Bars

A white sign with pink words reading "Coming Soon" outside a green restaurant with landscaping and a pink neon "Grievous Angel" sign
Food
Restaurant Roundup: Meet your new favorite Lakeland restaurants
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
January 05, 2026 04:46 PM
 · 
Staff
A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House
Experience
Where to meet someone new in Lakeland
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
February 13, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Hands toasting two cocktails from a rooftop bar with a sunset view
Food
Top 10 food + drinks we tried in Lakeland this year
These are the bites and bevs we’re still thinking about from 2024.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Four holiday-themed cocktails sitting on a bar at The Brass Tap
Food
Find holiday drinks at these Lakeland pop-up bars
Have a cup of cheer at these limited-time bar experiences with themed drinks + decor.
December 12, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Black and Brew's winter menu is on two chalkboards. Next to it is a decorated Christmas tree and a mural that says "your anytime place."
Food
Grab a cup of cheer with these holiday treats around Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, try these festive bevs + bites for the holiday season.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Restaurant patrons speak with a waiter at their table in side The Peach House.
Business
Lakeland restaurateurs show support for ‘The Pepper Project’
Here’s how you can help the family of restaurant owner Jeannie Weaver-Lopez.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland
Food
Come on, dish: Which Lakeland restaurant do you miss the most?
We want to know — which Lakeland restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
November 8, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Food
Where to grab a late-night bite in Lakeland
Sometimes you get the munchies late at night, so we’re helping out with a list of spots that stay open late around Lakeland.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Glow in the dark axes and targets at Ax Caliber
Culture
Six ways to spend an hour in Lakeland
Get active, learn something, or treat yourself — here’s how you can make the most of just one hour around Lakeland.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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An ornate, carved stone exterior entrance to Lakeland City Hall seen from underneath a tree branch
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Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
January 7, 2026
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Kaylee Holland
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2026 travel trends in Lakeland
Airbnb released its travel trends predictions for the year — here’s how you can take part, starting in Lakeland.
January 6, 2026
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History
The history of snow in the Sunshine State
Has anyone seen Frosty? He was around here somewhere...
January 5, 2026
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Women work out in an outdoors yoga class.
New to Lakeland
Get your sweat on at these gyms around Lakeland
From lifting weights and personal training to dance fitness and spin classes — we’ve rounded up 25+ gyms and fitness offerings around Swan City.
January 5, 2026
 · 
Staff
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Business
What our readers love about LALtoday
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
January 2, 2026
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Staff
A large yellow alligator playground with white traffic cones for teeth.
Culture
A guide to Lakeland’s best giftable experiences
Some gifts don’t fit under the tree — make a lasting impact by giving your loved ones a giftable experience instead of a physical present.
December 18, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A collage features a dumpling, a flower-lined boardwalk, an orange cocktail, and architectural building models.
Culture
2025 in review: Our favorite things we tried in Lakeland
What were the top things you ate, drank, and did in 2025? We’re sharing editor and reader picks for you to try in the new year.
December 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An old fashioned airplane in bright blue sits outside the airport.
City
Look back on LALtoday’s top stories of 2025
From airport news to real estate, these are the top stories our readers loved most this year.
December 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Ducks and birds on grass in foreground with Lake Mirror and Lakeland skyline
New to Lakeland
What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
December 11, 2025
 · 
Staff
A contemporary five-story mixed-use building with ground-floor retail space on a downtown street corner, amidst other mid-rise buildings.
Real Estate
Live steps from your favorite spots in this downtown Lakeland condo
Your favorite hangouts can be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from this rare condo listing in downtown Lakeland.
December 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson