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Food

Restaurants to try within 30 minutes of Lakeland, FL

Looking for a night out, your new favorite eatery, or just something fresh? Check out these restaurants within a short drive of Swan City, recommended by our followers.

January 5, 2024 • 
Rilee Delgado
A glass of wine, a burger and fries, a board of various southern foods, and a glass of beer

Try the new menu at Keel Farms for the pimento burger, southern board, and other eats.

Photo via Keel & Curley at Keel Farms, by @photoandfilmbycv

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Lakeland is a foodie destination. From burgers to seafood, gluten-free restaurants, vegan + vegetarian spots, and things still coming down the pipeline, something always sounds good in Swan City. That being said, there’s just something about making a day trip out for dinner. Check out our followers’ favorite foodie spots within a ~30-minute drive of Lakeland.

Plant City

  • Keel & Curley at Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Recommended by @savandboozy | Try this winery’s new food menu for bites like the Southern board and pimento cheeseburger, pictured above.
  • Kyoto Palace, 214 W. Alexander St., Plant City | Recommended by @djgrype | Take your hungriest friends out for all-they-can-eat at this Chinese and Japanese eatery.
  • Norma’s, 120 N. Collins St., Plant City | Recommended by @brockbjorn | Head downtown for Cuban sandwiches, tacos, and wraps.
  • Smokin’ Aces BBQ & Steakhouse, 2509 N. Park Rd., Plant City | Recommended by @djgrype | Burgers, tacos, steak, and of course, barbecue — it’s all on the menu here.
  • Stage 201, 201 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City | Recommended by @lindsay.d | This pizzeria opened in late 2023 and has already left an impact on Polk foodies.

Winter Haven

  • Arabellas Ristorante, 346 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven | Recommended by @rachelmgreen1 | Italian and Mediterranean classics are on the menu at this spot in the heart of downtown Winter Haven.
  • Lucille’s American Cafe, 205 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven | Recommended by @savandboozy | Lovers of diner classics are sure to find something on the menu here — we’re eyeing the chicken pot pie.

Bartow

  • Tua Pasta, 315 E. Main St., Bartow | Recommended by @savandboozy | Visit downtown Bartow for classic Italian fare available for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Polk City

  • The Purple Pit Stop, 205 Broadway Blvd. SE, Polk City | Recommended by @jen.warren99 | This spot serves classic American breakfast dishes all day long — we’d order the Quesa Birria tacos.
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