Restaurants

A timelapse photo of the exterior of the Polk Theater at night. The marquee sign is lit with blinking lights, and car lights streak by the front door.
Food
Enjoy dinner and a show around Lakeland this week
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
April 02, 2026 02:25 PM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A collage of four photos showing a mural with painted oranges and blue flowers, two boxes with pizza slices and garlic knots, a plate of sushi, and an iced latte topped with sprinkles
Culture
These bracket winners are the best of Lakeland
Readers have chosen their top mural, pizza, sushi, and coffee over the years — did your favorite win?
March 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Nashville's skyline with Bridgestone Arena, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, and the AT&T building (known locally as the Batman Building) all in view.
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s travel guide to Nashville, TN
Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the next destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Celebrate Mardi Gras with these Lakeland events
If you’ve got the need for beads, here’s where to find them around Swan City.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront
Business
We’re celebrating Small Business Week — here’s how to join us
Join us at LALtoday in celebrating the heart of our community: small businesses.
February 24, 2025
 · 
Kristen Templeton
meat cooking on a grill with flames coming up and a person's hand in the top left corner
Sponsored
Grills Gone Wild returns next weekend
Sponsored by
A mint julep served in a metal glass topped with a lime and mint
Food
Sip on these 6 drink trends around Lakeland
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
January 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Food
Take a foodie road trip to these James Beard-nominated spots around Lakeland
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A bowl of chicken tortellini soup sits in a white bowl on a white plate
Food
Soup for the soul: Try these top-rated soups in Lakeland
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A gif of three images. The first image is a plate of ice cream "tacos" in waffle cone shell, the second is a taco-flavored pizza slice and the last image is a plate of classic meat street tacos.
Sponsored
Take a bite out of 2025 at Polk County Taco Week
Sponsored by
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
City
New dining concept coming to Lakeland International Airport
Learn more about the biz that will be taking over the spot formerly held by WACO Kitchen.
December 16, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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More from LALtoday
A couple leans in for a kiss outside Mitchell's Coffee House
Experience
Where to meet someone new in Lakeland
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map showing points around Florida on the America250FL road trip guide, including three points in Polk County and historic facts.
Take a historic road trip around Florida with America250FL’s map
This state organization invites you to visit 100+ historic Florida places in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A concert taking place on an outdoor stage at Bonnet Springs Park
Culture
Readers share their Lakeland concert memories
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An ultra-luxury white marble bathroom with a large freestanding soaking tub centered under a crystal chandelier.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Is this Lakeland’s best bathroom?
This listing on New Jersey Road shows that your bathroom truly can be an oasis at home.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Maurkice Pouncey (No. 53), right, blocks another player during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Sports
Lakeland’s impact on the NFL
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Two women smile and hold up a Michelob Ultra bottle and a Wilson football.
Sports
How to throw the best Super Bowl watch party in Lakeland
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
February 3, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A smiling young man and woman stand together at an outdoor "Cupid's Flower Bar," holding a fresh bouquet of roses.
Events
Top Valentine’s Day events in Lakeland
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Sports
Bowl, dance, run, and volunteer at the Polk Senior Games
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
snow
City
Look back on winter in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large crowd sits at round tables in an industrial-style event space for the Catapult Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Local businesses honored at the 2026 Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
January 28, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson