A visit to any downtown in Central Florida is a feast for the senses. The intensity of the sun, no matter the season, tingles on your skin. Meanwhile, your ears are tempted by music – a constant companion throughout Polk County – that floats from a nearby doorway. And no matter where you turn, the smell of expertly crafted food and fresh coffee mingle and linger in the air.
When it comes to Florida, thoughts often turn to palm trees, theme parks, and house-lined golf courses. And while Central Florida’s Polk County has all of those, what it specializes in is small-town charm. A large part of that comes from local restaurants that serve not only a wide variety of fare but also pair that with a heaping side of downhome welcome. Here’s a smattering of what you might find.
Bartow
The Cookie Jar Bakeshop
With a name like the Cookie Jar, you expect cookies, as well as cakes, pies, and muffins. But they also have handmade candies, scones, and cinnamon buns with an open-for-your-viewing-pleasure kitchen. If you are looking for something savory rather than sweet, the Cookie Jar also offers both breakfast and lunch. Now you have an excuse to have something sweet as both an appetizer and dessert.
Charm City Seafood
While the outside may look like a roadside eatery, don’t let that fool you. Charm City Seafood features an award-winning taste of Maryland’s long-known seafood culture with down South hometown friendly.
While first-timers may go for the Grouper Sandwich, don’t ignore the lobster and crab grilled cheese or the fish tacos, which mix sweet and savory in every bite. For those craving meat, Charm City Seafood also offers an extensive barbecue menu including ribs, pulled chicken and pork, and a brisket quesadilla.
Winter Haven
Grove Roots Brewing Co.
Downtown Winter Haven is home to one of the best breweries in Central Florida, Grove Roots Brewing Co. Not only is the beer amazing but the brewery is both child and dog-friendly. Kids can choose from a variety of sodas, juices, and sparkling waters, and a rotating roster of food trucks adds to the uniqueness. In addition to yard games, Grove Roots has a variety of board games that can be borrowed through staff.
And then there is the beer. Inspired by Central Florida’s citrus history, local grapefruit, and tangerines add zest to the ales while the hard 6 am Pickers Stout leans on deep coffee flavors.
Harborside
Located on Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes, expect incredible views of Florida’s fire-in-the-sky sunsets when you come here for dinner. But the view isn’t the only thing they offer. From fresh seafood to steak, pasta dishes, and ribs, as well as sandwiches and more. Harborside has been a Winter Haven favorite for decades. Don’t forget the fried gator bites!
Andy’s Igloo Drive In Restaurant
For a step back to the days of shark-finned cars and Bill Haley spinning on the jukebox, go no further than Andy’s Igloo Drive-In Restaurant. Andy’s has specialized in the comfort food we all crave – even if our doctors tell us to eat it in moderation – for more than 65 years. You’ll definitely need a day pass from your nutritionist when you dive into their menu of burgers, fried chicken, and fish. But make sure you leave room for an ice cream sundae or milkshake. Just remember to bring cash – they do not take credit cards.
If you don’t feel like sitting inside, Andy’s also has a popular walk-up window.
Nutwood
From Sunday brunch to a weekday lunch or weekend date, Nutwood offers a locally sourced, seasonal menu paired with a curated wine selection. Their seasonally changing, locally sourced menu may include Korean-style roasted pork belly or a Portobello mushroom sandwich one day, steak or potato gnocchi another. But no matter the entrée, stick around for the warm bread pudding at the end.
Arabellas Italian Ristorante
Upscale dining in an intimate setting, from the food to the drinks to the ambiance, Arabellas offers quality Italian and Mediterranean cuisine along with a singular dining experience. Seafood, chicken, veal, beef and, of course, pasta are all offered with Italian flair.
Ave Bar, right next door, offers a more casual experience. The bistro menu offers a variety of pizzas, as well as stromboli, calzones, and subs.
Lucille’s American Café
Located in the heart of the Water Ski Capital of the World, Lucille’s décor may harken back to the 1960s, but its menu is anything but nostalgic. High-end fare meets shorts and t-shirts at Lucille’s – this is Florida, after all. Chicken, shrimp, and handhelds are all on a menu that really takes it up a notch at dinner. Once the sun goes down, the steaks and chops – or perhaps jambalaya and mahi mahi – come out. Make sure you save room for dessert or start your meal off with an expertly crafted cocktail from the bar.
Lakeland
Born & Bread Bakehouse
What started as a booth at the Saturday Lakeland Farmer’s Market has grown into an early morning rite of passage for folks in the Central Florida area. From European-style pastries and bread to cheesecakes, biscuits, croissants, cookies, and cruffins – a hybrid between a croissant and a muffin – you’ll quickly see why people stand in line, often around the block, for treats from Born & Bread Bakehouse. Lunch offerings include sandwiches on sourdough bread, a Cuban croissant, pot pies, and salads.
While they are open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., locals know to order online in advance to avoid a long wait.
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
An anchor of downtown Lakeland for more than two decades, Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille offers the flavors of New Orleans in a casual setting. Perfect for anything from casual drinks at the bar to a business meeting or dinner date, make sure to leave room for the signature Oreo beignets. For those who might shy away from seafood or spice, there are plenty of other items on the menu including pasta, burgers, children’s items, and more.
Café Zuppina
Featuring a unique, healthy take on Mediterranean fare, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals, this small restaurant has been a popular spot for over a decade. Mixing Turkish favorites with other Mediterranean flavors, they offer everything from a Romanian Brisket Platter to gyros, kebabs, and more. Next door, the market is more than just a coffee shop, thanks to its wide array of international favorites including French pastries and Italian gelato.
Nineteen61
Is the cuisine Cuban, Latin, Spanish, or Peruvian? Honestly, you won’t care about a label when it comes to your table. From ceviche to Spanish salads, Cuban standards such as ropa vieja and Peruvian-style Chinese fried rice – arroz chaufa – this culinary mash-up has been considered one of the top 10 Spanish restaurants in the state since the day the doors opened.
Nineteen61 is open for both lunch and dinner, locals get here early and take advantage of the tapas menu at the bar before dinner, from the fried calamari in a jalapeno caramel to the empanadas. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, they are open Sundays for brunch.