If you’re a fan of Food Network or just a devotee of spiky-haired, goatee-clad television hosts, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (also called “Triple D,” for those of us in the know).
It’s been a staple of the channel since 2007 and boasts more than 400 episodes, with restaurateur Guy Fieri traveling the country searching for casual spots with delicious food. And while the self-proclaimed Mayor of Flavortown has visited numerous spots in Florida, not once has he stopped in Lakeland. His loss.
In our bid to get Fieri and his team to get a taste of Swan City, we designed a Lakeland-based episode of “Triple D” with the top three recommendations you shared via our recent poll. Let the road trip begin.
Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli and Bagels, 6955 Old Rd. 37
This family-owned hole-in-the-wall is truly a local favorite. More than 50% of our respondents made sure to call the deli out as a must-visit spot, most notably for its New York-style bagels + eggplant parmesan.
S&L Restaurant, 2915 S. Combee Rd.
If this spot is good enough for Sheriff Grady Judd to eat, it’s gotta be good enough for Guy Fieri, right? This cash-only eatery got called out numerous times for its burgers, with reader Angie B. even saying they’re “the best burgers you will ever eat.”
Don’t sleep in on a Fat Jack’s breakfast.
Photo via @kamalasu
Fat Jack’s Deli and Pub, 2940 S. Florida Ave.
Readers nominated this spot for its history as a Lakeland staple — and its variety of affordable comfort food, particularly the Reuben sandwich, didn’t hurt either.
Now listen — Lakeland’s restaurant scene could fill a whole “Triple D” season, so our dream episode is only scratching the surface. Keeping letting us know where you would send Guy if he were to roll into town.
