Earlier this month, we asked: Which Lakeland restaurant do you miss the most? Which restaurant or meal do you wish were still around?
Piece of cake, right? LALtoday readers sent us food for thought — with more than 100 responses, let’s stroll down memory lane + dive into a few of the most-requested eateries you would bring back, because we love a moment of local nostalgia.
Vito’s Italian
Without a doubt, this former Dixieland spot was one of the most-requested spots readers wish they could bring back. Reader Brenda D. shared, “Without a doubt, Vito’s was our #1 favorite Italian restaurant. It was small and quaint, but it was well worth the wait! Our whole family loved it.”
Crispers
This loss still cuts Lakelanders deep. Reader Maja O. misses the blackened chicken flatbread, and other readers commented on the spot’s delicious salads + soups.
Red Barn Steakhouse
Many of our readers miss the flame-broiled steaks they used to order at Red Barn on New Tampa Highway — Reader Michael T. even went so far as to say that its fare was better than any steakhouse in Omaha. Now that’s some high praise.
Foxfire Inn
This former favorite was open from 1967-1991 on Highway 98 North and according to our readers, was just as well known for its live band and dancing as it was for its food. Check out these menus from 1968 — when a surf + turf dinner would only cost you $5.25.
The Sampan Restaurant
This spot formerly located in the Grove Park Shopping Center was touted by numerous readers as having the best Chinese takeout in town, and Reader DL says the “pineapple chicken was amazing.”
Y’all understood the assignment.
