Went Saturday for lunch for the first time in 5 years. Definitely not the same as it used to be. The food was so mid and the margaritas came out in a shot cup. Was told they have been sued twice from over serving someone that left and killed somebody on the road, so that could be it. Also heard they are trying to franchise. What a joke. Was so much better when the cool older guy owned it. read more

You come here for the live music and being right on the water. Came a handful of times and tried various entrees, and I'd describe them as bar food at best. Service is hit or miss with others, but Patrick stole the show. Request him if he's working. read more

Lexi (L3) is the best! We had so much fun today chillin at the best lake pub! Good food, fun time! read more

The Twisted Oar - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

Dine in establishment open on Lake Lanier... I am there. We had just finished a hike nearby and wanted to find a restaurant on the water. After checking Yelp and calling to make sure dine in was available, we were on our way. Driving into the parking lot it is not obvious where this restaurant is. It is tucked away in the very back corner. There was no charge to park. When we approached the marina area there was a man at the entrance to the road that eventually led to the parking lot who filled out a parking slip indicating our reason for parking there. The restaurant is inside the marina area and has nice views of boats in docks and/or boats coming into and going from the marina. We were able to sit right next to the water which was very lucky as the restaurant was pretty full this Memorial Day. We were presented with paper menus that seemed like a shorter version of their typical menu. It did have options on both sides, however. My husband decided to order a beer and I went with an unsweetened ice tea. We also ordered an appetizer... the crab and shrimp dip with fried pita wedges. I really would have loved to get the appetizer without the pita being fried but we were told that was the only option. The dip was very good and had decent size chunks of seafood in it. Unfortunately, the fried pita is just not something that settles well with us so we would not order it again in the future. However, if you enjoy fried foods, you will likely enjoy it. We decided to split our entrees so my husband ordered the grouper fingers with the vegetable of the day (green beans) and jalapeno baked beans. I decided to order the grilled blackened shrimp with a side salad and jalapeno baked beans. When we received our entrees, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the side salad. It had lots of bacon on it but since I am not a fan, I removed most of it. The lettuce was iceberg (not my favorite) but, overall, I really enjoyed the salad. It had a variety of items on it and the chipotle ranch dressing was good with it. The jalapeno baked beans were very good. It brings bland baked beans to another level... just the right amount of spicy in our opinion. The blackened grilled shrimp was flavorful and the shrimp tasted fresh (which is important to us). My husband's grouper fingers were fried. The grouper was outstanding... quite fresh tasting. We are not fans of fried foods so it ended up being a bit heavy for us but that is no fault of the restaurants. They were quite tasty and most I expect will enjoy them very much. My husband enjoyed his side of green beans and agreed with me that the jalapeno baked beans were very good. Overall, it was plenty of food for us. The view was nice and the ambiance is casual... which we are happy with (you will not find cotton tablecloths at this restaurant). The staff seemed very nice and our particular waitress was very attentive. They have an area to the side of the restaurant that has corn hole games and the ducks, fish and turtles in the marina are great entertainment for children... we enjoyed seeing them, as well. If I could change one thing about the restaurant, it would probably be a few more healthier, grilled seafood options and different lettuce for the salads (if they use the same iceberg lettuce for all of the salads they offer). Overall, we would recommend this restaurant to others and if we are in the area again, we will possibly give it another try. read more

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Found this place VERY loud when we walked in. Seems a large amount of people there know each other, so maybe that's the reason for the high volume. Ordered a pretzel with my beer and it came out super oily. Had bad stomach issue later on! read more

Well I ordered my favorite go to lunch pick and that's fish tacos. For the price I paid I should had gotten little more fish then red cabbage. But they were still good read more

The Twisted Oar - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

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If it wasn't for atmosphere this place would never make it. Salmon I had last time was terrible. Every time I am here the food is straight lacking...went for an easy win this time w the grilled cheese & they even messed that up. I am sure I will find myself here again but gonna stick to drinks only. Harder to screw them up. read more

Food is delicious!!!! Staff is very friendly! Kristen was our bartender and she was so sweet and attentive She made us some delicious rum runners! Grouper fingers and coconut shrimp was so yummy! I will definitely be back!! read more

The Twisted Oar - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

This place never fails!! The vibe is electric and everyone is there to have a great time!! The bar area is like one huge party. If you're looking for a place to let loose, this is your place. Food was great, we had the burger with fries, and the Ruben sandwich w/potato salad. Both meals were cooked perfectly. Drinks we had the Bob Marley and a Mai Tai. Both were potent and prepared just right! Quality stuff . What stood out to me was Jamie. We opted to sit at the bar since we were hungry and didn't want to wait for a table. Jamie was working and she was a delight. The bar was slammed and this girl did not show any signs of distress, frustration, or anger about it at all. She smiled at her customers, she smiled making the drinks, she was dancing, and singing. Her energy was electric and refreshing to see when you're at a busy bar. She's the type of person you want running your business. We hope Jamie gets praise for her hard work and we will be Saturday regulars now just because of Jamie. read more

Pleasantly surprised. Today's adventure brings me out to Lake Lanier where I'm working ON the lake. I'm by-no-means a lake or boating person, but my work takes me to places that even I am uncertain of at times. The Twisted Oar is not one of those times. Once my work on the water was finished, it was suggested that we take one of our boats over to this restaurant for lunch. Since I don't frequent this area, I was unsure of what to expect. There are so many varying opinions of restaurants "on the lake" that there was only one way to find out. We ended up arriving prior to them opening this day, so we were allowed to hang out on the deck before we were able to come in and actually partake in the food. This gave me some time to peruse the location and get my initial impressions, which looked like a party bar at first. A large, central bar area, with tables surrounding the bar on both the inside and deck sides. I bet this place gets rocking during the busy season now that COVID seems to be tailing off. We get our orders taken immediately, and the server was nice enough to split all of us up since we are expensing meals. A stupid requirement, I know, but it's what has to be done. The server answered a couple of my compatriot's questions and our food was up very quickly. All-in-all, this place was a pleasant surprise. I'm sure that with the busy season comes its headaches, but our experience was nice. We had a nice view, excellent service, and the food was exactly how I expected it. If for some reason someone decides to put me on the water again, I could see me recommending this place for lunch in the future. read more

Not the best experience for our first visit. We went on Friday night just before 7pm. The music over the speakers was obnoxiously loud (which our waitress empathized with us over). No need to dive into great detail, but it was uncomfortable to say the least. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. The food was okay (6 shrimp in a shrimp platter is a bit skimpy from growing up seafood restaurants on the Gulf Coast). Cocktails and beer were good. We did have a disheartening issue with roaches on the wall near and on our table. After my mom killed the 3rd one and more kept popping up she left the restaurant as did our kids while we waited to pay and go. Our waitress immediately addressed it with us, which we were appreciative of. She mentioned they'd patched the cracks to help stop the issue. They did offer us a percentage off our food for the inconvenience. Overall, this seems to be more of a place that's more about the scene and less about the food, which is fine. We were just trying out new spots since we are new to town. We likely won't be back, but it's just because it's not really our scene. read more

From service to location and atmosphere. This location is a great choice to end an evening out on the lake or even just swinging by for their fantastic pizza. You cannot go wrong with the pizza. read more

Pulled in for lunch (from Lake Lanier) on a Sunday afternoon and this place has a great environment and excellent food. We ordered a handful of appetizers and all were excellent at a descent price point. Beer was cold and the service was what you could expect from a laid back grill. We sat next to Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer "Majik Man" too. read more

The Twisted Oar - Hanging out with Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer "Majik Man". - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

The twisted oars convenient to my house and to the lake when I'm using my boat. I enjoy having a good drink with fun people in great service. It all it has all that. Yesterday I had the fish and chips it was excellent serve warm asked for extra crispy french fries done. The place is relatively crowded for a Sunday night but the weather is actually beautiful. I have been going to twistador for about 3 years now and always have a good time and the food is always great. I recommend it for socialization as well as Lake ambience and good people. read more

Great views, friendly staff and good lake food coming back this weekend. The lake breezes and fans make it super comfortable

One of my favorite restaurants on the lake. Plenty of parking for cars or boats, lots of seating, plenty of staff, clean bathrooms, and very friendly staff! Normally the BEST tasting food of the lake restaurants but tonight was an off night for food. Drinks, staff, and atmosphere was perfect but the food could've been better. We got the soft pretzel appetizer & the pretzel which was very stale/chewy and the shrimp & crab dip appetizer which was good. I had the crab salad sandwich and it was VERY mayonnaise heavy and I don't recommend it. This is the first time I've ever come to twisted oar and not loved everything I ate! So I still recommend it highly! Others in our group got the burger, grilled shrimp, and grilled chicken sandwich which were all great! The ranch dressing is house made and delicious with the fries! Fun live music too! read more

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I really like this place. Great location on the water, a great selection of seafood and fabulous service.

This place is an absolute joke. The hostess didn't page us properly. They made us wait an extra hour due to their own mistake. They gave us no priority in getting our table after they incorrectly paged us based off of the incompetency of the staff. Will never return. read more

This place was OK... The location is awesome. You get to sit outside and feed the fish, ducks and turtles. It is quite fun. We ordered snacks for lunch and a fishbowl to drink. The service was wonderful. I did, however, come at 1PM on a weekday.... but I did not have a problem. Their service and location gets them a few of these stars. As for the food, this is what we ordered: Coconut Shrimp- Honestly, they were very fresh and hot, but the flavor was wayyyyy off. And I am not a fan of marmalade. Warm Shrimp and Crab Dip- This was really flavorful and came with fried pita wedges. Damn this was good. ONLY THING, is that there is basically NO shrimp and crab in it. French Fry Basket ( we chose curly)- They're fries.... They are hot.... Not homemade. What else can I say? lol. The fish bowl ( Bob Marley) is delish by the way! I recommend. We will be back for crab leg day, but it is nothing special to go to unless you're on the lake and don't want to drive to a restaurant. read more

The Twisted Oar - I know some people that belong here. LOL! - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

Never got inside. The "hostess" was a spoiled brat. We arrived on our golf cart, as several others did. We asked to see a menu while waiting to go inside. She handed a menu to my wife then looked at her coworker and clearly said "she's probably going to steal it!" She either didn't think we'd hear her or didn't care. My wife handed it back to her very nicely, looked her in the eye and told her "no, I wasn't going to steal it and due to your comment, we won't be eating here either". She stuttered and stammered trying to backpedal as we turned and left. No sense speaking to management, she's probably a relative. And Yelps automatic rating system is mistakenly showing positive food and service in this review. read more

This place is underrated it is so good even the tendies and Mac and cheese and it is good with music and good geese

Food and atmosphere was absolutely fantastic as always. We are part of the marina family and frequent The Oar quite often... whoever the new waitress is named Ashley needs an attitude adjustment- she is quite rude!! The food gets 5 stars! Ashley is lucky that she got 2... someone needs to train her how to be pleasant and smile!! read more

Taco Tuesday just got better. The Twisted Oar offers a few specials throughout the week. We tried the variety of tacos. They were delicious, especially the fish tacos. You can choose between fried or blackened. The cilantro lime aioli was awesome. Plenty of outdoor seating. read more

The Twisted Oar - Tacos - American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

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Nice staff, quick service, comfort food. Really nice to look out over the marina as well.

Regular bar type food but great lake view if you get an outside table. Music on the weekends. Very popular with the Lake regulars and often a wait for seating. Asked to sit at an empty lakeside table and was told it was reserved. The table remained unoccupied for over an hour and a half even though there was a line of people waiting for seating. We ended up asking another group if we could share their table and they were kind enough to let us. We ordered the cod tacos and there was barely anything in them. read more

Great location to have a drink a bite to eat and relax by the water. Friendly staff and regulars. Def going back.

Food was terrible and way overpriced. Overcooked, greasy, skimpy. Drinks were sugar water & couldn't taste any liquor, server was sweet but neglectful. Restaurant was dingy & needs an revamp. read more

Best lunch spot on the Lale Lanier. Try the BLT or Burger, always fresh ingredients and orders are made to order and it shows.

The atmosphere is awesome and dog friendly. The service is kind. Frozen drinks are strong and worth it (get a floater - you will thank me), and the food is tasty. The fried ravioli is my personal favorite appetizer. Onion straws are also delicious! The cajun fried shrimp and pizza's are my favorite entrees. Others I've dined with enjoy the fish tacos and grouper fingers read more

We went here yesterday for the first time. Luckily got a dock space. The restaurant is very nice, good views. We enjoyed what we ordered ( blackened shrimp, tuna croissant, and shrimp pot' boy.) We didn't , however, appreciate that about 2/3 of the tables had dogs,most of which were barking at each other throughout the meal or wandering around going under our table. It ruined the experience. Not sure we will go there again read more

A great atmosphere on the lake. Good food and a staff that doesn't stop! The love bands are amazing!! Love that dogs are welcome and taking care of. read more

After waiting over an hour we were paged by the hostess that our table was ready. By the time we walked up to the hostess desk, which took 60 seconds, we were told the owners wanted to seat someone else there and gave our table away and we have to wait again. This sucks. read more

Very busy but found a bar table quickly. The service was very good even though restaurant was packed. We tried the wings that had been recommended on previous reviews but were disappointed. Overcooked and dry. The salad topped with grouper and chicken excellent. We noted a lot of bar customers tilt chair to save seat and come back over an hour later. We thought strange as those seats don't make money for restaurant or bartenders read more

Jada was an excellent server. efficient and had a friendly and welcoming personality. Food was served hot and was asked if needed a drink refill in timely non pushy manner. Would recommend Twisted Oar to friends. Added bonus beautiful view of the lake. read more

Love this place , great every time, last night Saint Patricks celebration FANTASTIC so special and festive The Ruben sandwich, and corned beef with cabbage was awesome the beer super cold ,and the waitress couldn't be any better she is new from Clearwater Fl wish I knew her name all was perfect thank you so much read more

We stopped by for a couple of drinks and some appetizers. A friend recommended. Had the coconut shrimp and onion straws which were very good. A tad on the pricey side but all in all a nice place with a nice lake view. We will be back. read more

Being very generous by giving this place a 2 stars. Unless you're a friend of the waitresses, you aren't gonna get good service. All you smell when you walk up is just straight weed. We waited 10 mins just get water in styrofoam cups. The food is way overpriced and most of it is super small portions. Unless you're looking for a place to get drunk you might wanna head over to Pigtails/Fishtails as their food/customer service is wayyy better. read more

I had a really good experience here. I went on a week day (Tuesday) and there was a calm/small "crowd" of people. The server was very nice (I can't recall her name tho), she consistently checked in on the table and made great conversation. The food was tasty and not over priced like you might expect at some lake side restaurants. I ordered a drink and that was also nicely made. All in all it was a good experience. I will definitely be returning. read more

This is ridiculous. The food here needs some serious upgrading. So very sad, that a place like this on the water has such poor quality food. Not at all happy with any of our food... Reuben pizza, curly fries, even the chicken wings were freezer burned. How can u mess up bar food,man? I doubt I come back. Sad sad sad . read more

I know this place isn't perfect, but it feels "local" and hidden away. The fish and chips are good, the staff is usually friendly, and there are always cute dogs!Fish and Chips read more