In a world of drive-thrus and table service, sometimes we want both. Thus, counter-service restaurants were born so you could quite literally have your cake and eat it too.
Read on for 12 restaurants in Lakeland offering counter service.
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken , 2101 S. Florida Ave. | This spot operates Mon.-Sat., from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and serves up a cluckin’ good menu. Order a classic fried chicken sandwich like The G.O.A.T., or spice up your life with Nashville Hot Wings + your choice of sauce.
Good Thyme , 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln. | Order at the window and leave your troubles behind you at this tried and true local spot. Here, you can pop in for breakfast from 7:30-11 a.m., or for lunch from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This spot is always adding unique flavors to the menu like this week’s pulled pork smash burger .
Lakeland BBQ & Ice Cream Company , 2101 S. Combee Rd. | Speaking of bbq, this local spot is one of three locally owned and operated restaurants with locations in Polk City + Avon Park. Here, you can order something like the couch potato, which boasts over 1-lb. of bbq and cheese.
Cafe Zuppina , 4417 S. Florida Ave. | Order at the restaurant counter or shop the market to pick out a home meal at this Mediterranean spot. At Cafe Zuppina, you can order gyro platters, the beef wellington, shish kebabs, or homemade desserts and coffees at the Market.
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro , 205 E. Main St. | Stop in the downtown location, or take a scenic drive around Lake Morton to the library location 100 Lake Morton Dr. As you probably know, Black & Brew serves up coffee and tea, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day of the week.
A peppermint mocha cruffin | Photo via @foodietampa
Born & Bread Bakehouse , 1113 Florida Ave. S. | Born & Bread whips up homemade pastries, breakfast items like cajun biscuits & gravy, baguettes, jams, butter, and lunch like the Cuban croissant.
SoFresh , 4756 Florida Ave. S. | Let your customizable meal ideas soar here, with your choice of a buildable warm bowl, salad, wrap, quesadilla, smoothie, or juice. Not feeling creative? Order a pre-crafted option like the “bbq bowl,” topped with brown rice, corn, onions, black beans, mozzarella, and bbq sauce.
The Joinery , 640 E. Main St. | Lakeland’s one and only food hall, The Joinery is home to eight different counter service spots including Mayday Ice Cream, Plenty, and Gallito Taqueria.
Pasta from Palace Pizza | Photo via @lkldchubz
Palace Pizza Downtown , 114 S. Kentucky Ave. | Another local counter service staple, Palace Pizza’s downtown Lakeland spot is one of many locations serving up fresh pizza, pasta, and of course, those fan-favorite garlic knots for both lunch + dinner.
The Juice Box , 4295 Florida Ave. S. | Vegan or vegetarian? The Juice Box has something for you, serving up smoothie bowls, juices, toasts, and more.
Pasta from Palace Pizza | Photo via @lkldchubz
Tea Largo Beverage Co. , 4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Acai anyone? Tea Largo serves up acai bowls, bubble tea, coffee, matcha, and snacks like Hyppo Pops, Barnana Banana Bites, and more.
Mitchell’s Coffee House , 235 N. Kentucky Ave. | Dine in for breakfast or lunch at this locally-owned cafe. Visitors can stop by for menu items like breakfast burritos, salads, soups, sandwiches, and, of course, coffee.
Did we miss your favorite counter-service spot? Share it with us, as well as your order, here
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