Food

A paper plate with a stack of BBQ ribs.
Food
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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
St. Augustine - Great Escapes 2
Experience
The ultimate road trip to St. Augustine
Hit the road and head to St. Augustine — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
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
Exterior shot of Crispers in downtown Lakeland
Food
Long-gone Lakeland restaurants you miss the most
LALtoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals spark deep nostalgia — and we think you’ll agree.
November 22, 2024
 · 
Staff
A vacant car lot with three buildings and a billboard is shown.
Business
New eats on Main Street: Food truck court potentially coming to downtown Lakeland area
Learn what Lakelanders could expect in terms of the cuisine, experience, and opening timeline should the plan get approved.
November 20, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Food
Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries
Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.
November 19, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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
A photo of the exterior of Foster's Hollywood in Spain.
Food
Remembering Foster’s Hollywood, Lakeland’s taste of Tinseltown
While the restaurant only had a location in Lakeland for a little over a year, it made its mark on our readers + followers.
October 31, 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
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A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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New to Lakeland
Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side
Experience
Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Staff
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front entrance and hallway of a Sola Salons studio, with a wood-slat feature wall and a modern light fixture.
Business
Get a new look at Lakeside Village this summer
Change things up with a new outfit, facial, or hairstyle from these new businesses that recently opened in the open-air shopping center.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of Market Plaza in Lake Wales, with people walking on the brick and concrete paths surrounded by greenery.
City
Lake Wales is adding a social district — should Lakeland?
The city will be the first in Polk County to allow for open containers of alcohol to be enjoyed between businesses in its Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Now, we want to know if Lakeland be next to add a social district.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright living room with white couches, a large circular chandelier, and a view of a lanai through sliding glass doors.
Real Estate
This Lakeland home combines contemporary style with country club living
Spend every day on the greens — if you can get yourself to leave the comfort of home.
August 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson