Just For Funsies - Best of Haven 2026
- Haven Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Best After-Work Free Entertainment
SOMEWHERE SPORTS BAR TRIVIA NIGHTS
5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Let’s go, Trivia Newton John, show us what you’ve got! Somewhere Sports Bar hosts Trivia Night every Thursday. Gather your friends and begin with Happy Hour from 2 – 6 p.m. and trivia at 7:30 p.m. (Call after 11 a.m. to reserve a table) Visit their Facebook page to find the weekly “free answer.” If you’re hungry, they’ve got “runners” on sale all day. (Their version of boneless wings, you’ll love it!) Congratulations Somewhere Sports Bar!
2nd: Bowen Yard BINGO every Wednesday
3rd: Tipsy Hen’s live music
STAFF PICK: Sunset at the Lake Howard public boat ramp
Best Bathroom (in a restaurant or bar)
LUCILLE’S AMERICAN CAFE
205 3rd SW, Winter Haven
When you gotta go, you gotta go. If you’re at Lucille’s, you’re in luck. You can potty like a rockstar in their un-bowl-ievably nice bathrooms. They are clean, always stocked with paper, and obviously the locals find them very nice. May the flush be with you. And wash your hands.
2nd: LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken
3rd: Sauvage
STAFF PICK: Bowen Yard
Best Late-Night Snack
PECAN & PROPER
“Nothing artificial. Never rushed. Always proper.” Pecan & Proper are nuts. Totally nuts. Super delicious nuts and the perfect late-night snack! Choose from: brown butter & brown sugar pecans; rosemary & olive oil almonds; or cinnamon & vanilla cashews. Order online or visit them (and stock up) at the Winter Haven Farmers Market. Check their website for their calendar. Congratulations!
2nd: Andy’s Igloo ice cream
3rd: Slate 8 Billiards’ Tator tots
STAFF PICK: DQ Blizzards
Best Place for People Watching
PORT 27
30928 US-27, Lake Hamilton
Of course this is great people-watching! When you have this many different restaurants, bars, and activities, you will get a lot of different people to watch. They have Antica Trattoria making pizza, the Burger Bar, Van De Walle with artisan chocolate and a coffee roastery, Port 27 Brewery, fresh juice, ice cream, movie nights, yoga, arts & crafts, and more! Congratulations to Port 27 for bringing everyone together!
2nd: Wawa
3rd: Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market
STAFF PICK: Winter Haven Farmers Market
Best Place to Celebrate your Birthday
CAMP MARGARITAVILLE RV RESORT & CABANA CABINS
361 Denton Ave, Auburndale
Host your birthday party here! All ages are welcome to celebrate. Their event planning team will help you customize your party, plus they offer on-site catering, beverage service, and some serious fun! Kids will love the Splash Zone Party Package, families will love the Paradise Party Package, and larger groups will love the Fins Up Party Package. There is something for everyone!
2nd: Incredibowl Entertainment
3rd: Texas Cattle Company
STAFF PICK: Rec Room
Best Place to Cry in Your Car
BEALLS PARKING LOT
First of all, I’m so sorry you’re crying, but you picked the right place. Just let it out. Cry until you can’t cry anymore. Go ahead, use your sleeve to dry your face, nobody’s watching. It’s tough out there, I’m not judging you. I personally cry in my shower all the time, but the Bealls lot is good, too. Let it out, sweetie. Maybe I’ll see you out there one day. Probably very soon. I’ve been writing a lot of these little blurbs, too many for any human, actually. I cried this morning. I might cry right now. Getting emotional .... looking for car keys, see you soon.
2nd: Bank of America parking lot
3rd: McDonald’s parking lot
STAFF PICK: DQ parking lot with Blizzard
Best Place to Cure a Hangover
DIRECT MD | IV HYDRATION
406 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
You overdid it a bit, didn’t you? You need the Hangover Relief IV! DirectMD | IV offers hydration and wellness infusions to help boost energy, support your immune system, help with fatigue, and rehydrate. All IVs are physician-supervised and administered by an experienced RN. Check out their Facebook page at Direct MD for more details.
2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe
3rd: Dutch Bros Coffee
STAFF PICK: Egg Haven
Best Place to go on Saturday
RICHARD’S FINE COFFEE
330 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven
We love this! Let’s meet for coffee on Saturday! Richard’s is great. First of all, if it’s nice out, they have a large patio. If it’s hot out, they have lots of seats inside. They also offer SO many baked goods including one of the best bagels you can buy around here, and seasonal coffee drinks. Meet some friends or have some alone time, either way, Richard’s is an excellent choice for Saturday mornings.
2nd: Winter Haven Farmers Market
3rd: Polk Cycles
STAFF PICK: Port 27
Best Place to Meet an Online Date for the First Time
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS - THE WINE BAR
5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
You’re nervous. You’ve been chatting with this person for six months, and now it’s time to meet. Maybe go early and have a glass of wine to relax your nerves? Do you have a plan in case the profile pic doesn’t match the person? Do you know what you’re going to order? Luckily, Grape Expectations has a large menu and people to help guide you. It’s up to you if it’s a “I’ll just have one glass” kind of night or if you’re sharing a bottle. Either way, we wish you luck! Invite us to the wedding!
2nd: Ave Bar
3rd: Concord Coffee
STAFF PICK: Grove Roots Brewing Co.
Best Place to Take Out - of -Towners
BOK TOWER GARDENS
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
Yes! Everyone loves Bok Tower Gardens. The Singing Tower carillon concerts are at 1 & 3 p.m. daily with short selections played on the hour and half-hour. The Blue Palmetto Café features a wide assortment of lunch and snacks with indoor and outdoor seating. Blue Palmetto Café is located near the Visitor Center and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden is fun for kids. Don’t feed the squirrels. Check the website for monthly events and don’t forget the sunscreen!
2nd: Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team Free Show
3rd: Bonnet Springs Park
STAFF PICK: Bowen Yard
Best Ranch Dressing
PIZZA CONNECTION
220 E Lake Ave, Auburndale
I agree with this decision. The ranch is really, really good here. I’ve seen people buy bottles of it. You can dip almost anything in it, and it will greatly improve the flavor. Even if you don’t dunk your pizza in it, or you “forgot” to order a salad, get the ranch. Take it home. Dip some chips in it. Or carrots. Or pretzels. Get creative and thank me later.
2nd: Lucille’s American Cafe
3rd: LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken
STAFF PICK: We agree. Pizza Connection is the best.
