New high-end steakhouse fills a void in Tavares

With the abundance of local restaurants opening in recent years, one type eluded the area until now.  A new fine-dining steakhouse recently opened in downtown Tavares and has filled the void to quickly become a North Lake County dining destination. 

No detail was spared in the stunning build-out of Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails on Ruby Street.  The nine-week transformation resulted in a masterful design that pays homage to the American Industrial Revolution.  Elegant white table linens and rich wood floors offset an exposed high ceiling, large beams, and the glow of a vintage blast furnace to create a uniquely warm and inviting atmosphere.  To give a nod to the area’s past, black and white historic photos of local lore dot the rich charcoal gray walls.  The thoughtful design also provides an intimate private dining area with space for up to 18 guests. 

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Ironworks not only delivered on a fine-dining steakhouse menu featuring a USDA Prime 35-day aged Angus (14 ounces, $90), and Top Choice cuts of filet mignon (8 ounces, $58), tomahawk (32 to 34 ounces, $87), porterhouse (20 ounces, $55), and ribeye (12 ounces, $42), but also offers six entrees for diners opting for something other than beef.  Those diverse dishes include tuna steak, bourbon chicken breast, mushroom alfredo, maple pork chop and grilled salmon.  Before joining the Ironworks team, the dishes’ creator. Chef Lex Bawgus, honed her craft at 1921 and Wave Asian BIstro, both in downtown Mount Dora. 

The tempting appetizers include a half pound of thick-cut, candied bacon served with a maple brown sugar dipping sauce (8 ounces, $18) which is beautifully presented on an I-beam.  On a recent visit, Mount Dora Buzz found the 10-ounce “Smoked Under Glass” New York strip ($47) to be tender and flavorful and uniquely presented as it is smoked tableside.  The penne ala vodka ($32), was cooked al dente in a light cream sauce and topped with blackened shrimp that were well-seasoned and grilled perfectly.  For dessert, the layered apple habanero cake was very moist with creamy cinnamon layers, and crunchy bites of apple along with a subtle finish of heat.  The attentive service was also very timely and knowledgeable about the menu.

Not to be overlooked are the wonderfully crafted cocktails, like the Industrial Old Fashioned which is also available smoked, the Bad Omen, the Knee Duster, and the Golden Triangle.

Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails is the brainchild of David and Hillary Perry, along with their two partners Emad Shahid and George Walker.  The Perrys, residents of Howey-in-the-HIlls, are serial entrepreneurs in Tavares and own the popular Nautilus Coffee Company that opened in 2021 and the vintage submarine-themed Argonaut Bar & Lounge which followed in 2022. Ironworks is tucked into the space next to the Perry’s other downtown businesses located on the same small block of Ruby Street in the city’s entertainment district.  The creative couple is also planning other new ventures in the area, including an ice cream shop and food hall.

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“We felt that downtown Tavares was missing a fine dining option. Listening to all of our customers at both Nautilus Coffee and The Argonaut, that was the one comment that stuck with us.” said Hillary. “Downtown Tavares has amazing restaurants, we are just thrilled to bring one more option. Now having a fine dining option available, there is something for everyone.”  

The name and theme of Ironworks comes from a story of adventure written by Hilary about the fictional Nautilus family, headed by two ironworkers, that traveled the world in a submarine during the turn of the last century.  David is the creative mastermind behind the impressive design and elaborate construction of the restaurant’s unique space.
Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails is located at 132 W. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares.  Its hours are Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to  9 p.m. in the dining room and its bar has extended hours to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  Sunday hours are from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Reservations are recommended, but not required and can be made by calling 352 321-9340.  Free parking is available across the street and in the nearby public parking garage northwest of Ruby Street.

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