drove 40 min east to one of the most popular parks and was certainly pleased by the experience. First of all, the attendant gave me the group on rate with no groupon and my niece got in for the Free!!!! (All kids under 7 get in free). Short wait, and you're on the boat. They hand you some cotton balls to stuff your ears and some headphones for little kids so the noise won't hurt their ears. And then you're off!! Nothing like the wind in your face and whipping through the Sawgrass. Not much wildlife this time of year, I believe the best time to go is the spring, however enjoyable nonetheless. I would recommend bringing cash to tip the guide and to pay for things at the adjoining restaurant. The card machine can be a bit slow to read your card. Otherwise great trip! Kid friendly! And you get to enjoy nature. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - The information area - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Pros: - Funny waitress - Decent food - Airboat tour was okay - we saw gators and birds; took around 40 min; they gave us cotton balls for our ears (really loud); don't wear flappy hats cause they might be blown off - You get to hold and pose with a small gator (3 lbs) - The photo booth picture costs $10 - Breakfast all day! - My friend enjoyed the catfish Cons: - Food took a long time to come out b/c the waitress was handling a lot of tasks (phone calls, tables, take-out, etc...). This is understandable b/c it is a small place - Small gift shop - Wildlife exhibit is very, very small - there are some turtles and gators read more

I had such a great time here. We drove down from Boynton Beach just for this and it was totally worth it. I booked a 3pm airboat tour on a gorgeous day (80 and partly sunny). Before the boat tour, a guy gives an alligator and snake show. There are stadium style benches so everyone can see. He lets you pet the baby alligator (there are no crocs in the Everglades because crocs like/need saltwater and glades is fresh water). The baby croc behaved well! He felt like leather! The guy then showed us a snake and let us pet it. We then got to take pictures with the animals. Super nice guy. The boat tour was a lot of fun, albeit a bit loud. Perhaps you should buy earplugs because Cooperstown gives out Publix cotton balls. We saw gators and birds. The ride didn't make anyone nauseous. As you zip by the glades, don't touch the grass -- it's very sharp. They encourage tipping but don't bombard you. Very nice staff. After the roughly forty-five minute tour, we got to hold a three foot alligator, and take pictures. Parking situation is excellent! You can park right outside. I suggest that you park in a shady spot near the water, but make sure you're not too close because you dont want to end up becoming gator lunch...the staff makes those corny jokes all the time. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - An alligator (the Everglades doesn't have any crocs). - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Great Everglades tour on an old fashioned airboat! Before the ride there's an animal show with snakes and turtles... Also have a bunch of caged gators to check out before you get on the boat. About a 30 min boat ride around the untouched Everglades. We saw about 8 wild gators and plenty of birds. The tour guide was plenty knowledgable about our surroundings. We even got to take pics holding a baby gator at the end!! Didn't eat at the restaurant so can't attest to that... read more

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Was there yesterday and I was coming out of the bathroom.. I was coming down the slippery steps. I was able to catch myself but the were was a square brick pieces that was wobbly and whichever caused me to loose balance and fell. My left foot went in and I fell on the floor. No one from the place came to help that I was aware. There was a big man (who never identified himself) that came out shortly after I was helped up by my family members, but he didn't ask if I was ok or if I needed anything and fill out a report was take. My foot got swollen in seconds. I couldn't stand. I was screaming b crying. I was scratched up. I was taken to ER. Doctors said it was a bad sprain... Will definitely be following up with my own doctor when I get home to California tomorrow. It's still swollen n purple and supper painful. By the way the bathrooms are supper disgusting and the lady who we were supposed to bay for the air both ride. Was so rude... read more

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we came here during a windy day for the airboat ride. The staff is super friendly and informative. You do a wildlife show, the airboat ride and you hold a baby alligator. Its a nice experience. Will come next time with my kids. A few tips: -if it's a windy day make sure you bring a light jacket. -if you have air plugs at home bring them or bring your beats. -bring cash to tip the guide. -do not worry it's not likely that you will get wet. -it is an airboat so if you bring cap it may be blown away. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Holding the baby aligator (2 yrs old-female) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida

Airboat ride is fun. "Show" is cheesy. Sad to see alligators trapped in dirty pools not much larger than them. Gift shop is dark, small, dusty. Place is overall old, and dirty. I would never venture to eat on that restaurant. It is a good experience of rural, backwoods Florida though. Not expensive. Airboat ride worth the value paid. read more

I can't get enough of their gator tail and frog legs. The service is fantastic. The food is fairly priced and locally caught fresh daily. The restaurant itself is very cozy and homey. The woman at the front desk is always kind and she consistently checks on patrons. Also, Jack Black has been here! I come at least once a month to get some gator tail even if I'm not riding in the Airboat. read more

Coopertown Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Miami, Florida