Bring the Whole Group to the Lake

Tarpon Turtle can typically accommodate large parties of up to approximately 30 guests with advance notice. Group size flexibility depends on the day, time, and whether you prefer indoor or outdoor seating. Our dining room and lakefront deck allow us to arrange multiple tables together or reserve semi-private sections for group gatherings. For especially busy times such as weekends, holidays, or sunset hours, we strongly recommend reaching out early so we can plan the best layout for your group. Although we do not have a fully enclosed private room, our semi-private spaces offer a comfortable and social setting that remains connected to the overall restaurant atmosphere. If your group exceeds 30 guests, we’re happy to discuss creative seating options or staggered arrivals to help accommodate everyone comfortably. Our goal is to ensure that your group feels welcome, well-served, and able to enjoy the lakefront experience without feeling crowded or rushed.

Pre-ordering is not required for large groups, but it can be a helpful option depending on your event and timeline. Most groups prefer to order directly from our full menu, which we are happy to accommodate. For parties of 15 guests or more, pre-selecting a few appetizers or entrée options can help streamline service and ensure food arrives efficiently for everyone. This is especially useful for business dinners, celebrations with speeches, or groups on a tighter schedule. Our team will guide you through the available menu options and help you determine what works best for your gathering. Whether you choose to pre-order or not, our staff is well-equipped to handle large tables and coordinate orders smoothly. The goal is always to keep your event relaxed and enjoyable, without pressure or complicated planning unless you want it.

Yes, guests are welcome to bring simple decorations to personalize their large party tables. Balloons, small banners, centerpieces, and table décor are all acceptable, as long as they don’t interfere with walkways or other guests. We request that decorations be easy to set up and remove. We also recommend notifying us in advance so we can plan the table layout accordingly. Our team is happy to help with light setup when possible, especially if you arrive early. If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or milestone event, we encourage you to share those details when booking—small touches like table placement or timing dessert can make a big difference. While we don’t allow confetti or open flames, we do allow cakes and desserts brought from outside. Our goal is to help your celebration feel personal while ensuring a smooth dining experience for everyone.

While Tarpon Turtle does not offer a fully enclosed private dining room, we do provide semi-private seating options for large parties. These areas work well for birthday celebrations, rehearsal dinners, work gatherings, and family events that want a little extra space without feeling closed off. Depending on availability, we can reserve a section of our indoor dining room or outdoor deck to provide your group with a more dedicated area. Semi-private seating allows your guests to stay together while still enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and lake views that make our restaurant special. Availability depends on the day, time, and size of your group, so early planning is key. If privacy is important for your event, our team will guide you through layout options and recommend the best seating arrangement tailored to your needs. We strive to strike a balance between comfort, visibility, and atmosphere for every group we host.

Yes, we’re happy to accommodate a variety of dietary needs for large groups with advance notice. Our menu features vegetarian, vegan, and lighter options, and our kitchen team can often accommodate specific dietary preferences or sensitivities by adjusting dishes as needed. If your group includes guests with food allergies or special dietary requirements, we recommend sharing this information when booking so we can prepare accordingly. This enables our staff to guide guests toward safe menu options and communicate effectively with the kitchen. While we do our best to prevent cross-contamination, we always encourage guests with severe allergies to speak directly with their server upon arrival. Our goal is to make sure every guest feels comfortable and included at the table. With a little planning and communication, we can help ensure everyone in your group enjoys their meal without stress or confusion.