Just For Funsies - Best of LKLD 2026

Best After-Work Free Entertainment

BONNET SPRINGS PARK

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

This gorgeous park is the perfect place to go after work and breathe in some fresh Florida air! It’s free to enter, to walk the trails, and let the kids run. The Rooftop Garden Bar is open until 7 p.m. so you can stop by for a bite to eat or drink before you go. Congratulations to Bonnet Springs Park!

2nd: Lakeland Public Library

3rd: Walking around Lake Mirror

Best Bathroom (in a restaurant or bar)

NINETEEN61

215 E Main St, Lakeland

Nineteen61 has raised the bar for restaurants in Polk County, so we weren’t surprised to learn that people think their bathrooms are the best, too. Hey, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go! Thank you to Nineteen61 for making the experience a little more glamorous.

2nd: Parlor Doughnuts

3rd: Depot 303

Best Late-Night Snack

LOVEBIRD ALMOST FAMOUS CHICKEN

2101 S Florida Ave, Lakeland

Just follow your heart, that’s all we’re asking. Follow it straight to LoveBird. They’re open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether you want it hot or not, fried or grilled, is up to you. Just don’t forget the dirty fries. When you want a second supper, there’s only one place to go. Congratulations to the team at LoveBird!

2nd: Andy’s Frozen Custard

3rd: Hakucho

Best Place for People Watching

THE JOINERY

640 E Main St, Lakeland

Do you like to do a little people watching from time to time? The Joinery is a great place to do this because it’s always busy. With seven different restaurants and a full bar, there’s always a diverse group of locals and visitors.

2nd: Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market

3rd: Munn Park

Best Place to Celebrate Your Birthday

FAMILY FUN CENTER

4825 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

With three different birthday packages, there’s fun for every budget! Congratulations to Family Fun Center for winning the Best Place to Celebrate Your Birthday! They’ve got all the goodies for your kids including pizza, mini golf, laser tag, and arcade games.

2nd: Skate World Lakeland

3rd: Texas Cattle Company

Best Place to Cure a Hangover

THE EGG FACTORY

1533 S Combee Rd, Lakeland

So, you overdid it last night. Got a headache? Feeling a little queasy? Grab your sunglasses and head over to The Egg Factory for breakfast. You’ll feel better. Guests love the price, and the food comes out fast. Whether you want a big plate of french fries, eggs, or a big fat burger, they can take care of you.

2nd: LIVE Hydration Spa

3rd: Cozy Oaks Restaurant

Best Place to go on a Saturday

LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET

Support local small businesses every Saturday! Located in Downtown Lakeland on N Kentucky Ave, stretching from Lemon St N to Oak St. Open 8 a.m. through 2 p.m. every Saturday, September through May, and 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. every Saturday, June through July. Closed in August.

2nd: Bonnet Springs Park

3rd: Circle B Bar Reserve

Best Place to Meet an Online Date for the First Time

THE PINK PIANO

1015 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

So, you need a safe place to see if the profile pic matches your date. The Pink Piano is perfect. They have live performances every week, which is good because if you don’t like your date, you can focus on the music. If you do like your date, which I hope you do, then stay and have a drink and get to know each other. Either way, good luck & godspeed!

2nd: Swan Brewing

3rd: Concord Coffee

Best Place to Take Out - of -Towners

CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE

4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland

Yes, take them to see a giant alligator, your guests will love it. I’m going to go ahead and sit this one out, but you go explore the 1,267 acres of restored wetlands and see all of the wildlife. Bring a camera. Say hi to the snakes for me. I’m kidding. (no, I’m not.) But seriously, this is great for hikers, cyclists, and wildlife enthusiasts. Enjoy!

2nd: The Joinery

3rd: Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre

Best Ranch Dressing

LOVEBIRD ALMOST FAMOUS CHICKEN

2101 South Florida Ave. Lakeland

Yes. Yes. Yes. Would it be weird if I just filled my morning coffee mug with their Buttermilk Dill Ranch instead of coffee? Asking for a friend. It’s housemade, and it’s fabulous, and I love it. I will dip almost any food into it. It will improve your life and take care of any problems you may have. (not really) But it is a good listener. I’ve gotta go. I need more ranch. Congratulations LoveBird!

2nd: Cob & Pen

3rd: The Peach House