Pearl's Smokehouse is the main food option in Gatorland. Based on the name, you would think this was a full-service restaurant with racks of ribs and plates of barbecue. In fact, it's pretty much your standard overpriced amusement park concession stand with burgers, chicken, pulled pork, fries, ice cream and similar items, served on paper plates with 1-ply napkins. The most interesting item on the menu is the fried gator bites, so if you've ever wanted to taste alligator, this is your chance. Anything fried is going to be pretty good, but there is a reason why you don't see alligator on most menus, as the animals don't have a lot of meat on them, and the meat itself is like a dark piece of chicken with a "game-y" flavor. These are also the most expensive item at the stand at $11 for about a half-dozen small nuggets, i.e. it's a snack rather than a meal. Not the best or worst concession stand around - the food is perfectly fine for an amusement park.

Pearl's Smokehouse located in Gatorland was not too shabby. Nothing special, by any means, just a simple walk up window where visitors order their burgers, chicken tenders, alligator bites, drinks, and a few other items and sit down on a series of long picnic tables. The tin roof and timbers gave it a distinct "Florida Cracker" theme. Plenty of fans in the Pavillion kept the air moving and comfortable. Food was good, and the prices were much more reasonable than one might find in the huge theme parks. I was happy with it, and so seemed the other folks. The Staff was friendly and helpful and chatty, too.

Pearl's Smokehouse is the place to eat at Gatorland. What better place to sample Gator Nuggets than a restaurant surrounded by hundreds of alligators. Order at the counter, find a table, and your order will be ready in a few minutes. A nice break during a very busy day at Gatorland.