Lakeland, FL
Locally-Owned Restaurants in Lakeland
Here’s a list of some of the Lakeland local’s favorite places to eat that are locally-owned.
Want to have a lunch on the beautiful Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland, then Garden Bistro the spot.
They also have an amazing Sunday brunch!
This owner-operated restaurant is small, quaint, and has amazing views of Lake Mirror.
Mikayla and Austin call this one their “hidden gem” in Lakeland.
Garden Bistro
702 E Orange StWant to have a lunch on the beautiful Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland, then Garden Bistro the spot.
They also have an amazing Sunday brunch!
This owner-operated restaurant is small, quaint, and has amazing views of Lake Mirror.
Mikayla and Austin call this one their “hidden gem” in Lakeland.
If you’re in Lakeland on a Wednesday day or Saturday morning, you have no choice but to visit Born and Bread Bakehouse.
What started at the local Farmer’s Market, has now become nationally recognized in the foodie world.
Simply check out @bornandbreadfl on Instagram and try not to drool on your phone.
37 locals recommend
Born & Bread Bakehouse
1113 Florida Ave SIf you’re in Lakeland on a Wednesday day or Saturday morning, you have no choice but to visit Born and Bread Bakehouse.
What started at the local Farmer’s Market, has now become nationally recognized in the foodie world.
Simply check out @bornandbreadfl on Instagram and try not to drool on your phone.
The Black and Brew library location is literally steps away from the Airbnb and does have a separate menu from their Downtown location. However, Black and Brew is a staple for coffee, tea, and a bistro menu in Lakeland.
I’m not sure there is anything on Black and Brew’s menu that isn’t good. If you’re of chains like Panera Bread, or Crisper’s, Black and Brew puts them to absolute shame.
The library location has a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese biscuit that is unbelievable.
The downtown location has a soup menu cycles each day, but Austin’s favorite is when he can catch the Lobster bisque and the Meltaway sandwich, which is a French Dip.
Mikayla loves the Chicken Caesar Salad that has the world’s (yes, I said world’s) greatest croutons.
Make sure you pick up a coffee or tea to go with your meal. It’s totally a must-have at Black and Brew
41 locals recommend
Black & Brew
205 E Main StThe Black and Brew library location is literally steps away from the Airbnb and does have a separate menu from their Downtown location. However, Black and Brew is a staple for coffee, tea, and a bistro menu in Lakeland.
I’m not sure there is anything on Black and Brew’s menu that isn’t good. If you’re of chains like Panera Bread, or Crisper’s, Black and Brew puts them to absolute shame.
The library location has a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese biscuit that is unbelievable.
The downtown location has a soup menu cycles each day, but Austin’s favorite is when he can catch the Lobster bisque and the Meltaway sandwich, which is a French Dip.
Mikayla loves the Chicken Caesar Salad that has the world’s (yes, I said world’s) greatest croutons.
Make sure you pick up a coffee or tea to go with your meal. It’s totally a must-have at Black and Brew
If you like sushi and saki as much as Austin and Mikayla, then you should check out Tsunami in Downtown Lakeland near Munn Park.
If it’s just a small group of you going, sit at the bar that is made of a fish tank!
8 locals recommend
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi
114 N Tennessee AveIf you like sushi and saki as much as Austin and Mikayla, then you should check out Tsunami in Downtown Lakeland near Munn Park.
If it’s just a small group of you going, sit at the bar that is made of a fish tank!
I thought about writing, “The Mac n cheese. Nuff said.” and leaving it at that, but MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits has a plethora of amazing food. Austin is just obsessed with the Mac n’ Cheese.
Enjoy Mikayla and Austin’s favorite BBQ in Downtown Lakeland. Also, if you’re a whiskey fan, they have an entire wall of it.
The restaurant building is an old bank that was converted and is such a cool vibe inside.
17 locals recommend
MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits
130 S Tennessee AveI thought about writing, “The Mac n cheese. Nuff said.” and leaving it at that, but MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits has a plethora of amazing food. Austin is just obsessed with the Mac n’ Cheese.
Enjoy Mikayla and Austin’s favorite BBQ in Downtown Lakeland. Also, if you’re a whiskey fan, they have an entire wall of it.
The restaurant building is an old bank that was converted and is such a cool vibe inside.
Everyone in your group want something different to eat? No biggie.
Check out The Joinery, Lakeland’s first Food Hall in Downtown around Lake Mirror.
You can find local spots with top-notch burgers, tacos, pizza, sushi, ramen, ice cream, and Mediterranean bowls.
Oh yeah, and a full bar with craft beers and cocktails.
34 locals recommend
The Joinery
640 E Main StEveryone in your group want something different to eat? No biggie.
Check out The Joinery, Lakeland’s first Food Hall in Downtown around Lake Mirror.
You can find local spots with top-notch burgers, tacos, pizza, sushi, ramen, ice cream, and Mediterranean bowls.
Oh yeah, and a full bar with craft beers and cocktails.
Looking for a 5-star experience with award winning chefs? This is your spot! Nineteen61 has been recognized for their authentic cuisine.
44 locals recommend
Nineteen61
215 E Main StLooking for a 5-star experience with award winning chefs? This is your spot! Nineteen61 has been recognized for their authentic cuisine.
A short drive from the Airbnb off of South Florida avenue, Cafe Zuppina is a must-visit if you’re looking for amazing portions and flavors you do not get the chance to enjoy every day!
14 locals recommend
Cafe Zuppina
4417 Florida Ave SA short drive from the Airbnb off of South Florida avenue, Cafe Zuppina is a must-visit if you’re looking for amazing portions and flavors you do not get the chance to enjoy every day!
This is Austin’s favorite restaurant in town. He loves authentic Mexican food and Tapitio’s delivers just that.
Tapatio's Restaurant Mexicano
6645 Florida Ave SThis is Austin’s favorite restaurant in town. He loves authentic Mexican food and Tapitio’s delivers just that.
This restaurant was one a Tudor home sitting on Lake Hollingsworth. Then, they somehow lifted the house and moved it to the Dixieland Historic District and turned it into one of Lakeland’s best restaurants/bars.
The menu is filled with various flavors and their drink menu has plenty of craft beers, cocktails, and wine.
37 locals recommend
Cob & Pen
1221 Florida Ave SThis restaurant was one a Tudor home sitting on Lake Hollingsworth. Then, they somehow lifted the house and moved it to the Dixieland Historic District and turned it into one of Lakeland’s best restaurants/bars.
The menu is filled with various flavors and their drink menu has plenty of craft beers, cocktails, and wine.
Palace Pizza
114 S Kentucky AveThe Chop Shop
118 S Kentucky AveFRESCOS
132 S Kentucky AveThe Terrace Hotel
329 E Main StPizza Daddy's
Bars & Nightlife
Here are some of Austin and Mikayla’s favorite bars and nightlife.
Rec Room
202 North Massachusetts AvenueMolly McHugh's Irish Pub
111 S Kentucky AveLinksters Tap Room - Lakeland
209 E Main StSwan Brewing
115 W Pine StFederal Bar Lakeland
124 S Tennessee AveAx-Caliber Axe Venue and Coffee House
204 East Orange StreetThe Back Nine
7331 US Highway 98 NorthBrewlands Bar & Billiards
5733 Florida Avenue SouthTuckers Southside Package and Lounge
1122 Florida Ave SCob & Pen
1221 Florida Ave SThings to Do
Here are some of Mikayla and Austin’s favorite things to do in Lakeland.
From walking trials to entertainment, there is so much that Lakeland offers.
Put some tennis shoes on and walk/jog around Lake Hollingsworth. This lake offers a lot of amazing views of beautiful homes and Florida Southern College.
35 locals recommend
Lake Hollingsworth
Put some tennis shoes on and walk/jog around Lake Hollingsworth. This lake offers a lot of amazing views of beautiful homes and Florida Southern College.
Lake Morton
Lake Morton DriveJust a short drive from the Airbnb is Lake Mirror. There is beautiful architecture and plenty of cool spots like The Journey, Garden Bistro, and Hollis Gardens to enjoy!
29 locals recommend
Lake Mirror
Just a short drive from the Airbnb is Lake Mirror. There is beautiful architecture and plenty of cool spots like The Journey, Garden Bistro, and Hollis Gardens to enjoy!
Definitely make your way to the Downtown Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning. This is a staple for locals and visitors of Lakeland.
18 locals recommend
The Downtown Farmers Curb Market
117 N Kentucky AveDefinitely make your way to the Downtown Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning. This is a staple for locals and visitors of Lakeland.
If you want to get a glimpse of nature, Circle B Reserve offers just that. Walk the trails and soak in some Florida sunshine!
98 locals recommend
Circle B Bar Reserve
4399 Winter Lake RdIf you want to get a glimpse of nature, Circle B Reserve offers just that. Walk the trails and soak in some Florida sunshine!
Looking for a place to take the kids? Or maybe you’re trying to hit some classic arcade games, putt-putt golf, or laser tag? Family Fun Center is your spot.
Fun fact: This was Austin’s first job when he was 16!
9 locals recommend
Family Fun Center
4825 Florida Ave SLooking for a place to take the kids? Or maybe you’re trying to hit some classic arcade games, putt-putt golf, or laser tag? Family Fun Center is your spot.
Fun fact: This was Austin’s first job when he was 16!
Lake Crago Recreational Center
525 Lake Crago DriveRP Funding Center
701 W Lime StCatch a Lakeland Magic game at the RP funding center!
Do you like baseball? Watch the Detroit Tigers in the spring or the Flying Tigers during the regular season!
22 locals recommend
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills BlvdDo you like baseball? Watch the Detroit Tigers in the spring or the Flying Tigers during the regular season!
Polk Theatre
121 Florida Ave SCinemark Lakeland Square Mall
3800 US Hwy 98 NSilver Moon Drive-In Theatre
4100 New Tampa HwyPICASSOZ
4636 Cleveland Heights BlvdWalk from the Airbnb down to Lake Morton to feed the Swans that were gifted to the city from the Queen of England!
36 locals recommend
Lake Morton
Lake Morton DriveWalk from the Airbnb down to Lake Morton to feed the Swans that were gifted to the city from the Queen of England!
Golf Courses
Did you bring your clubs? Get a round in at some of these public golf courses in and around Lakeland.
Cleveland Heights Golf Course
2900 Buckingham AveThe Club at Eaglebrooke
1300 Eaglebrooke BlvdHuntington Hills Golf and Country Club
2626 Duff RdBartow Golf Course
190 Idlewood Ave SStreamsong Golf Course Blue
1000 Streamsong DrBeaches near Lakeland
The best part about Lakeland is the we are smack dab in the middle of both the east coast and west coast beaches!
Here are some of the best beaches to go for Day trips from Lakeland.
Anna Maria Island Chamber
5313 Gulf DrSt. Petersburg
Siesta Key
Daytona Beach
Cocoa Beach
Clearwater Beach
Gulf of Mexico DriveLongboat Key
Theme Parks near Lakeland
Tampa or Orlando? You choose. Lakeland is literally sandwiched between Florida’s best Theme Parks!
Walt Disney World Resort
Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley DrUniversal Studios Florida
6000 Universal BlvdHollywood Studios Entrance
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
1 Legoland WayUniversal's Islands of Adventure
6000 Universal BlvdEpcot
200 Epcot Center DrDisney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
2901 Osceola PkwyMagic Kingdom Park
1180 Seven Seas DriveDinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew RdDay trips from Lakeland
Being that Lakeland is within an hour or both Tampa and Orlando, it really gives you the best of both worlds for a day trip to these popular Florida cities.
Topgolf Tampa
10690 Palm River RdAndretti Indoor Karting and Games
9299 Universal BlvdMuseum of Science and Industry
4801 E Fowler AveHyde Park
Winter Park
520 Orlando AveZooTampa at Lowry Park
1101 W Sligh AveTampa Bay
Tropicana Field
1 Tropicana Dr.Here during baseball season? Go catch a Rays game in St. Pete!
Amway Center
400 W Church StHome of the Orlando Magic and many amazing concerts!
Amalie Arena
401 Channelside DrIf you like Hockey, then you should catch a Bolts game in Tampa!
Disney Springs
1486 Buena Vista DrUniversal CityWalk
6000 Universal Blvd