Food & Drink - Best of Haven 2026

Best Breakfast

EGG HAVEN

301 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Year after year, Egg Haven continues to dominate the breakfast category. We get it. The staff is super friendly, your food comes fast, it’s delicious, and it’s affordable. That’s eggs-actly what we all need right now. Congratulations on another win, Egg Haven! Thank you for being you.

2nd: First Watch

3rd: 1st Street Diner

Best Brunch

SAUVAGE

254 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Served only on Sundays, the Sauvage brunch menu is heavily inspired by the owner’s Pacific Islander heritage with the usual dose of humor that we love from Sauvage. Some of the menu items include a Miso Bloody Mary, a Hawaiian Skillet with Spam and pineapple fried rice, and the classic Hawaiian comfort dish, Loco Moco, which is a burger served on Jasmine rice with brown gravy and an egg. Yes, yes, and yes. I’ll be there at noon, save me a seat.

2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe

3rd: First Watch

Best Coffee Shop

RICHARD’S FINE COFFEES

330 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

Congratulations to Richard’s for celebrating their 30th anniversary this year AND for winning the Best Coffee Shop! Richard’s is an old-school staple in Downtown Winter Haven. From a cup of black coffee to their inventive seasonal drinks, bakery items, and a full menu of breakfast and lunch items, there’s something for everyone, and we appreciate that. Cheers to another 30 years!

2nd: Haven Coffee Roasters

3rd: Concord Coffee

Best Bakery

NOISETTES BAKESHOP

3027 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven

Congratulations! This is the first win for Noisettes! Wendy Theroulde-Miller is the owner and baker who opened up shop in January, 2024. Wendy learned from the French pastry chef, Johan Martin, and now offers French pastries including croissants, cakes, cinnamon rolls, bread, and more. She is the only one back there mixing, rolling, baking, and serving, so go show her some love! This is a must-visit.

2nd: Gourmet Goodies

3rd: Honeycomb Bread Bakers

Best Donut Shop

THE DONUT MAN

1290 6th St NW, Winter Haven

In the eight years that we’ve held the Best of Haven awards, nobody has ever beaten The Donut Man for Best Donuts. We donut know who the actual “Donut Man” is, but he’s obviously doing something right! They offer freshly made donuts every day and have a drive-thru if you need them in a hurry.

2nd: Sokai Donuts

3rd: Donut Palace

Best Diner

EGG HAVEN

301 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

The winner for the Best Breakfast also wins the Best Diner! They have a very extensive menu along with daily specials for both breakfast and lunch. From burgers and patty melts to liver & onions, they’ve got the classic diner comfort food that we all love, plus affordability and super nice service.

2nd: Andy’s Igloo

3rd: 1st Street Diner

Best Burgers

ADLER’S

113 Ambersweet Way, Davenport

543 Ave B SW, Winter Haven

200 E Park St, Auburndale

Locals love Adler’s, making them a repeat winner year after year. (By a landslide!) One of our favorites is the Bad Hombre burger topped with grilled whiskey onions, jalapeños, and cheddar. For something different, try the Italian burger with lettuce, tomato, onions, salami, fresh mozzarella, and pesto aioli. But honestly, there’s nothing bad on Adler’s menu. Congratulations on another win!

2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe

3rd: Sauvage

Best Cuban Sandwich

SOUP’R CUBANS

1502 42nd St NW, Winter Haven

This Cuban sandwich has pressed out the competition! Made with ham, pork, Genoa salami, Swiss Cheese, and mustard on fresh Cuban bread, this is a sandwich you’ve got to try. They’ve been at it for over 25 years, so you know they’re doing something right. Soup’R Cubans also offers six soups daily, salads, subs, and more. Congrats!

2nd: Richard’s Fine Coffees

3rd: Kokomo’s Cafe

Best Pizza

J. BURNS’ PIZZA SHOP

5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Multiple locations in Lakeland

This repeat winner has definitely stolen a pizza our hearts. For over 50 years, J. Burns’ Pizza has been serving us thin, crispy pizza cut into squares, and we can’t get enough. (Me, I’m talking about me.) Customize your toppings or choose from one of their signature pies. Heads up, they also offer a gluten-free crust.

2nd: Upper Crust Pizza

3rd: Pizza Connection

Best Fried Chicken

LOVEBIRD ALMOST FAMOUS CHICKEN

199 6th Street NW, Winter Haven

2101 S Florida Ave, Lakeland

This is the first year for this category, and we’re not surprised that LoveBird flew away with the win. Ever since they hatched in town, locals have swarmed there. This is not your usual chicken place. You can order your chicken Southern fried or grilled with “no heat, lil heat, lotta heat, or crazy heat.” Don’t forget the sides. The braised collard greens with smoked ham and bacon are the best around. Congrats to LoveBird for their win!

2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe

3rd: Country Chicken & Fish

Best Tacos

THE LAKE HOUSE KITCHEN

308 4th St. SW, Winter Haven

Multiple food truck locations

The Lake House street tacos have won for a second year in a row, congratulations! You can get your tacos made with steak, chicken, pork, grilled vegetables, or beans, topped with onions and cilantro. So simple, yet so delicious. They also offer taco platters that come with rice and beans and your choice of salsa. Congrats!

2nd: Tacos My Friend

3rd: Angel’s Kitchen

Best Wings

THE APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL

2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven

Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. I’m talking about you. For a third year in a row, The Apple Lounge has earned the top spot! Serving Polk County since 1982, longtime locals know this is the best place for wings. You can choose from 13 different sauces, including the usuals like mild, medium, hot, and RF hot, and the “unusuals” like Mango Wango or Bang Bang. The wings are served with celery and carrots and your choice of housemade blue cheese or ranch dressing.

2nd: Blackburn’s BBQ

3rd: Tipsy Hen

Best French Fries

ADLER’S

113 Ambersweet Way, Davenport

543 Ave B SW, Winter Haven

200 E Park St, Auburndale This is the first year for this category, and we were curious to see who would win! We’re not surprised that it is Adler’s with their hand-cut fries. Congratulations! They know how to turn a simple potato into the perfect accompaniment for their award-winning burgers. If salty potato is your love language, then get your booty to Adler’s, stat! Remember, sharing is caring; you know where to find me.

2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe

3rd: Sauvage

Best Greek | Mediterranean Restaurant

THE KRAZY GREEK

6366 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Opa! This “krazy” hometown favorite has wrapped up another well-deserved win with its menu of gyros, souvlaki, Greek salads, spanakopita, and more. They serve delightful small plates or platters the size of Mount Olympus. Don’t forget dessert, we all need more baklava in our lives. Congratulations to The Krazy Greek!

2nd: Mediterranean Fresh Grill

3rd: Andrea’s Family Restaurant

Best Oysters

GARY’S OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD HOUSE

660 E Alfred Dr, Lake Alfred

Raw on the half shell, steamed, or grilled, Haven readers have voted Gary’s as the best place for oysters! Since 1978, they’ve been serving the freshest seafood at the best prices, so shuck yea! Get your oysters char-grilled with parmesan or jalapeno and bacon. We love them raw with a little hot sauce. No matter how you like them, Gary’s is the place to get them. Congrats!

2nd: Old Man Frank’s

3rd: Maritime

Best Salad

LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE

205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

It’s about time we added this category! Sometimes you go crazy and just need a big salad for dinner, and that’s where Lucille’s comes in. They offer a selection of “big salads” including our favorite, the strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts tossed in a mint-infused white balsamic vinaigrette. If you’d like, you can add a protein like chicken, shrimp, mahi, or a scoop of tuna salad.

2nd: LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken

3rd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop

Best Sub Sandwich

J. BURNS’ PIZZA SHOP

5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Multiple locations in Lakeland

Yo Meatball! is the name of a sub that has, yes, you guessed it, meatballs. The Quirky Turkey has, you guessed it again, turkey. The Hamtastic has ham. You see where I’m going with this. The Mob Boss, however, does not have any actual mob boss in it. Well played, J. Burns’ and congrats for beating out Publix this year; those Pub Subs are a worthy opponent!

2nd: Publix

3rd: Jersey Mike’s Subs

Best Asian Restaurant

THAI HAVEN

309 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Year after year, Thai Haven brings home the gold. We love all of the starters. We love the soups. We love the sizzling & customizable hot pot. We love the red curry, the pad Thai, the param, the basil bliss ... I could go on. Whether you like it spicy or not, Thai Haven serves up the most authentic Thai food in town. Congratulations on your win again this year, we’re big fans!

2nd: Tsunami Sushi

3rd: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

Best BBQ Restaurant

BLACKBURN’S BBQ

169 N 5th St, Eagle Lake

Another year, another win for Blackburn’s! With over 2,000 Google reviews and a 4.8 rating, customers rave about the food AND the amazing service. The deviled eggs are always a hit, and the ribs are the best around. Congratulations to this repeat winner, they have smoked out the competition for so many years, nobody has come close to beating them.

2nd: The Smokin’ OX Premium Barbecue

3rd: Smokin’ DJ’s

Best Chinese Restaurant

CHINA GARDEN

6027 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Congratulations! China Garden offers authentic New York-style Chinese food, and guests love it. Customers rave about the large portions, the authentic flavors, and the handmade egg rolls. Wok your way to the best Chinese food in East Polk County, where they will be soy glad to serve you.

2nd: Golden Wok

3rd: Eddie’s Chinese Takeout

Best Italian Restaurant

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Arabellas is a repeat winner in this category! Locals are tortellini obsessed with this place, and for good reason. A favorite antipasto is the Fiocchi al Gorgonzola, purse-shaped raviolis filled with pear and cheese in a Gorgonzola cream sauce. For lunch or dinner, you have choices: linguine, rigatoni, ravioli ... like my mother used to say, don’t get upsetti, eat more spaghetti.

2nd: Floridino’s Italian Kitchen

3rd: L’Incontro Italian Restaurant

Best Mexican Restaurant

AZTECA D’ORO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

5860 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Congratulations on winning year after year! With over 5300 Google reviews and a 4.5 rating, locals and visitors love this restaurant. One reviewer wrote, “My only regret was not coming here sooner,” and raved about the housemade guacamole being the best they ever had. If that wasn’t enough, reviews praised the service just as much as the food.

2nd: El Olivio Mexican Restaurant

3rd: Las Comadres Restaurante Mexicano y Marisqueria

Best Seafood Restaurant

HARRY’S OLD PLACE

3751 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven

This is the sixth year that Harry’s Old Place has won the Best Seafood Restaurant category! Locals find them shrimply the best, while the local alligators steer clear. A popular starter is the fried gator tail served with “swamp sauce.” Check out the blackboards for their daily fresh fish selection, which you can have cooked one of eight fin-tastic ways.

2nd: Harborside

3rd: Maritime

Best Sushi Restaurant

TSUNAMI SUSHI

5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

Tsunami has been on a roll year after year, nobody has ever beaten them in this category! That’s soy impressive. Stop in for lunch or dinner and get the freshest sushi around. We love the Heaven Roll made with spicy tuna and the Godzilla Roll with smoked salmon. Congrats to Tsunami for ricing to the top every year!

2nd: Tsukiyomi Sushi

3rd: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

Best Vegan Options

VEGAN MONARCH BAKERY & CAFE

371 Ave D NW, Winter Haven

Another win for Vegan Monarch this year!! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they offer a full vegan menu. Besides fresh raw organic juice, they offer favorites like calzones, burgers, lasagna, soul food, burritos, sandwiches, and more. The bakery is no joke, either. Everything is vegan, and they cater! Need a vegan birthday cake? Wedding cake? They can do that as well. Congratulations on another win!

2nd: BG’s Indian Cuisine

3rd: Vegetation Cafe

Best Outdoor Dining | Pet-Friendly

TANNERS LAKESIDE

1006 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven

Whether you arrive by boat or car, everyone will get those gorgeous lake views. Tanners is open for lunch and dinner with an extensive menu that includes everything from fried cheese curds and smoked fish dip to sandwiches, salads, steaks, and seafood. They have a fully stocked bar, live music on the weekends, and fun events that include paddleboarding, live wrestling matches, and more.

2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe

3rd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille

Best Casual Dining

LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE

205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

First they win for Best Salad, and now this?? There’s no stopping Lucille’s. Paul & Beth are so knowledgeable about the industry that OF COURSE they won! (They’re a repeat winner, too!) From Brunch on the weekends, Happy Hour at the bar, and everything in between, you’re sure to have an excellent experience. Lucille’s has a 4.7 Google rating with over 2000 reviews raving about not only the food but the service as well. Congrats!

2nd: Las Comadres Restaurante Mexicano y Marisqueria

3rd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop

Best Fine Dining

ARABELLAS RISTORANTE

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

This is old-school, white-tablecloth fine-dining at its best. Established in 2004, Arabellas has been the locals’ go-to for a special night out, year after year. Not only were they voted Best Italian Restaurant, but you can also get Steak Lady Diana or a chateaubriand prepared tableside. End the evening with a bananas Foster or a cherries jubilee prepared tableside, as well. Now that’s classy.

2nd: Aria Steakhouse

3rd: Nutwood

Best Restaurant with a View

HARBORSIDE

2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven

Although Harborside is temporarily closed, we can still think about that gorgeous view of Lake Shipp. If you’re lucky enough to be there at sunset, you just can’t beat it. We can’t wait for Harborside to reopen so we can order a cocktail, seafood or a steak and sit back to see the beauty of living on the Chain of Lakes.

2nd: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille

3rd: Tanners Lakeside

Best Dessert Menu

LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE

205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

You know that question the servers ask you every time you’re finished eating? That sweet, sweet little question, “Would you like to see the dessert menu?” Well, if you’re at Lucille’s, the answer is always yes. From housemade bread pudding and carrot cake to freshly baked pie, warm fudge brownie sundaes, s’mores with ice cream, milkshakes, malts, and ice cream floats, there’s something for everyone. Say yes to that dessert menu, thank me later.

2nd: Blackburn’s BBQ

3rd: Arabellas Ristorante

Best Ice Cream Shop

ANDY’S IGLOO

703 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

We love the iconic sign. But we love the ice cream more! Andy’s has been open since 1951, so long-time locals love the nostalgia, the 30 flavors of ice cream to choose from, the convenient walk-up window to order from, and the freshly made toppings. To make things even sweeter, they’re famous for their shakes, especially the “Fruit Salad.” Andy’s also has sherbet, sundaes, and more. I mean, come on. Why are you still sitting there without an ice cream cone in your hand?

2nd: Delectable Delights

3rd: Carmen’s Ice Cream Parlor

Best Place to Grab a Beer

GROVE ROOTS BREWING COMPANY

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

I’m so hoppy that Grove Roots won this category. Inspired by Florida’s citrus history, this husband-and-wife team has created a destination in the heart of Downtown Winter Haven. With their award-winning craft beers, live music on the weekends, food trucks, and the “Mug Club” for the serious fans, this familyfriendly brewery is a staple for locals and visitors. As my mom always used to say, don’t worry, beer happy! Congratulations on their tenth anniversary this month!

2nd: Somewhere Sports Bar & Grill

3rd: Barrel 239

Best Cocktails

SAGE COCKTAIL LOUNGE

99 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

Congratulations to Sage on their first win! Sage offers classics like Manhattans, negronis, and martinis. But they also have a menu of signature cocktails that include Purple Rain made with Empress Gin, housemade blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and a dry ice pellet. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. If you don’t know what to order, they can help! You’re definitely going to find something to love on the menu.

2nd: Sauvage

3rd: Barrel 239

Best Mocktails

SAUVAGE

254 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

The era of mocktails is here, and Sauvage has taken it to a new level. They give mocktails the same love they give their cocktails. Thoughtful, creative, balanced, and completely delicious. Avoid the hangover with a bergamot espresso martini made with Almave (alcohol removed tequila by Lewis Hamilton), Earl Grey, Vietnamese coffee, and cinnamon. Or get a painkiller, a matcha pistachio sour, or the lilikoi mojito; all virgin, all amazing.

2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe

3rd: Sage Cocktail Lounge

Best Beer List

GROVE ROOTS BREWING COMPANY

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Grove Roots serves award-winning craft beers, made onsite, and they are GOOD. They have “flagship” brews, available year-round, like Slanted Ladders, their signature pale ale made with a blend of American hops and a malt base. Or try the Rind & Shine made with local grapefruit and tangerine zest. They offer seasonal brews, and the “Mug Club” for the serious beer lovers. Our favorite brew: Honey on the Double!

2nd: Union Taproom

3rd: Lucille’s American Cafe

Best Wine List

OBSCURE WINE COMPANY

276 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Founder & sommelier, Wellie Liao, has done it again! Winning year after year, Obscure is THE place to go for a glass or a bottle of wine from producers who practice biodynamic, sustainable, organic, or la lutte raisonée, along with ethical business operations. Stay for one glass or share a bottle with friends, Obscure can help guide you to find your next favorite pour.

2nd: Aria Steakhouse

3rd: Sage Cocktail Lounge

Best Happy Hour

AVE BAR

340 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Locals appreciate the dollar-off house wines, drafts, and well drinks along with the Happy Hour food menu and the excellent service. We love getting a glass of red wine and the tenderloin tips with Gorgonzola and caramelized onions. Or the fiocchi, or the chicken parm sliders, or the burger sliders with bacon jam, or the calamari. What a way to end your day, am I right? Whether you’ve had a bad day, a great day, or just a day, treat yourself to Ave Bar.

2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe

3rd: Maritime

Best Bar

BARREL 239

239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Cheers to Barrel 239 again this year! They are Winter Haven’s first and only dedicated whiskey bar with over 250 varieties. With a Google rating of 4.7 and over 550 reviews, it’s no surprise that they’ve won again. One reviewer wrote, “Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore, you’ll find an impressive variety of rare finds, classic favorites, and expertly recommended pours.” Congratulations!

2nd: Sage Cocktail Lounge

3rd: Sauvage

Best Bar Service

BARREL 239

239 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

It’s only right that the Best Bar has also won for Best Service! Congratulations to the staff at Barrel, they are some of the friendliest and best bartenders around. Whether you know what you want to order or need some guidance, they’re the ones to do it. The staff is knowledgeable and ready to help you with the best pour decision you’ll make all day. As my mom always used to say, whiskey is always a good choice.

2nd: Sage Cocktail Lounge

3rd: Sauvage

Best Catering

THE CATERING COMPANY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

2090 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven

Winning for the third year in a row, The Catering Company has dominated this category. Whether you just need hors d’oeuvres for a party, are hosting a rehearsal dinner, or need your entire wedding catered, they’re the first to call. To make things even more convenient, you can host a party at their on-site venue, all you have to do is show up! How easy is that? Congratulations on another win!

2nd: TLC Catering by Terrie Lobb

3rd: Our Noire Kitchen

Best Food Truck

OUR NOIRE KITCHEN

ournoirekitchen.com

Chef Kadean and Laures have done it again! For the second year in a row, they’ve won Best Food Truck, and we can totally see why. When you see them roll up, you know it’s going to be good. Gouda grits. Six cheese mac. Brisket burger. Mojo yuca fries. If you haven’t tried them yet, please. Take my advice. When you see them parked & serving, just go. Go directly to them. Order food. Enjoy food. Repeat. You’re welcome. Congrats again, ONK!

2nd: Swamp Boys BBQ

3rd: A Boy Named Sous

Best Hidden Gem

MARIA PETIT FOOD BOUTIQUE

227 E Lake Ave, Auburndale

This little house in downtown Auburndale has BIG flavors inside. Owned by Maria Franco, you can visit and have a healthy lunch or dinner there, or if it’s been a long day, pick up prepared meals to-go. Focusing on health, these meals are guilt-free and super nutritious. This “hidden gem” is truly a gem.

2nd: Nutwood

3rd: Kokomo’s Cafe

Best New Restaurant

KOKOMO’S CAFE

322 4th St NW, Winter Haven

Congratulations to Chloe Shreeve’s new place for winning the Best New Restaurant! They are “ready to welcome you for your morning coffee, quick lunch, evening drinks, or just a place to unwind with a good book.” Kokomo’s is cute, the food is great, and you can’t help but root for this place. The carefully curated menu has something for everyone, and can be tailored in case of allergies. The vibe when you walk in is totally Chloe and totally cool. You’re going to love it here.

2nd: Texas Roadhouse

3rd: Fully Loaded Bar & Grill

Best Restaurant Service

LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE

205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Best Salad, Best Dessert Menu, Best Casual Dining Restaurant, AND Best Restaurant Service. Is it Lucille’s best day or what? We’re not surprised that people voted for them. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a smile. The servers may have a lot on their plate (restaurant humor), but you wouldn’t know. They treat you like you’re the only person in the room, and we appreciate it. Congratulations to the staff at Lucille’s, you’re the best!

2nd: Aria Steakhouse

3rd: Arabellas Ristorante

Best Guilty Pleasure

PICKLE LEMONADE FROZEN MARGARITA FROM SAUVAGE

254 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

You read that right. It’s frozen lemonade with pickle juice in it! We’ve had it, we can vouch for it. It’s unusual, but in all the right ways. You can order it as is without alcohol, or ask them to add tequila or whiskey. Either way, it’s totally refreshing and worth a try.

2nd: Espresso martini from Jensen’s Corner Bar

3rd: Sokai Donuts