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MacDowell's

3.3 (230 reviews)

MacDowell's Photos

MACDOWELL'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Live music
Moderate noise
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - MacDowell's

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Reviews With Photos

Chandler D.

Cute little beach like restaurant in the middle of downtown Leesburg that has sand to dip your toes in. The service here was good. They had some good quesadillas.

Outside
Caroline K.

Awesome vibes here! They usually have live music which is amazing and the whole outdoor seating area is done so well. There were a lot of people when I went on a Friday night where I could find a table, but it was one of the last ones open. The people I met they were really nice and all the workers were really attentive, even though they were so busy. Their drinks are made fast and taste good even though they can be pretty strong.

Palm trees
John J.

So as far as a bar / restaurant goes it's ok. The outdoor beach area is what makes this a cool little destination spot in the downtown Leesburg. The palm trees the old shack looking bar and a live band (good or just ok) ... can really transports you to a vacation beach location ( well not a 5 star one) but you can escape the hustle and bustle of the work week. I had the coconut shrimp... really tasty. The Caribbean jerk chicken is next on my list.

Frickles with boom boom sauce
Alice B.

Great concept but falls flat. Visited on a Saturday afternoon and the tables and grounds were covered in cigarette buds and trash (even next to the kids sand area). Not a good first impression for a first visit. There are no signs or information that you have to go to the little shack up front to order anything. After sitting for about 10 minutes we realized no one was coming to the table and promptly ordered our drinks and appetizers at the shack. Food came out quickly and everything was nice and hot. We ordered the fried pickles ("Frickles") and the peel and eat shrimp appetizers. Frickles were super crunchy and the boom boom aioli added a nice spicy kick. The peel and eat shrimp were good, not much if you're sharing it with multiple people however. Shrimp were seasoned with old bay and simple. The food was the only redeeming quality for this place. The kids sand area is a cute concept but I wouldn't consider this a kid friendly place unless you don't mind your kid playing in cigarette buds and cigarette smoke. We only had appetizers because based on what we saw outside and what little we could see inside we weren't too convinced the place was clean. There were strawberries left out in the shack area and flies were batted away. I have no idea why they didn't just cover them, but that apathetic attitude overall was enough for us to pack our bags and leave. Pros: The food - if you're the chef and reading this, you're not getting the recognition you deserve. I'd look for a new stomping ground because I think you have more talent then what's shown here. Cons: atmosphere, apathetic employees (when we walked in one employee was just dropping f-bombs one after another...thankfully my kids weren't present), and lack of cleanliness inside and out. We won't be back and I'm sad because this place had so much potential!

Vicky C.

Somehow I was blessed with an 80 degree day on my February Birthday and I could not wait to have dinner at Mack's Beach! So glad it was open. February. In Leesburg. Live music. Feet in the sand. Drink in my hand. Doesn't get much better! Thanks Mack's for adding such a fun spot right in my little town. Definitely the best happy hour place in Leesburg.

Easy lay sooo good
T M.

O it was alot of fun, laughs, and live music. It was the drink for me....child look that drink was appropriately named "Easy Lay" it was incredible...the bartender doesn't know it but ummm sir we are in a relationship now lol...joking for all you serious ppl out there. It was truly amazing. I will return for that drank and the sexy fries. Yes! You read that right sexy fries and they are. The staff hands down was amazing thank you Mikey for everything. It was a busy night and he was so quick to assist, friendly, and very funny. That's the post. Check this restaurant out.

Burger, Coconut Shrimp and Old Bay Shrimp.
Yana P.

Great place for drinks and live music! We visited and sat outside in the rain for 4th of July a few years in a row! It was tons of fun. The overall atmosphere is laid back and fun. The sitting is outside in the sand. You order food and drinks yourself at the bar and the food is brought out to ya. The love music varies by presenter but great experience overall.

COVID REVIEW. You guys are not abiding by any of the social distancing guidelines. You told people at the door you're "trying to fill to capacity" and built a line for beer because "your waiters were overwhelmed" and are not going by the rules of wearing a mask... You're team has also placed tables of families of 3 and 2 at the same table (WHO ARE STRANGERS!!!) without masks and it is truly appalling how little you care for your clientele. This is ridiculous after covid. This is phase one and you are showing you could care less about your clients. side note, bathroom; there was ONE roll of toilet paper between two stalls in the women's bathroom stall. me and the women needed to share and were disgusted. toilet paper everywhere This is not okay!!!!

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

The upstairs has no A.C. and no bar service. Why have two bars on two floors if only one is functional?

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10 years ago

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11 years ago

This is a perfect place to relax and have an awesome food. The beach setting is great and the food is amazing. Service is great too.

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Page 4 of 6

Ask the Community - MacDowell's

Do they still have trivia on Tuesdays, 7-9?

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MacDowell's - nightlife - Updated October 2026

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