BEST PIZZA
PALACE PIZZA DOWNTOWN
114 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(863) 688-0045
FB @palacepizzadowntown
IG @palacepizzadtwn
This pizza place is a slice above the rest! Palace Pizza Downtown is the kingpin in the Best Pizza category, reigning year after year. With over 25 years of expertise, they serve fresh dough, top-notch tomatoes, and pure whole milk mozzarella. The Palace Pizza crew kneads traditional recipes to deliver a truly authentic Italian taste. You can get pizza by the slice or pan with options like Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Supreme, or build your own! (They even have gluten-free pizza.)
2nd: J. Burns’ Pizza Shop
3rd: Pizza Odyssey
BEST BURGER
S&L RESTAURANT
2915 S Combee Rd, Lakeland
(863) 665-0731
FB: S & L Restaurant
A bit of a hidden gem, S&L is a micro burger shack painted white with red trim. A burger mural is painted on the building touting the best burgers in town (since 1983), followed by, “Warning… our burgers may become habitforming.” The interior is a kitschy composition of license plates, advertisements, Coca-Cola memorabilia, and cheeky signage every way you look. S&L regulars can’t stop talking about their habit-forming burgers served on red and white checkered paper. S&L burgers are unfussy and classic – a hamburger, cheeseburger, and bacon cheeseburger – all served with mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Make it a special with fries and add a Coke for an all-American meal.
2nd: Burger 21
3rd: The Chop Shop
BEST TACOS
MEGA MERCADO MEXICAN RESTAURANT & TIENDA
2009 George Jenkins Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 688-3202
FB @megamercadosupermarket
IG @megamercadomexicanrestaurant
Taco ‘bout the best tacos in Lakeland! Mega Mercado is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a side market, meat department, and produce. They offer Mexican-style tacos with onion and cilantro or American-style tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. Meat options include carnitas, barbacoa, chorizo, asada, al pastor, and more! One patron raves, “Nothing else in Lakeland compares to the food here. So authentic and delicious. Price is right too. Great atmosphere and great service. We travel from south Lakeland once a week because it’s worth it!”
2nd: Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano
3rd: Sweet Cup Cafe
BEST WINGS
WINNERS CIRCLE SPORTSBAR AND GRILL
4215 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 644-9464
FB @winnerscirclelkld
IG @wcsportsbar
No fowl play here! Savory American-style bar bites, served just right. Since 2002, this family-owned sports bar has been serving up great drinks and even better times, featuring weekly events like karaoke, free poker nights, cornhole, beer pong, trivia, live DJs, and comedy shows. A true wing champ, this three-time “King of the Wing” titleholder serves Winners Circle Championship Wings, available bone-in (breaded or naked) or boneless (grilled or fried), with over 46 flavors to choose from—ranging from mild to spicy, sweet to tangy, and everything in between. Some of their unique wing flavors include Syracuse Hot, Coconut Lime, Sour Cream & Onion, PB&J, Cinnamon Chipotle, Smokehouse Maple, and many more!
2nd: Decisions Grill & Bar
3rd: WingHouse Bar & Grill
BEST CUBAN SANDWICH
OLE’ TAMPA CUBANS
Alamo Plaza, 4525 Florida Ave S STE 31, Lakeland
(863) 583-4733
FB @OleTampaCubansLakeland
IG @oletampacubans
713 N Church Ave, Mulberry
(863) 943-5556
Get a taste of Tampa right here in Polk County! These can’t-miss Cuban sandwiches are crafted with slow-roasted garlic pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, all pressed to perfection on genuine La Segunda Cuban bread brought in fresh from Ybor City. “Whether you prefer a traditional Cuban, enjoy it a little sweet or a little spicy, we have the perfect sandwich to satisfy your cravings.” One Ole’ Tampa Cubans customer wrote, “This has to be one of the best Cuban sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. It was so good, I got another one to eat later. Fantastic fries also. Will definitely be coming back.”
2nd: Elena’s Cuban Cafe
3rd: Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
SCARPA’S ITALIAN
1833 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland
(863) 937-8940
FB @scarpasitalian
IG @scarpasitalian
Scarpa’s once again rises above the competition as the Best Italian Restaurant! Since opening in 2013, Scarpas has cemented itself as a Lakeland Italian food institution. The restaurant is family-owned and operated by Glenn, former chef at Mario’s for twelve years, and Ashley Scarpa. Their menu boasts housemade pastas, and they’ve even had a visit from chef Emeril Lagassé for his show, Emeril’s Florida, in 2016. Scarpa’s prizewinning Italian fare is crafted fresh daily and made to order, so call ahead to snag a coveted Scarpa’s seat. Savor your Penne Bolognese or Veal Cannelloni with a glass or bottle from their robust wine list.
2nd: Il Forno Italian Restaurant
3rd: Palace Pizza Downtown
BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT
SUSHI MASA
5700 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 450-4456
FB @sushimasalakeland
IG @sushimasa_lakeland
Sushi Masa is rollin’ into first place this year! Established in 2010, Sushi Masa is known for its all-you-can-eat (AYCE) special. They offer plenty of sushi, rolls, and special rolls like the Double Crunchy Roll with sweet potato tempura and cream cheese inside with snow crab, spicy mayo, eel sauce, and crunchy on top, or the Bomb Roll with salmon, kani, and asparagus, topped with deep fried panko, sriracha, eel sauce, and wasabi mayo. One guest writes in part, “If you like sushi, you can’t miss this one! Their buffet option, especially the dinner, is absolutely phenomenal! You’ve got so many options to choose from, all of them good. They are not stingy on anything. Dishes are very fresh and perfectly sized to allow you to enjoy the most out of them and many of them. Even their choices for dessert are delicious.”
2nd: New Moon Sushi
3rd: Fancy Q Japanese Restaurant
BEST BBQ RESTAURANT
MISSION BBQ
4014 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 225-8433
FB @missionbbqtheamericanway
IG @missionbbq
Another MISSION complete for this Lakeland BBQ champ. Meat your heart’s desire with Texas-style, oak-smoked brisket, slowsmoked pulled pork, or sample it all with a platter. Alongside Smokehouse Signatures, sandwiches, and salads, dig into homemade sides like Maggie’s Mac-N-Cheese, green beans with bacon, or baked beans with brisket. According to MISSION BBQ, “We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobodys more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve our communities and our country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.”
2nd: Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q
3rd: Blue Dog Craft Barbecue
BEST DONUTS
HOLE IN ONE DONUTS
Multiple Locations in Central Florida
2076 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland
(863) 665-8385
FB: Hole in one donuts Lakeland LLC
Nothing is below par here! Make sure you tee up some time FORE this Lakeland donut shop. Glazed, sprinkled, cream-filled, and powdered sugar delights are all par for the course at this bakery. Hole In One Donut fans often rave about the fresh donuts and the friendly staff. One happy Hole In One customer wrote in part, “I’m absolutely obsessed with the apple fritters at Hole in One Donuts—they’re the best! But honestly, all of their options are fantastic. I’m not-so-patiently waiting for fall so I can get my hands on their pumpkin donut.”
2nd: Dunkin’
3rd: Charlie’s Mini Donuts & Coffee
BEST SUBMARINE SANDWICH
SUBS’ N SUCH
1008 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 686-9035
FB @subsnsuchlakeland
Subs’ n Such had been boasting the best subs in Lakeland since 1977! This family-owned and operated sandwich joint offers a selection of cold, hot, and specialty subs. One Subs ‘n Such devotee says, “Best Subs in Lakeland. The food is delicious and the staff are the best! Always love picking up from here for lunch!” Enjoy a turkey, stacked ham, Cuban, muffuletta, egg salad, pastrami, or BLT and wash it down with a milkshake. (We hear their breakfast sandwiches are pretty great too!)
2nd: Publix
3rd: Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
TAPATIO’S RESTAURANTE MEXICANO
734 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 686-6958
FB @Tapatios
This repeat Best Mexican Restaurant is spec-taco-lar! Fresh meats, produce, and ingredients are used to make authentic family recipes that have been handed down through generations. Tapatio’s has a sprawling menu offering everything from flautas, guac, and chips and salsa to burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos. End your meal with churros and ice cream or a piece of toothsome tres leches cake. “This place always delivers a great meal. Love this authentic Mexican restaurant. Have been going here for almost 20 years. Service is great. Food is great. Staff is great.” reads one Tapatio’s five-star review.
2nd: Dona Julia’s Mexican Restaurant
3rd: Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
BEST LATIN RESTAURANT
NINETEEN61
215 E Main St, Lakeland
(863) 688-1961
FB @nineteen61
IG @nineteen61_
Inspired and imaginative chefs whip up both classic and cutting-edge Latin cuisine using fresh ingredients. Nineteen61’s Chef Marcos Fernandez has “traveled to where the food takes him. This unrestricted approach translates into a diversified career of industry experience, spanning over 16 years and several countries.” Chef Marcos’ culinary journey has expanded from his Cuban roots to explore Peruvian, Italian, French, Spanish, and Southern American flavors. With hundreds of five-star reviews, Nineteen61 is praised for its stellar Latin dishes, elegant ambiance, and top-notch service.
2nd: Zarza Latin Food & Grill
3rd: West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant
BEST BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
FAT JACK’S DELI & PUB
2940 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 687-0262
FB: Fat Jacks Deli Pub
Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub was established in 1963 by Jack and Stella Toro. Starting as a dishwasher in 1982, owner Mark Westfall went on to purchase the deli in 1993. Fat Jack’s loaded menu has quite a few eggcellent options including Fat Jack’s Fantastic 3 Egg Omelettes, steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, breakfast sammies and more! One customer called Fat Jack’s an “old school diner style with good food and good people.” Another raved, “Highly recommend this place it has become the best breakfast place for me in Lakeland. And they have official New York bagels.”
2nd: First Watch
3rd: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
BEST BRUNCH
FRESCOS SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR
132 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(863) 683-5267
FB @frescoslakeland
IG @frescoslakeland
Frescos is the syrup to our pancakes. Dive into Sunday Southern classics like fried green tomatoes, apple bourbon monkey bread, shrimp and grits, and spicy chicken and waffles. Sip a bellini or Bloody Mary, then finish off with a sweet touch like butter pecan cake or crème brûlée. This brunch is the toast of the town.
2nd: Nineteen61
3rd: Cob & Pen
BEST SEAFOOD
HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE
101 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(863) 686-2228
FB @harrys.seafood.lakeland
IG @hookedonharrys
Voters are reeling in the praise for Harry’s! “We’ve combined the finest Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors with a modern twist to serve up some truly unique and awardwinning dishes.” One customer reviewed in part, “Harry’s is an amazing place for some great seafood, drinks, and atmosphere. Very authentic New Orleans cuisine. [...]” Dive into Southern seafood staples like Shrimp-N-Grits, Blackened Redfish, Harry’s Signature Crab Cakes, and Shrimp Po’Boys, and you won’t go wrong.
2nd: Fish City Grill
3rd: Bonefish Grill
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
SPICE THAI & SUSHI
3895 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 709-8321
Looking for something to Thai you over? Time to Spice it up! Spice Thai & Sushi offers a wide array of Thai dishes and sushi, as well as daily lunch and drink specials. Pad see-ew, goy see-mee, or spicy basil pasta, anyone? Their delicious red curry is cooked with your choice of meat, coconut milk, red curry, pineapple, bamboo shoots, cabbage, zucchini, bell pepper, napa, and basil leaves. One guest writes, “The best Thai food, service, and prices in Polk County. Highly recommend. Great vegan food, too.”
2nd: Thai Oishi
3rd: Savory Thai
BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
CAFÉ ZUPPINA
116 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland
(863) 644-5144
FB @CafeZuppina
IG @cafezuppina
A Mediterranean escape, right in your backyard! Cafe Zuppina owners Berna and Erkan Nar have been serving up a slice of Turkish culture to the Lakeland community for over a decade with their fresh, healthy Mediterranean fare. At Cafe Zuppina, every dish is crafted from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, handpicked daily by the owners. Everything on the menu is a feast for the senses. In 2024, they set up shop in downtown Lakeland, turning a new page in their story. Cafe Zuppina has racked up plenty of well-deserved accolades!
2nd: Louis Pappas Fresh Greek Lakeside
3rd: Feasts of Persia
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
PEKING HOUSE
2411 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 688-9022
This award-winning Chinese restaurant is wok-ing its magic with delicious cuisine made to order from fresh ingredients. Peking House serves up a menu packed with classic dishes like sweet and sour chicken, lo mein, chop suey, and dumplings, plus house specials like Mandarin seafood delight. Wrap up your meal with a sweet treat of Chinese doughnuts—it’s the perfect finishing touch! “First time here and we will go back. We enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, attentive service. Fresh hot curry shrimp did not disappoint!” wrote one customer.
2nd: China Wok
3rd: Ling’s Buffet
BEST RESTAURANT FOR OYSTERS
FISH CITY GRILL
1485 Town Center Dr., Suite D112, Lakeland
(863) 683-1243
FB @fishcitygrill
IG @fishcitygrill
Shuck yea! This Lakeland favorite serves up the inventive oyster nachos with fried oysters, chipotle tartar sauce, and fresh pico de gallo, or you can go classic with oysters on the half shell, featuring a rotating selection of Fresh Gulf Oysters and East Coast Oysters from small farms. One customer writes, “Absolutely enjoyed dining here. Came for dinner and sat at the bar. The food was delicious, and the bartender was very attentive. Highly recommend the chargrilled oysters for an appetizer and beignets for dessert!”
2nd: The Peach House
3rd: Crazy Fish Bar & Grill
BEST ICE CREAM
MAYDAY ICE CREAM
640 E Main St, Lakeland (Inside The Joinery)
FB @maydayicecream
IG @maydayicecream
Sprinkle some Mayday magic on your day! This award-winning ice cream shop is truly “cone-tastic” with its homemade waffle cones and “scoop-tacular” ice cream. Their fresh-baked cones are the “waffle” of the town, offering a crunchy, aromatic touch that perfectly complements their creamy flavors. Each batch of ice cream is housemade, delivering quality that keeps customers coming back for more. With accolades stacking up, this shop is “cone-vincingly” the best in the business!
2nd: Lakeland Ice Cream Company
3rd: Bruster’s Ice Cream
BEST FOOD TRUCK
OUR NOIRE KITCHEN
(863) 225-8055
FB @ournoirekitchen
IG @ournoirekitchen
Offering savory soul food on the go, Our Noire Kitchen is a personal chef and catering service. They pop up all over the county, from the Winter Haven Farmers Market to Grove Roots and Catapult. According to Our Noire Kitchen, “This Black-owned catering and photography business is passionate about making—and photographing—delicious homemade meals to make your lunch or dinner celebration an event to remember.” One customer wrote, “Some of the best food I’ve ever had. The classic jerk chicken, spicy sauce on the side. The Mac and cheese, the shrimp and grits, everything is a 10/10!”
2nd: Feasts of Persia
3rd: Got Desserts
BEST DINER
DENA’S PLACE DINER & GRILL
(863) 937-4514
FB @DenasPlaceDiner
IG @denasplacediner
“Homecooked, just like Grandma’s kitchen!” That’s the mantra of this family-owned and operated diner. It’s been called “Lakeland’s best kept secret,” “a hidden gem,” and “If you’re looking for comfort food… this is the place!” Dena’s Place serves breakfast favorites from 7 am to 11 am, Monday to Saturday. They offer mouthwatering daily lunch specials like chicken and dumplings, pot roast with vegetables, chicken and yellow rice, turkey and dressing, and more. Check out their socials for updates on specials!
2nd: Reececliff Family Diner
3rd: Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub
BEST FINE DINING
NINETEEN61
215 E Main St, Lakeland
(863) 688-1961
FB @nineteen61
IG @nineteen61_
“Incredible experience. Fine Latin dining at its best in downtown Lakeland. This was a surprise birthday lunch from my hubby, and it was spot on [...],” writes one Nineteen61 patron. Nineteen61, launched in 2015 by Chef Marcos Fernandez, remains a Best of LKLD fan favorite. This swanky downtown spot “salsas” its way into hearts with a blend of authentic cuisine with menus that are “both authentic and modern in Latin culture,” fresh ingredients, and creative chefs. “At Nineteen61, we position ourselves as a benchmark for Lakeland dining. A new standard that shows what is possible – what Lakeland diners should expect from their restaurants.”
2nd: Scarpa’s Italian
3rd: The Terrace Grille
BEST PATIO DINING
THE PATIO - LAKELAND
850 Tennessee Ave, Lakeland
(863) 816-3101
FB: The Patio-Lakeland
String lights and lush greenery light up this central oasis. The Patio - Lakeland serves as a cozy hideaway with a menu of dishes made from top-notch seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a dining experience that’s both “fresh” and “bright,” perfect for any occasion! One reviewer raves, “A great hidden gem in the heart of Lakeland, best outdoor casual dining in town. Lots of shade and space. Professional chef’s menu, it is all surprising in a great way. Recommend escargot for a starter!”
2nd: Cob & Pen
3rd: The Peach House
BEST CASUAL DINING
FOOD + BEER
3615 Florida Ave S #1350, Lakeland
(863) 535-0820
FB @FoodandBeerRestaurants
IG @foodand.beer
Food + Beer says, “Come as you are… There’s no dress code here. You see, life is pretty serious, and once you walk through our doors, it doesn’t have to be anymore. We are serious about you having a good time and eating well.” Their elevated bar food menu is lined with burgers, nuggets and wings, handhelds, greens, bowls, and the like. And, of course, plenty of beer, including Goose Island Hazy Beer Hug, 3 Daughters St. Pete Beach Blonde Ale, Sun King Orange Vanilla Sunlight Cream Ale, and more.
2nd: The Joinery
3rd: The Back Nine
BEST BAR
REVIVAL
119 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(863) 606-6090
FB @Revivallakeland
IG @revivallakeland
Our ‘spirited’ voters agree—Revival is the Best Bar around! With innovative bespoke beverages and a speakeasy vibe, it’s a place that’s simply “shaken” with charm. Sip, savor, and enjoy unmatched service in an atmosphere that’s truly “on the rocks!” An excerpt from one review reads, “Amazing craft bar with mixologists that are artists. Great service and super unique home-like vibe. It’s the kind of place you can go to even if you don’t know what you want. The staff will make you something superb. This is quickly becoming my favorite bar.”
2nd: Vasco Sixty-One
3rd: Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub
BEST COCKTAILS
REVIVAL
119 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
(863) 606-6090
FB @Revivallakeland
IG @revivallakeland
Award-winning cocktails are a “sip-tacular” hit in Swan City! Year after year, Revival takes the lead in cocktails. Patrons can enjoy a menu brimming with specialty cocktails, a full “page-turner” of Old Fashioneds, weekly specials, Tiki drinks, and more. Whether you’re into classic blends or new “mix-tures,” Revival serves up a drink for every taste! Check their socials for weekly specials and save us a seat at the bar.
2nd: Vasco Sixty-One
3rd: Food + Beer
BEST WINE MENU
SCARPA’S ITALIAN
1833 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland
(863) 937-8940
FB @scarpasitalian
IG @scarpasitalian
Best Italian Restaurant and Best Wine Menu?! Scarpa’s is the place to go for a lovely evening out. Since opening in 2013, Scarpas has cemented itself as a Lakeland Italian food institution. Enjoy your housemade pasta with something from their extensive wine menu, including a selection of spumante, imported (from Italy and New Zealand), domestic white wines, and imported (from Italy, Argentina, and Australia) and domestic red wines. One guest writes, “My wife and I went there for dinner on my birthday. The service and the food and wine were excellent. Going again soon.”
2nd: Nineteen61
3rd: Food + Beer
BEST COFFEE SHOP
BLACK & BREW COFFEE HOUSE & BISTRO
205 E Main St, Lakeland
(863) 682-1210
4209 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 250-8554
100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland
(863) 500-9500
FB @blackandbrew
IG @blackandbrew
The “brew-tiful” favorite offers a “latte” of options, from traditional espresso and coffee to tea, hot or frozen chocolate, frappes, featured wines, and craft beers, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner to keep you “wellcaffeinated” and satisfied. One customer wrote of Black & Brew’s newest Florida Ave. location, “Wish I had discovered Black & Brew sooner! The food, service, and atmosphere are amazing. I come here 1-2 times per week!! Seriously…go! This whole place is a vibe.”
2nd: Concord Coffee
3rd: Andrew’s Coffee
BEST BEER LIST
SWAN BREWING
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
(863) 703-0472
FB @swanbrewingco
IG @swanbrewing
“We believe traditional beer styles are a vital part of any taproom, and new world beers highlight our spirit of innovation.” With 40 years of brewing expertise behind their beers, you can be sure they’re “hopping” with quality. Swan’s brews celebrate the community with names like Poke County Pils and Straight Outta Lakeland. Sip on cold craft beers made from the finest (and locally sourced when possible) ingredients in a family and pet-friendly setting. Craft beer lovers will “tap” into Swan’s impressive selection across 30 taps. Cheers to another year at the top of the Best Beer List!
2nd: Cob & Pen
3rd: Food + Beer
BEST POLK COUNTY BEER
THE BEAN | SWAN BREWING
115 W Pine St, Lakeland
(863) 703-0472
FB @swanbrewingco
IG @swanbrewing
This Untappd top-rated brew is a refreshing coconut and coffee blonde with 5.5% ABV and 15 IBU. According to Untappd, “Made with locally roasted coffee by Ethos Roasters, this beer boasts big, bold flavors and aromas of coconut and chocolate that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. With a mediumlight body and a smooth, creamy finish, this blonde ale is the perfect combination of crisp, refreshing beer and rich, bold coffee and coconut flavors. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a beer drinker, The Bean is sure to satisfy your cravings.”
2nd: Straight Outta Lakeland, IPA - American | Swan Brewing
3rd: Poke County Pils, Pilsner - German | Swan Brewing
BEST U-PICK FARM
FANCY FARMS MARKET
5204 Drane Field Rd, Lakeland
(813) 478-3486
FB @fancyfarmsinc
IG @fancyfarmsmarket
Carl and Dee Dee Grooms planted the seeds of this family-owned strawberry farm and market in 1974 with just 15 acres of strawberries. Their son Dustin and daughter Kristi later joined the family strawberry”patch. Today, Fancy Farms is “berry” much in business from December to June on nearly 125 acres, offering local produce, fresh flowers (mid-May through the end of June), and delicious seasonal treats like strawberry shortcake, strawberry, peach, and blackberry cobbler, hand-spun strawberry, blueberry, peach milkshakes, strawberry, blueberry, and peach lemonade. “Once you have a taste of our berries – you’ll see just how fancy they are!”
2nd: Keel Farms
3rd: Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
FOOD + BEER
3615 Florida Ave S #1350, Lakeland
(863) 535-0820
FB @FoodandBeerRestaurants
IG @foodand.beer
Food + Beer may be the new kid on the block, but they’ve quickly become a popular foodie destination. Their elevated bar food menu is lined with burgers, nuggets and wings, handhelds, greens, bowls, and the like. And, of course, plenty of beer, including Goose Island Hazy Beer Hug, 3 Daughters St. Pete Beach Blonde Ale, Sun King Orange Vanilla Sunlight Cream Ale, and more. Sharing this sentiment with many others, one Food + Beer devotee raves, “Our new favorite sports bar!! The food is so good that we went the first night and our server showed us the whole menu and we came back the next day for brunch and again delicious fresh food! We’re going back Friday night.”
2nd: Bandidas Bake Shop
3rd: The Peach House
BEST CATERING COMPANY
TLC CATERING
1239 E Main Street, Bartow
(863) 533-6483
FB @terrie.catering
IG @terrielobbcatering
TLC Catering, a repeat champion in this category, has truly “catered” to excellence. They offer menus for every occasion, from breakfast to hors d’oeuvres, cold lunch to hot lunch, dinner, wedding feasts, and corporate lunch specials. After studying at The American Culinary Academy, Terrie Lobb whipped up The Docket in Bartow, where her side gig in catering proved to be a perfect blend of culinary and hospitality skills. In 2000, she launched Catering by Chef Terrie Lobb from home, personally preparing, delivering, and serving each dish. Now, over twenty years later, TLC Catering, Inc. has a recipe for success with a full-time kitchen staff and professional servers, crafting experiences that are truly “above and beyond.” One client wrote in part, “We went with Terrie Lobb for our wedding and absolutely do not regret it. The service was fantastic, and the food was even better.”
2nd: Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
3rd: Cob & Pen
BEST VEGAN FOOD
VEGETATION CAFE & KITCHEN
1439 E Gary Rd, Lakeland
(863) 216-8534
FB @vegetationplantfood
IG @vegetationplantfood
Serving up fresh, minimally processed, 100% vegan delights, Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen has become a Lakeland favorite. Guests can swing by to grab freshly made, ready-to-go plant-based meals, snacks, and sweets, or stay and savor the “plant-tastic” fare on-site. One patron raves, “Can’t recommend this place enough!! I’ve been going to Vegetation for over a year, and they do not disappoint! Love the healthy foods and how their menu changes weekly. Their desserts are amazing and vegan, too!!” Expect fan favorites like enchilada casserole, pesto alfredo pasta, a Korean rice bowl, and more!
2nd: The Juice Box
3rd: Cafe Zuppina
BEST BAKERY
BORN & BREAD BAKEHOUSE
1113 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 450-4513
FB @bornandbreadbakehouse
IG @bornandbreadfl
Resident baking “baddie” Jenn Smurr and her team whip up fresh bread, cookies, pastries, breakfast sammies, and other handcrafted treats that the community “kneads.” Born & Bread is the go-to spot for hungry patrons craving bread, pastries, breakfast, and lunch Wednesday through Saturday. We “loaf” everything on the menu, but to be more specific, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their B+B baked pot pie (available hot or as a take-and-bake) or their Benton’s BLT, finished with scallion cream cheese, crisp butter lettuce, and fresh tomatoes.
2nd: Bandidas Bake Shop
3rd: Meraki Bakehouse
BEST HIDDEN GEM
BANDIDAS BAKE SHOP
1755 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland
FB @BandidasBakeShop
IG @bandidasbakeshop
Gabby and Gio are the oh-so-sweet couple behind this Lakeland bake shop that opened earlier this year. This bakery, cafe, and market provides seasonal daytime fare to the Lakeland community. According to Bandidas, “Our offerings are ever-changing, evolving with the seasons, and thoughtfully prepared to look and taste handmade. Our food is an homage to our upbringings as well as our experiences baking in kitchens around New York City.” A proud LGBTQ+ and womanowned business, Bandidas offers a selection of pastries, mini layer cakes, sandwiches, graband-go, and drinks. Hippie scone and Florida chai, anyone?
2nd: Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen
3rd: Amonie Jo’s Coffee Shop
BEST SERVICE
NINETEEN61
215 E Main St, Lakeland
(863) 688-1961
FB @nineteen61
IG @nineteen61_
This Best Fine Dining and Best Latin Restaurant winner isn’t just “dishing” out awards but also exceptional service. Guests rave that it’s the ideal spot for a special occasion, offering world-class fare and sublime attention to detail for an unforgettable evening. One patron writes, “Absolutely amazing experience. We came for our first time to celebrate a birthday and were immediately greeted with a signed birthday card from all of the employees and glasses of champagne! Drinks were great, and the food was absolutely incredible. I got the pork shank steak, and I am not exaggerating when I say it was the best pork I have ever had in my life. Staff was friendly, atmosphere was perfect. Can’t recommend this place enough! Will certainly be coming back.”
2nd: Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen
3rd: Scarpa’s Italian
