A visit to any Central Florida downtown 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 the music that floats out of a nearby doorway, a constant companion throughout Polk County. And no matter where you turn, the smell of food expertly crafted – and fresh ground coffee – mingle and linger in the air.
When it comes to Florida, thoughts often turn to palm trees, theme parks and golf courses lined with stately manors. 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 add 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 more savory, 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
Charm City Seafood is an award winning taste of Maryland’s long-known seafood culture – think crab cakes, grouper sandwiches and fish tacos – also features downhome favorites like ribs, pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches and collard greens.
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 children 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 6am Pickers Stout leans on deep coffee flavors.
Bowen Yard
Just steps away from Grove Roots is one of the latest additions to Winter Haven’s booming food scene, the food hall Bowen Yard. From seafood to ice cream, sandwiches to Mexican cuisine, Bowen Yard has plenty to tempt your taste buds. Perfect for groups who may be craving different cuisines or couples looking to share, Bowen Yard always has something you’re craving.
Harborside
Located on Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes, a dinnertime visit to Harborside comes with incredible views of Florida’s fire-in-the-sky sunsets. One of the many Winter Haven restaurants you can access via the water, a visit to Harborside means more than just a great view. From fresh seafood to steak, pasta dishes and ribs, as well 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 juke box, go no further than Andy’s Igloo Drive-In Restaurant. While the inside of the restaurant is straight up American nostalgia, the menu is focused on comfort food. To say the least, you’ll need a day-pass from your nutritionist when you dive into their menu of burgers, fried chicken and fish and throwback favorites like liver and onions, fried seafood baskets and even fried green tomatoes. But make sure you leave room for their famous ice cream sundaes or milk shakes. Just remember to bring cash – they do not take credit cards.
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 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.
Sauvage
Hoping to inspire patrons to eat, drink and be wild, “jungle pub” Sauvage is the latest addition to downtown Winter Haven’s dining scene. Featuring a fusion of foods heavily inspired by Hawaiian and Asian flavors and a clean, no-artificial flavors drink menu, standard pub faire such as wings and burgers become an elevated art form. While the rice bowls are a hit, make sure not to pass on Auntie’s Wings, featuring their signature island sauce.
Arabellas Italian Ristorante
Mixing an upscale dining with an intimate setting, 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.
Harry’s Old Place
Known as a bit of rustic Key West charm on the shores of Winter Haven’s Lake Ned, when locals hanker for seafood on a Friday night, Harry’s Old Place is the spot. An eclectic menu includes gator bites, sweet and spicy shrimp, fried catfish, grouper, oysters, as well as steak and chicken offerings. Regulars will tell you to try the Harry in the Bag – grouper, baked in a bag, with their own unique pecan topping.
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, biscuit offerings, pot pies and salads. Open Wednesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., ordering head of your visit online is highly recommended.
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
Not to be confused, with Harry’s Old Place, this Harry’s has been a downtown Lakeland hot spot for more than two decades. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille offers the flavors of New Orleans in a causal setting. Perfect for anything from causal 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.
Nineteen61
Is the cuisine Cuban, Latin, Spanish or Peruvian? Honestly, you won’t care about a label when it comes to your table at Nineteen61. 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. 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 Sunday’s for brunch.